cravity allen x minhee 

strawberry lips

allen just can't get enough of minhee's strawberry-stained lips

~ inspo ~

juice - mirae

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   The shrill scream of the lifeguard's whistle halted the kid's pursuit.

   "No running!" The man on the platform hollered. The kid nodded sheepishly then sped-walked the remaining distance to shove his friend into the pool.

   "They never fucking listen," Allen murmured, thumbing open his water bottle and downing the rest.

   Today is the busiest the country club has been in weeks, which surprised Allen a great deal because wouldn't you think it would be the first week after school gets let out, swarms of children and their half-sober parents waltzing into the pool area, ready to splash and drink the day away. It sounds refreshing, sounds relaxing - that is if you were the members of the club, not the workers.

   However, Allen found it pointless to complain; it was his last summer before he gets shipped to college with his best friend - and crush for the past three summers - and he gets to spend it shouting at kids to walk instead of run, entertaining the teens who ask him puzzling questions regarding the most recent viral video, and admiring the way a certain Kang Minhee commanded the outdoor kitchen and hungry audience alike.

   From Allen's chair high above the deep end of the pool, he was graced with the most splendid view of his best friend creating the newest slush of the day, crafting the latest tangy yet sweet sauce best paired with a sizzlingly hot batch of crinkle fries, and enchanting the stove with smoky flavors from all over the globe: sweet and sour, hot peppers and lime, saltwater and zesty lemon greens. It was like watching a witch foraging for spells and curses and hexes and dumping it all into a cauldron of grease and flavored syrup, touched with a wicked kiss of something magical.

   The lifeguard couldn't pinpoint what made Minhee's cooking superior compared to the next top chef - aside from the fact the older was completely and utterly infatuated with the tall, cinnamon-haired dork - but he indulged and indulged each time the younger pushed something in front of him.

   Allen shifted in his wooden chair, the sun seeming to blaze down harder than before. One thing he didn't understand about Minhee's adoration for the culinary arts was how he could handle the boiling temperatures; it was nearly 100 degrees today, and Allen was sweating buckets up on his perch, even with a ball cap and umbrella shielding him. Minhee, on the other hand, careened and glided and even hopped to and from the grill, assisting eager customers with one hand and tossing sautéed veggies in the other. There are other chefs and cooks stationed around the kitchen, but Minhee requested there be no more than four people in the prep and cook area at one time.

   Minhee enjoyed the chaos of the kitchen, and Allen enjoyed the chaos of the pool. In a way, they took pleasure in their madnesses as the day drew to a lovely pink.

   Allen folded the last of the towels from the dyer and placed them in their respective cubbies just in time to see Minhee pin up his hair and dawn his favorite apron. The air seemed to thicken and taste savory-sweet, like a piece of honey-glazed ham. Allen locked the gates to the pool area and turned to meet Minhee's watchful stare, eyes like stained glass.

   "Does my ass really look good in these shorts?"

   Minhee tittered, giving Allen a glimpse of the younger's cherry-stained teeth. The lifeguard climbed the concrete stairs to the covered patio and plopped atop the expansive counter, taking in the decorations for the country club's Summer Sunset Parties (the name was not decided upon by Allen).

   The large patio and adjacent grill were shrouded in tiny hanging lights, like strings of fireflies swinging from post to post. Tables and chairs and benches squeezed their way into every free space, giving off the feeling of warmth and love and family rather than a crowded mess. The sunset painted the sky an array of burnt oranges and vivid purples, almost enticing Allen to reach out his hand and smear it across the sky, half-expecting it to come back stained the vibrant colors of summer. Across the kitchen and out under the sky was a stretch of fluffy green grass, well maintained by the older. He found comfort in nurturing things, decorating and pampering to be displayed for all eyes.

   Is that why Allen is going to college for teaching? Honestly, he himself doesn't quite know, but it just felt right.

   "T-minus five minutes," Minhee said, beginning to bounce on the balls of his feet and fling his limbs from side to side, a cute attempt to fend off pre-party jitters.

   Allen gave the area a quick glance. "Where is everyone?" He swung his sandaled feet onto the slab of concrete that was the counter and laid his bare back against the cool stone pillar. He long discarded his thin tank top, and it looked to Allen that no one batted an eye, Minhee even stealing shameless glances throughout the blistering day.

   "Mr. Chu started closing the gates until time of since things became too hectic. You remember last time."

   Allen shuddered at the thought of a drunk woman pulling him in for a wet smooch on the cheek. "Please never remind me."

   "Here they come." Minhee sounded nervous.

   Allen gave no attention to the incoming crowd and gently grabbed the younger's wrist. The taller flinched and tore his gaze away; his hair was tied back with a sliver of fabric from his old apron, leaving a few wisps of hair to curl just below his eyes, which were wide and bright with a daring mixture of anxiety and pride. Minhee knew he could pull off another sunset party, he was only jittery because Allen was so near this time. The majority of the parties consisted of Allen toying with the young children in the far corner of the patio whilst Minhee flipped and stirred and seasoned.

   Tonight was different. Both young adults could feel it, taste it. The strawberry slush Minhee has every day tasted sweeter on his tongue, and the salt on Allen's lips bit harder, all of which was so encouraging yet frightening, tantalizing yet dangerous, but all so new.

   And both boys loved the idea of new.

   A quick swipe from Allen's thumb brought Minhee back. "It's just another party. Show 'em what Kangie can do."

   Before the lifeguard could blink, Minhee whisked himself away into the kitchen, squirting a line of oil across the grill top and relishing in the way it sizzled, leaning into the smoke it made. The older bit his lip and smiled bashfully at the way the meat on the grill emboldened Minhee, made him seem as though he was a god spinning the threads of time, a seamstress weaving their latest creation: a rippling, elegant dress of charred meats, salty potato wedges and crisp leaves.

   "Can I get some candy please?" Allen blinked just in time to see an adorable little girl waddle up to the counter and wag a five dollar bill just above the edge.

   The older looked towards the younger, the latter having already glued his eyes to the smooth expanse of his back. Minhee blushed profusely when he saw Allen's cunning smile.

   "You cook, I take orders?"

   Minhee's slitted eyes ignited a flame of challenge, a fervid test of their bond. "Let's see if you can handle it."

   "Oh, you're on, chef."

   The night was swept away in a plume of woody smoke and sultry laughter. Allen easily learned how to take orders with the most efficiency, the notepad becoming a forest of abbreviated words and scribbles that the older didn't have time to decipher. The counter was nothing compared to the orderly bedlam that was the grill station: burgers, one after the other, swiped from the opposite counter as patty after patty was sprinkled with salt and slapped onto the grill top. Blackened hot dogs rolled along the steaming metal as if trying to escape the skilled cleaver, handled by none other than the commander of the kitchen, the ruler of spices and sauces alike.

   Minhee was in his own world, a world of culinary creations the likes that no one has ever dreamed of, let alone had at their country club. Piles of crunchy fries drenched in chili perfected on the grill top, chunks of char and a thin layer of grease amplifying the salt and tomatoes so carefully sautéed. The younger would twirl from the grill to the stove, prodding the handmade macaroni to test its sturdiness, then diving an oiled spoon into the abreast pot to check if the garlic-Parmesan cheese sauce had just the right amount of kick.

   Never once did Minhee grow tired, not once did Minhee sigh or yawn or curse, nor did Minhee ever pause to wipe his brow until all attending were sated and happy. Just as Allen relished in the way he could mold and empower the young minds, Minhee relished in the way he could harness his gift for food to make even the most miserable person gracing his kitchen upturn their lips.

   Before long, people began dribbling from the patio to the exit, some lingering on the swathe of grass before trudging to their cars, eager to climb into bed and fall asleep with grease-stained lips. When the last car turned from the parking lot across the golf green, both boys released the loudest sighs, Minhee jumping as if his exhale would wake a sleeping beast - that is, if you would consider Allen's feelings such.

   "That wasn't that bad," Minhee commented, slipping his apron from his neck and draping it across the counter. Only then did Allen realize that Minhee was shirtless too, and the lean muscles elicited a sudden cough from the older.

   "Says you." Allen fanned his face. "Dealing with all those people wore me the fuck out."

   "Handling the customer service side of a restaurant is never the easiest," Minhee said. "You'll have to get used to it though, seeing as you want to be an elementary school teacher."

   "I'm also considering middle school. Some of those tweens are pretty funny."

   "Like the one you yelled a 'yo momma' joke at you."

   Allen guffawed at the memory. "Dude, when I tell you I've never laughed so hard at a joke like that."

   Allen was still giggling behind his palm when Minhee, wearing a disappointed yet joyful grin, set a barely full trash bag in his lap.

   "You clean, I make us something special."

   The mystery behind Minhee's treat propelled Allen to clean the patio and grassy patch in under 30 minutes, which was record time considering Allen's refusal to clean up after someone. The older had thrown the plump trash bag into the garbage and washed his hands just as Minhee unlocked the gates to the pool, a cup and slim package tucked under his arm. Allen trailed after the younger and saw his reward: a cherry popsicle.

   "You knew I was going to outdo myself," Allen said, walking over and snatching the popsicle.

   "That's why I gave you the best prize." Minhee's statement struck something, snapped a chord and released a bout of tension that both boys couldn't deny.

   Allen decided to ride the waves of said emotion. "I could think of a better prize."

   Minhee had stepped onto the diving board, plastic straw between his teeth, when he spun and cocked his head, canted his hips. "Really? What could be better than your favorite cherry popsicle?"

   "Take a guess."

   Minhee's eyes narrowed - he knew the game Allen was starting, and desperately wanted to seek its end - and whisked around. "It's hard to place your interests."

   Allen jumped up onto the diving board and watched Minhee saunter towards its middle, strawberry slush nearly half gone in his cup. It was like his kryptonite, the lifeguard thought.

   "Is it? I like to think I'm able to be read like a book."

   Another spin and Minhee was facing Allen. "I don't suggest reveling in that desire too much."

   "Why not? In some cases, it comes in handy." He dragged the popsicle from his mouth and made an audible pop; Minhee snickered.

   "It took me months to find out your major." Minhee switched the topic almost as sweetly as his drink, and Allen bit off the tip of his popsicle to keep from spiraling.

   Allen's hands gripped the railing as he edged forward. "And? It was pretty obvious from the start," Minhee slid his feet back inch by inch, his eyes a mix of intrigue and a cloudy emotion that took root in Allen's heart, fogging his senses and surroundings. "I find it funny how you detour me from wearing my emotions on my sleeve, however, you have yet to pick up on them."

   Minhee blurted it out before he had time to think it over: "I picked up on one emotion all right."

   Words came tumbling out of Allen's mouth with fervent strides. "And that it?"

   Both boys blinked, and time seemed to skip ahead; before they were feet apart, treats in hand and feet sealed to the diving board. Now Allen was nearly pressed up against Minhee, their chests not but palms width apart, looking up at the younger with something that bordered desire and longing, a silent plea for Minhee to unlock the cage and let loose the feelings both held captive for three summers.

   "You like me." Minhee breathed out, so quiet it could've been mistaken for a gust of wind.

   "Like is such a childish word."

   "You want me. Just as I want you."

   There was nothing sexual in their embrace; no, just a passionate tangle of lips and tongues and limbs, an exploration of feeling and emotion that both men kept hidden for too long. Allen was on his toes, mouth pressed against Minhee's in an attempt to feel all that has been lost, all that yearning and craving lost to a sea of flavored smoke and potent sunscreen. Minhee snaked his hand around Allen's neck, pulling him closer, if they even could, and trailed his fingers down the older's back, raising goosebumps in their wake.

   Allen leaned back for air and nearly lost his balance; Minhee looped both arms around his waist and rooted his against his chest.

   The older planted his hands on Minhee's pectorals and heaved a great breath. "You taste like strawberries."

   "And you taste like cherries." Minhee lifted Allen's chin with a thin finger. "So sweet."

   To hide the intense blush caused by the younger, Allen leaned forward and pressed a deep kiss on his mouth, pushing them over the edge and into the warm water below. What a metaphor, Allen thought as he kicked himself to the surface, Minhee's spindly fingers ghosting over his lower back. Both men plummeted into the water just as they dove into each other's passions, swan about in each other's heated vigor just to live and feel and want.

   Minhee broke the surface with a dazzling strawberry smile and diamonds dripping off his forehead. Allen brought the other closer by the forearm and tensed at the arms circling his waist.

   "Now I can see you up close," Allen whispered, tracing the curve of Minhee's cheeks. "You have such beautiful eyes." They were like a canvas of vines and trees, the mirage of an enchanted forest filled with glittering leaves of emerald and stunning, rigid oaks of bronze. Hazel was Minhee's color.

   The smile Allen drank in was pure ecstasy. Minhee was euphoria incarnate. Bliss made of blood and bones.

   "When we go off to college, let's not just be friends," Minhee hooked his hand around Allen's ear and brought the older in for an airy kiss, one that enticed Allen to leave a few more down Minhee's neck. The chef smiled warmly. "Let's be boyfriends."

   Allen jerked up and knocked his head against Minhee's jaw on accident. Both men chuckled lightly before Allen piped up: "Boyfriends?"

   "Do you think I'm lying?" Minhee challenged, a twiggy brow arched in anticipation. The younger knew Allen's answer, he just wanted to hear him say it.

   "Fuck you and your strawberry lips."

   "You know you love them."

   The lifeguard and the chef embraced again, however, this time they took it slow, gradually wandering the expanses of skin, hesitantly discovering the valleys of their mouths, making up for three summers that they wasted.

   Both boys would never know why they waited to act on their desires until their last summer, but what they missed out on they made up for in popsicles and slushes, red-dyed kisses and humid summer nights.

   Strawberries lips and cherry-stained teeth.

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god i need to be published atp

this one so is fun and cute the little blurb doesn't correlate with the short at all but ya know

she cute

till next time <33