Chapter Text
Taemin stretches out along the length of his white couch, his head resting on Minho’s lap. The muscle beneath him a bit too firm, but just comfortable enough to keep him there, absently scrolling through his phone. They’ve been like this for a while now, settling in comfortable silence, the TV screen quietly cycling through Netflix previews after leaving it on when the movie ended.
"Taeminnie."
He feels Minho glance down at him.
"Mm?" Taemin mutters out, eyes still fixed on his screen.
"Let's go to Switzerland."
His thumb freezes mid-scroll. He looks up at Minho, staring at him for a few seconds before giving a small laugh and returning to his videos.
"Yeah, sure. When?" "Next week. For your birthday."
Wait what? Taemin sits up. Scans Minho's face for any sign he was joking but is only met with gentle doe-like eyes, looking back at him.
"You’re serious?”
“Mm.”
“Why?”
Minho laughs softly. “What do you mean why?”
“But what about your schedule? A-and the others?" He feels his words embarrassingly rush out, already feeling flustered.
Minho just shrugs. "I'm basically free that whole week, nothing going on until the one after…unless you have something important to do?"
Taemin’s brows furrow, soft pout tugging at his lips as he mentally reviews his schedule. "No…I guess not. Just some concert prep here and there, but that's not until the week after, either."
Minho's face lights up with a brief flicker of relief, almost as if he was worried Taemin would say no. "Perfect! Then… I guess we should probably start looking into our flights and accommodations. There’s not much time left."
But he still hadn't answered the second part of Taemin's question. It couldn't really be just the two of them...right? His memory isn’t always the best, but he vaguely remembers the other members mentioning they’ll be busy the next few days. Jinki-hyung had texted him about getting ready for his upcoming album promotions. Kibum-hyung had recently apologized for not being able to be around for his birthday, something about an overseas schedule. And Jonghyun-hyung was off on a summer trip with his mom and noona, promising he’d be back by next Friday to treat him to something nice.
So...
"Just me and you?" Taemin asks softly, his face suddenly burning. Minho reaches out to pinch his cheek.
"Yeah! Unless you'd rather bring some of your friends along? I don’t mind."
God, no. They were the only ones he trusted enough to know about his crush on Minho. Bringing them along would just make it worse. He wouldn’t be able to handle their teasing, their not-so-subtle nudges to just tell him already. He hasn’t even told the other members, and not because he doesn’t trust them, but because the teasing would somehow be worse.
"No, I just-- we've never gone on a trip together before." Taemin mumbles.
"All the more reason to go. You used to travel with Jonginnie and your other group of friends. Won’t it be the same?"
No, it wouldn’t. It would only heighten his feelings toward Minho, make him hyperaware that they’re alone together. And all he’s wanted, for the longest time, is to get rid of these stupid thoughts.
"But hyung, isn’t this kind of sudden? I mean...you could just buy me anything, really. We don't have to go so far."
Minho ruffles his hair, only making Taemin's face burn even redder. "Let hyung spoil you for once. You deserve it. When else will we get a chance to take a break like this?"
Taemin pouts, brain running a million miles an hour, already sensing this was going to be a terrible idea. At least for his emotional stability.
It was one thing to be around Minho when the other members were present, or when they were at each other's homes, like now. Because eventually they'd part ways, giving Taemin space to breathe. But a trip? Multiple days together? No convenient excuses to escape. Just the two of them stuck 24/7. There'd be no hiding his secret then.
But, of course, it’s his heart that so faithfully decides to betray him.
"You're right," he says, hoping his voice doesn’t sound too nervous. “Let me go grab my laptop."
He stands and walks down the hallway toward his bedroom. His laptop is already half-open on his bed. He had originally planned a relaxing day off, maybe binge a few movies and doze off halfway through, but that was before the doorbell rang. Minho had shown up tall and glowing like he always did. His eyes had crinkled at the corners with that blinding smile that never failed to make Taemin weak in the knees. And of course, he’d been wearing a stupid tight-fitting shirt that clung perfectly to his frame, hinting at the muscle underneath. He’d looked annoyingly perfect, radiating with the energy of a golden retriever as he waved a bag of food in front of Taemin’s face. Idiot.
A small smile tugs at his lips just as he hears a soft meow break through his thoughts, and glances down to see Kkoong weaving around his legs. He gently pets her and lets out a long sigh. Scooping up his laptop, he heads back to the living room, Kkoong following closely behind.
He plops down on the couch just as she jumps up and curls beside Minho, purring loudly. "She likes you, hyung," Taemin says, smiling at the sight. Minho beams and reaches out to scratch her behind her ears. "Where's Daeng?"
Taemin glances around the room. "Mmmh…probably in the closet, napping on top of my clothes. I tried to block him from getting in, but he still found a way, so I just gave up. Can’t even get mad, they’re just too cute,” he lets out a small laugh.
Then, without warning, Minho leans in and takes a quick whiff of Taemin’s hair. There and gone, only causing Taemin’s heart rate to spike up. As he pulls back, he nods thoughtfully, “I get why he was so determined. I'd probably do the same.”
Caught off guard, he shoots him a look. "Hyung—what? You're being weird." Minho just bursts into laughter. "Yah! Weird? This weird hyung is treating you to the trip of your dreams, you should be treating me more nicely.”
He rolls his eyes. “I didn’t ask you to, though.”
Minho clicks his tongue and points at the laptop, “Hurry up before I change my mind." Taemin waves a hand dismissively, a smile tugging at his lips as he turns to the screen. He starts typing into the search bar, hoping the clack of the keys mask the erratic thumping of his heart.
Taemin keeps scrolling and scrolling, anxiously chewing on his bottom lip. "None of the rooms available have separate bedrooms," he mutters. "I've even set the filter for three people to try and get an extra bed, but those are all sold out…we're too late."
"Why don’t we get the single bedroom and share a bed?" Taemin's heart jumps, turning to look at Minho, tentative and unsure.
"What? It's not like we haven't slept in the same bed before," Minho says with a shrug. "Besides, I doubt we'll find anything else at this point." Yeah, they’ve shared a bed before, but that was ages ago. They were still kids. Taemin hadn’t even been aware of his feelings back then. It’s like life is truly trying to mock him because this trip is supposed to be healing, but it only looks like it’s going to drive him insane.
He could still back out, though. Nothing’s been booked yet. He could just say he suddenly remembered an important schedule, make an excuse, and dodge this entire dilemma.
But...Switzerland.
It’s been over ten years since he last went and he’s been dreaming of going back ever since. Taemin stares at the screen, praying Minho can't see how red his ears have become. "...Are you sure?"
"Mm!", Minho says without hesitation. "The one you just clicked on looks really nice!"
Taemin scrolls through the preview images of the listing. The lodge is small, tucked between mountains and greenery. Inside, the open layout looks cozy and clean. There’s a small kitchen with white cabinets and dark countertops, and across from it, a wooden dining table stands at the center of the space, surrounded by several chairs. Another photo shows a warm, minimal living room with just a couch and TV, creating more of an open space. And beside it are large glass doors, framed in wood that open out to a balcony. A long bench with cushions sits out there, next to a wooden table, both perfectly positioned to take in the view.
He keeps clicking through the images until he stops short at the photo of the bedroom. A single queen-sized bed sits neatly in the middle of the room, surrounded by warm wooden furniture.
Minho leans in, "The bed looks pretty big. We won't have to worry about each other's space." Taemin's heart skips a beat. One very specific detail flashes in his mind, one of the many things he knows about Minho.
"But hyung, you cling to anything you can find when you sleep," he pouts.
Minho scoffs, caught off guard. "Aigoo~ like you don't have weird sleeping habits."
He leans his head against Taemin's shoulder, eyes closing, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Besides, I think I'll enjoy holding onto something so soft and warm for once." Taemin doesn’t respond. Still gnawing at his bottom lip, he stares hard at the screen, ears burning. Eventually, Minho looks up at him. "But if you'd rather sleep on your own, I can take the couch. Looks comfortable too."
"What? No! I couldn't do that to you. It's just—like you said, I have weird sleeping habits, so I don't want to be the reason you lose sleep."
"I promise you won't. I'm a heavy sleeper."
Taemin hesitates for a moment. It would only be a few days. Just friends sleeping together, like they used to.
"…Okay."
"Should we look at other places, or do you like this lodge?" Minho asks.
"I like this one. It looks cozy. I've gotten a bit sick of sleeping in hotels lately."
Minho laughs and sits up, pulling out his wallet. He holds out his credit card toward Taemin. He looks at it, then back at Minho. "Hyung, no. I can pay for this, really." But Minho only frowns and says, "Then it wouldn't be a birthday present. I'll cover the lodge and flights. Don’t worry about it."
And when he doesn’t respond, Minho reaches over to ruffle his hair.
"Mm? Please?"
Taemin sighs and takes the card. "Fine. But don't complain later about how I'm draining your bank account." Minho smiles and nudges him with a gentle shoulder bump.
With slightly shaky fingers, and a heart threatening to burst out of his chest, Taemin starts entering their information. Each number, each letter, makes it more real. And then, the confirmation number hits him like a final jab.
He's so screwed.
The days pass by too quickly for Taemin’s liking, but they’re here.
Iseltwald.
Their chosen destination.
The long ride after landing in Zurich had been worth it because every passing second here steals Taemin’s breath. The small town is tucked between mountains, their slopes carved by time and wrapped in lush greenery. The lake below shimmers in shades of blue and green, its surface catching the sunlight and sparkling like a million tiny stars.
He rolls down the car window, closes his eyes, and breathes in the crisp mountain air.
“It’s beautiful,” Minho says, his voice suddenly close behind Taemin’s ear. He feels him leaning in, trying to get a better look through his window. “You know, they filmed a scene from Crash Landing on You somewhere around here,” Minho adds.
Taemin opens his eyes just to roll them. “Of course you would know.”
“Everyone does! They filmed all over Switzerland. Did you not watch it? You told me you did.”
“Mm. I started it, but never finished it. Too cheesy.”
Minho reacts offensively, just as he expected, “But that’s the charm of the drama! It got popular for a reason. I mean, a North Korean soldier falling for a South Korean woman who literally crash-lands into their territory? A highly unlikely situation. But that’s what makes it irresistible, and it builds the romantic tension everyone so lov—"
Taemin can’t help but tune him out, and instead looks forward, past the windshield for a change of scenery. Until he sees the familiar tiny lodge come into view.
“Look hyung!” Taemin cuts in, leaning forward, “I think we’re here!”
As the car comes to a stop, Taemin hops out and stretches wide, muscles aching from the long trip. He joins Minho at the back to grab their bags but pauses for a moment to take it all in. The lodge sits gently on the open grass, exuding just the right amount of cozy charm and just the sight of it is already making Taemin’s whole body hum with happiness.
“Wahh~ it looks so cute!”
Minho smiles and slips a piece of paper into Taemin’s hand. “Here. I wrote down the code to unlock the door. Go open up while I take care of our bags.”
Taemin doesn’t hesitate and quickly walks up to the front door. As he opens up, he’s met with a hallway that leads down to the open layout of the house. It looks exactly like the photos, but its charm shines even more in person. The dining table sits in front of him, the kitchen to his right, and the living room to his left. Next to it, the large glass doors open out to the balcony. He steps outside carefully, eyes widening at the view in front of him. Huge mountains rise in every direction, fields of grass stretch endlessly, and other lodges are scattered here and there. It’s so picturesque he really thinks he might cry just from the pretty sights. Scanning the balcony briefly, he can already imagine what it’ll be like to sit out here with Minho later.
As he steps back inside, his gaze catches on the door to his right.
The bedroom.
He feels his heart stop. He’d been so focused on the scenery, he completely forgot about the one thing that’s been weighing on him the most.
He reaches out, fingers resting lightly on the doorknob.
“Taemin-ah!”
He flinches away.
Minho appears from the hallway, hauling their luggage inside with some trouble.
“Did you pack your whole closet?!” he says, pretending to catch his breath. “I thought Kibum-ah was bad with overpacking, but I think you might have him beat.”
Taemin lets out a laugh and steps closer. “Might as well put all those muscles to work,” he teases, giving Minho’s arm a soft squeeze. So firm and warm under his stupid small fingers. Minho’s muscles even more stupid because why was he training so hard for no other reason than to show them off and make Taemin crazy?
Minho scoffs and rolls his eyes. “We’re only staying here for a few days. You were supposed to pack light.”
“But I always bring extra clothes for those just-in-case moments. You never know!”
Minho grins and ruffles his hair. “I’m teasing.”
With his hands on his hips, he looks around the space, eyes lighting up as he takes it all in. “I think we chose the right place. It’s a pity we’re only here for a short time, I'm already in love with it.”
And Taemin is already in love with him. Has been, for so long. But he’ll have to set those feelings aside, just until this trip is over.
A few hours later, Taemin is stretched out on the bed. Minho had gone out to make a quick trip to the grocery store before they closed. They were going to need food and drinks for the next few days. Taemin could’ve gone too, but he’d blurted out some excuse about being tired. But really, he just needed to be alone for a while.
Now, as he sinks deeper into the mattress, a small wave of relief washes through him. Just the comfort of being alone, surrounded by complete silence. Yet his body still feels heavy, eyes even heavier. His emotional instability wearing him down more than he expected.
Focus.
All he needs to do is keep a friendly distance, especially at night. He has to bury all of it—his feelings, his thoughts—push them deep, deep down where Minho will never find them. He can’t risk ruining everything. The trip. Their group. Their friendship. He’d lose his mind if he ever lost Minho.
His thoughts keep turning over and over, one after another, and he doesn’t hear Minho return until he suddenly appears at the bedroom door.
“Already hogging the bed?”
Taemin sits up and throws him an annoyed look. “I might just take you up on your offer. I’ll keep the bed to myself and you sleep on the couch.”
Minho clicks his tongue. “Come out to the kitchen, I brought several things you might like.”
Taemin stands, following him closely. On the counter, a few bags sit open, various items scattered around them. Different kinds of meat, pre-made salads, fruit, essentials and—
His eyes light up, “Hot chocolate!”
Minho smiles gently. “They had so many instant packs, I wasn’t sure which one to get, but hopefully this one tastes good.”
Taemin might just make some right now, it’s cold enough here to actually crave something warm in the middle of July.
“Thanks, hyung.” Cheeks already starting to hurt from how much he’s been smiling.
Then, Minho reaches into another bag and pulls out a white box.
“I also managed to find this.” He opens it slowly. “What’s a birthday without its cake?”
Taemin’s heart thrums in his chest. “Hyuuung~”
He leans in closer to take a peek and inside he finds a small, round, chocolate-covered cake.
“If you’d come with me, I would’ve let you pick the one you wanted,” he teases, a small smirk tugging at his lips.
“No—its perfect. I love it.”
Minho reaches out to pinch his cheek, and Taemin feels his face flush. How is he supposed to keep his feelings in check when Minho goes around doing things like this? His heart’s already too weak for this kind of affection.
“We still have a few hours left before it hits midnight. Do you want to wait, or should we do it tomorrow?”
“I feel tired, but I don’t think sleep would come soon…what about you?”
“I slept too much on the plane. I think I need to be awake for a bit longer before heading to bed,” Minho smiles.
Just then, Taemin’s stomach growls. He quickly hugs his stomach, embarrassed.
“I guess sleep isn’t what you need,” Minho teases, reaching out to poke his side.
Taemin gives a sheepish grin, “It’s been a while since we last ate, can you blame me?”
Minho just shakes his head, smiling. They start putting away the groceries, talking about nothing in particular. Then they prepare something light for dinner, Taemin making sure not to forget his hot chocolate.
Everything feels peaceful, like everything might actually be okay, somehow losing himself in this soft domesticity with Minho. Loses track of time in the comfort of it all. And before he knows it, it’s just a few minutes to midnight.
Minho is hurriedly placing a candle in the middle of the cake and darts off to turn off the lights, leaving Taemin at the dining table.
“Shit. Where did I leave the matches?” Minho mutters, turning on his phone’s flashlight. The beam bounces wildly around the kitchen as he searches, clearly flustered. Taemin watches amused and can’t help the soft laugh that escapes him. Minho always wanting everything to be perfect, even down to lighting the candle right at midnight.
When he finally finds the box, he hurries back to light it. The soft, warm glow casts gently over their faces. Taemin’s eyes naturally settle on Minho’s, so beautiful, so effortlessly gentle in the low light.
“Okay…are you ready?”
Taemin nods. “Mm.” His smile stretches wide, feels his eyes crinkling at the corners, too impossible to hide how happy he is.
The digits on the clock change exactly to midnight and Minho starts singing, his phone recording, but gaze never leaving Taemin’s face. Eyes so bright and adoring, it sends sparks racing down his spine, his stomach fluttering under the weight of that attention. And as the song ends Minho throws his arms up with a cheer, loud and embarrassing, just like always.
“Happy birthday, Taeminnie! Make a wish!”
Taemin places his hands together and closes his eyes.
I wish for happiness to always find my family, my members…and maybe…just for once…to find me.
He opens his eyes and blows out the candle with a timid smile.
Minho claps and cheers again, and Taemin’s whole body flushes with heat. Embarrassed, overwhelmed, but so incredibly happy.
Minho gets up to turn the lights back on, the sudden brightness making Taemin blink. He hears him rummaging in the kitchen for plates and a knife, and when he returns, Minho grins and asks, “What’d you wish for?”
“It’s a secret,” Taemin says, sticking out his tongue.
Minho narrows his eyes at him playfully. “I hope you didn’t wish for more trips like this. I’m already at a financial loss.”
Taemin laughs. “Maybe I did. But I can’t tell you, otherwise it won’t come true.”
“Yah!” Minho points the knife at him in mock offense. “Look how spoiled you’re getting. You make more money than hyung, it should be the other way around.”
Taemin smirks and reaches for the knife. “Okay, okay. I’ll make it up to you some other time.”
He gently slices a small piece and places it in front of Minho.
“You’re even being stingy with the cake,” Minho clicks his tongue.
“It’s too late to be eating so much. All this sugar’s gonna keep us awake. We’ll be tossing and turning all night.” Still, he cuts a larger slice and hands it over.
Minho shrugs. “We can stay up and do other things.”
Taemin freezes.
“…What?”
Minho doesn’t even blink. “We still have to unpack and organize our things in the room. Oh, and let me know which side of the bed you want, so I can take the other and put my stuff in the nightstand.”
“Right. Okay,” he manages to mutter, willing his heart to just calm down. Taking Minho’s smaller slice of cake, he manages a small bite. He’d been excited for its taste, but now it feels rough in his mouth and tastes like nothing. Worry uselessly filling his brain again.
When they finally decide to head to bed, Taemin picks the right side, the one facing the window. Maybe the morning view will help distract him from the urge to turn and stare at Minho’s sleeping face, relaxed and soft and beautiful. He’ll need to stick to his side as best he can. No dangerous thoughts, no dangerous reactions and definitely, no dangerous wanting.
Earlier, the bed had felt soft and comfortable. Now, Taemin lies stiff as a plank, muscles too tense, eyes locked on the window he’d hoped would bring him peace. It doesn’t.
He squeezes his eyes shut, desperate for sleep to take over, desperate not to do something stupid. Like wake up with a boner. The last thing he needs is to act like a teenager going through puberty.
He inhales, slow and deep, trying to ground himself. Tries to focus on Minho’s breathing instead of his own racing thoughts. Tries to match the rhythm to his, gentle and steady. He forces his body to relax, begs his mind to quiet down. And somehow, eventually, Minho’s breathing lulls him to sleep.