Archive of Our Own ^beta

~

“Mr. Lee?” Changbin gently called out to the man leaving the room. He looked up when his name was called and squinted slightly as he tried to place the man in front of him.

“Nari’s father, is it?”

“Yes, Seo Changbin. I know we have only met briefly before,” Changbin introduced himself.

“Of course, Lee Minho. But I assume you knew that. You know Nari’s class wasn’t today.”

“I know. I actually came to speak to you about that. About her class I mean.”

“What seems to be the problem?”

“I wouldn’t say it’s a problem per se.” Changbin seemed to hesitate to bring up his question, but Minho just waited patiently. “Sorry, this just feels like such an odd thing to bring up.”

“Would you feel better if I said odd things rarely phase me?”

“Only a little. It’s about the showcase. Nari came home excitedly telling me about it yesterday.”

“I did just announce it to them yesterday in class, so I am not surprised they are excited about it. I would also imagine some of them are quite nervous.”

“She is definitely in the excited category. But more specifically she was telling me about the solo part?” Changbin ended his statement more as a question.

“Yes. I always have parents a little confused by that. It’s my way of allowing the kids some freedom and self-expression since ballet is a very strict discipline of dance. It also helps combat the parents who need to see their child as the star above all the other students. So, they will have two dances we are going to be learning and then each child has two minutes to show off a dance of their choice, to whatever music they want and however they want, as long as they mix in what they have been learning. And trust me, plenty of kids come in having picked their song and dancing to it for a month but wing it on stage. And that is perfectly okay.”

“I think I understood all of that. The question comes in, in the fact that she wants me to perform with her. Is that allowed? I think that is the first question.” Minho chuckled slightly to himself.

“I will say that is a first to me, but I did say just about anything is allowed and that if they wanted to perform together, they could. So, I don’t see why not.” Changbin sighed.

“Darn, I was kind of hoping you would’ve said no so I didn’t have to ask my other question.” Minho raised an eyebrow at him. “It’s been a long time since I’ve done any sort of dance, and it certainly wasn’t ballet. I don’t want to be the person making a fool of himself and embarrassing Nari because of it. Is there any way you could teach me? I mean, just some basics so I don’t stand out like a sore thumb because my six-year-old is great and I’m a mess. I want the attention on her, not me. Obviously if I perform with her, some attention will be on me, but like I want it to be me doing okay that people will keep the focus on her. So good enough that I’m not a fool, but also don’t upstage her, which I doubt would happen especially in the time frame. But I’m sure you know that.”

“Mr. Seo.” Minho interrupted. “Not to be rude, but you’ve started rambling and I figured you might prefer to be stopped.”

“Yes, thank you.”

“To answer your question. I am sure as you are, you are not going to make a fool of yourself, Nari doesn’t seem like the person to let that happen and you have plenty of time to practice. Nor does Nari seem to be one who is easily embarrassed. But if that is really what you want to do, then I am willing to help. Let me give you my number and you text me what kind of schedule to are working with and I will compare it to my own and let you know what works.”

“Oh, thank you Mr. Lee.” Changbin beamed, pulling out his phone so Minho could add his information.

“Just Minho please. Mr. Lee is too formal for me. Even the kids call me Mr. Minho.”

“Sure Minho, and feel free to call me Changbin. I agree Mr. Seo would be too formal especially if you are to be my teacher.”

“Changbin it is then. I do have to go, but I will talk to you soon.” Minho politely took his leave while Changbin lingered a moment longer.

“I am going to make such a fool of myself, but this is for Nari. I can do it.”

~

“I am so sorry I am late,” Changbin announced as he burst into the dance studio a few days later. Minho paused his stretching to look at the panting man. “We had a meeting to end the day and of course it ran late.”

“You texted me, remember? You said you would be a few minutes late.”

“I know, but I still feel bad about it. It’s our first lesson and I’m late.”

“Don’t worry about it. It gave me a few more minutes to mentally plan.”

“Is teaching me as a beginner that different to teaching the children?” Changbin asked as he got himself ready.

“Yes and no. How we teach them is very much from the ground up. We are instilling the disciplines and mental requirements while they are still learning that on their own. But also, the type of activity you do as a child will determine how much your muscles adapt and shape naturally. So, when they are still growing it’s a lot easier to help make them much more flexible and strengthen in the way needed to accurately perform the moves.”

“And this isn’t so much the same for adults?” Minho chuckles.

“It’s not that adults can’t. Let me put it this way, children are more blank slates for it. Adults are more set in their ways. So, if you don’t already have the right type of discipline, it’s hard to make the shift. Not impossible, but it’s a longer process to learn. And two, on the physical aspect, depending on what kind of exercise and activities you do, this will be working different muscles in different ways, and it might take longer to get them to the best shape for ballet.”

“Well strength shouldn’t be too much of an issue. I hope.” Changbin flexed a little and Minho looked him up and down.

“You are muscular, sure. Doesn’t mean it’s the right muscles,” Minho teased. “Let’s get started. We’re going to do a lot of stretching and practicing some simple core shapes.”

“You make it sound so nice and easy, but I have a feeling I am going to be extremely sore afterwards.”

“Absolutely.”

~

“Dad!” Nari shouted as soon as Changbin got home from work a couple weeks later.

“Yes Nari?”

“Mom told me to tell you to call her once you were free.”

“Did she say what about?” Changbin asked as he headed towards his room to change out of his work clothes.

“Not to me. But I did hear her talking and I think I need to be here on Wednesday.”

“Wednesday?” He poked his head back out to ask.

“Yup,” Nari nodded and really popped the ‘p’ as she spoke.

“Alright. I’ll call her, but if that’s the case, you may need to spend some time with grandma,” Changbin said, looking over to his mother who was sitting at the table helping Nari with her schoolwork.

“Why?” Changbin tried to quickly go through his options to not lie to Nari about his lessons with Minho, but he wasn’t quite ready to bring it up yet either. He planned to surprise her once he had a few lessons done and had some more proof to his efforts. He was hoping for a month of lessons under his belt.
“Ah, well I have a project that I’m working on and since I don’t usually have you on Wednesdays, that is one of the times we agreed to meet. And we are also on a bit of a time limit so I’m not sure we can really afford to miss a meeting. I go straight there from work, so it’ll only be for a couple of hours after school for you.”

“What kind of project?”

“That is a secret for now.” Nari huffed and crossed her arms. Changbin couldn’t help the little laugh that escaped as his daughter tried to stare him down with the saddest annoyed face she could muster. It’s hard to resist the six-year-old’s charms, but Changbin has certainly had enough practice at it. He can’t give in to everything she wants, though he gives in to a lot. What helps this time is that he can duck away into his room for a moment.

“Didn’t I teach you that some things are better when you wait for them?” Changbin asked when he came out and Nari immediately put the pleading face back on.

“Yeah. But that’s with like cookies or Uncle Chan’s songs. Not secrets.”

“Uncle Chan’s songs? What about mine?”

“Your songs are Uncle Chan’s songs.”

“So why don’t you say my songs?”

“Because you always say Uncle Chan has to finish them before I can hear them.”

“She’s got you there,” Changbin’s mother interjects.

“Thanks mom,” Changbin said dejectedly while his daughter just beams knowing she won.

“Go call Chaeri. This conversation will have been for nothing really if she doesn’t need you to keep Nari on Wednesday.”

~

“Hey, I know I said I’m okay if our end time is a little relaxed, but I really have to leave on time today,” Changbin announced to Minho during their break.

“Sure. Something come up?”

“Yeah. I have to pick Nari up from her grandma’s since her mom can’t.”

“Of course. You got to take care of Nari first. Want me to set an alarm for a few minutes early or do you think we’ll be good and pay attention?” Minho offered, phone already in hand.

Changbin didn’t even hesitate and laughed giving his answer. “I know myself way too well to pass that up. Alarm please. Thank you.”

“I do this for myself often. So, I get it. When I start working on something, I end up zoning in on it so bad I lose track of time and forget to take care of myself.”

“My friends and coworkers tease me all the time for not being able to multitask. Apparently, it’s so bad I don’t even notice when they try to get my attention. When I was in college, my roommate and now coworker and I were so bad about it we would constantly accidentally pull all-nighters. Nari’s mom got so mad at me a few times because I would then sleep the whole afternoon and not wake up in time for dates.”

“Wow and that wasn’t a deal breaker for her?” Minho teasingly asked.

“No,” Changbin laughed at the memory. “It’s probably because it was infrequent enough and I did always show up before too long.”

“And now?”

“Now, it’s rare we pull all-nighters. Usually only if we have a tight deadline to make. We do sometimes have late ‘late’ nights still. But being adults with people waiting at home for us keeps us a little better on a schedule. We can also do some work at home too.” Minho hummed in understanding.

“I don’t think I’ve asked yet, but what kind of work do you do?”

“I’m a producer and songwriter.”

“Small world. A friend of mine’s boyfriend? Fiancé? I haven’t been able to keep up with him recently, so I don’t remember what their status is. Anyway, he’s a producer songwriter too. Don’t ask his name or anything. I’ve only met him briefly like twice and it’s been some time.”

“Are you and your friend not close anymore?” Changbin asked and then immediately took it back. “I’m sorry, that’s probably too personal of a question. You don’t have to answer that.”

Minho laughed and waved him off. “It’s fine. We’re currently maybe not as close as we used to be. But we’ve just had our lives kind of separate us more than it used to be and we’re both sometimes bad about remembering to reach out for long periods. But when we do get back together it’s like no time has passed. Now that we’ve brought it up, I should probably message him tonight. Make sure he hasn’t done something I wouldn’t approve of recently.”

“Is that a worry?”

“Yes.” Minho said very definitively. “Also, I think our break should’ve ended a couple minutes ago. If you want to get out on time, you need to get back to work.”

“Hey, don’t blame me, you’re the boss here.”

“Right, and I said get back to work.” Minho’s smile may have looked sweet, but Changbin knew otherwise already and very quickly got up and back into the posture they had been practicing.

~

It’s been three weeks of Changbin’s lessons with Minho now. They’ve been doing two lessons a week and then every other Saturday morning. Changbin was always exhausted and sore after each lesson, more so than he usually was with his normal work outs. Minho wasn’t joking when he said he could be working muscles he didn’t usually use. He continued to push through with the lessons and felt like he was already making some good progress.

In addition to their lessons, Changbin and Minho have of course been talking. It’s only natural that they would. The first lesson or so was almost strictly business, but on breaks, being the only two together, sitting in silence gets boring. So small chats started. Small chats grew into more personal chats that became knowing each other well enough to start joking around. At this point, they were quite comfortable with each other and even considering themselves friends. So, it was not much of a surprised when Changbin invited Minho to a post-lesson coffee when they finished one Saturday morning.

“This a spot you go to often?” Changbin asked when Minho led them into the coffee shop.

“Yeah. It’s near the studio and on the way back home, and best of all, their coffee is really good. Muffins too.”

“Quality and convenience. Best, well, qualities a coffee shop could have.” Changbin laughed a little at his own lack of creative word choice.

“I thought you said you were a lyricist as well as a producer. Such a way with words you’re showing,” Minho teased.

“Hey, I can’t always have it. As long as I have the words for lyrics then I’m good. And if not, then I sure hope either the other two have something or I can work on something else.”

“Is that what you do when you have writer’s block? Find something else?” Minho pondered.

“Depends.”

“On what?” Minho asked, but their turn to order interrupted the conversation. They were distracted getting their coffee, that it didn’t pick back up until they took a seat.

“Right, we were talking about writer’s block,” Changbin announced remembering.

“Yes, you said what you do depends on something?”

“Yeah, it depends on what kind of block it is. Sometimes it’s a block of words where I have the idea, but the words just won’t happen or happen the way I want them. When that’s the case, I distract myself, sometimes with a different aspect of the song, you know like the composition. Or I talk it out with the others and see if they can get me started or just talk me through it and that often works. Otherwise, I need to take a short break and work on something else for a while but keep some note of the idea on hand.”

“So, what if it’s not a word block?”

“Then it’s an inspiration or idea block. When that happens it’s a lot harder especially if we are on a deadline. I do my best to help them finish what they started and hopefully something comes to me, or I have to get out and see if something sparks it.”

“Do you have something you usually do that sparks it?” Minho asked.

“I try a lot of things. Walks, music, friends, workout, you know the usual stuff.”

“Does working out count when you’ve told me you already spend a lot of your free time doing that?” Minho teased and Changbin laughed along.

“Sure, I enjoy it and it gives time to think,” Changbin explained. “Something tells me you’re the same.”

“Maybe I am. Who knows.” Minho smirked and then hid his laugh behind his coffee. Changbin mirrored him.

“Dad?” Nari asked and when Changbin turned towards her, she beamed and ran right over. “Dad. What are you doing here? And with Mr. Minho?” Minho offered her a smile and a wave.

“Nari. I think the better question is what are you doing here? Where is your mother?”

“Nope. I asked first.” Changbin sighed and rolled his eyes.

“Fine. Minho and I were working out together and decided to grab coffee. So, we’re just chatting. Now it’s your turn.” Changbin punctuated his statement with some tickles, filling the café with her giggles.

“Mom is in line getting coffee,” She said between fits of giggles even though Changbin already stopped. “Did you ask Mr. Minho about the thing yet?” Nari whispered the last part to him.

“Ah, thank you for reminding me,” Changbin whispered back. “I’ll be sure to tell you later what I find out.”

“Didn’t expect to see you here Changbin.”

“Can’t say I expected you either Chaeri. You know Minho, right?” Changbin said, semi-introducing the two.

“Yes, we’ve met a couple of times when I’ve picked Nari up from class. How are you?”

“Good to see you again. I’m doing just fine. Yourself?” Minho responded, feeling the tension in the air.

“I’m doing great. Nari and I were just doing some morning shopping and I wanted to start with some coffee as usual. Though, that reminds me, Changbin could I speak with you for a moment? You won’t mind watching Nari for a minute, will you Minho?”

“Chae, it seems rather inappropriate to ask that, don’t you think? Could our conversation wait until later?”

“No. I think it’s best we have it now.” Changbin sighed and was hesitant to get up.

“If it’s important, I can sit here with Nari for a minute, it’s no problems,” Minho suggested.

“Minho, you don’t have to. You shouldn’t have to honestly. It’s rude of her to even ask.”

“Its fine. Go ahead. It seems like it might be better for you two to have the conversation now than later.” Minho tried to be reassuring though he could tell Changbin didn’t want to go. But in the end, he relented and followed Chaeri outside.

“I don’t think mom is happy with dad,” Nari announced once it was just her and Minho.

“Why do you say that?”

“That was her upset voice and it only started when she saw dad was here with you. She thinks I don’t know cause I’m little, but she always talks like that before she leaves me with Uncle Chan, Uncle Jisung, or grandma, and dad comes back sad or angry. He tries to hide it too, but I know.”

“Do they fight a lot?” Nari thinks about it and shakes her head.

“No. Not a lot. But sometimes. I don’t know what they say. Just that they aren’t happy. But the rest of the time they are nice to each other. They always try to be nice in front of me.”

“Have you told them that you know before?”

“No. I know they are hiding it. So, I let them. I asked my uncles about it, but they tell me not to worry, that they are disagreeing about some stuff and will work it all out.”

“They are probably right. Sounds like you have smart uncles.” Nari giggled and beamed.

“Uncle Jeongin says they are dummies sometimes. Especially to Uncle Jisung. Dad tells him not to say it in front of me, but they always forget. My uncles are very silly.”

“Another uncle? Just how many do you have?” Minho asked. Nari took the time to count them on her fingers and then held out her hand.

“Five. Five uncles. Though Mom says only one of them is my real uncle. But I still call them all uncle and dad calls them my uncles too. So, five.”

“Five uncles? That’s a lot. And I’m sure they all spoil you with lots of love.” Nari giggles again.
“Dad tells them not to. But you want to know a secret?” Nari waves Minho to lean in close and he happily complies so she can whisper to him. “They do it anyways.” Minho gave a gasp like it was the biggest secret in the world and Nari giggled like crazy. “Don’t tell dad I told you. It’s a secret.”

“Of course. He won’t hear anything from me.”

“Chaeri, what the hell is this about?” Changbin asked as soon as they were outside.

“I don’t know, why don’t you tell me. Why are you hanging around with Nari’s teacher?” Chaeri huffed and crossed her arms, impatiently waiting for Changbin’s answer.

“Minho? We were both working out, we’ve chatted a few times before, finished at the same time and we wanted coffee. So, we decided to come together. What is your issue with that?”

“My issue is that. It didn’t take more than a glance to notice how you two were. I told you this day would come.”

“And just how are we? We were just chatting about work and random shit. Just being friendly. That means nothing other than we get along and are maybe friends. What are you trying to prove?”

“I don’t need to prove anything. You already did. I told you, you would one day decide you wanted a man,” Chaeri said, overly haughty.

“That’s not,” Changbin sighed and gathered himself before he spoke again. “I would have never left you just to be with a man. I was in love with you, and you threw it away because you were too scared. I don’t know why you were only scared I would leave you for a man when you could trust me with anyone else. But back then I was committed to you. Nothing else mattered. And now it’s been six years. Six years where I didn’t let myself have any relationship because you would just accuse me of proving you right just like you are now. If I wanted something with Minho or anyone else, it wouldn’t prove a damn thing. I am single now. That’s what you refuse to understand. If we were still together, I wouldn’t be looking at anyone. And even though I’m not looking at Minho that way, if I wanted something, I’m free to pursue that and it means nothing. I didn’t fall in love with you all those years ago because I wanted a woman, I fell in love with you because of who you were as a person and whoever I fall in love with next it will be for the same reason. Not because of their gender.”

“So, it’s just a coincidence that Minho is a man?”

“To you it’s not because that’s what you are looking for. You only listen when it agrees with your beliefs.”

“Then what is the real reason you two are together? I feel like I would’ve heard if Minho was already a workout buddy of yours. What? Did you suddenly stop going with Chan now that you found a new man?”

“Still nothing going on between Chan and me. There never was,” Changbin rolled his eyes out of frustration. “If you must know more detail, Minho is helping me with a surprise for Nari. I never lied; I don’t lie. We were working out together and decided to get coffee. Why we were working out is the specifics you don’t get to hear right now. I plan on telling Nari this week when I have her and later, I’ll tell you so it’s not a shock.” Changbin and Chaeri stared each other down until Chaeri relented.

“Fine. But I’m not wrong and I was right for leaving you,” Chaeri said as her final note, heading back into the coffee shop.

“Of course you were,” Changbin muttered under his breath, following behind.

“Alright Nari, your dad and I finished talking. Let’s get going,” Chaeri announced when she walked back to Minho and Nari. Minho had found some paper and crayons and they were taking turns drawing silly little animals on them.

“Okay. Bye Mr. Minho,” Nari quickly finished her drawing and passed it back to Minho and ran to give Changbin a hug before leaving with her mother. Changbin took his seat across from Minho again looking worse for wear now that Nari was gone.

“Wasn’t a good chat I take it,” Minho said.

“No.”

“Want to talk about it? Nari mentioned this happens sometimes.”

“Yeah,” Changbin sighed. “We try not to make a fuss with each other but sometimes it happens. We just try to keep it away from Nari.”

“She said that too. She’s a smart kid.”

“I know. And at least no matter what Chaeri and I’s differences are, she is a good mother to her so I can’t complain about that.”

“I will say, all of this makes a little more sense why I never saw you two together to pick her up. I just assumed it was different work schedules. But I’m guessing you two are at least separated. Or divorced?”

“Well, we didn’t make it that far. But yeah, it is different schedules. I have Nari at the beginning of the week, and she has her the other half, and we switch weekends. I, of course, being the father get the short end of the days but it’s okay, we make it work. But that’s why I worked out the schedule I did, so that I was coming on days I didn’t have Nari,” Changbin explained.

“So, you never married?” Changbin was silent for a minute and Minho was starting to get worried.

“No. We were engaged until she broke it off.”

“Why? What happened?” Minho asked before he could stop himself. “I’m sorry, I’m letting my curious nature run wild. You don’t have to talk about it if it’s too personal or you just don’t want to.”

“It’s okay Minho. Don’t worry.” Changbin offered him a soft smile. “It was a long time ago now. We met in high school and were close friends. After we were both in college, I realized I had feelings for her, asked her out and we were ‘the couple’ in our group of friends. You know the couple everyone knew was going to get together and were perfect for each other. That’s who we were for three years. We were on the same page with everything. What we wanted for our futures and ourselves and everything was good. We had discussed marriage multiple times and finally I asked her. She said yes.”

“And then what happened?”

“Well, we had planned a decently long engagement. She still had a few months of university to finish and then to get settled into her career afterwards. That was all fine with me. Then around the time of her graduation we found out she was pregnant with Nari. We both wanted kids, so we were happy about it. It was sooner than we expected but hey, things happen. Now our wedding plans just involved a baby in the mix, no problem, we would just wait until afterwards when Chaeri would be ready, didn’t really push it back that far. But then a friend was chatting with us and happened to directly mention that I was Bi and that broke everything.”

“She didn’t know your sexuality?” Minho asked surprised.

“That was my reaction too. I guess it’s my fault for not directly telling her, but I was out long before we started dating. It wasn’t a secret. I went into our relationship fully believing that she knew. And I never hid it either. I made comments about finding men attractive, enough times to know that she and I have different tastes in celebrity men at least. And I suppose I should’ve realized some of the comments she made were more biphobic than I let myself believe. I was in love with her, so I brushed them off. I should’ve seen the warnings, I guess. Cause after she found out, she changed. Or at least she changed for me.  Maybe this was who she was to others, and I refused to see it even when we were friends not in a relationship. But me being Bi meant to her that I was too risky of a person to be with. That one day I would get tired of only being with a woman and either cheat on her or leave her for a man. Suddenly to her, I was a Bi guy who couldn’t be trusted instead of the friend she has known for so long. In her mind, being Bi is just another word for being noncommittal and guaranteed to cheat.”

“I get it. I really do. I may not be bi myself, but I’ve run into my fair share of biphobic assholes who think the same way. Had one of my friends get rejected and dumped once for the same reason, though they weren’t as far into their relationship as you two were.”

“Thanks Minho. It wouldn’t be so bad if she didn’t keep bringing it up. We agreed to co-parent Nari. Worked everything out and are each very committed to her, but she can’t help but make comments and accuse me whenever she can.”

“Accuse you of what?”

“Of proving her right. First it was with Jisung and especially Chan. Obviously, our friendships weren’t what they appeared. If we weren’t already secretly hooking up behind her back, then I apparently wanted to. Didn’t matter that both of them are in committed relationships, we were too close to not be something or whatever.” Changbin scoffed at the memory. “She never believed any of us. And then one day, Chan and I ended up pulling an all-nighter at the studio. Jisung’s boyfriend came and got him, but Chan’s boyfriend was out of town and we had a tight deadline we felt way behind on. I wasn’t thinking about needing to pick Nari up in the morning and when I wasn’t at my place, Chaeri came down to the studio. Chan and I had at some point in the early hours of the morning decided to get some sleep and we both ended up on the sofa in the studio. Both of us are cuddly guys so naturally we curled up together. It meant nothing to us. Jisung didn’t bat an eye at it when he came in before her. He just went straight to work and let us get a little bit of sleep, but it was the proof she needed to pin something on us. She even texted Chan’s partner a picture of us like he was going to care. He cooed over the picture, saying how cute we were, asked if we worked all night, and then questioned why she was making a fuss. He knows how we are. Honestly, he’s the biggest cuddle bug between all of us and was more jealous he didn’t get to join in.” Changbin laughed at himself and the memory.

“I know one of those too. He’s always begging someone to cuddle with him especially if he wants to take a nap. Thankfully, he has a partner who is willing to give him all his desired cuddles, when possible, though I hear he’s a bit of a workaholic.”

“Exactly. And she knew his partner for some time at that point, but she was still so mad that he wasn’t scandalized by us. He knew better. She knew better too, it wasn’t the first time, but previously she just called us weird since she thought I was straight. I still cuddle with them, and I don’t have to deal with her comments as much anymore, so I guess I win in the long run.”

“Definitely. If it’s any consolation, its good it happened before you got married. That would be a messy divorce.”

“Oh yeah. I told myself that often when we first split. But I have good friends and seeing how she really is towards bi people helped me get over her. Still hurt and took some time. But our relationship is but a distant memory with Nari being the only reminder and she is a reminder of the good we could be so it’s okay.”

Minho smiled at him. “You’re a good dad, you know that? Though you might change your mind when you see how she drew you. Well, I may have helped a little.” Minho grabbed the paper he and Nari were drawing on previously, taking Changbin’s mind off of his past once again. It was a good distraction. With it, they could move on to lighter conversations that kept them in the coffee shop for another hour.

~

“Dad!”

“Five seconds in the door and you’re already shouting,” Changbin teased as Nari ran up to him, his mother following shortly after.

“Wonder where she got that from?” Changbin’s mother said. Changbin rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Nari who was still trying to get his attention.

“Yes, what is it?”

“You haven’t told me yet. You were with Mr. Minho. What did he say?”

“About what? Was I supposed to ask Minho something?” Changbin played dumb.

Nari started giggling. “Dad. The dance.”

“Oh right. The dance. Now what did Minho say about the dance?” Changbin started pacing around the room, putting on a very exaggerated show of thinking. Nari was finding it both hilarious and frustrating.

“Dad. Tell me please.”

“Alright. Fine, I’ll tell you. We had a lovely chat about it. He said this was a first for him, no other kid had asked to include a parent in their performance, but he didn’t see why we couldn’t.” Nari’s eyes widen and so did her grin as she leapt into Changbin, who of course caught her easily.

“Really? So, you’re going to do it with me?”

“Yes. And furthermore. I asked Minho to teach me some basics so I can help you better and make sure you have all the attention.”

“You’re learning ballet? For me?”

“Of course. You want to do this, so I want to do it right.”

“I need to start working then. Mr. Minho said we can do whatever we want for 2 minutes but we have to put in what we are learning from class. Can I ask Uncle Chan for a song?”

“What? You don’t want me to make us a song?”

“It’s faster if I ask Uncle Chan. You can help him though. But I’ll tell Chan what I want and then you can help him make it from what he will already have.”

“I need to stop letting you come to the studio. Chan has you convinced he does all the work.”

“It’s true though. Uncle Chan works and you and Uncle Jisung joke around,” Nari points out. Changbin is scandalized.

“Not all the time. Sometimes Chan is the one goofing off while Jisung or I work. And other times we are all diligently working.”

“That’s not what Uncle Jeongin says.”

“One, your Uncle Jeongin is barely at the studio more than you are, so he is still only seeing a tiny bit of the process. Two,” Changbin pauses, “we all usually stop working when Jeongin visits.” Changbin was carefully avoiding his daughter’s gaze as he admitted the last part.

“Why?”

“Because teasing Jeongin is more fun than working.” Changbin relented to Nari who was giving him an intense stare down. “And it’s usually the end of the day and we are all tired of working and torturing Jeongin with affection is more fun. Don’t tell your uncle I said that,” Changbin added as an afterthought.

“So? Can we call Uncle Chan?”

“Fine.”

~

“Chan is making a song for you and Nari?” Minho asked during their next lesson. “She didn’t ask you?”

“No,” Changbin said with a sigh.

“Why not?”

“Well, for as much as she may adore me, she has decided that Chan does all the work.”

“Does he?”

“No!” Changbin dropped the pose he was holding to stare Minho down.

“Alright, fine. Just curious.”

“We’ve talked about me working before. Why would you accuse me of not?”

“I mean, if Nari says you don’t, who am I to doubt her judgement?”

“She’s six,” Changbin deadpanned.

“She is also the witness. What do you have to say she is wrong?”

“We’re talking about me working not a crime case.” Minho wagged a finger at him.

“We are talking about your work, and you are claiming that my star witness to said work is giving false statements, so I need your evidence or reasoning to prove your statements,” Minho said, trying to sound like movie detective.

“Is this a weird roundabout way of getting me to show you some of my work?” Minho paused and thought about the question for a moment before putting on his detective persona again. At this point, Changbin couldn’t help but think he needed a traditional Sherlock deerstalker hat to complete his act.

“If at any point you wish to submit evidence to your case, I will gladly examine it. But I am still waiting for your reasoning.” Changbin held back his laugh and decided to play along.

“Well, I happen to know your star witness quite well. And while it is true, she has visited me many a times at my work, she has not seen the full extent of it. In all of her visits, she has only seen myself and my team working to make songs.”

“Is that not a factor of your job Mr. Seo?”

“It is. But it is just that, a factor. If she has not seen me at all of the parts of my job, how can she claim I don’t do any of it? Or more accurately claim Mr. Bang does all of it? The songwriting is a much less visually obvious part of my job. It is easy to assume we might not be doing much work when we are talking and goofing around but sometimes that’s how the songwriting process goes. The producing part of the job is much more obvious working, and the young witness has not been a witness to that.”

“You make a point,” Minho said. “I will agree that if she has not seen all of the aspects of the job then she cannot make a claim for the entirety of the job. But as the topic of the claim was on the songwriting portion of the job, we will focus on just that for this case.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Lee. Now for the songwriting portion of my job. The young witness has visited many times; however, it has only been for a couple of hours at a time. She sees so little of any given day. Additionally,” Changbin has started pacing as if he was giving a statement to a judge and jury in a courtroom, “she is quite young and requires some attention from my coworkers and myself to keep her entertained while we work. She is a welcome distraction any day after hours of work. It is to be expected that any of us would take the excuse for the distraction. Which of course would lead her to believe we don’t do much work.”

“So, the witness believes you don’t work because you stop when she is there?”

“Not completely, but we certainly get less done when she is there,” Changbin corrected.

“And how does that fit in with the claim of Mr. Bang doing all the work?”

“It is part of the reason. Mr. Bang also stops working to give the witness attention from time to time, but our means of working are different. Mr. Bang primarily works at the computer and focuses on the tracks, the instrumental parts of the song. Mr. Han and I work more on the lyrical portion though we all trade off. Due to the nature of Mr. Bangs track focus, he does much of the finishing aspects and the timing of the song’s components. Mr. Han and I of course will make tracks and help with the finishing from time to time as needed. But when the young witness sees Mr. Bang working at the computer while Mr. Han and I sit at the table discussing ideas and often times just working on our phones, it looks like Mr. Bang does more work while we laze about. She fails to see exactly how our job gets done and how well practiced and efficient our job is. We each have our main tasks but have no problem switching off to a different one. Her minimal time of witnessing, doesn’t show her that.”

“Very good points indeed, Mr. Seo. I will take those into consideration. I was not aware we were additionally defending Mr. Han’s job.”

“The witness’s claim is that Mr. Bang does all the work. While I may have been the one she was accusing with that statement, our team is that of three and if she is only claiming one of us to be working then she is accusing the other two to not be. Her original statement did also include Mr. Han in it. So, it would be rude of me to not defend my team as a whole and that includes defending Mr. Han.”

“Very well. Before I conclude my case, I will have to question the witness. Which also means you have time to submit any evidence you so desire for your case.”

“I shall bring my evidence to our next meeting assuming the final verdict hasn’t been decided at that point.”

“I am certain, if the evidence is strong enough, it will warrant thorough examination to ensure the verdict is accurate.” That was it for Changbin, he couldn’t hold the act any longer and he burst out laughing. Minho followed suit shortly after.

“I get it, I’ll bring some examples of my work next time.”

“You better, or I’m siding with Nari and going to think you sit around all day while Chan works.”

“Rude.”

“So? What do you think?” Changbin nervously asked. He was sitting on the bench in the studio next to Minho, who was intently listening to the samples he brought in. Changbin was struggling to sit still while he waited, knees bouncing, hands rubbing against his thighs, anything sort of movement to try and get the anxiety out and prevent himself from pacing the studio.

“Why are you so nervous? You literally sell your songs for a living.”

“Yes, but the few times we have some executive listening with us, I’m nervous but have some means to keep myself occupied. And honestly, I don’t care much about their opinion. It’s the bands who it’s getting offered to whose opinion I care about and I’m not usually in the room when they are listening. At that point if they choose to record our song, then we just get to hear what they like and work with them to make it their own.”

“You’re worried about what I think?” Minho asked. “Why?”

“Well, you’re a friend who’s hearing it for the first time and these are raw demos, so you’re hearing Chan, Jisung, and I completely. It’s the songs in their original forms and us singing it.”

“I could tell.” Minho could tell that was the wrong wording the moment Changbin’s face dropped. “I mean, like that it was you singing. I was recognizing your voice. I think I also recognized one as a popular song from a couple years ago but a little different.”

“Yeah, I threw one in that had some popularity, the other two haven’t been sold yet. But I, one wanted to show you one you may have known, and two kind of show what I meant by original version.”

“You haven’t sold these two?”

“No, not yet. We write a lot. A lot more than what some companies are looking for at any given time. So, we often have a bit of a back log we’re sitting on and constantly adding to. Mostly depends on what style people are looking for. I know it was only three songs, but it was kind of the range we can do. A lot of companies come in and either want a brand-new song, a cohesive themed album, or they have a style in mind, and we pull up some options. We, of course, pick from our backlog whenever we think we have one that will fit the occasion. They don’t go to waste. They are just waiting for their moment.”

“I mean, I would be ready to buy that second one from you. I could use it in another class. Also, you are sending me all of these so I can listen to them whenever I want.”

“You know, most people ask. Also, you have another class?”

“Yeah, I don’t just teach the little kids ballet.” Changbin did not miss how Minho ignored his other statement. “I teach a few different forms of dance to a variety of ages. I’m also a choreographer.”

“Really? I would’ve figured you we’re a professional ballet dancer who just taught on the side.”

“I mean, I was,” Minho admitted, his expression falling slightly.

“Oh? What happened?” Changbin hesitantly asked.

“I got injured,” Minho started. “Before I finished university, I auditioned around and got accepted into some smaller productions and worked my way up. After a couple years and around the time I graduated, I was doing some big shows. I was part of the ensemble most of the time, but before my injury I was starting to get some more featured roles. Nothing top billing or starring roles, but where I had a little more focus. Like a supporting role. Wasn’t the main title cast but was more individual than the ensemble. I was a soloist but not yet part of the principal cast. If you want to get technical. The company I was working for had high hopes for me. They were expecting me to become part of that top tier within the year, but then I had a mishap and tore a muscle.” Changbin winced as Minho said it.

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s fine. I was out recovering for months. And then when I got doctor’s approval I started training again, trying to work the muscle up. A few more months of that I wanted to be on stage again, train it for a show rather than in general. I got a small ensemble part that was fairly low skilled and effort. I struggled to keep up with the show’s run. I didn’t have the stamina. So, I dropped down, did smaller shows and parts where I could trade off with newer dancers just hoping I could get it back. It didn’t matter. I could do all the forms again; I had that strength. But I just couldn’t do a full production of constant training, practice, and performances. I love dancing. I love ballet. I didn’t want to leave it all behind. So, an older colleague who knew of my situation reached out and offered me a position teaching. I started teaching ballet, especially to the kids. Then they needed some help filling out demand for some other classes and knowing I studied more than ballet, I got asked to help out.”

“And when did you become a choreographer?”

“Not long after. I made connections everywhere. They knew my skill. So, first some friends on the smaller production circuit asked for help with some original ballets. And then, some students of my other classes apparently bragged about me to the companies they auditioned to and I got approached to try my hand at choreography for idol groups. It doesn’t happen all the time, but I’ve done a few in the last couple years.”

Changbin’s draw dropped at that point. “Wait. Does that mean you could’ve choreographed some of our songs?”

“I mean, it’s a possibility, but I don’t think so. I often get the raw demos to work with initially so I can work on the dance while the band works on the recoding. Then I get the final copy to work with and make the final formations and adjustments before teaching them. And I think I would’ve remembered hearing your voice before.”

“But you just heard me singing for the first time now,” Changbin argued.

“Exactly. This is the first time I heard you sing. I would’ve recognized if it wasn’t. That and I get all the information about the song when they send it to me, and I never saw yours or your team’s name before. So, it hasn’t happened yet. Could always happen in the future. Especially if you let me buy this song.”

“I’d have to talk with the other two first you know. I can’t just go around and sell a song without the whole team’s approval.”

“What? Scared of what I might do with it, and you want to blame it on the other two?” Minho teased with a smirk. Changbin just stared and blinked a few times.

“Well, I wasn’t scared before. Just what are you thinking?”

“Sell me the song and you’ll find out.” Minho’s mischievous expression did nothing to ease Changbin. “Also, send me all three. I wasn’t kidding about that either.”

“And what are Chan and Jisung going to say if they find out I just gave you three demos?”

“I mean, them finding out is entirely on you. Also, you’ve already sold one, I’m asking to buy another, so you’re really only giving away one. And it’s just for personal use, I’m not going to do anything with them. I mean sure there is a small risk of my friends hearing them casually. But I’m not going to give them the songs.”

“And what kind of personal use are you thinking that makes the one you want to buy different?”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’d show you and get permission first. But currently, that’s for me to plan and for you to be bugged by until you sell it to me and wait patiently for me to finish.”

“I am more nervous with each word you said.” Changbin has heard about Minho resembling a cat at times. It’s especially a common in Nari’s class or so she has told him. Originally, he thought it was because of how Minho moved and his features slightly resembling a feline. But right now, Changbin truly sees it. The only way he can describe Minho’s expression is that of a mischievous, scheming cat.

“Good. Now, I think we ended our lesson like a half our ago. Let’s get out of here. Want to walk with me?” In the moment, Changbin’s not sure why he agreed and waited for Minho after they collected their stuff. But he did. Thankfully they switched topics, and he could be a little less on edge about what is going on in Minho’s head.

~

“He what?” Jisung shouted. “He said he wanted to buy a song?”

“Yup.”

“What does he want one of our songs for?” Chan calmly asked.

“Forget that. He can do whatever he wants. A sale is a sale. You told him yes, right?”

“Him doing what he wants is what I’m nervous about,” Changbin muttered under his breath. Chan’s raised eyebrow tells him it didn’t go as unnoticed as he hoped. “You’re acting like we’re starving artists. We make plenty of sales. But I didn’t give him a definitive answer.”

“What do you mean you didn’t give him a definitive answer? What is wrong with him, just sell the damn song,” Jisung loudly complained. “What song is it anyways?”

“Oh, uh. This one I made a couple months ago,” Changbin said, pulling up the song and playing it for them.

“That’s an interesting choice for a ballet dancer, but what do I know,” Chan said.

“Well apparently, he does more than ballet. He teaches other styles too. And is a choreographer for both ballet and has worked with idol groups.”

“WHAT?” Jisung shouted again, causing both Chan and Changbin to cover their ears. “Has he worked with one of our songs before?”

“He said he hasn’t.”

“I mean, I’m willing to sell it to him. I’m just curious what he wants it for exactly. But I’m willing to sell him the usage rights. But we could also have him come in and discuss price and what not. Did he say anything else?” Chan asked.

“Well, he wants me to send him a copy of all three songs I showed him for his personal listening apparently. And when I questioned him about what he wants the one for, he said not to worry he would show me first and get permission. Which I don’t know what he meant by that.”

“Wait, how did he say it? Like just casual and reassuring? Or like wink wink nudge nudge?” Jisung butted back in.

“I don’t know. He was being all secretive and almost threatening.”

“Threatening? Threatening how?”

“Jisung, is this actually important right now?”

“Yes. It is,” Jisung snapped at Chan who threw his hands up in defeat.

“So, much for us working today,” Chan muttered, going back to his computer.

Jisung waved him off but didn’t miss how Chan kept his headphones off.  “Now, Bin. Answer. In what way was he being threatening?”

“I don’t know. It just felt that way. Like he was smirking at me and being all,” Changbin hesitates, trying to find the right word, “shifty.”

“Shifty?”

“Yeah. He was all like ‘You’ll see’ and ‘Wouldn’t you like to know’,” Changbin said, attempting to mimic Minho the best he could.

“Oh,” Jisung drew out with a smile he was doing a terrible job of hiding.

“Didn’t you say you two went out for coffee a couple weeks ago and Chaeri interrupted?” Chan asked.

“Yeah.”

“Wait. What? When did this happen and why am I only just now hearing about it?”

“A Saturday a couple weeks ago, I don’t remember exactly how long. I told Chan when Nari asked to call him and mentioned it.”

“So, Minho knows you’re single?” Jisung asked. Changbin nodded. “Oh, then this is even better.”

 “What?”

“Dude, I know you have been single for a long time and that you and Chaeri didn’t really do the flirting thing that much. But. Minho is definitely flirting with you.”

“What? No. No way.”

“Hate to say I agree with Jisung, but I do,” Chan said.

“Hey!” Jisung threw a crumpled-up piece of paper at the back of Chan’s head. He missed.  He cursed to himself and just put his attention back on Changbin. “Oh course, we haven’t actually met him so I can’t speak too definitively. But it really sounds to me like he is flirting with you.”

“It especially says something that this started after he found out you and Chaeri aren’t together,” Chan added. “Now, don’t go getting worked up about it. It seems he also just genuinely likes and gets along with you. I doubt he will push beyond what you’re comfortable with.”

“Exactly. Just take that knowledge and pay attention to what he does to see if you see it too. And then if you’re liking it, you could see where it goes. Trust me, I’m an expert.”

“Is that why it took you two years to finally get a date with Jeongin?” Changbin teased.

“I’ll have you know, that Jeongin and I had a very intricate dance of flirting going on while we figured ourselves and what we both wanted out before we made the decision to date.”

“That’s what you call Jeongin not knowing if you were serious now. Got it.”

“I was always serious about Jeongin, and he knows that.” Jisung was getting rather defensive, so Changbin backed down.

“Yes. Yes, I know. And Jeongin is very happy with you. Relax.”

“Thank you,” Jisung said with a huff. “Also, you should give Minho the song for free.”

“What?” Both Chan and Changbin shouted out.

“Like as payback for the lessons and what not. Also, if you like him too, it’ll be a gesture to him.”

“But I never said I like him that way. Also, I am paying him for my lessons. I wasn’t asking him to work for free.”

“Also, if Minho offered to buy it, then that means he’s prepared to spend the money on it. I’m all for giving him a discount but free seems a little forward especially since only Changbin knows him,” Chan added.

“Just think about it okay. We don’t need his money. And Changbin doesn’t have to do it right away. He can say we are still deciding.”

“Jisung, I really think that would be a bit much. And technically, we are still deciding.”

“Let’s meet on a middle ground. We’ll set up a time for all of us to meet and we can decide then. Doesn’t have to be right away, just whatever we can make work,” Chan said, putting an end to the discussion.

~

“Your coworker buddy is Bang Chan, right?” Minho asked early into their next lesson.

“Coworker buddy? That’s an interesting way to put it.”

Minho shrugged. “Eh, it worked. He’s your coworker and your buddy, so coworker buddy.”

“I suppose. Anyway, what about him?”

“You remember a while back I mentioned a friend of mine, I have a bad habit of not keeping up with very well?”

“Yes. At least vaguely.”

“Well, I did message him, and we’ve been talking again, getting all caught up. And I said, I forgot what his relationship status was or if he was even with the same guy still. Which he said he was and filled me in including reminding me his name was Bang Chan and that he’s a producer.”

“My Bang Chan?” Changbin almost shouted, wide eyed at just how small their world is.

“I have to assume your Bang Chan, since I don’t know how many more Bang Chan producer songwriters there are.”

“Your friend is Felix?”

“I always call him Yongbok. He says I sound uncomfortable when I don’t.” Minho explained while nodding.

“Yeah, that’s Felix’s Korean name. Frequently blonde, freckled, sunshine, Australian?” Changbin said as he gestured to his own non-matching features and eventually held his hand up to signal Felix’s height.

“Well, that’s one way to describe him.”

“Wow. I can’t believe you know Felix and thus Chan. I’m going to have to nag him about that later.”

“I mean, Chan I have met briefly just a couple of times, so I don’t like actually know him.”

“But, if you've been introduced to him a couple of times, why didn’t Chan recognize you by name?”

“That's probably because he either, like me forgot. Or, just as likely, assumed we weren't the same person. Minho is actually a scarily common name in the dance world. I know four more. And Yongbok knows at least two of those four. We all worked together. It was a nightmare keeping us ‘Minho’s straight. I mean, that’s always impossible with me but you know what I’m talking about.” Minho gave a little waggle of his eyebrows with his last comment.

“I’m going to ignore that.”

“Awe, no fun. Also, weren’t you supposed to be bringing me my songs?”

“They’re you’re songs now?”

“Yes.” Changbin side-eyed him. “Fine, if you want to get technical, only one will be mine when you finally sell it to me. But I still want them. I need them on my playlists.”

“You know you could just go get the one. It’s been released.”

“I don’t want that version,” Minho huffed out. “I want your version. And did you even ask your team about me buying the other one?”

“I did. They haven’t decided.”

“Haven’t decided what?”

“Well, both are willing but disagree about price and what not. Chan wants a meeting with all of us.”

“When?”

“Not sure yet. We’ve got a couple other big client meetings coming up which usually means multiple meetings and it’s all just annoying business stuff that takes up all our time.”

“I can be patient. But I also won’t forget so don’t be surprised if I remind you in a couple weeks if nothing has happened.”

“Chan is the one who mentioned scheduling it, so I’m sure he’s got it on his to do list already.”

“Oh, I can nag Yongbok then.” Minho looked way too happy at that idea for Changbin’s liking.

“You’re going to somehow get me in trouble, aren’t you?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

~

“Dad. Dad. Look,” Nari said, tugging excitedly on Changbin’s sleeve while pointing. “It’s Mr. Minho.” Changbin finally looked over to where Nari was pointing and saw Minho sitting by himself reading while eating his lunch slowly. He hadn’t yet noticed the pair were also in the café.

“Did you want to go say hi to him?”

“Can I?”

“Sure. I’ll be able to still see you from here. So, you go, and I’ll order our food.”

Nari hesitated for a moment before rushing over to Minho. Changbin watched her carefully as she stopped just in front of his table and quietly called out to him. He could see Minho peak over the top of his book and give a bright smile to Nari as he carefully marked his spot and put the book away. Changbin knew Minho was great with kids. He’s seen the end of his classes and knows how much the students, Nari included, like him. And the last time they were all in a café together and Minho watched her for a few minutes, she was quite happy to be drawing with Minho. But this is a completely different view of it.

Outside of Changbin having to pause his watching to order their lunch. Changbin got the chance to just see the whole interaction. See how calmly and cheerfully Minho speaks to Nari and how happy Nari looks chatting to him about who knows what. He’s engaging, super friendly, and easy to talk to, Changbin knows that well enough, and it’s sweet to see just how much that part of him shows when he talks to his students.

“Nari, I thought you were just saying hi, not taking all his time. Or his table,” Changbin teased when he finally had their food and could join the other two. Nari wiggled a little in her seat and gave a sheepish smile. Minho spoke up though before she could.

“She said you were floating around here somewhere, supposedly getting food. You were taking long enough, I wondered if something happened,” Minho teased back. He also pulled the chair next to him out a little and offered it to Changbin.

“Oh no, I don’t want to take over your lunch. You seemed to be enjoying your time alone, I don’t mean for us to intrude.”

Minho tilted his head and gave Changbin a pointed look. “Sit down. I wouldn’t offer if I didn’t want to. Just cause I was fine on my own doesn’t mean I won’t enjoy the company. And I specifically very much enjoy both of yours company.”

Changbin decided to ignore Minho’s smile of victory when he finally took the seat. He passed Nari her lunch and started to eat his own.

“So, what brought you two out today?”

“We went to the park,” Nari cheerfully announced. “And then we are going bowling. Dad’s really good. I still use the bumpers. After that we have to go to the store.”

“Wow, that’s quite the busy day.”

“Yeah, someone is going to be exhausted tonight because she wants to do everything today,” Changbin said stressing the word ‘someone’ while staring his daughter down.

“I can do it. You always say I have lots of energy,” Nari defended, sticking her tongue out at Changbin.

“Haven’t I told you and Jisung that that is rude.”

“Yes.”

“So?”

“I shouldn’t do it,” Nari paused, “unless uncle Jisung is doing it too.”

“No.” Changbin was so ready to be proud of his daughter but once again, Jisung’s influence is too strong. “Neither of you should be doing it at any time.”

“So, why does uncle Jisung still do it?”

“Because your uncle enjoys being ill-mannered and you shouldn’t copy him when he is.”

“When should I copy him?”

“I mean, you maybe shouldn’t copy him in general. You got to be your own person. But if you insist on copying him, copy when he’s doing good things, like helping people.”

“You should definitely always help people,” Minho added. Changbin was about roll off of that, but Minho kept talking. “Unless they’re your friends and no one is hurt or in danger and it’s funnier if you don’t help.”

“And if they get mad?”

“Depends. If they are really mad, help them. If they are just a little annoyed, you’re okay. As long as the not helping isn’t being mean. There is a balance.”

“Got it.”

Changbin was questioning all of his life choice at that point.

“Do you give all of your students this kind of advice?”

“Nope. This is an off the clock special for you and Nari.”

“I’m flattered,” Changbin deadpans but Minho ignores him and flashes a bright smile.

“That’s what I was hoping for.”

Changbin really tried to ignore the potential implications of that sentence, but Jisung’s comment from the other day was replaying in his mind. So, he changed the subject.

“Alright Nari, enough chit-chat and bad advice. Eat your lunch so we have lots of time to bowl.” Nari eagerly nodded and really started digging into her food.

“Wait. Mr. Minho. Do you want to go bowling with us?” Nari asked between bites.

“Nari,” Changbin sighed. “We can’t take all of Minho’s time. We’ve already taken over his lunch. He probably has plans.”

“Actually, I don’t. This was my only plan for the day. So, I would be glad to join you,” Minho said to Nari. He then turned to Changbin. “Unless, of course, you have a reason you don’t want me to come along.”

“Not a good or believable one,” Changbin muttered. It didn’t go unnoticed, but Minho let it be. “Fine, you can join us if you would like.”
“Don’t sound too excited now. But I would love to. Just keep in mind that I am terrible at bowling.”

“Maybe you can have the bumpers on like me,” Nari suggested.

“I don’t think they let adults use the bumpers.”

“It’d be more fun if they did.”

“Getting a high score isn’t the only way it’s fun.”

“It’s not? But I’m always happier when I knock down more pins.”

“How about I tell you on the way, and then I’ll show you exactly what I mean when we play,” Minho suggested, urging Nari to get her coat back on since Changbin had already been cleaning up and seemed ready to leave.

Once Changbin and Minho decided which bowling alley and their route, Minho immediately went on with Nari to explain what he called ‘the fun of losing’. Nari wasn’t initially so sure about it, but Minho made some compelling arguments. Changbin himself, has always been a bit competitive, and he and Chan would frequently take that competition to the bowling alley. So, it was no surprise that Changbin started bringing Nari along and got her bowling too as soon as she could. Changbin has to imagine that his own desire to win and beat Chan rubbed off on her. Of course, they don’t compete when it’s just the two of them, but that doesn’t mean Changbin doesn’t comment on his own score and needing to do better.
When they arrive, Nari is skeptical yet excited about Minho’s ideas. To Changbin’s surprise, Minho pays for all three of them and gets them set up on a lane. Nari was able to get a bright purple ball for kids, while Minho picked a navy one with swirls and Changbin found a nice pink one. Changbin didn’t miss the little smile Minho gave when he set it down.

“What? I like pink.”

“It suits you.” Whatever Changbin expected Minho’s comment to be, it wasn’t that. There was no sign of mocking or even teasing like he mildly expected. Just a fond smile Changbin was trying hard to not think too much about. “You’re up first.”
“Me?” Changbin asked.

“Yup. Figured we should let the ‘pro’ go first.”
That was unexpected pressure. Changbin knows he bowls well, and usually it’s Chan who struggles if he boasts too much ahead of time. It’s a curse of his. But suddenly he has to prove himself to someone new who already has high expectations of him.
Changbin nervously stepped up to the lane, with eyes staring heavily into his back. He tried to tune Minho out and just go through his normal motions. Which mostly worked. May not have been his best opening bowl but it was nothing to scoff at or make anyone doubt his abilities. And for that he was thankful. Minho openly cheered and sounded honestly impressed which also helped relax Changbin.
Minho took his turn next. Changbin immediately paled. Here he was playing serious as he always does, and Minho is going up to bowl in the most ridiculous ways. Goofy stances, bowling between his legs, lying down so he can’t see his results, just all around being silly. Nari finds it to be the funniest thing ever and even tries to give Minho pointers, but he turns her advice upside down every time and has her constantly in a fit of laughter. Changbin can’t help but join in.
In the end, Minho scores horribly, as expected but he’s all smiles and laughter. Nari too, laughed off her own score not caring about the few single pin bowls she had. While Changbin and Nari have fun when they go alone or with his friends, Changbin has to admit there is an extra set of joy bowling to be silly and not taking it seriously instead of trying to get points. Maybe he needs to try it more himself.
Finally leaving the bowling alley, it was quite late, and it wasn’t long into their walk home that Nari found herself losing the remainder of her energy. Changbin ended up giving her a piggy-back ride and before long, she nodded off.

“I warned her she was going to be exhausted,” Changbin said with a light smile as he heard her soft snores.

“Didn’t you still need to stop by the store?” Minho asked. Changbin hesitated in his step.

“Shit. I totally forgot. I’m not sure I can take her in now. Let alone carry both back.”

“Is it important?”

“Well, I certainly need the groceries, but we could just go in the morning. It’s late enough anyways, I’ll probably just order something in for dinner. You’re welcome to join us. Consider it a little repayment for paying for bowling.”

“Nah, don’t worry about that. I interrupted your father-daughter time, paying was no issue.”

“You didn’t interrupt anything. It was fun to have you with us. And the offer still stands for dinner.”

“I’d be slightly more enticed if you said you were cooking,” Minho said with a waggle of his eyebrows. Changbin scoffed.

“And you might regret that afterwards.”

“What? Trying to say you can’t cook?”

“Not well. Like I get by, and Nari doesn’t complain, but it’s nothing that great. I hate to admit how often my mother still sometimes cooks for us. Though it is typically only when I’m stuck working late. Which is the whole reason I didn’t get groceries earlier in the week.”

“I take it those meetings and big clients have happened.”
“Oh yeah. It’s a lot. Lots of late nights because if we don’t have what they want already, or need to make adjustments to something, they want it in such a short time frame. And it’s constant long meetings every day, so our usual working time is cut down. Which means our only option is to stay late or work into the night at home. We try to leave Mondays and Tuesdays shorter since I have Nari and they can see their partners and we pile everything else onto the rest of the week. Honestly, yesterday, and Wednesday, I went back to the studio after our lessons.”

“And today you’re running around? You should be resting,” Minho fretted.

“I will when it’s done. And with how tired she is, I’m sure she’ll let me sleep early tonight. But I know it’s been a couple weeks since I mentioned Chan wanted a meeting. This is why it hasn’t happened yet.”

“I told you; I can be patient. You don’t need to work yourself more worrying about a meeting with me. Also, if you need to cancel a practice, that’s fine. You’re learning a lot. You’re probably in a good enough position to miss a couple and still know as much as you want in time.”

“Thanks Minho. If it comes to it, I’ll let you know.” Changbin answered honestly which seemed to relieve Minho a bit. They walked in a comfortable silence for a moment. “You never answered about dinner. Though you’re still walking with me, so are you joining?”

“Actually, I can’t. I didn’t have any real plans, but I’ve got cats waiting at home whose food bowls I didn’t fill nearly enough to be gone the whole day and a few chores I want to still attempt to do tonight. And based on some texts I got a bit ago, there is a high chance I will have a couple other friends dropping in whether I wish it or not.”

“Are you sure we didn’t take up your day?”

“Yes, it’s fine. If the chores don’t get done, they don’t get done. No big deal. Just some extra stuff I wanted to do if I found the effort. As for the friends, it’s usually late when they stop by, so it’s not like you’ve taken any of their time. They only sent me the suspicious texts like an hour ago. And honestly, this was a much better way to spend it.”

“If you’re sure. But in the future, you can turn Nari down. I know it’s hard though.”

“I’m sure it is. You know, if I didn’t realistically have to head home, I’d offer to grab some groceries and cook something for you both, but since I do, how about a rain check? Two weeks, you two come over and I’ll cook. Whatever you like.”

“I feel like I’m going to owe you something. Paying for bowling, offering dinner of our choice, it’s adding up.”

“Nonsense. The only thing you’ll owe me is that meeting when you’re schedule clears up. You offered dinner, I’m just delaying it and using it to show you how good I am in the kitchen. Though if you do require references, you can call Yongbok. Besides, I rarely get the chance to purposely cook for more than myself.”

“I’ll see what our plans are and let you know, how about that?”

“I’ll take it. This is you, right?” Minho asked, pointing up to the building they were walking towards.

“Yeah, it is. I didn’t realize we were here already. You could’ve said if you need to split off earlier.”

“I was walking you two home. It’s an acceptable detour. If you’re worried about me, I’ll text you when I get home.”

Changbin was stunned by the notion that Minho still took the extra time to walk them to their apartment, even after saying he needed to get home himself. He barely registered Minho’s last comment but nodded eventually. Minho also asked Changbin to pass his goodbye onto Nari and watched as they safely got into their building.

Fifteen minutes later when Minho texted him as promised, Changbin tried to squash down the feelings that were attempting to build up again. Though a soft smile did peak through.

“Was that Mr. Minho?” Nari asked groggily.

“Yes. He was just letting us know he got home.”

“I wish he stayed for dinner. It was really fun to play with him today.”

“Yeah. It was. He invited us over for dinner in a couple weeks though.”

“He did? We’re going right?”

“I said we would look at our schedule.”

“I’m free.” Nari’s short nap seemed to refill some of her energy as she was practically bouncing.

“Right now you are, but that could change in the next week.” Nari rolled her eyes.

“Do you like Mr. Minho?”

“Yeah. He’s a good friend at this point I would say.”

“Okay, but do you like him like Uncle Jisung and Uncle Jeongin, or Uncle Chan and Uncle Felix like each other? Because I think he likes you like that.”

“Why would you think that?” Nari just shrugged and wandered away to watch cartoons until their dinner arrived.

~

Changbin took Minho up on his offer to cancel a lesson that Wednesday. But he still insisted on their Friday lesson though. When he walked into the studio for his lesson, Minho almost cancelled upon seeing him.

“When did you last sleep?” Minho stared Changbin down as he asked.

“I got a couple hours last night,” Changbin sheepishly admitted.

“And the rest of the week?”

“Not much after Nari went to Chaeri’s.”

“And have you eaten today?”

“A little here and there.”

“Wait here.” Minho started heading for the door but turned back. “Sit.” And then he was gone, leaving Changbin sitting on the floor of the studio alone.

When Minho returned, he had a steaming bowl of food and a spare bottle of water. He immediately put both in Changbin’s hands before Changbin could even react to him entering the room.

“What’s this?”

“Unfortunately, just leftovers, but it’s still more than you have probably had today. Why didn’t you cancel?”

“Because it was a forced mental break,” Changbin answered between bites. “Coming here meant I got a break from working and could rest the writing brain. I have to go back after our lesson, but we all used it to take a couple hours away.”

“Okay, I get the need to the mental break, but you’re in no condition to learn or practice anything today.”

“Minho.”

“I’m serious. I wish I had somewhere more comfortable to offer you, but you should take this time to sleep or something after you finish eating.”

“I’m okay, I can sleep tomorrow,” Changbin argued.

“As your teacher, I am not going to let you practice today. And as at least hopefully your friend, I’m going to make you sleep.”

“I don’t think you can make me sleep.”

“I’m already making you eat. Watch me.” Minho got up again to Changbin’s confusion. “Keep eating. I expect you to finish that.”

“This wasn’t your dinner, was it?”

“Don’t worry about me. I’ve eaten normally, this was just the extra I bring.”

“Why?” Changbin asked before he could leave.

“Why to what?”

“Bring extra.”

“Oh. Well, I usually have more leftovers than I can eat so I bring them with me. Mostly for moments like this where someone doesn’t have any, or in case I need to stay later one day, I have something ready to go and don’t have to worry about it.”

“That’s smart.”

“It helps that I like to cook a lot and cooking for just one meal is tough.”

“This is your cooking?”

“Yeah,” Minho said, suddenly a little self-conscious. “Guess it’s a preview if you come over next weekend.”

“It’s good.”

“Thanks.”

A silence fell over them and Minho took it as his chance to leave again finally. He was gone slightly longer this time but came back with his hands full. He had a mat, the kind for practicing stunts, and a few blankets.

“It’s not much, but it’s better than nothing in a pinch. I’ve slept like this here a couple times,” Minho explained as he set everything up.

“You don’t need to, I’ll be fine. Seriously.” Minho stopped and sent Changbin a glare, effectively shutting him up.

“If you actually manage to sleep, I will wake you up when our lesson would end so you can go back to work. But either way, you should lay down and relax. It’ll do more for you than our practice could.”

“If I’m sleeping, what will you be doing?”

“Watching over you. Maybe practicing quietly, or just relaxing a bit myself.”

Changbin just hummed in acknowledgement and continued eating his food. When he was finished, Minho took the dishes to clean them, with orders for Changbin to make himself comfortable and do whatever he needed to help himself sleep. Minho had dimmed the lights down to help as well. Changbin was on his side, listening to music on his headphones quietly with his eyes closed when Minho came back again. He didn’t want to disturb him in case he was close to sleeping, so quietly just sat down nearby. Changbin peeked up quickly, but Minho was just sitting against the wall, on his phone, making sure to not make any sound. He closed his eyes again and found himself drifting off to sleep.
As promised, Minho woke him up just before the end of their scheduled time. Changbin offered to help clean up, but Minho waved him away and took care of putting everything back.

“Are you feeling a little better?”

“I’m still tired since I just woke up, but yeah,” Changbin sleepily answered as he prepared to head back to work.

“Good. I’ll message you about tomorrow, you just let me know how tonight goes. You’re almost done, right?” Minho had suggested when he woke up that they have their Saturday lesson later in the day so Changbin can get some rest since he refused to cancel. The only issue was Minho had to find a new time that the studio would have an open room for them.

“Assuming we finish everything tonight. If we don’t then I think we are working on Sunday. Then we have a meeting Monday morning in which hopefully everything will get approved.”

“And if it does?”

“Then we’re all done and just go back to our normal schedule. As well as they will determine if we get to be the producers for it or if they will use someone else. But that’ll get scheduled for the future.”

“So, you’ll get a break.”

“Not a break, but no more chaos and tight deadlines with late nights for a bit.”
Minho nodded along. “I get it.”
Minho walked out with Changbin, walking with him as far as was reasonable. Changbin urged Minho to not to walk him all the way to his bus stop and that if he insisted on walking with him, to only go as far as his normal route allowed. Minho tried to argue but that was the one thing Changbin would not let him win that night. So, they split a couple blocks before with promises of texts.

~

“Oh. Hello. I was looking for Minho,” Changbin worriedly greeted. He had just knocked on what he thought was Minho’s apartment door, but another man answered. He double checked the address on his phone when the man spoke up.

“You must be Changbin and Nari. Come in. Minho is just in the kitchen arguing with Hyunjin.”

Changbin was still a little unsure but entered as the man gestured. He felt a little more at ease when he could indeed hear Minho bickering with someone further in the apartment.

“Seungmin? What are you doing?” Minho asked poking his head out from the kitchen. “Are you answering my door?”

“You were busy,” Seungmin said with a shrug. “It’s rude to leave your guests standing outside.” Minho rolled his eyes, coming up to greet Changbin and Nari himself.

“Hey you two. Sorry about him and eventually the other one. Apparently, when they asked about my plans and I told them I was cooking dinner for you two today, they took that as an invite.”

“It wasn’t not an invite. Besides we wanted to meet them,” Seungmin pointed out to which Minho did his best to ignore.
“They just have a bad habit of inviting themselves over and not leaving.”

“You love us.”

“Debatable.” Minho side eyed Seungmin. “Anyways, sit anywhere you like. If you need something, Seungmin can grab it, I’m sure. I need to go back to cooking.”

“Ooh, can I help?” Nari asked looking between Changbin and Minho. Minho looked up at Changbin for the answer.

“She helps my mom in the kitchen sometimes. So, if you’re okay with it and think she can do something, go ahead. Just keep an eye on her.”

“Will do. I’m making Hyunjin help too, so there will be a second set of eyes on her,” Minho told Changbin and then turned his attention to Nari. “Alright, let’s go see what we can make, Nari.”
Minho headed off towards the kitchen with Nari in tow and Changbin could see as she was introduced to Minho’s other friend, Hyunjin.

“How dare you Minho. You understated just how adorable she is.” Changbin could hear Hyunjin say.

“No. You didn’t get it. I very accurately described her adorableness,” Minho deadpanned to Nari’s giggles.

Changbin nervously settled in the living room where he could kind of see those in the kitchen. Seungmin sat down near him, much more at ease and let Changbin look around for a moment before speaking up.

“I’m Seungmin by the way,” Seungmin said and offered his hand. Changbin shook it.

“Changbin.”

“Minho’s mentioned you a lot. Said you’re also friends with Felix and work with his boyfriend.”

“Yeah, I do. Unfortunately, Minho hasn’t mentioned you.” Seungmin gasped.

“That is not entirely true,” Minho shouted from the kitchen, poking his head out. “I haven’t said much but I have mentioned you two. Just not by name. Usually, anytime I say my friends, it’s these two.”

“I’m still offended.”

“You’re unimportant to our conversations.”

“Rude.”

“Honestly, we’ve only really mentioned my friends when talking about work since they are also my coworkers. That and Nari brings them up sometimes,” Changbin explained in an attempt to placate Seungmin.
“Well that doesn’t make it much better, Hyunjin could count as his coworker.”

“Oh? Hyunjin works at the studio?”

“Sometimes. He mostly helps out when he has some extra time. He likes being in some of Minho’s non-ballet classes. But before that, they worked for the same company along with Felix.”

“So, Hyunjin also worked with Felix? Wow, how did we not meet before now if you are all friends with Felix?”

“I think it’s a case of we qualify as work friends verses you and your friends being his regular group of friends and there hasn’t been a reason for him to cross the two before. We’ve all just had brief introductions to Chan after performances.”

“I guess that makes sense. But the way Minho talks about Felix it feels like they were closer than just simply work friends.”

“I’m not the best person to ask this. But from what I know. Minho was like Felix’s mentor in classes and then they got close. Like brothers. Though Felix started distancing himself after Minho’s injury. I’m just guessing but I think Felix was worried about hurting Minho since he couldn’t perform any more.”

“Minho seems fine though. And I can’t imagine him having a problem with Felix performing,” Changbin said as he watching Minho smiling as he joked around while cooking with Nari and Hyunjin.

“He is now. But there was a time when he wasn’t. Anything more though, you will have to take up with Felix and Minho directly.”

“Of course. Thanks.”

“Sure. Just don’t tell him I told you anything.”

“I’ll try, but no promises.”

“Well, if he comes at me for it, I’ll come after you,” Seungmin threatened with little bite.

“I can see why you two are friends.”

“And I can see why he talks about you so much,” Seungmin countered.

“He talks about me?” Changbin asked, trying to hide his shock.

“Often.”

“Really? What does he say?”

“You’d have to ask Hyunjin, he’s the one he texts everything to.”

“I find that hard to believe. He hates texting. He’s said it himself and since I’m similar, our conversations barely make it past five texts.”

“It’s mostly Hyunjin talking but Minho says more than you would think if you get him on the right topic.”

“Are you implying that I’m the right topic?” Changbin asked, in disbelief. Seungmin just shrugged but still gave a look that made Changbin feel that the answer was yes.

Suddenly, everything was feeling a bit much for Changbin. He froze up. Seungmin didn’t bother for any further conversation and Changbin did his best to distract himself on his phone, but he was much to absorbed in his thoughts. Sure, he had spoken to his own friends about Minho, but it felt different since everyone keeps implying how much Minho likes him.

It was Hyunjin who broke their silence and Changbin out of his head. Changbin almost forgot there were more people in the apartment.
“Hey you two. Dinner is ready,” Hyunjin announced, getting their attention. “Also, sorry, haven’t introduced myself, I’m Hyunjin.”

“Changbin.” Changbin tried to give a friendly smile as Hyunjin lead them to the dining room. Minho was helping Nari get settled when they walked in, both having cleaned up after cooking. Minho’s bright smile did falter slightly when he looked at Changbin, replaced with concern.

“You okay? Did Seungmin say something?” Minho whispered to Changbin.

“It’s fine. He didn’t say anything wrong or that I didn’t ask of him. I’ve just had a lot on my mind,” Changbin reassured Minho. Instead of letting Minho ask further, he chose to change the subject. “But wow, you all were quite busy, this is a lot of food, and it all looks so good.”

“Thank you. Nari was a big help in finishing it up. Hyunjin helped too I suppose.” Hyunjin’s only response was to stick his tongue out at Minho causing Nari to giggle.

“Dad. Dad. Mr. Hyunjin is as bad as Uncle Jisung. They would be great friends.”

“Really? Then that sounds like we should never let them meet. I don’t need double the bad influence on you,” Changbin teased.

“Should I be insulted by this comparison?” Hyunjin asks.

“No. Jisung is her favorite uncle and one of my closest friends. He just likes to act very childish at times, which is of course what she likes best about him,” Changbin explained.

“He’s great. But dad yells at him for teaching me bad or impolite things all the time. He’s funny and silly.”

“Also, if she thinks you two would get along, take her word for it.”

“Will he be at the showcase?”

“I invited all my uncles,” Nari confirmed.

“It would take a lot for him to miss it,” Changbin further clarified. “It’s marked on our work calendar even.”

“Then I’ll have the chance to meet him there if we don’t get to beforehand.”

“Will you be at the showcase Mr. Hyunjin?”

“Yup. I help out every year. And Seungmin here does all the photography for the event. He’s going to make sure your dad has lots of pretty pictures of you on stage,” Hyunjin said patting Seungmin on the back and hyping him up.

The conversation took a focus on Seungmin and his career for a while from that point. With the focus not on him or Minho and his friendship, Changbin relaxed a little. Minho’s friends were quite fun to be around, and Nari seemed to have quickly taken a shine to them that Changbin could appreciate. Now, he of course didn’t miss the glances Minho was constantly giving him through the dinner, but Changbin refused to believe it was anything beyond just making sure he was comfortable and having a good time.

After dinner finished, Changbin offered to help with the dishes.

“You’re a guest and I invited you for dinner, not for you to do the dishes,” Minho sternly said.

“And yet Nari already helped cook as did Hyunjin. You’ve already done a lot, the least I could do is help with the dishes. No reason for you to do them alone,” Changbin countered.

“By that logic I should be having Seungmin do the dishes.”

“Not happening,” Seungmin shouted from where he already retreated to the living room with Nari and Hyunjin.

“Minho, it’s fine. Just let me help. Those two can entertain Nari and I’ll feel helpful. And while I may not be good in the kitchen when it comes to cooking, I am great at cleaning.”

“You’re not going to back down, are you?”

“Nope,” Changbin said smugly, grabbing the plates from Minho’s hands and taking them to the sink.

Minho resigned with a sigh and focused on putting the leftovers away while Changbin started on the washing. They worked easily together like it was something they had been doing for a long time. Minho easily coming over to start drying dishes once he finished clearing the table and Changbin just seeming to know which way to lean out of his way to put them away afterwards.

They started in silence, simply listening to Nari, Seungmin, and Hyunjin chat and play in the other room. Apparently, a couple of Minho’s cats had come out of their hiding spots and Nari was thrilled to pet them. It was comfortable. But Minho decided he wasn’t done with the conversation from the start of dinner.

“Are you sure you’re okay? You seem quieter than normal. I honestly wasn’t expecting them to show up. I maybe should’ve tried harder to kick them out.”

“Your friends are fine. Nari is enjoying herself with them.”

“But you’re not,” Minho inferred. “You’ve been tense since you walked in. Last time I saw you this tense, you were dealing with Chaeri and her bullshit against your sexuality.”

“You saw me last week,” Changbin countered.

“That was different. You were exhausted, overworked, and underfed.” Minho stopped drying and set the towel down so he could turn all his attention on Changbin who wasn’t bothering to look at him. “So maybe we haven’t known each other as long as we’ve known each of our friends, but I have seen you in enough of a range of emotions that I am confident on this. I know you have Chan and Jisung to confide in, but I’m hoping you know you can talk to me too. I want you to tell me when something is bothering you, especially if it has something to do with me, or my other friends.”

“Minho,” Changbin said with a sigh, staring down into the water. “I know I can talk to you. I’ve talked to you about stuff I haven’t even bothered to bring up with friends outside of Chan and Jisung. So, trust me when I say it’s okay and you and your friends haven’t done anything wrong.”

Changbin sighed again but took Minho’s drying towel to dry his hands and finally face Minho directly. When he looked up to Minho’s face, he was almost taken back by the sheer amount of worry and hurt in Minho’s expression. He gently placed a hand on Minho’s arm, trying to be reassuring.

“Yes, I was nervous, it felt like a big deal coming for dinner that I couldn’t help but have some jitters. And then yes, it didn’t help that Seungmin answered the door. He didn’t do anything wrong, just that him being there threw me off. Meeting your friends is nice, I just wasn’t prepared so it just added to the other nerves.”

“And Seungmin didn’t say anything?” Minho asked again. Changbin shook his head.

“No. Like I said earlier, he didn’t say anything I didn’t ask of him. He did have something that reminded me of something else I’m dealing with, but he wouldn’t know that. And as for that, that is something I’m not yet ready to talk about, but I’ll tell you when I am.” Minho stared him down a little longer, checking for any tells on Changbin’s face that he was hiding something more. When he didn’t find anything to worry him, he turned and went back to his previous task, Changbin following suit a moment later.

“I just wanted you to have a relaxing and comfortable evening, especially after the tough work weeks you’ve had.”

“Hey, it’s great food and good company and Nari is having a blast. You know she was counting down the days till we were coming over. Every day I had her she let me know how long until ‘we go to Mr. Minho’s’,” Changbin imitated Nari with a smile. “But anyways, just because I have other stuff going on doesn’t mean this isn’t a good evening. I’ll just have to think of some way of repaying you.”

“You still act like I’m not getting anything out of this. You don’t have to pay me back in any way.”

“Maybe I just want to.”

“Is that your way of saying you want to see me more?” Minho teased.

“You wish. I see you plenty during the week as it is.”

“But there is a lot more of the week you don’t see me. Plenty of time to miss me.” Changbin rolled his eyes and took the chance to splash some water from the sink at Minho.

The rest of the evening went a lot smoother for Changbin. They joined the others in the living room when finished cleaning and got teased for taking too long. Relaxed conversation and even a couple short games started by Nari followed afterwards until it was time for Changbin to get Nari home. Changbin took one last chance to reassure Minho that he had a great night as Minho walked them out. He wasn’t lying either, he had a great time and part of him wished it was longer. And while he knows Nari would agree, she is still little and needs to keep a regular bed time.

“Can we do that again soon? I really liked Mr. Hyunjin and Mr. Seungmin. And Mr. Minho’s food was really yummy. I want to help cook again too,” Nari said on the way home.

“I’m sure we can work something out. I’m glad you had fun and I know Minho will be happy to hear it too.”

~

“Hey Changbin, did I get Minho’s number from you already?” Chan asked on Monday morning. Changbin was just laying, head down on the table, phone out on the notepad but nothing written.

“I thought I gave it to you, but I can send it again,” Changbin said, barely moving.

“Thanks I want to message him this week about having that meeting. I’m sure he’s been waiting. I hope he hasn’t nagged you too much.”

Changbin shrugged as best he could from his position. “He’s fine. He knows we were busy, but he still wants the meeting.”

Chan and Jisung shared a look of concern with Changbin’s lack of energy,

“What happened?” Jisung finally asked.

“Huh?” Changbin tilts his head slightly to look at Jisung across from him. “Nothing.”

“Didn’t you have dinner at Minho’s place this weekend?” Chan asked.

“Something happened, didn’t it?”

Changbin sighed and slowly sat up. “Nothing happened. Or maybe something did. I don’t know. His friends were over too, though he didn’t plan that.”

“Are his friends cool? Was there a problem?”

“Yeah, they’re cool. I just.” Changbin sighed again. “Seungmin said that Minho talks about me a lot to them.”

“And that’s a problem?” Chan cautiously asked.

“No. It’s just yet another thing. Like the way Seungmin talked, he was really implying that Minho likes me and you’ve said something and even Nari has said something and it’s getting harder to ignore. He does all these little things that even I’m starting to think you are all right,” Changbin confessed.

“Of course, I’m right. Why did it take you so long to realize that?” Jisung scoffed.

“You haven’t even met him. All you’re going off of is just my recounting and I wasn’t seeing it.”

“You’re right, I haven’t met him. Yet. Like first of all I need to know if he is hot. And second to confirm for myself that he’s got it bad for you.”

“Why do you need to know if he’s hot? You have a boyfriend.”

“Don’t bring Jeongin into this, I am very committed to him. I need to know if this guy’s hot for your sake,” Jisung clarified. Changbin just shook his head.

“Objectively, he is,” Chan sheepishly admitted avoiding all eye contact when both Changbin and Jisung snapped to look at him.

“How do you know?”

“Felix and I were talking, and I still wasn’t remembering him so he dug up a picture and showed me. I still only vaguely remember meeting him.”

“Can I see. Please?” Jisung begged.

“Yeah, it was on his page a few months ago, let me get to it,” Chan said and pulled out his phone to start looking for the picture.

“Chan is literally going to call him and set up a meeting with all three of us soon, why do you need to see his picture right now? I was talking about not knowing what to deal with the revelation of him possibly liking me and you’re more worried about his appearance? Why do I tell you two anything?” Changbin sighed and put his head back down on the table.

“Because you love us. And this is research and important information to have to help you. Like what if you two get together and decide to get married? What then? I need to know now that you will have great wedding pictures because you are both just too attractive.”

“Why are you worried about me maybe getting married in the future to a guy I’m not even dating? Why don’t you worry about getting married to your boyfriend instead.”

“I am,” Jisung announced which cause Chan to drop his phone and Changbin to shoot back up right.

“What?” Chan asked after collecting his phone from the floor. “Did you or Jeongin propose?”

“No, not yet. But I’m going to. I’ve started looking for rings and everything. Not sure how I want to do it yet though. Like it’s Jeongin, so it can’t be anything public or too over the top,” Jisung said going into thought on his own situation.

“I’m shocked, I really thought Chan and Felix would be getting married first. Why did you pick now?”

“Yeah, don’t know what their hold up is,” Jisung answered ignoring Chan’s confusion. “But we’ve talked about it a few times recently and have agreed that we’d be ready for it. So, I figure I should propose and make it official.”

“Please just do something more than set it on the table and be like, ‘hey got a ring if we were serious about the whole marriage thing’,” Changbin imitated Jisung and looked over to Chan to take his lead.

“Right cause Jeongin would probably be all, ‘I was if you were. Want to hit up courthouse this weekend?’”

“Excuse you both. We can be a lot more romantic than that.”

“Oh, I have no doubt you can be. We did watch you two flirt. But you both tend to just cut out the pomp and circumstance anymore and get straight to the point,” Chan explained. “Now I found the picture if we’re still going to talk about Minho.”

Jisung initially looked like he was going to argue with Chan’s comment but at the mention of Minho’s picture, Jisung was reaching over and swiping Chan’s phone.

“Dude, what the hell. He’s really good-looking. I approve. You can marry him.”

“Marry him? I’m trying to figure out what to do about him liking me and you want me to just skip to marrying him?”

“Yes.” Changbin annoyedly groaned.

“Alright, Jisung, not helping,” Chan spoke up before Changbin got any more frustrated.

“I think I’m being very helpful.” Chan side eyed Jisung while Changbin glared.

“Changbin. Let’s ignore what we think Minho feels for a minute. What do you feel?”

“I don’t know.”

“Don’t over think it yet. Just go basic. When you think of Minho, how do you think of him? The same if you thought about Jisung and I.”

“A friend,” Changbin said after a moment. Slowly he continued to list more. “Someone reliable. Funny. Caring. A great cook. Strong. Crazy. Unpredictable. Comfortable yet uneasy.”

“Comfortable yet uneasy?”

“Like most of the time, being around him is very comfortable but then he’ll say or do something that makes me uneasy. It’s not always bad. It just keeps me on my toes,” Changbin explained.

“Is it like makes you nervous, or like makes you want to like leave?” Jisung asked.

“Nervous, I think. Like I said, he's unpredictable at times, so I don’t always know if he's being serious or just joking around. And then he sometimes just makes my chest feel tight or like I feel it in my gut, and I just push those feelings away. But it’s never actually bad. I just don’t always know what to do or how to respond to it.” Jisung and Chan shared a look.

“Okay. Now how about your lessons. You only have about a month left before the showcase and thus your lessons with Minho come to an end. How are you feeling about that?” Chan asked.

“Oh. Uh. I haven’t thought about it,” Changbin said, wide-eyed. “I mean, obviously I knew how close Nari's showcase is. But I haven’t thought about the fact that I’m only in lessons until then as well. I wasn’t thinking about it ending.”

“It was going to end eventually,” Jisung pointed out.

“Well sure, logically I knew that. But going to lessons has become routine and you don’t always think about when the routine will change again. And it’s even weirder to think about the fact that Minho and I really only see each other because he’s teaching me.”

“But it doesn’t have to be. You two have already seen each other outside of lessons a couple of times. There is no reason you two can’t keep it up after the showcase.”

“We could, but will we? Neither of us are great about texting and what reason do we have to keep it going? I have a hard time believing we wouldn’t just immediately drift apart and that almost feels worse than if we don’t bother trying.”

“What reason do you need? You’re already friends. He already invited you to his place and cooked for you. Why do you think he wouldn’t want to keep it up? This is besides the possibility of him liking you. I find it hard to believe that he wouldn’t put in the effort. It seems like he already is.”

“But what’s to say that won’t change in a few months when we’re not forced together. I’d rather get the pain out of the way up front than just turn around one day and realize there is nothing between us anymore.”

Chan sighed and shared a quick look with Jisung. “Why aren’t you willing to also put in the work to stay friends? You’re worried about him, but this would be a two-way street.”

“Because when the showcase is over, there isn’t anything keeping us together, Nari won’t be in his class anymore, and unlike Felix, I don’t have something to make him come see me or remind him of me to contact me. We don’t have history together. And I don’t want to try and fight to keep something that might not be there for him. I’m not ready to risk losing him, but the alternatives don’t feel possible.”

“I think maybe you need to talk to him,” Chan said, Jisung heavily agreeing.

“And say what? Please don’t ditch me after the showcase?”

“Maybe not the best way to start it, but it would probably work,” Jisung confirmed. “And frankly, it sounds to me, like you know exactly how you feel about him.”

“What do you know?” Changbin scoffed.

“More than you. You’ve been out of the dating game for a long time now.”

“I don’t think you count as being in the dating game either when you’re looking at proposing to your long-term boyfriend,” Changbin snipped.

“No, see, you left the dating game, I leveled up. Big difference,” Jisung further antagonized Changbin.

“Alright you two. That’s enough.” Chan tried to diffuse the situation as Changbin seemed to be getting annoyed at everything and everyone now. Though Changbin’s only reaction to the placation was to stare Chan down and then wordlessly leave the room with a huff.

“What’s his problem? First, he’s sad and now he’s angry?”

“I’m not sure. Let’s give him a few minutes and if he doesn’t come back, I’ll go find him.”

Chan and Jisung attempted to go back to working and give Changbin some time to work through his own thoughts and cool off. But after nearly twenty minutes and no word of him coming back, Chan decided it was time to go find him.

There was a tiny conference room tucked away and rarely used a couple floors up from their studio that all three had used when they needed some space to work alone. It was the only spot Chan would imagine Changbin running off too if he stayed in the building. And sure enough, Changbin was there sitting in the dark barely sparing a glance when Chan entered.

“My time up?”

“It doesn’t have to be, but I wanted to check in at least.”

“I’m fine, just needed to be alone. Didn’t want to snap at you or Jisung more.”

“You’re kind of all over the place with us today. I know we’re pushing you to try and figure things out, though we mostly thought we were just trying to help.”

“You were. I don’t know where some of this came from. I hadn’t thought about a lot of it before and I really should have and now I don’t know.”

“Honestly, I think maybe you should pay Dr. Kim a visit,” Chan gently suggested.

“Why?”

“Because you’re struggling to figure this out on your own and are getting frustrated. But also, I’ve known you for what, fifteen, twenty years, and I don’t think I’ve seen you so negative about change and keeping a friend. You’re really pushing the idea that Minho is going to have some sort of wake-up call and decide to ghost you. And I can’t imagine where that’s coming from other than maybe Chaeri.”

“What? You think part of me isn’t over her or something? I am,” Changbin countered.

“Romantically? Yes, you are over her. But what she did to you? Maybe not so much. Minho is the first person since Chaeri that has really shown strong signs of wanting a relationship that you haven’t immediately pushed away because you had no interest in them or were using Nari as an excuse. He’s the first person I can tell you’ve thought about the idea of a relationship with. So, now things you thought weren’t a factor or didn’t even realize might be something you hadn’t processed are showing their ugly heads. So, yeah, I think you should probably see a professional. In addition to talking to Minho.”

Changbin groaned. “I don’t know how to talk to Minho about this though. What if I’m just seeing things or reading too much into it because you all are seeing something that isn’t there? I don’t want to make a fool of myself if he doesn’t actually like me.”

“Start with talking about just being friends. About what he hopes happens after he’s no longer your teacher. What does he want? His answer might be more revealing than you think. Or maybe it’ll be vague. Who knows. But it’s better to find out now.”

“That reminds me. He’s my teacher. He’s my daughter’s teacher. Isn’t there some ethics or code of conduct that he’d be risking if he does like me?”

“Probably. But that would be something positive to looks towards your lessons ending. No ethics to worry about then.” Changbin groaned again, but Chan stifled some laughter and pat Changbin on the back. “Want to stay alone a little longer?”

“Yeah. A little. I’ll be back down later. Don’t worry.” Chan nodded and left Changbin alone again. He did return to their studio about an hour later much to Jisung’s relief.

~

Chan was able to work out a date for their meeting rather quickly. Minho had agreed to the end of the following week at the end of the day. He even talked to Changbin with the idea that they would just head to the dance studio together afterwards for Changbin’s lesson.

The meeting went smoothly, Minho didn’t want much besides the general usage licensing for the song to do as he pleased. He was rather vague on what he wanted to use it for but promised that he would run it past the three before actually doing anything since it was still their vocals on the track. Chan had offered for Minho to record it for himself, but Minho turned it down stating he wasn’t a singer and much preferred the current version. Though after a brief discussion, it was decided that the three would re-record it for a much cleaner and updated version.

Since the business aspect of the meeting went quickly and easily, they ended up spending the remainder of their time just chatting and getting to know each other. To say Chan and Jisung’s first personal impression of Minho was good, would be an understatement. They all took to each other so well that anyone else would have a hard time believing they all just met.

“You ready to head over?” Minho asked Changbin when they called time.

“Give me just a few minutes for us to take care of a couple things and I’ll meet you outside.”

“Sure. It was nice to actually meet you two,” Minho said towards Chan and Jisung. “I’ll see you at the showcase.”

When Minho left the room with one last look to Changbin, Chan and Jisung waited an extra moment before swarming on Changbin. Changbin initially tried to ignore them as he packed his bag but they weren’t going to let that happen.

“Okay, he’s even hotter in person. You are so lucky,” Jisung started with, to which Changbin just rolled his eyes.

“Once again, you have a boyfriend you are wanting to propose to.”

“Right, and I am lucky too. Jeongin is on a different level. Don’t think anything I say ranks above him to me.”

“Whipped.”

“Absolutely.”

“Anyways,” Chan interjected. “I think it’s safe to say that meeting Minho only reenforces what we’ve been thinking.”

“I guess that’s good,” Changbin said not really showing much of a reaction.

“Are you going to talk to him today?” Chan asked.

“Maybe. I’ll try at least.”

Jisung grabbed Changbin by the shoulders and forced him to look directly at his face. “You can do it. Even if you only talk about your desire to stay friends after the showcase, that will be more than enough. And I can tell, this guy is absolutely going to want to stick around in whatever way you let him.”

“Thanks. You can let go now.” Jisung quickly let go as if he didn’t even realize he had grabbed Changbin in the first place.

“Changbin, seriously, it’ll be fine,” Chan tried to reassure.

“I get it, but the more you two get on me about it the worse it makes it.”

“Alright, go on. Don’t make him wait any longer.”

Changbin gave a nod to Chan and stepped up to the door. He took one last deep breathe before leaving. He found Minho waiting in the company lobby, just looking at his phone. Though Minho seemed to instantly know he was there because just after Changbin spotted him, Minho looked up. He put his phone away, got up and greeted Changbin with a bright smile.

“Ready to go?”

“Yeah. Did you drive?” Changbin asked.

“Nope. Didn’t feel like it today and figured we could take your normal route.” Changbin was slightly relieved at that. While Minho driving would’ve been faster, Changbin’s not sure he was ready to sit in the confined space of a car with him.

While Minho seemed to find his way to the company just fine, Changbin needed to give some brief directions for their way back. Besides that, Changbin didn’t speak much. He was much too far in his head thinking about talking to Minho. He thought it was alright though because Minho was busy gushing over having his song finally and Changbin was content to just watch him. He enjoyed how Minho lit up with his excitement and just kept offering soft smiles every time he looked over.

When they got off the bus however, Changbin found out just how wrong he was about Minho not noticing his distraction. Minho had grabbed his hand and pulled him out of the way the moment they were off the bus.

“Hey, you good? You seemed distracted the whole meeting too. Something up? Should we cancel practice? I could walk you home instead.”

Changbin shook his head. “No, I’m fine. Really. Just got a lot on my mind.”

“Is it the same thing you mentioned the other day?”

Changbin thought on it for a moment. “You could say that. It’s definitely related.”

“You want to talk about it yet? It seems to be weighing on you more and more.”

“Well, Chan kind of cornered me about it recently, he already knew what is going on. And so now I’m talking to Dr. Kim.”

“Who’s that?”

“A therapist at our company.” Minho nodded. Changbin decided to bite the bullet and at least give Minho a hint of what was going on. Maybe he could breech the other subject easier that way. “Chan realized it before me because of course he did, but I’ve got some unresolved issues from Chaeri and I’s break up that have only recently made themselves apparent.”

“After six years?”

“Yeah. Didn’t notice because it wasn’t relevant until more recently. So, it’s not that I ignored or refused to deal with it before now, I just didn’t realize it.”

“Well I’m sorry you’re dealing with it still. I’m always here for you if you need another ear or distraction or whatever. Do you still want class today?”

Changbin nodded and gestured for Minho start walking towards the studio. He took the hand Minho was still holding, not realizing that until that moment, and used it to turn Minho around and nudge him forward. He let go of the hand and trailed behind by just a step. Minho let him, though kept a close eye on him from over his shoulder.

“I actually have a question for you,” Changbin quietly asked after a minute. Minho paused and turned to look at Changbin but he had turned away.

“Sure. What is it?”

“Have you thought about what will happen after the showcase is done?”

“With what? At this point it’s pretty routine at the studio. Showcase finishes, I have a couple weeks of no ballet classes, and then I start the next group. My other classes have a different schedule so won’t end for a couple more months,” Minho answered though he was certain that’s not quite where Changbin was going with his question.

“I mean, with us. When the showcase ends, I’m done with classes and Nari won’t be in yours anymore. What happens then? Have you thought about it?” Changbin had taken to leaning against the building beside them and staring at the ground.

“What happens then is whatever we want. Sure, it’ll take some time to get used to the lack of lessons and what not. Each season is always an adjustment period with the kids too. But there will be a new routine and well I’ll just have to make sure to bug you more often to see you. I’m sure we can also come up with another excuse to regularly meet up. Can switch up our typical gym times so we can go together for example. Or you could decide you want more dance lessons. Maybe even something other than ballet.” Minho said it with such ease and confidence that it shocked Changbin.

“You really want to keep seeing me?”

“Of course,” Minho answered immediately. “Why wouldn’t I?”

Changbin shrugged. “I mean, we just see each other so much right now, it’s easy for things to change when that’s no longer the case.”

“Sure, if you refuse to put in the work,” Minho said pointedly. Changbin was still refusing to look at him. “Do you think that little of me that I wouldn’t want to? Or so little of yourself?”

That got Changbin’s attention as his head snapped up to stare wide-eyed at Minho.

“No! I just know it happens whether people want it to or not sometimes,” Changbin tried to defend himself.

“Yeah, sometimes life gets in the way and well-meaning thoughts of staying close don’t happen. I know. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try. And we’re both adults with somewhat regular jobs. We were able to find the time to give you lessons and spend time together already. We shouldn’t have a problem finding time in the future too. Unless you don’t actually want that.”

“I want it too. I just didn’t know what you actually wanted and thought of me,” Changbin finally admits.

“What I think of you? It’s a lot. Do you really want to know?” Changbin nodded and Minho sighed. “I like you. Plain and simple. I thought I made that clear. I thought I made it clear that I thought of you as a good friend and thought you saw me the same way at the very least.”

“I do.”

“And if all we ever are is friends, then I am happy with that. I don’t want you going anywhere now that I’ve gotten to know you.”

“You’ve thought about us as being something other than friends?” It was Minho’s turn to look away.

“I’ve thought about a lot of things with you. When I first saw you, I was attracted but I’m a professional and as far as I knew you were a straight married man with a daughter. It also didn’t matter because I only saw you a few times. Then you asked for lessons. And I was stuck keeping my professionalism and simply being friendly because anything more would be wrong and inappropriate. I could be your friend and teacher and at the same time, there was an eventual end date to keep me sane. I knew that if I couldn’t handle it, there was an end point to cut it off. And I had a brief moment where I wondered if I was going to wish for that time to come sooner because I was getting to know you and it wasn’t helping the attraction.”

Changbin just stayed quite and listened in shock as Minho spoke.

“But then we went to the café and Chaeri showed up and I learned not only were you single but you were also bi. That of course didn’t mean you were going to like me, but it meant the only thing keeping it inappropriate was the fact that you were my student. So, I relaxed with you, let my professionalism slip a little, maybe flirted some, and just got close either way. It was good. It was enough. And more so, getting to spend time with both you and Nari, I was falling harder. I still couldn’t wait for our lessons to end so I could actually see if we could be something more in the future. Though I didn’t know what you were feeling but I was willing to just wait and see. You are sometimes so close to me and then other times you’re creating space and keeping me at a distance. I sometimes think it was you just keeping the professional barrier between us until the showcase and I was going to wait until after to finally cross the line and ask you.”

When Minho didn’t speak again, Changbin assumed he was waiting for some sort of response.

“I didn’t even think of the professional line. It was just something I automatically did. I wasn’t trying to push you away. I just didn’t know how to act. I still don’t know. The fact that you just said you want something with me still has me at a loss. But at the same time I want that too. I panicked a little when Chan mentioned our lessons were nearing a close and I wouldn’t see you as much. And even though he and Jisung told me how obvious you were to them, I still had a hard time believing it. Believing that we have what it takes to just keep it up when this is over.”

“When I was younger, I only had one vision of the future,” Minho started. Changbin confused as to where he was going with his statement, but waited quietly for him to continue. “It was always just me on stage in a principle role of a major ballet. Making a name for myself dancing. And dancing only. There was nothing else. But then I had my injury. I fell into a huge depression. It started getting a little better when I was able to slowly start working again and had a plan to get back to the stage. But then I couldn’t do it. What was once second nature suddenly was the most exhausting and painful thing ever. I thought with time, it would come back, I just needed to work harder and build it back up. I would be reminded that healing takes time and this was a serious injury and couldn’t be expected to just jump right back in. I knew it too. Took it slow and steady. But there was no improvement after even a year. And I fell further into my depression than I was originally. Seungmin and Hyunjin got me help. I started seeing a therapist on the regular. Part of my therapy was facing the future. For so long that vision was the only future I saw and now it was out of reach, I knew it was never going to happen so I was lost. I had to find a new future. So, I worked on it. I found a way to still have dance and ballet in my life. I thought about the other things that I wanted. I got a bigger apartment that had plenty of room for my cats and I and visitors. I could finally have my parents in town and let them stay with me. I had room to grow again. As I started healing, I started seeing new versions of myself in the future. Happy, content, dancing, living, and in the end having some one to share it with. I didn’t know who at the time, how could I? But I started seeing someone by my side. Vaguely but I knew they were there.”

Minho paused and locked eyes with Changbin.

“Recently it’s changed. It’s clearer. The person I see by me is you and Nari. I’ve always seen Hyunjin, Seungmin, my family, and that in these visions too but knowing there was space for another. But that space is you two now. And I want nothing else. Regardless of what our relationship is, I know I want you there for a long time by my side.”

Neither spoke for some time, both processing Minho’s entire confession, both going back to avoiding looking at the other. Changbin had attempted to speak a couple times but eventually stopped himself each time. It was Minho who finally stopped their silent standstill.

“You don’t have to come up with a response to that right now. I get it, it’s a lot. But that’s what it is. I don’t expect anything from you. If nothing else, I just want you to stay my friend.”

“Minho,” Changbin spoke softly. “Please don’t misunderstand my silence. I very much want this too. I want this so much that I’m fighting myself for it. Even with you telling and showing me so clearly, part of my brain is arguing against it. Telling me I’m misunderstanding, or that I’m not allowed to want it. I’m stopping myself from keeping the space and barrier and honestly, that scares me. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt the things you make me feel and I’m scared to feel that way. I’m trying to work on it. Really, I am.”

Changbin paused and looked up at Minho. Minho, who had given Changbin all his attention again, was keeping himself from crowding Changbin. He watched as Changbin seemed to collect the rest of his thoughts, looking back and forth between Minho and his own hands. Minho was of course willing to give Changbin all the time he needed.

“I’m still your student for a couple weeks, right?” Minho nodded. “And ethically we need to keep a level of professionalism between us.”

“Realistically, I don’t think anyone at the studio would care, but ethically, yes.”

“Then we have that time before we need to worry about this,” Changbin stated with a little more resolve in voice. “I’m trying to work on myself so there can be something here. Something we both obviously want. I’m of course not going to be free of my problems by then and I won’t even ask you to take me on with those problems. But after the showcase, there will be no more ethical reasons holding us back, only me. But I want it. I want to at least try. And hopefully in a couple weeks, a couple more sessions with Dr. Kim, I’ll be able to do that much. Of course, if I’m not ready yet. I want to be friends while I work on it. It’s been a long time since I’ve wanted this and your worth fighting for it.”

“I'll be here. No matter how long it takes,” Minho said, finally closing the gap between them and wrapping Changbin in a tight hug. “Let's go have our lesson. We're already late. We can just be as we always are and come back to this after the showcase.”

Changbin feels much more relaxed with Minho taking the lead again. They've both gotten out what they needed to say and while things won’t be completely as they were, they both know where they stand and have a plan. They can just be themselves in the meantime and not worry about what’s to come. Or so they hoped.

As they are so close to the showcase, Changbin is mainly doing minute precision adjustments to his form and checking how to do everything when Nari is in the mix. Nari has her choreo all worked out and finalized as best a six year old can, and Changbin is just following along and bringing any issues up to Minho as needed. This had been their routine for the last few lessons. But even with that, and Changbin being well used to Minho’s very hands on method for correcting, now things were different.

Their lesson that night had been rather tense, and Minho had kept his distance as best he could while still being an attentive teacher. He was almost too professional, it was awkward. Thankfully by their next lesson, having had a few days, they had both relaxed. Slightly. Falling back into their more usual habits proved just as awkward, just in a different manner.

“Alright, how is this? I’ve really been trying to get it right,” Changbin said as he went into a pose he’s been really struggling with.

“It’s fine, but not perfect. Any experienced dancer will know you’re a beginner but know what you are doing.”

“Well, that is where I wanted to be. But where am I off?”

Minho stifled a laugh as he got up to correct Changbin’s posture.

“You’re close but your lines aren’t straight enough,” Minho said nudging Changbin’s limbs gently into the better position. When Minho got to Changbin’s shoulders, he had placed one hand on the side of Changbin’s neck and the other on the opposite shoulder. It was only at that point that both had realized just how close Minho had gotten. They locked eyes, realizing there was very little space between them and especially their faces.

Changbin could hear Minho’s sharp inhale and feel his hands twitch against him, which wasn’t saying much since Changbin was certain he was holding his own breath as well. Minho pulled away first, trying to not make it look like he was jolting back.

“Sorry,” Minho said immediately. “I didn’t mean to just get in your face like that. I think your posture is good now.”

Changbin could see the red tinge to Minho’s face before he had turned away, heading for his water bottle on the other side of the room. Changbin was certain if he looked in the mirror he would find himself sporting a similar complexion, already feeling the heat in his face.

“Thanks.” Minho had tried to bypass the situation and stay on track, so Changbin could too. “I don’t know that I’ll get it perfect at the showcase, but hopefully I’ll be closer.”

“You’ll do great. Don’t pressure yourself too much. No one who matters will be judging you.”

“I’m not sure that’s one hundred percent true. I’m pretty sure my whole family and the others will be judging.”

“And Felix is the only one with room to talk and I’m sure I can rope him into helping force everyone to try it and see just how hard it is,” Minho threatened, looking a lot less flustered than he was a moment ago.

“Well, that would be fun to see,” Changbin said, trying to imagine it.

“You’re free to threaten them with that. I’ll follow through.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”

“Alright, let’s get back to work and run through that section again and see if you can hit it in sequence,” Minho said getting them back to their lesson. Thankfully the topic had eased some of the tension between them again, and they made it through the rest without another incident.

After that, Minho was much more cautious of how he was hands-on with Changbin. He certainly didn’t want Changbin to think he was avoiding it, but he wanted to be conscious of their interactions. Changbin could see he was trying and was very appreciative of it as well. Giving them enough space, but also trying not to seem like he was treating him differently. It was a delicate balance, but Minho seemed to make it work.

What more, is that outside of their remaining lessons, Minho had picked up texting Changbin more often. Most of the time, nothing serious, just relaxed, funny texts he wanted to share. He also shared more stories about things that happened in his classes or things Hyunjin told him about. And the more Minho did, the more Changbin reciprocated. Changbin sent more texts of his own, sharing stories of Nari, and work. And while they increased how much they were texting, they still weren’t great at keeping it up, which just led to them calling each other much more frequently. It was this kind of effort that helped ease Changbin.

Of course, even with everything Minho does for Changbin, he is still Minho and throws Changbin off from time to time.

With the showcase approaching quickly, they are down to final touches and details. Changbin has as good of an understanding of the basics as he could and practiced as much of Nari’s ideas as possible. But what Changbin had not thought of though, was their costuming. Thankfully Minho had planned ahead and waited until Nari picked out her outfit from the studio’s collection before he brought Changbin back to pick his.

It was a lot for Changbin. He had no idea what to even think about wearing and he was not expecting as many choices as Minho pulled out for him. Nari had chosen a red dress for herself, so Minho was looking at dressing him in red and black to match. He had what felt like every option for shirts between a simple silky red dress shirt to shirts with so much detail and embellishment on them that it was almost overwhelming on its own. And not to mention the variety of pant shapes and fits they had.

Minho of course kept control of the situation, asking Changbin what he felt the most comfortable in fit wise, as well as asked if there were any piece Changbin immediately didn’t like so they could narrow down their choices. Changbin quickly got rid of the flashiest of pieces, not wanting any extra attention on himself from his outfit, and some shapes that he knew he just wouldn’t be comfortable in. Minho easily took his nixed items and set them to the side to put away later and started going through the remainder of their options. Starting with the pants, he quietly debated before deciding on two and all but shoving Changbin into the dressing room. Thankfully the pants were an easy decision. Despite them not being his usual fit, they were more comfortable to move around in than he expected and he felt quite good in them. Minho approved quickly as well, and Changbin didn’t miss the extra look Minho gave him in the process though he tried to act innocent.

The shirt was a whole different matter. It was a lot harder for Changbin to feel comfortable in the options as they really were just as far outside his style as they could be. And furthermore, Minho’s eyes constantly being on him, was not helping. He had saved the simplest shirt for last, honestly hoping it would be the one, but Minho was hoping to get a little more design in. So far, they agreed none of them were working right, much to Minho’s dismay. While still not the most comfortable, Changbin was feeling the best in the simple dress shirt compared to the others and stepped out to show Minho.

Changbin was of course paying close attention to Minho’s reaction, and this was the weirdest one so far. Minho briefly went wide-eyed but quickly regained composure as he took the whole ensemble in. Though that composure didn’t last long. He tightly tucked his lips in and Changbin thought he might of seen the hint of a smile before Minho covered it with his hands. He also kept glancing away and then right back at Changbin, never being able to keep his eyes on him for more than a moment.

“Yeah, let’s go with this one,” Minho strained out.

“It looks okay? Are we sure I can’t just get a t-shirt or something?”

“It looks great. Fantastic even.” Minho still sounded like he was struggling to get the words out.

“I feel like you think I look ridiculous and are just trying not to laugh at me.”

“Not at all. I am being completely honest.” Changbin still raised an eyebrow at Minho who was obviously trying to get some level of composure back. “Here, let me take a picture and you can send it to Nari and see what she think.”

“Fine,” Changbin resigned quickly.

Minho went ahead and took a few pictures of Changbin and texted them to him. While Changbin called Chaeri and Nari to have Nari look at the pictures when he sends them, Minho is texting Hyunjin as well. His friend is of course supportively unhelpful as he complains about Changbin being too attractive in such a simple outfit. Hyunjin’s one point of help is to remind him that thankfully the showcase is only a few days away and that this is the only other time he’ll have to deal with it. And Minho is thanking every entity in existence for that fact.

When Changbin returns, he has Nari’s giddy approval. He does attempt one last time to get Minho to let him wear a plain t-shirt or something instead, but is quickly shot down. According to Minho, a t-shirt will ruin the whole look of their performance and make him stick out more because it won’t coordinate with Nari’s as nicely. Changbin relents and takes the outfit home that night to keep until the showcase.

The day of the showcase, Changbin was probably more nervous than Nari. He had broken the news of his part of her performance to everyone else the week before so they weren’t too surprised on the day. He was met with a wide variety of reactions, from disbelief from Chaeri to laughter from his sister. His sister was making a special trip to the city to visit and watch with her husband. So, when everyone arrived, they were all giving him expectant looks that just added to his nerves. Nari got to avoid it all by staying with her class backstage.
The showcase was for all the ballet students in the studio though they split them up across two days. The first day was all the advance classes. Nari was part of the second day which covered the remaining four classes that ranged from the starters like Nari up to the more intermediate classes. It allowed the students to show off everything they learned while also seeing what they would be learning if they move up to the next class. None of the classes were too large, averaged about ten students for the starter classes and closer to fifteen or twenty for the intermediate classes since more student tend to stay at that level a little longer. So, the place wasn’t too crowded but there were still a lot of families there, but Changbin swears they had the largest group.

Hyunjin came out to find Changbin not long after Nari had met with her class backstage. As Hyunjin had said before, he was there to help coordinate everything a be extra support. So, Minho had instructed him to find Changbin ahead of time as he would be the one to fetch Changbin when it was time for him to head back for Nari’s turn on stage. They took a moment to work out the details to make it as easy as possible, including making sure Changbin was sitting on the end.

Changbin had also spotted Seungmin walking around with his camera and coordinating himself with another photographer. Seungmin did spare him and Felix quick wave when he noticed at least.

The showcase started with group performances from each of the classes and then it was time for each class to show of their special stages. Nari’s class was first and the only group to do individual stages. The remainder of the classes would all be in groups instead. About three of Nari’s classmates had performed when Hyunjin snuck over to Changbin and pulled him to the back as quietly as possible. Changbin had been too self-conscious to wear the shirt to the event, so he quickly stepped to the dressing room to change before meeting with Minho and Nari.

“Alright, you two ready?” Minho asked once Changbin arrived.

“Yes,” Nari answered with all the enthusiasm she could. She was practically vibrating with excitement.

“As much as I will be,” Changbin said when Minho’s eyes turned to him.

“You’ll both do just fine. You’ve been practicing a lot. But regardless of that, just enjoy yourselves. You’re showing off what you’ve learned in a fun way, not being judged.”

Minho gave Changbin one last supportive squeeze of his shoulder before he gestured for them to take their spots on stage. Nari grabbed Changbin’s hand and practically dragged him along. Her excitement has only grown in the days leading up, no stage fright in site and Changbin is glad that she’s not going through his same nerves.

The track Chan had made for them started playing much has it has nearly everyday for the last few weeks for Changbin and Changbin was quick to start following Nari’s lead. Surprisingly, there was a lot of Nari’s choreography that remained consistent through most of her practices, though a lot was still ever changing and Changbin never quite knew what to expect. On stage was no different, but in the moment, it did help him take the focus off of the audience and keep it strictly on his daughter. He had no idea how he looked, but Nari’s bright smile made him not care. She was happy and that was his entire goal.

Minho had been waiting to greet them afterwards. He had sent the next student up and then put all his focus on them. He started with Nari, giving her a big hug and praise and then sending her off to get ready for their final stage and wait with the rest of her class. Nari gave Changbin a hug and thanked him for doing the performance with her as well before she ran off. And then Changbin felt the weight of Minho’s stare on him.

Changbin could barely react before he had Minho kissing him and still hadn’t fully registered it when Minho quickly ended it.  

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. We haven’t talked about anything yet. I guess I just acted before thinking,” Minho quickly apologized. “Uh, good job out there. You did great.”

“It’s okay. I’ll forgive you this time,” Changbin said when he regained some composure, though he is certain his face is extremely flushed. “But I thought we were waiting until after the showcase? Ethics and all.”

“Technically you stopped being my student two days ago. So, ethics are out the windows now. But we can still talk after.”

“Yeah, you still have students to take care of. But just to even it out,” Changbin started to say before he reached up, hand behind Minho’s neck and pulled him for an equally quick kiss as the one Minho had given him. He said nothing else when it was done, just let him go and started to walk away.

“That’s fair.” Changbin heard Minho mumble quietly before he left the room.

When Changbin changed again and made it out to his seat again, he was met with his whole group’s eyes on him. His family mostly gave him thumbs up and quick praise before focusing back on the performances. Chaeri gave a little nod and then otherwise ignored him and that’s the best Changbin expected from her. The remaining four however were very much staring him down intently it was almost frightening.

“What?” Changbin asked in a barely audible whisper.

“Good job,” Jisung finally said quietly. “On the performance and the man.” Changbin went wide-eyed at the rest of Jisung’s statement and quickly looked at the rest of his friends who were all now looking in completely different directions.

“Wait, what happened?” Changbin’s sister asked, turning around from her spot in the row ahead of them.

“Changbin and Minho kissed,” Jisung answered.

“Oh damn. Finally.”

“How do you know?” Changbin was stunned considering he hadn’t told his sister anything about Minho really.

She tsked. “I know you won’t talk, so I make Jisung tell me everything. Nari tells me too.” All eyes suddenly turned on Jisung.

“So, you’ll tell her but not me? Chan tells me nothing. Just that Changbin will tell me eventually,” Felix complained.

“You knew enough you could’ve gotten it from Minho,” Jisung counters.

“Whatever, bigger question. How the hell did you all know Minho kissed me?” Changbin was doing his best to still whisper and not disturb the other families watching their children.

“Hyunjin texted like a week and a half ago and had me put us all in a group chat. He saw you. Texted us. Then again when you kissed Minho too,” Felix explained.

“Rude.”

“It’s not rude. We now all know you have a boyfriend, we’re engaged, everyone is happy.” Once again, all eyes snap to Jisung.

“You’re engaged? You were supposed to tell us before you proposed,” Chan said.

“I didn’t. The ring comes in on Tuesday. He did.” Jisung pointed back to Jeongin who very smugly raised Jisung’s hand and pointed to the new ring on it. He then reached over Jisung to give Felix a silent high-five that didn’t go unnoticed.

“Felix? You knew?” Chan questioned.

“Well yeah. I was helping Jeongin the entire time.” Jisung gasped, which had Changbin’s mother turning around to shush him. Jisung mouthed an apology and then turned on Felix.

“You traitor. I thought you were helping me.”
“Yeah, helping you get engaged. You’re welcome. Jeongin asked me first.” That got some quite snickers and laughs from the group, but once again Changbin’s mother turned around and stared them down for their talking. They remained quiet for the remainder of the showcase.

After the showcase, while waiting for Nari and Minho, they all got to talk more about the details of Jisung and Jeongin’s engagement and properly congratulate them. Seungmin had also joined them at one point, meeting the rest of the group and giving Changbin a knowing look that said he also got the texts about them. That had of course, started the rest on trying to grill Changbin for more information, but Changbin brushed them all off since technically there wasn’t anything else left to say yet.

Hyunjin and Nari were the first to join them as Minho was stopped by more parents on the way. Nari thankfully seemed to have missed all the commotion about Changbin and Minho’s relationship and Changbin was eager to keep it that way for just a tiny bit longer. She of course also went over to greet her mother and grandparents, leaving time for Changbin to tell the others to keep quiet.

Minho had slipped in to their group almost unnoticed as everyone was busy talking at the time. He seemed less phased by the silent stares when he was finally noticed than Changbin had been earlier. Minho gave a glance to Hyunjin who just tried to innocently shrug. In the end, all he received was an eyeroll and no further comments.

“So, who wants to celebrate a well-done showcase? And I suppose engagement,” Minho said as he had just been informed moments earlier. “Everyone is welcome at my place. Chaeri, that includes you if you wish.”

Chaeri was taken back by the invitation and even questioned it.

“Well, why shouldn’t you get to celebrate Nari’s day with everyone? We’re all peaceful here, right? It would be rude to not invite you,” Minho answered. After some hesitation Chaeri agreed for at least a short visit. Changbin had silently raised an eyebrow as well, but Minho brushed it off with a smile.

Everyone else of course eagerly agreed, especially when Minho said he was ordering food for everyone. So, it wasn’t long before everyone was headed towards Minho’s apartment together. Minho had quietly asked Hyunjin and Seungmin to lead the way and then dropped back to create some distance between Changbin and him and everyone else.

“It’s not the most private, but I figured maybe we could start talking while we walked,” Minho had said to answer Changbin’s silent question. Some of the others had also noticed the two falling back but seemed to understand and mind their business for the moment.

“Oh, sure.” It was silent for a few moments, just the ambient sounds of the city and their friends and family talking ahead of them. Neither really knew how to fully start the conversation.

“I know you kissed me afterwards too, but I really hope I didn’t overstep earlier. We agreed to talk first and there I go kissing you.,” Minho finally started.

“It’s fine. It’s not like I didn’t like it. And I made it even. So, we’re all good.”

“Good. Good,” Minho awkwardly answered but still relieved.

“I’ve had a couple more sessions with Dr. Kim since we last talked.”

“And how’s that going?”

“Good I suppose. There’s a lot for me to talk about and he’s thinking of recommending me to someone else who can be a little more specialized in my needs. Though he is already helping quite a lot.”

“More to talk about than you originally realized then?”

“Oh yeah. I will sometimes talk to Chan and Jisung about stuff, but I tend to listen and help with other people’s problems more than I talk about my own. So, I guess a lot of it has been building up over the years.”

“Did you want to wait longer then? Meet with this specialist and have more time?” Minho tentatively asked. “It’s okay if you do.”

Changbin shook his head. “There is a logical part of me that knows I should probably say yes. But I don’t want to. I know I am probably not in a state to be a good partner and I will probably need extra reassurance from time to time. And I’m still a father and a workaholic who has barely found the balance between those two things already, that it might take some time to balance a relationship in that mix as well. But I want to try this. I want a relationship with you more than I’ve wanted a lot of things in my life. There is of course a part of me that doubts this is possible. That I’m capable of it. But that’s what the therapy is for. And everyday I can tell myself more that you like me and you show that all the time, and that I like you too and that’s enough to want to work for it. To put in the effort to make a relationship work. I really do like you Minho. And I want there to be an us.” Changbin finally spared Minho a look when he gave his finally confession again. He barely noticed Minho had stopped them until that point. But Minho was staring at him with such adoration that Changbin was struggling to keep himself from blushing.

“If you are willing to try, then so am I. I don’t need you to be perfect and ‘cured’ to want to be with you. I want you as you are, and in the future still when you’ve kept working hard to better yourself for yourself, not just me. We can take it slow, I promise. I won’t pressure you for more than you are able, and I will also be your biggest supporter if you let me. I told you before that I just want you with me, and that is still very much the case. So, let’s see where this goes. I won’t ask you to be my boyfriend yet, though I really want to. Let me take you out a couple times. Have some real dates. And some dates with Nari, cause I know she is a part of this too. And then I’ll ask you.”

Changbin could no longer keep the blush down and he knew he had to be bright enough of a red to rival a tomato at this point. Changbin has been saying for weeks now that Minho always seems to know exactly what Changbin needs and that is still very true.

“I will ask you now though, if I can give you another kiss. A better one this time.” Minho asked a little smugly though still lighthearted and easy for Changbin to refuse if he wished.

“Yeah. You can.”
Minho wasted no time and dipped down to kiss Changbin. It was much longer and obviously full of all the feelings Minho had been holding back for Changbin’s sake. Changbin couldn’t help but melt into it, wrapping his arms around Minho tightly.

They would’ve kissed for longer, however both had seemed to forgot they had been with another group of people.

“DAD!” The pair broke away the moment they heard Nari shout. “Mr. Minho!”

Nari and Chan were still a short distance from them, but close enough they could see Chan apologizing heavily.

“Sorry, she noticed you weren’t right behind us anymore.”

“What is going on here?” Nari asked.

“Nothing Nari. Minho and I just had some things to talk about,” Changbin answered, still trying to get his heartrate, and blushing under control. He was relieved to noticed Minho was in a similar state at least.

“Are you two dating?” Nari had started walking up to the both of them.

Minho and Changbin both froze at the question, looking to each other for the answer.

“Kind of,” Minho finally admitted.

“That’s what we were talking about.”

“Mr. Minho. Do you like my dad?” Nari asked, arms crossed, staring Minho down with as much intensity as the six-year-old could muster.

“Very much.”

“I knew it. You won’t hurt him, right?”

“I’ll do my very best.” Nari waited a moment more and then broke out into a huge grin.

“Good. I’m hungry. Let’s go eat,” Nari announced, grabbing both Changbin and Minho’s hands and leading them back towards the rest of the group. The two shared a look and a quiet smile as they happily let Nari lead them to Chan and eventually Minho’s apartment where everyone else was waiting inside for them.