The Secrets We Keep - Taekai

the one where they do a couples photoshoot

The irony was not lost on either of Taemin or Jongin. Not at all. They had both had a good laugh about the idea that Jongin and Krystal were doing a couples photoshoot with Taemin in attendance as Jongin's good friend.

The irony was not lost at all.

Jongin and Taemin made sure to enjoy the photoshoot as much as they could and to be as connected as they could get away with during the photoshoot. Of course there was definitely too much touching between Jongin and Krystal for Taemin's liking but Taemin attempted to keep his comments to a minimum.

He knew deep down that Krystal was doing them a huge favor. But that didn't mean that having to watch Jongin and Krystal act like a couple right in front of him didn't hurt at all. Taemin knew that the situation wasn't exactly ideal for any of them though.

Jongin was even more scared than ever about anyone finding out about them dating, Taemin was annoyed about having to watch them be all lovey with each other, and Krystal was having to act like she was in love with a man who clearly was not in love with her.

It sucked for everyone, Taemin could admit that much. He just wasn't entirely sure who got the shortest end of the stick amongst them.

"You okay?" Krystal asked, sitting down beside him.

Taemin nodded, "Yeah I'm good."

Krystal reached over and patted Taemin's knee, gentle smile on her face. "You know you're all Jongin talks about whenever we're out together."

"Really?" Taemin asked, looking over at her.

"Really. He would do anything for you, Taemin."

"Except be open with the public about us."

He didn't mean to come across sounding so bitter, but it was the truth - if Jongin had been willing to just be open about their relationship, they wouldn't all be stuck in this position.

Krystal tilted her head to the side, "True. But it's only cause Jongin's worried about you and your career and safety. He doesn't want to risk anything that could negatively impact you in any way, Taem. Trust me, it's all I've listened to him talk about is how much he loves you and worries about you."

"He's told you he loves me?" Taemin asked, Krystal nodded. "He hasn't said that to me yet."

Krystal nodded once again, sighing slightly as she looked back to where Jongin was standing talking to the photographer about something. "He's scared about pretty much everything when it comes to your alls relationship from what he's told me. You're lucky to have landed him as a boyfriend - most girls in this business would kill for that."

Taemin nodded, knowing she was right. He wasn't sure how he felt about Jongin sharing all his feelings and thoughts about their relationship with her - including feelings he hadn't even shared with Taemin - but he was glad that at least Jongin was opening up to someone.

And truly, out of all the people Jongin could have been set up with - Krystal was someone that Taemin felt he could trust to not try anything sketchy. Shinee had always been close to f(x). So Taemin didn't really feel like he had to be worried about anything happening.

■

Jongin was laying across the couch, head on Taemin's lap with Taemin running a hand through his hair absentmindedly while scrolling on his phone.

They wouldn't be doing this in the middle of EXO's dorm except for the fact that everyone was out except for them and Sehun, so the only person that could potentially walk out and see them already knew about them being together. Or else they'd be in Jongin's room.