You decided you didn't want to be a nuisance to Minho, so, after staying put for the weekend and letting your feet heal, you said to yourself that this was it.

Han was gone to University. That much you knew, since he sent you pictures of his campus as soon as he got there. You were glad you exchanged numbers before he left.

With him being gone, there was no one else left to help Minho with the restaurant, so, you decided that this was the perfect time to do something and prove to him that you were there to help, not to take advantage of him.

But to your surprise, when you went downstairs, all the chairs were placed with their legs up on top of the tables, and Minho was idly sorting through spices and other containers filled with different types of rice, pasta, and other things you weren't quite sure what they were.

"Hello." You smiled and went near him. "Busy?"

"Hello! No, not really." He returned your smile and turned to face you. "Slept good?"

"Mhm. The only thing I've been doing the past 2 days is sleep. I think I'm ready to help out. So, what's going on?" You asked, pointing around.

"Ahh, you mean the restaurant?" he chuckled. "We're closed until 8 PM today. Monday's usually restock day, so I was just about to head out and do some shopping. I actually wanted to ask if you wanted to come with me, if your feet are alright."

"Oh! Yes! They're totally fine!"

"Good." He laughed a bit at your enthusiasm, making you fake a frown.

"Go get changed, then." He shooed you away and turned again to the containers on the counter, making inventory. "Ah, by the way, I got something for you this morning."

He pointed to a black gift bag on his left and continued talking, without looking at you.

"I don't know if they're the right shade and you obviously don't have to wear anything if you don't want to – but I thought that you might feel a bit uncomfortable to go outside. I don't mind it either way, though, so I hope you won't take it the wrong way or anything. It's just that you averted your eyes a lot and seemed unsure of yourself because of the... bruises... the first time we met, and I don't want you to feel that way when we go out or when you help in the restaurant."

In the black bag was a gift set with some make-up products and tools: a foundation with a small make-up sponge, mascara, an eyeshadow palette and a few basic brushes, a palette with bronzer, blush and highlighter and some other skin care products. Basically, anything you would need if you wanted to do a full face and then have a whole skincare routine. You felt really grateful, first of all because no one's ever gotten you any gifts before, and secondly, because you would finally be able to hide the bruises and have them heal without anyone's questioning eyes on them.

However, you couldn't help but wonder just how much money Minho spent on this gift set for you. You recognised the brands in the gift set as you've seen them in advertisements all the time, and sometimes also in the windows of make-up shops, and you always gauged at the price. Even when you were working, you would never think to spend so much on make-up, nor were you allowed to do so when you were still living with your ex. He had absolute control over your finances.

When Minho noticed your silence, he assumed you hated the gift and apologised to you.

"I'm sorry if I offended you. I just thought-"

"You didn't offend me." You corrected him quickly. "But Minho... you must've spent a fortune on these. How many days would I have to work for you to pay you back?"

"... what?" he looked puzzled.

"How many days would it take to work for you to pay you back? These surely cost..."

"Dal-Rae." He finally looked up and met your eyes. "Just accept them. I don't want your money; I just want you to focus on getting better."

"But-"

"No buts. You can pay me back in 6 years from now after you've gotten your life together and your baby starts going to school. Until then, just accept it. Alright?"

You nodded unsure and gave up on the argument, aware that Minho was not going to budge. That's just who he was, you figured, and there was no point in fighting it.

Then, you went and got ready, trying on the make-up he bought for you. You were not skilled at all, but the countless hours you spent watching make-up tutorials on YouTube finally turned out to be useful at something.

When you came back down, Minho finished making inventory and was waiting for you.

"Ready? Wow! Look at you!" he exclaimed when he saw you.

Minho knew you were pretty. In fact, that's the first thing he noticed when he sat down in front of you for the first time three days ago. But then, your face was black and blue, you had a busted lip and such a big frown, the tiredness made you look 10 years older.

Even if he couldn't really spend time with you these past days since the restaurant was so busy, it looked like you got a bit more used to the place. Your shoulders were relaxed, and with the make-up, you seemed more confident to face the world. That's why he couldn't help the growing smile on his face.

"Where are we going?" You asked and smiled when Minho bent down to put on your shoes and tie them, noticing that you were struggling to do so by yourself.

"Well... first of all, we'll go get you some pregnancy-friendly shoes with no laces. I don't want a hump." He chuckled. "Maybe some boots too, considering that it's winter. Then, I want to get you some more clothes."

"Minho-"

"I'll deduct them from your paycheck if you want. Look what a cute bow I made! Damn, I'm skilled!" He cut you off and showed you a victorious smile, pointing to your shoelaces proudly.

You puffed and bumped your hand on his shoulder, giggling.

~

"Hi, Olivia!" Minho shouted as soon as you entered the small boutique he brought you to.

"Lee Know? What a surprise!" a feminine voice could be heard from behind the store.

"Lee Know?" you whispered and nudged Minho's side.

"It's my nickname." He explained quickly, and before you could inquire any further, a petite girl hurried your way.

"Pfiu! Sorry I look like this, I was just working on some clothes after I got this amazing idea and was swamped! To what do I owe the pleasure?" she excused herself, although you truly didn't get what she meant. She looked amazing, like one of the girls in the magazines you'd read when you were a teen. Her face was the perfect shape, and she checked all the boxes of the "perfect girl image" you could think of.

"Just came to get some new clothes and shoes for her from the pro herself."

"Oh my, we haven't met before, have we?" she asked, eyeing you up and down curiously. When her sight got stuck on your bump, you became uncomfortable, and the awkwardness only grew when she shifted her gaze to Minho and exclaimed loudly "Did you get a girl pregnant and didn't tell any of us?!"

"No, he-" You quickly intervened to correct the situation and get Minho off the hook, but got cut off by him instead.

"Yeah, so what? What's so wrong with that, huh?" he asked, and wrapped his arm around you, pulling you closer.

The girl – Olivia – got as red as a beet and started apologising immediately.

"Oh my God, that came out sooo wrong. I didn't mean to be such a bitch!" she looked at you.

"Yeah, thought so." Minho smiled in a fake manner. "So, anyway, Dal-Rae, this is Olivia, Chris' wife. Olivia, this is Dal-Rae."

"It's nice to meet you." You nodded and smiled politely. "Chris, as in Han's mentor?"

"Wait! Do you know my husband? Don't fucking tell me Chris and Jisung knew about her and didn't tell me!" she asked Minho in an annoyed tone, then turned back to you and apologised again:

"I'm so sorry!!!! That came out wrong again! I just meant – Minho never dates anymore so this is a big surprise!"

"No, Chris doesn't know, because it's nothing he should know about." Minho stated calmly.

"What do you mean? Your future wife and child aren't nothing, you idiot!"

"Pfft." Minho chuckled. "I lied, idiot." He mimicked Olivia. "She is not my girlfriend, nor is that my child. What the hell are you making so much fuss about? She's a friend of mine, that's all."

That's all. Ringed through your head. It stung for some reason, yet you weren't sure why. The hormones were probably making you irrational.

"What the heck, who taught you to curse like that?! What if the baby hears?! Bad!" She replied, offended and grabbed Minho by the shoulders, shaking him and ruffling his hair like he was a child.

You chuckled and that seemed to remind the girl that you were there, as she let him go and grabbed your hands instead.

"So, how far along are you?" She smiled brightly.

Minho started helping you take off your coat while you replied.

"Uhm... almost 31 weeks."

"Oh my, your baby's the size of a coconut now! You have such a cute bump! I'm so jealous! I looked horrible pregnant. My whole face became so round, I didn't fit in anything and all the pregnancy clothes at the mall were ugly. Ugh. That's why I opened up this store. Only the most beautiful clothes for the most beautiful future mothers and their babies!"

~

Olivia got your measurements and then brought you a dozen of clothes to try on. Everything ranging from pants, t-shirts and jackets to underwear and shoes. She only made you try on a few of them since "The rest will definitely fit!", and Minho seemed satisfied enough with that answer.

If she noticed the bruises when she was bringing you clothes and getting in and out of the changing room, she didn't say anything. Instead, she kept talking about everything and anything, and when the subject of her husband came up, she swooned and talked about him for 20 minutes straight.

Apparently, Chris was a great husband and father, and even before they had any kids, he would take on a fatherly role for his group of friends. All of them shared the same passion for music, so it made sense for him to be Han's mentor, Olivia said.

She was a nice girl as well. Maybe a bit filter-less, but she came from a good place in her heart.

When you were finally checking out, you had a whole new wardrobe. All the items in the bags came up to a few hundred dollars, and you couldn't help but grab Minho's arm and nudge it.

"So, since you're my new friend, I'm gonna give you a nice discount!" Olivia clapped once and looked at you expectedly, when Minho cleared his throat and pulled out his card.

She raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything more. However, you did notice a slight change in her demeanour towards you as soon as Minho paid for everything and grabbed the bags.

~

"Okay, something's out of the way. Still up to go to the supermarket with me? Or would you rather I drive you home to rest?" Minho placed all the bags in the trunk and helped you get into the car.

"To the supermarket, please! If you keep me locked in for one more hour, I swear to God..."

Minho chuckled and started the car.

The supermarket trip was short, you spent more time in line than you did picking out what he needed.

"Why don't we go for a walk?" Minho asked after you finished loading everything in the car.

"I'd love that." You smiled.

"The weather feels really nice today, even if it's winter."

"It really does." You breathed in. "And it's not that cold either!"

"You say that, but your cheeks are completely red!" Minho laughed. "Or is that not caused by the cold?" he teased.

"Minho!" you laughed and slapped his arm gently.

Walking like this with him was very pleasant. You couldn't help but notice how much you enjoyed his company.

"By the way, thanks for getting me so much stuff today..."

"No biggie, you'll pay me back anyway."

When you chuckled, he continued teasing you:

"What, you thought I was joking when I said I'll deduct it from your paycheck? I'm keeping tabs, just so you know." He chuckled.

"You're free to do so, but I was thinking that you'd rather I leave faster. The clothes might take me a few weeks behind."

"You can stay however long you want; you know that, right?"

"I don't know, Minho. I feel really shitty about this, honestly. The way Olivia looked at me when you paid..."

"Hey, it's okay."

"No, it's not. I really don't want you to think I'm taking advantage of you, or-"

"I don't think like that. Look- Olivia is a really nice girl once you get to know her. Otherwise, she wouldn't have married Chris, who is most likely the most compassionate person you will ever meet. She is like that too, but she can get a bit overprotective. She's like the mother of our group. I doubt she has anything personal against you. Don't overthink it."

"If you say so..."

"Besides, I'm the one who asked you to stay, and who decided to take you out shopping today. If anything, it's my fault you feel this way."

"No, it's not! I really appreciate everything you do for me, but I just..."

Minho smiled kindly and placed his hand on your back, rubbing it for a brief moment.

"Stop it, okay? Stressing out is not good for the baby."

"Mhm, you're right. But still-"

"Shh. No stress." He insisted, making you chuckle again.

You continued walking in comfortable silence and enjoying the winter sun for a bit longer, his hand still placed on the small of your back.

~

(A/N) I personally adore how much thought Minho puts into everything regarding Dal-Rae, hahah

Anyways, hope you enjoyed and I'll see you in the next one <3

Love,

Storm