Now playing Aftertaste by Shawn Mendes

Chapter Fifteen : Kiss Kiss Fall In Love, Right?

It was common for most people to experience their first kiss around the ripe age of fifteen. It's supposed to be the average time in someone's life where they're finally understanding romantic emotions; desire; certain needs. Seungmin doesn't believe his early teenage years weren't any different. It was before he decided to endure in the musical journey—that would eventually lead him to become a worldwide idol—and he was still just a normal kid who sang for the fun of it. The ravenette can actually remember exactly how his lip virginity was taken; more so how it was a moment that felt as though he imagined it. He was only fourteen at the time, birthday not arriving for another few months. And he was standing outside a school building, patiently waiting for one of his parents to arrive and take him home. He of course wasn't the only one, a few other students also standing within the blazing sun chatting away with one another. He didn't care that he was left out of whatever conversations that were happening around him, already content with just rocking back and forth on his heels while fiddling with his school bag strap. It had only been a few minutes of him standing alone had someone finally approached him.

A girl actually.

She was pretty for her age; owning milky white skin that was flushing red from burning under the sun, and silky brown hair that was long past her shoulders. Seungmin knew her—of course he knew her—she was his girlfriend. Or at least that's what he assumes after they awkwardly confessed the liking of each other's faces during lunch when some snobby student had the audacity to shout that the young girl had a crush on him. In a way, at the time  Seungmin felt obligated to say that he liked her back, when in all honesty he barely knew who she was. But that was okay, because they had all school year to grow and get to know one another better. So they were dating. They didn't really show it though; but that was expected for a couple of middle schoolers. The most the two have ever done was hug before they parted ways for different classes and blush whenever their hands grazed against one another if they ever sit too close together. So when his supposed girlfriend bashfully walks over to him that afternoon, he wasn't expecting anything more than a curt greeting and maybe the close proximity of their bodies as they waited for their rides together. 

Fourteen year old Seungmin never saw it coming. He didn't see the way that she mentally encouraged herself, or the way that she began to blush profusely. He didn't notice that she managed to step in front of him with lightning speed, or how she squeezed her eyes shut while too puckering her small pink lips. And he mostly didn't understand that those same soft pieces of flesh were being placed upon his own. Or that was until it was just the uncomfortableness that was the two of them standing there with their lips on each other's, not moving or giving the impression that the act of affection should continue further. Actually Seungmin remembers standing as stiff as a board that day. His eyes were wide open and his neck had been craned back in a painful manner. His hands were stuck to his side, fists curling into a ball. If it weren't for his fingernails digging into his palms (keeping him grounded) he probably would have believed that the entirety was some crazy daydream.

Especially when the girl finally broke away, face shading an even further pink. She looked to be smiling bashfully, but Seungmin couldn't understand why. The kiss was weird and extremely unnatural. Nothing compared to the way couples would do it in those cheesy romance movies. Unfortunately they never got to speak about what happened, Seungmin being called from the corner of the street where his mother sat in her car. She was smiling and waving as if signally that it was time for him to go home. He didn't oppose. Instead he silently jogged his way towards the grey vehicle, only looking back at his girlfriend when he was safely sat in the backseat and eyes now focused out the glass window.

They didn't last very long. Two months maybe? They didn't have a specific reason; because what relationship problems would young children have? Not sharing their lunches? Seungmin just assumed that they were broken up when the girl gradually stopped showing up beside him. He didn't care too much—taking it as a new experience that was his first girlfriend and even his first kiss. He doesn't remember kissing anyone after that, too busy with school and then eventually pursuing his dream of becoming a professional singer. And when finally reaching that extreme goal, with it came restrictions. One being that he wasn't allowed to date. If he were to do it in secret...oh well, but the ravenette didn't. He was already so happy with being able to take his voice and sing for as long and as loud as he wants. He didn't need a partner at the moment.

But then came that intense moment with Felix. It was nothing like the kiss with his ex-girlfriend. It actually held emotion, it meant something, and it definitely didn't have Seungmin wishing that it would end. Yeah the feelings that were poured into the way their lips slotted together were towards someone else, but it didn't stop him from enjoying the affection. It didn't stop him from melting at the way the Australian held his face with care, or leaning in further as if it would give him a better taste of the other's lips. And when it was all over, there wasn't one party savoring what just happened with blush and a imagery of what their future might hold together—it rather more on the teasing side, with a silent conformation that the kiss was nothing more than a realization. Like fourteen year old Seungmin, he held no romantic feelings for the person he kissed, but took it as another learning experience. Something to keep in the back of his mind for a joking memory that he could hopefully laugh about years later.

It was completely different from now—him again sitting upon a loveseat with Minho and listening to what Felix dressed as an elderly man had to say when it came to the plated cookies that he carefully brought out.

"-it could be fun. And whoever has the smallest-" He smacked at Changbin's hand; it being a silent warning that he wasn't allowed to touch or eat such treats yet. The dark rapper pouted as he rubbed at his skin, seeking comfort within his pretend mother Hyunjin. All the blonde did was card his fingers through the older's hair, giggling at his misfortune. "-amount of cookie left wins. It's great for character building" Felix smiled at the end of his idea, a gleam striking his eyes as he looked to be genuinely excited for what the group of men were about to do. It was obvious that not everyone was entirely on board with the suggested game, but it was scripted so they really had no choice. And if they wanted they could just forfeit at any time by breaking the cookie in half or dropping it.

"I finally get to kiss my honey on screen!?" Jisung looked ready to jump up from his spot, happiness radiating off his form. He looked at everyone else first before cheekily turning to Hyunjin; someone who tried to hide the way his ears shaded a red by lightly hit the other upon his arm.

"Goodness, could you be any less shameless?" He huffed with a playful eye roll. "We're not going to kiss in front of everyone."

Jisung grew a smirk while too scooting closer to the blonde dancer. He gave a lame attempt at wiggling his eyebrows.

"So we can privately?" His voice had gone lower in tone. "I can't wait" And if Hyunjin's face began to grow color, no one said anything. They just sat and watched the duo, witnessing the desirable tension that grew between them. Watched as they looked to be having a silent conversation with their eyes, before it was all over; when the blonde yet again hit Jisung upon the arm before putting space between their bodies. They had to make it look playful even though the intensity that their hearts beat at was as serious as a heart attack. Seungmin's though fell into the pit of his stomach. It fell and it feels as though it shattered on impact.

He knows that he's only experienced romantic feelings for Hyunjin for a few days now—still not really coming to terms of what it all means—but knowing that he probably has no chance, he was growing depressed. The tsunami of emotions he felt was huge, having easily swept out whatever city it towered over due to the years experience of them being friends. They were just two normal dudes getting along before the ravenette went and literally fell for the older male. So it was only natural that he channeled all of those amazing past experiences and use it as a reason why they would be a great pair. But with those new feelings come a possible rejection; and if Hyunjin saying no wasn't because he was heterosexual, then it would one hundred percent be because he had more interest in Jisung. The rapper had already replaced him without even knowing. Or maybe he did know and that's why he openly displayed his affection for the blonde dancer? Seungmin doesn't know anymore, and it was painful to think about at this point.

When he grows the courage to confront Hyunjin, he can just ask then. It was a huge risk, but it felt like a need. He needed answers and he needed them now.

"So all we're really doing is that childish pocky game, just with a cookie?" Minho eventually speaks with a head tilt, it drawing the attention away from the too in love parents. "How is that character building if I may ask? It just sounds like an excuse to get a smooch out of grandma I.N to me" The brunette then quirks an eyebrow as he too gives a sly grin. Seeing Felix grow red on the apples of his cheeks may have been a giveaway if Seungmin didn't already know the truth behind the Australian's feelings—and that Jeongin was literally nothing more than a younger brother to him.

"Worry about kissing your own husband and leave mine alone" The mentioned grandmother Jeongin scolded as she made sure to dramatically point an accusative finger in any direction possible. He really took his role seriously. Enough to have Minho lean back in caution, having placed some of his body weight on Seungmin. He took a glance back at the young singer, hiding the way he wanted to smile with a grimace.

"I know I said that we were okay now-" He faced the group again, still holding a face of disgust. "But I don't think we're good enough to make out yet."

Seungmin choked on his spit, too feeling his face begin to burn. No one said anything about making out! The singer just didn't know if his body temperature rising was from embarrassment or the effect of an implication hinting towards the future. Minho on the other hand felt the corners of his lips twitch when knowing the other grew flustered at his statement. Another accomplishment in his book.

"Even if you guys were ready, please don't do it here. No one wants to see that" Changbin was the quickest to reply, his facial features contorting into one of distaste. It was morphing into seriousness though when he was then snapping his attention towards Chan. The male who's supposed to be a five year old mindlessly played with the fabric of a Santa hat, only smiling at the other members. He would say something but that would be breaking character. So he stayed silent while watching over them. "And Channie you better not come anywhere near me with those crusty lips of yours."

"How are y'all supposed to win then?" Seungmin rolls his eyes as he asks the question. Changbin looked to be thrown in thought from the words, only shrugging when he couldn't exactly find an answer.

"Welp, we lost" Chan giggles out.

"Let's start, and then we'll know for sure" Felix proposes as he stands from his spot that was on the main couch between Jeongin and their leader. Everyone followed his lead, too standing within a line in front of the coffee table. "Everyone face their partner and then I'll give you a cookie. They're all sugar cookies so if you don't like that," He slipped on a clear glove for sanitary purposes. "Oh well."

He gave one to Chan and Changbin first. The two boys looked awkward standing there with a delicious treat hanging from their mouths, obviously not too enthusiastic about their lips being inches away from accidentally kissing. It made them want to give up and just take the defeat. Especially when hearing snickers and taunting words from the rest of the members. Next was Hyunjin and Jisung. The once amused smile that Seungmin wore had vanished. It hurt to swallow and he felt hallow when watching the duo get closer. And considering that there was somewhat of a height difference between the two, Jisung had to lean forward even more and grab onto Hyunjin's forearm for support in not toppling over. Jealousy was getting the better of him; and if it weren't for Felix speaking, the ravenette probably would have displayed his growing envy.

"Again, the rules are that you need to eat as much of the cookie as you can" He approached a what looks to be a dazed Minho and an upset Seungmin, motioning that it was their turn to have a cookie. "You break the cookie you're out," There wasn't much of a difference when it came to the two of them, the dancer probably being one or two inches shorter. So all Seungmin really had to do was crane his neck downwards. "You drop the cookie, or if one of you lets go, you're out" The closeness that the two found themselves in was really intimate. Their eyes had found a lock, searching each other's irises for literally anything and everything. "The goal is to be the pair with the smallest amount of cookie left" The Australian had left by now, getting his own cookie to share with Jeongin. It's not like Minho or Seungmin noticed though, they were too busy staring at one another. "So with that, good luck. And everyone can start...now."

The room had gone silent beside the occasional crunching that was bites being taken out of the cookies. Personally Seungmin had found himself a little too distracted by Hyunjin and Jisung only a few feet away that he barely moved his mouth. He craned his neck, eyes left completely open as he peered in the direction of the duo. They were so close. So so close. And with each second that they ate the cookie their faces continued to inch together. And to make things worse, Jisung had the audacity to giggle. His lips began to stretch showing off his sparkly teeth, too giving any laughter that bubbled from within his throat a chance to slither out. It was absolutely irritating to look at—saddening. Seungmin allowed for his figure to deflate in what could be defeat, jaw going slack. He no longer had any motive when it came to finishing the challenge. In all honesty the ravenette just wanted to go home; maybe curl up in his bed and wish for the day to be over. He wouldn't have to see the disgrace that was Hyunjin and Jisung being flirty.

Weren't they just mad at each other? How can Hyunjin just go and forgive someone that was against him not even a few hours ago? Seungmin was the one there for him while he cried; while he rambled and complained; while he believed everyone thought that he was the one in the wrong. Then suddenly with one miscommunication all of that was thrown away—dumped in the trash and then never seen again. Gosh, how can Hyunjin be so selfish? Thinking about it made the young singer angry. How dare the blonde just use him like that!? It made his mouth tighten again, teeth biting harshly through the cookie. If it weren't for him quickly recapturing the baked treat with his lips it would have fallen to the floor. Eyes darting back towards his partner Minho he grew sheepish. In return the older gave a grunt before grabbing at his chin and keeping it in a certain position before leaning in for another bite.

The chomp was huge. It brought the space between them to a close. Their noses brushed against one another, and if Seungmin grew shivers at the feeling of Minho's warm breath hitting his, he didn't show it. And if he heard Changbin complaining about how there should be no touching (more so just upset that he and Chan were the first pair out), the ravenette didn't hear him. He was all too hyper aware of the way Minho's fingers held at his jaw tenderly. So for an excuse he let his his eyes flutter shut as he was the one who took the next bite. The grazing of their lips was felt now. It was a tiny brushing of their lower lip, only happening for a millisecond before there was space between them again.

Their cookie had cracked within the middle of whatever small piece that was left over.

"Ah, ah!" Changbin began to bounce on his toes, finger pointing rather aggressively. "You guys are out! Uncle and auntie broke their cookie! You guys lose!"

Minho looked to have been grinning as he chewed the remains of what was in his mouth. Seungmin had done the same but was actually rather focused on the way the older had done so, licking at his lips where bits of crumbs were stuck. He only looked away when Minho had turned his back to him, a playful glare being thrown at the dark rapper for such obnoxious teasing.

"Says you Dwaekki! You and Channie were probably out within the first ten seconds."

"Yup!" The male with purple hair chirps. A lipped smile presented itself on his face as he too shows the sugary treat that he and his faux brother had barely taken any bites from. A pity really. It had Changbin flushing as he tried to hide the evidence of failure behind his back. "It's just them now."

Heads turned to the remaining pairs and Seungmin hated to see it. All amounts of despair and anger had risen again just from the sight of Hyunjin and Jisung. They could practically be seen as kissing—disgusting (in a non-homophobic way, because that would be hypocritical of him). It made him root for Felix and Jeongin to win. A playful pair that looked to be holding two different expressions as they continued to eat. The freckled male was smiling from ear to ear as he did all of the heavy lifting when it came to eating, while the youngest member was trying his hardest to keep his mouth as far away as possible, teeth literally clutching the edge of the cookie. It wasn't until Jeongin released a relieved sigh, and Hyunjin mumbling out that he was done, had the game finished. Everyone looked between each other in hopes of seeing who the true winner was. But from the looks of it, both cookies had been completely ate and now being swallowed by the wonder twins.

"Points go to the parents and grandparents!" Changbin announced while clapping. The other members mocked his actions so there was soon a small rendition of an applause being sounded.

"Win or lose, I'm just happy that I got to kiss my honey today" Jisung smiles and getting a flustered response from the tall blonde. Seungmin almost physically gagged.

"We didn't kiss, stop saying that!"

Jisung pouted at the words before awkwardly going silent like he's done every time before. He was hoping that someone else would fill the void that was him going off script, reeling everyone back in to the fact that they all were still being filmed and needed to keeping going with their pretend family act. And with Changbin as their unassigned designated host for the entirety, he was the one who redirected the attention to himself and what was planned to happen next.

"Whether mom and dad kissed while sharing a cookie is unimportant right now. They have the rest of their lives to do that" Was that blush on their faces? "But I do want to say thank you to grandpa Lix for bringing something for us to eat. Seems like people forgot to cook dinner..."

"Aren't you old enough to cook for yourself?" Jeongin wonders.

"Binnie can't cook" Chan giggles. "His food always tastes nasty."

"Stop exposing me!" The rapper shouts as he goes to playfully push at the other. It was obvious that he was abashed by the statement, ears glowing red as he also couldn't help a crooked grin from placing itself on his face. So in order to regain his composure he wipes stray hairs from his eyes before huffing out a breath. "Anyway, considering that there's nothing else for us to snack on, I believe it's time for presents."

"Binnie said he'll knock the tree over if he doesn't get-" There Chan went again with say unnecessary information. And there Changbin went again with trying to force him to stop talking. It resulted in them running after each other, screaming from frustration and terror. "Mom! Save me!" The pale male hid behind Hyunjin, chuckling with a crinkled eye smile upon seeing the other being stopped by Jisung.

"Can you two please behave? Goodness, you guys act like children."

"Because that's exactly what they are" Seungmin states nonchalantly. Minho quietly snickered boosting the ravenette's confidence, and Jisung just found himself staring intensely at the young singer for the second time that day. It was only for a few seconds that they stood observing one another before the attention was redirected towards the supposed brothers.

"You two better quit it before you open no presents" Hyunjin then sternly speaks. It immediately had both fighting brothers put their nonsense to a halt, now simply mimicking and teasing one another. "Great. As for opening gifts, I was thinking that we do things a different way."

"What do you mean?" Minho quirks an eyebrow as he eyes over the blonde who was once grinning. Now he just looked back with a line for a mouth. "Can't we just rip away the wrapping paper like normal people?" Maybe it was his low tone? Or maybe it was because he looked to be disinterested? But the dark brunette had gotten a jab in the side by Seungmin for sounding rude.

Why was he defending Hyunjin anyway? It was either because of the overwhelming feelings that he still felt, or the fact that it would be hypocritical of him not to.

"What I mean," The blonde licked at his lower lip as he had shown just as much bluntness. "-is instead of opening each present, we can blindfold one another and try to guess what the gift is. It can be like one final game. Or is that too hard for you?"

Chan grabbed hold of Hyunjin's arm and gave it a discrete squeeze. A warning. Something that he should have also done for Minho if the click of his tongue and dry laugh was anything to go by.

"Not hard, just find it a little excessive" Seungmin moved to stand in front of Minho. The last thing they needed was for another fight to break out. "But alright."