elv, seokmin's sunshine

"For the record," you say as you prop your phone on the counter so it captures your upper half and some of the sink. "I also haven't seen you in eight days. I miss you too."

With a sleepy smile, Seokmin watches you as you start to wash the dishes. He wishes he was there to help you out, but he's hours away -- by plane -- and stuck in this admittedly nice hotel room. "I could just get on a flight tomorrow. Leave early."

You chuckle. "I don't think that's the best idea."

"Didn't you just say you miss me?" he whines with a pout.

"Now now, don't be like that," you tease, wiping your hands dry on on a tea towel. "You told me you were excited to visit that famous pizza place tomorrow."

He beams. "Guilty."

"Ooh. Hold right there."

"Hm?" Seokmin tilts his head, confused.

"No, wait, put that smile back on." You reach over for your phone and pull it so he sees your face more up close.

He can't help but laugh. "What are you doing?"

"Harvesting sunshine," you say with a cheeky smile. "Screenshotting. I'm going through withdrawals."

"Withdrawals?"

You take another picture of him. "A vitamin D deficiency, at least. I haven't gotten to see my favourite smile in a week."

"Any tips on how to collect moonlight?"

Snapping one last screenshot, you put your phone back on the counter. "Hmm... not unless you do get on that plane tomorrow."

You shouldn't tempt him like that, he thinks. If he didn't know you were just being silly, he'd book the flight right now with your video call at the corner of his screen.

Seokmin shifts on the hotel bed, letting his head rest on the pillow and hiding his smile under the edge of the blanket. "Hey..." he drawls.

You put the last dish on the drying rack. "Yeah?"

"Remember how I asked you to marry me?"

Chuckling, you slide the ring you'd taken off while your hands were wet back onto your third finger. You wiggle your hand in front of the camera. "Yes, sunshine, I remember."

"Can we do that soon?"

When you enter you are immediately hit with the different scents of all the pastries. This is such a nice place with its mint and pink aesthetic, the couches all around the place and their bookshelves filled to the brim. You walk over to the counter where Jeonghan, one of the workers, and a recent friend of yours, is greeting you with his usual angelic smile.

“Hey you! How are you doing today, y/n?” he says while arranging some pastries behind the counter, “I’ll be there in a sec.”

“Yeah, sure! Take your time. I’m fine, what about you? Was today busy?” you ask him as you wave over at Joshua who just came in for his shift.

“Are you worried for my business? You are starting to sound more like my business partner than Seungcheol or even Joshua.” he jokes around as he walks behind the cashier, “What will you have today, my dear y/n?”

“I told you to stop calling me sweet names! I don’t want anyone to get the wrong idea.” you say as you reach over the counter to lightly hit him on the arm. Unfortunately, you miss him. One day, you will get him, you think to yourself. It’s what he deserves for putting you through so much misery.

“Don’t worry, y/n.” answers Joshua as he ties his apron around his waist, “It’s not like there is anyone who wants to keep you to themselves, is there?” Jeonghan laughs out loud as Joshua finishes his sentence. You will get them both, one day. These evil twins deserve it. Sometimes you wonder why you are even friends with them. They’re lucky they fuel your body with their delicious pastries and their sweet drinks.

“I was here to get my precious pastry, not get attacked, Hong Joshua.” you snicker around.

“And I am here, waiting for your order. Even though I probably know it by now.” Jeonghan throws back at you.

You continue joking around with Jeonghan as you hear the door’s jingle behind you and Joshua says their usual “Welcome to Heaven’s Cloud!”. He stands behind the second cashier and start taking the order of a brown-haired – and cute – boy who is probably around your age. You don’t notice him that much as you start telling your order to Jeonghan, “I’ll take a latte and one of those strawberry filled cupcakes, to go please.”

“-and one of those strawberry filled cupcakes.” You hear the brown-haired – and very cute – boy. You don’t pay him much attention as Jeonghan lets you know that your order will be out soon.

You wait for your order for a few minutes while looking at some new books that Wonwoo brought over at the café. You know he brings over even more books ever since you two have been friends. You’re lucky to have him too. You will have to thank him properly one day. You hear your name being called and go back to the counter, exactly at the same time as a certain Seokmin gets called out – probably the cute boy as he is the only other customer in the café.

“Here’s your latte.” Jeonghan says as he hands you your drink, “Unfortunately, Seokmin, ordered the last strawberry cupcake,” he says as he glances at the cute boy whose name is now confirmed, “do you want anything else?”

“That’s not very nice, Seokmin! You deprived y/n of their pastry!” teases Joshua as Seokmin looks at you with an apologetic look on his face.

“It’s okay, don’t listen to him!” you reassure him, “Do you have any cookies? I would like-” you start to ask Jeonghan.

“Do you want to share the cupcake with me?” you hear Seokmin suggests.

“Me?” you ask as you turn to him, pointing to yourself.

“I don’t think there is anyone else he could ask that to, y/n.” Jeonghan whispers, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Oh, shut up Yoon Jeonghan!” you voice out as you give him a look and he holds his hands up in sign of retreat, “Are you okay with that?” you turn back your attention on Seokmin, “Because that would be greatly appreciated. Today was a long day and I really like those cupcakes.”

“Yes, It’s okay! It’s on me, don’t worry.” he answers as Jeonghan already hands you your change back, “Let’s go, let’s seat down.” he says as he starts going over to the couch.

“Thanks!” you say cheerly to Jeonghan as you head towards the seat Seokmin picked.

After a few minutes of observing you, Jeonghan and Joshua exchange a knowing look before Jeonghan whispers a “maybe there is someone who wants them to themselves now.” Which goes unnoticed by you or Seokmin, too engrossed in getting to know one another.

You wake up, the next morning, with a smile on your face. How could you not after meeting such a sweet soul as Seokmin? He was nice, funny, a gentleman. He reassured you countless time about you not being a bother. He handed you napkins when you spilled a little of your latte on the table and let you rant about the books you recently read. You had such a nice time with him that you didn’t even realize you were late for your weekly Wednesday’s movie night with your roommates. When you checked the time, you were already late, and you knew you were stuck with a week of doing dishes as a penalty. You quickly said your goodbye to Seokmin as you grabbed your stuffs hurriedly while he looked at you with a fond expression – unseen by either of you but noticeable to anyone else.

What you two only realized too late is that you did not exchanged numbers. All you could do was to believe your paths will come to meet again.

As you lay around in your bed, daydreaming about his sweet smile and everything you two talked about, you don’t realize how fast time passes by. It’s when you roll over on your stomach, a natural smile on your lips, and grab your phone that you realize that 30 minutes have already passed, and your smile immediately drops.

“Shit, I’m late!” you say out loud to yourself as you jump out of bed. You grab clothes in haste, rush into the bathroom and twenty minutes later you are outside, running in hopes to get to class in time. Lee Seokmin, this is all your fault, you think to yourself. Day one into my life and you already make a mess of it.

A few days later, you stride along the street to get to Heaven’s Cloud café. You convinced yourself to come get a cupcake since you had busy days but deep down you know it’s not your only reason. You just hope the real reason will be here.

You also hope that Jeonghan is not, despite all the love you have for him, because you know for a fact he’ll understand why you’re coming. You don’t want him to meddle into this. Even though this is nothing. Absolutely nothing.

The usual jingle of the door welcomes you as you walk into the very familiar place. Seungcheol, who’s behind the counter, greets you and waves at you. You like Seungcheol. He runs the place along with Jeonghan and Joshua, but he deals much more with everything that needs to be dealt with for the place to run smoothly; from scheduling all the way to accounting. Which is why you are surprised – but not disappointed – to see him working behind the counter today. You quickly scan the place and realize that he is not here. You walk over to the counter and greet Seungcheol.

“Why are you behind the counter? Did the evil twins let you down?” you ask jokingly.

“No,” he says with a smile, “they have the day off. Went out of town to see family. Today’s a calm day so it’s only me!”

“Well, at least when they’re not here we don’t have to be scared about being attacked by their antics.” You two joke about.

You really like Seungcheol. He’s much more composed and calmer than his same-age friends. He tends to give you more advices about anything while Jeonghan and Joshua are the ones who will make you laugh.

“Yeah, you’re right,” he laughs softly, “so what brings you here?”

“Your strawberry filled cupcakes brings me here! I will have one, for here, please, with a cinnamon latte.” you say as you start looking for your wallet.

“Thanks,” Seungcheol tells you as you hand him the money, “go sit down, I’ll bring it to you.”

You make your way to your favorite spot after thanking him and you look at the shelf where Wonwoo puts the books he brings over. Just as you were about to pick your new read, the door jingles and you see him. The reason. His eyes immediately lock with yours and he smiles brightly.

“Y/n!” he says loudly as he walks over to you, “How are you?”

“I’m good! What about you?” you beam at him.

“I’m very good actually.” he starts, “I’ve been searching for you.”

He what? “You were searching for me?” you ask, surprised.

“Yeah, I came here yesterday to see you some more but Jeonghan told me you only really come on Wednesdays.”

“Oh, yeah,” you start, a blush creeping on your face, “I was busy yesterday but I wanted to stop by once more this week. So here I am now.”

“Well, I’m glad we stopped at the same time,” he says, a soft smile making its way on his face, “Is it okay if I join you?”

I have been waiting for that, you almost say. “Yeah, sure! Go order and come hang out with me.”

He comes back with both orders – his and yours – “I told Seungcheol I could bring over your order.” he says as he puts the tray in front of you.

“Thank you, that’s sweet. So, how was your week?”

“Oh, it was fine. Just went to study for a test with a friend on Thursday and I absolutely killed that test! So, I’m here to treat myself for a good job.” he says with a laugh, “What about yours? Were your roommates mad you missed movie night on Wednesday?”

“You definitely deserve that treat right now.” you tell him with a smile, “They were not that mad, really. I mean I do have a penalty but that’s the rules! I wouldn’t have changed anything else though.” As soon as you say it, you regret it. You don’t want to sound like you are flirting because you are not.

“Me neither, don’t worry.” He tells you, his smile hidden behind his cup of coffee.

“By the way, do you know it’s bad to drink so much coffee at almost, what, 6pm?” you snicker as he puts his cup down.

“Well actually I have a study session planned at 6pm until-” he says as he looks at his watch, “Oh fuck, I’m late!”

He jumps out of his seat and grabs his things; “I’m so sorry, y/n, I have to go!” he says hurriedly, “God, why do we keep making each other late?” he mumbles under his breath, “Bye! I will see you around!”

You watch him run out by the door and down the street, smiling sweetly as you follow him with your eyes until he disappears at the corner of a street. It’s only 5 minutes later that you realize you once again forgot to give him your number. But weirdly enough, you have the feeling you’ll see him again soon enough.

1 hour passes by as you work on one of your assignments until you decide to go back to your apartment. You grab your bag, sling it on your shoulder and bring back the trays of dirty – but empty – dishes to Seungcheol.

“Oh, thank you.” he tells you with a bright smile when he notices the trays.

“Yeah, Seokmin forgot to bring his tray too so there you go.” you tell him.

“I didn’t know you knew Seokmin.” he says you as a way to start conversation as he organizes some utensils. Since the café is empty you two can talk freely.

“You know him? Like is he a friend?” you start interrogating him. Maybe you are a tiny bit curious.

“Well, I mean, he is a good friend of Jeonghan so yeah. Jeonghan likes him a lot. He says he’s kind, and he can easily play pranks on him and well, you know how Jeonghan can get.” he explains while he wipes his hands clean.

“Oh yeah, I know how he can get sometimes.” you chuckle, “But he’s right. Seokmin is a very kind person.” you tell him without realizing the smile making its way on your face.

“He really is,” he says as he walks up to you, “he has a really good heart.” he adds on, looking at you a certain way. Oh no.

“Oh god, no, it’s not like that.” you immediately warn him.

“Never said it was.” he says with a slight smile, “But if it was, it wouldn’t be such a bad thing, y/n. He’s a really good person. I know we aren’t that close, or you aren’t the kind to confide, even to Jeonghan or Joshua, but what I know is that you deserve someone good. Someone like Seokmin.”

“I don’t know, Seungcheol…” you tell him, surprised by his words. You didn’t know Seungcheol thought so high of you.

“All I’m saying is that if it was, if it ends up becoming something like that, it wouldn’t be so terrible.” he reassures you, “And don’t worry, I’m not Yoon Jeonghan. I will act as if this conversation never happened.” he says as he mimics locking his mouth with a key and throwing it over his shoulder.

On your way back home, you think that Seungcheol forgetting about the conversation doesn’t help the fact that, try as you might, you can’t seem to be able to get over what he told you. Despite being tired, you can’t seem to find sleep and you turn in your bed trying to make your mind forget about the conversation. It’s only at dawn that your body finally finds sleep. It may have to do with your realization that maybe Seokmin could be a good person for you. The good person.

It’s only a few days later when you find yourself striding along the familiar street where Heaven’s Cloud stands. You come into the café before your class, in hopes to see the boy who searched for you once – now is your time to search for him. You walk to the counter as Jeonghan greets you.

“What are you doing here, again? Are you in love with someone here or what?” Jeonghan sneers.

“I’m just here to see my favorite café employee! Did you miss me?” you tell him teasingly as you look at the new pastries.

“Yeah, I guess… But it’s unusual for you to come around so much…” he says with a pensive look, “I will figure out what makes you come back because we both know it isn’t me.”

“There’s nothing to figure out–” you start bickering back just as the door opens and you hear someone talk. Oh. You know this voice. Without even realizing, a smile and a slight blush make its way on your face. You turn around just for your eyes to lock with Seokmin’s who’s currently talking to a tall, very well-dressed boy. He gives you a little sign as to say that he’ll come talk later.

You don’t notice Jeonghan looking back and forth between you two but he catches your attention; “Oh, I figured it out.” he says with a slight laugh.

“No, you didn’t.” you say way too quickly for it to be casual.

“I definitely did! Oh my, y/n likes someone!” he starts to tease.

“Stop it! You didn’t figure out anything!”

‘What didn’t he figure out?” Seokmin interrupts, “Because, not to take side, but I feel like when Jeonghan figures something out he’s kinda always right.”

“It’s nothing, Seokmin really,” you say trying to act composed while you give a look to Jeonghan. “How are you today? I haven’t seen you in a few days!”

“I’m good, what about you? I’m glad to run into you, I’ve started missing you.” He says with a big smile.

“I’m glad too!” you tell him as you feel your cheeks burn.

After ordering and getting your orders – and some more looks from Jeonghan – you two are sitting down at your usual spot. “So, did you make it in time last time?” you ask Seokmin after setting down your cupcake.

“Absolutely not! I was lucky Minghao – my friend – waited for me. And I told him you were the one keeping me hostage so he forgave me.” he adds with a smile on his face.

“I did not keep you hostage!” you laugh around with him.

“That’s true, I was with you willingly.” he tells you with a slight blush on his face, “You’re like my favorite café partner now.” he says as he brings the cup to his lips.

“I like the sound of that.” you tell him softly, “Do you have classes today?”

He blushes profoundly, “In the afternoon. What about you?”

“Yeah, I do, I have a class in- shit, in 15 minutes.” you say with a laugh, not even surprised anymore that you are late after meeting up with Seokmin “Well, I will be late.” you say before finishing your latte.

“Well go!” Seokmin says hurriedly while watching you gather your things with not the pressure that late people feel.

“Wait,” you say as your grab his hand in one hand and a pen, you just pulled out of your bag, in the other. “I’ve been meaning to do that.” you say as you start scribbling something on his hand, “There you go! I’m going now. Bye Seokmin!” you tell him before turning around and heading towards the door. Before going out, you turn around one more time towards him; “Oh, and Seokmin? Please use that.” you say nodding towards his scribbled hand before finally going out the door and running down the street to get to your class.

For a few minutes Seokmin is stunned because you, the girl of his dream, just gave him your number. The scribbling your favorite café partner followed by a series of numbers on his hand is the proof of his surprise. And at that precise moment, Seokmin feels his heart burst with love.

It’s been a week since you gave your number to Seokmin and today is the only day you two don’t have something planned together. He told you he was busy with studying for the upcoming finals – which you should be too. As you walk the street to get to university, you think about how you two talked and saw each other so much you didn’t have time to miss one another. All your conversations start in the morning and ends late at night, sometimes face to face, other times over phone or text. You don’t think you ever felt as safe and happy with anyone else. He’s the only one who can bring out certain sides of yourself and the only person in the world who will ever make you forget time. It’s like any time you get with him, your world stops and it’s only you two, talking and getting to know each other in a way no one ever got to know you. You’ve opened more to him than to anyone else. And you think this must mean something.

As you get closer to university, you notice, just down the street, that you once again found yourself going to Heaven’s Cloud café. As you check the time on your watch, you decide to make a quick stop to take your latte and your favorite cupcake in this world.

The jingle of the door welcomes you as you step into what could be called your second home. Just as you start walking towards the counter where Jeonghan stands, greeting you with his usual smile, you hear the door chime behind you again and out of curiosity you turn around and your eyes meets two brown eyes you know very well by now. “Seokmin!” you yell out as you realize who is standing before you, “What are you doing here?” you ask him.

“Oh, uhm my study session got cancelled? Last minute emergency from Minghao.” he tells you, “I kind of wanted to ask you to hang out since I was free but I didn’t want to assume you were free for well, me.”

“I’ll always be free for you, Seokmin.” you tell him with a smile, “So do you want to hang out here?” you say as you start walking with him towards Jeonghan.

You don’t even see how Seokmin blushes greatly at your words or how he stutters when he lets you know he would really like to hang out with you right now.  

“Hi you two!” says Jeonghan cheerly from behind the counter, “Did you two came in together?”

“We just ran into each other when getting in the café.” Seokmin explains him, “What do you want? It’s on me!” Seokmin tells you.

“You sure?” you ask as he nods to give you confirmation, “Okay Jeonghan, I’ll get a latte, per usual, and a cupcake filled strawberry.”

“Per usual,” Jeonghan answers sassily, “What about you, Seokmin?”

“I’ll just get an americano and a strawberry filled cupcake too.”

“Do you want to share one again?” Jeonghan teases as you and Seokmin glare at him, “I’m kidding! I’ll bring your order, just go seat down.”

You and Seokmin make your way towards your usual spot by the window as your arm brush against his. Oh, how much you want to hold his hand right now. You seat down first as Seokmin takes the seat in front of you and you two starts catching up. As you hear him talk about anything, you realize how much you missed him. But more than anything, you realize how much you like him. Not the same way you like your classes, or your friends and not even that strawberry filled cupcake comes close. You don’t like him. You love him. You’re in love with him. You’re in love with him and you’d give him all the strawberry filled cupcakes and some more if it’s what he wanted.

Your realization is cut short as Jeonghan settles the tray with two drinks and only one cupcake. “Okay so, I guess we’re short on cupcakes again…” Jeonghan explains with a chuckle, “Do you want anything else?”

“I think we’re good with only one?” Seokmin asks you as you nod to agree, “Yeah, it’s okay Jeonghan, don’t worry about it.” He says with a smile before Jeonghan makes his way back to the counter.

“Go ahead, y/n!” he encourages you, “It won’t be the first time we share something. We literally did it the first time we met.”

As you reach for the cupcake, you think to yourself how you would never have thought you’d meet the one you like by sharing a cupcake.

“What did you just say?” Seokmin asks you with a look you never saw on his face.

Oh. Shoot. “Nothing, absolutely nothing.” You tell him, trying to keep your calm. Did you really just say that out loud?

“Me too, y/n.”

“Me too what?” you tell him, hoping he is saying what you think he is.

“I also never thought I’d meet the one I like by sharing a cupcake.” Seokmin tells you, expediently waiting for your answer.

“I like you, y/n.” he says with the most serious expression you ever saw on him, “No, scratch that. I love you. I love how you scrunch up your nose when you laugh. I love how you look at the world. I love how you get obsessed with so many stories that never really exist outside of their pages or your heart. I love how you show so much empathy to others. I love how you pull down on your sleeves when you’re a little cold. I love how you can get riled up quickly but still love your people more than you’ll ever love yourself. I love you. All of the parts that makes you, you. I love it all.”

“Oh, Seokmin…” you tell him softly, with tears in your eyes, “What did I do to deserve all this?” you take a deep breath, trying to calm yourself down, “I love you so much. I think if I told people how I fell so fast for you, they’d never understand. They’d never understand us. What we are, what we feel for each other. In the span of a few weeks, you showed me what love really look like. Ever since reading all of these stories, I have hoped to find my own person and all the waiting time was worth it because now I have you.” you tell him, “Or well, I hope I can have you.”

“You have me, my dear y/n. Ever since I walked into that café, you had me.” he tells you as he holds your hand, “I guess we have to thank Jeonghan for all of this.” he chuckles.

“Jeonghan?” you ask, confused, “Why Jeonghan?”

“He’s the one who told me to come check out the strawberry filled cupcake on that particular day.” he explains, “Which is weird since he knew you’d come here that day and you’d take the only cupcake.”

“Oh my god,” you mumble under your breath, “he didn’t.”

You hear Seokmin asks you what you are talking about while you make your way through the empty café towards the counter. You’re surprised to find Seungcheol standing there, talking with both Jeonghan and Joshua.

Jeonghan notices you first; “What’s up, y/n? Need anything else?”

“You three. Come to the table please. I need to talk to you.”

The three of them look at each other, confused and not used to you being so upfront. Still, they follow you and bring chairs to sit with you and Seokmin.

“So,” Seungcheol starts, “what is it?”

You look between the four-man sitting with you before starting, “Me and Seokmin like each other.” You hear Seokmin gasps next to you, not expecting you to say that.

“That’s great!” Joshua almost screams, “is it not?” he says as he looks at Seokmin which answers him with a I’m-as-confused-as-you expression.

“No, it is.” you say calmly, “You see, I never really thought too much about all of the “there’s only one strawberry filled cupcake” ordeal. I mean, things like that could happen.” You say as you look at Jeonghan. He might be a good pranker but you’re good at reading people. You got him, you think to yourself. “But when I think about it, it seems a little weird to me. You tell me you’re out of your best-seller pastry in the middle of the week? As if you wouldn’t anticipate by having enough stock?”

“Things like that could happen…” Seungcheol cuts you off.

“It could. It could also be all a coincidence and if so, I’m really sorry.” you say, believing in your words, “But, honestly, I don’t believe in those coincidences when Yoon Jeonghan is involved.” you say before adding a not to be mean when looking at Jeonghan.

“Jeonghan,” you start, “did you, perhaps, set me and Seokmin up?”

Seokmin starts hissing “He did what?” as Jeonghan starts denying when Joshua almost screams; “Okay he did it! He set you up!”

Jeonghan looks at him with rounded, surprised eyes; “Joshua!” while his friend looks at him with a sorry look. “Best friend card is revoked!” Jeonghan adds.

“Can someone explain me what’s going on?” Seokmin blurbs out.

“Let me do the honor,” Jeonghan starts, everyone listening intently, “I knew our dear y/n came into the café every Wednesday afternoon after her classes and I knew Seokmin badly wanted to come to the café so I told him to come-”

“At the same time as me.” you cut him off.

“At the same time as you…” he says, “And I knew you would take a cupcake, because when do you not-”

“I don’t think you’re in a position to tease her.” Seungcheol adds in the conversation.

“Okay, first of all,” Jeonghan says with a finger pointed at his oldest friend, “don’t cut me off, that’s rude. And secondly,” he says, lowering his finger and looking at you, “I’m sorry, I will not make fun of you for liking this cupcake anymore.”

“Anyway,” he starts again, “I knew you would take this cupcake and I told Seokmin to specifically take the same one as yours and I only put one in the display.” he confesses.

“And how did you know I’d ask to share?” Seokmin starts asking, “And how did you make it so we would literally come into the café at the very same time? Did you hire someone to spy on me so you could plan it all to the second?” he starts panicking while you chuckle at his reaction. He’s so cute, you think to yourself.

“No, I didn’t do that, I was not that eager for you two to get together, come on now.” Jeonghan says with a laugh. “Everything that happened between you two was natural. I just forced you two to meet earlier than what would have, eventually, happened.” he says, looking between you two. “And as for the first question, Seokmin,” he says, fixing his eyes on him, “you’re literally an angel. I was almost afraid you’d cry when you realized you took away their favorite pastry.” Jeonghan says with another chuckle, “I always call myself an angel but we all know I’m a demon in disguise. You’re the angel. I knew you’d do it.” Jeonghan adds as Seokmin blushes looking at you.

You really love him. You take his hand in yours as you turn to look at Jeonghan. “Why did you do it?” you question your demon-like friend, “I’m not mad, I just want to understand.”

“Oh god, you’re not mad?” Jeonghan answers excitedly, “Oh thanks god, I thought I lost my strawberry-filled-cupcake lover.” he jokes around.

“Jeonghan, you’re on thin ice here.” you try to say seriously despite the smile on your face.

“Okay, okay, sorry.” he says as he gets suddenly way more serious, “It’s just… I always see you hanging out here alone, reading your books or studying. And I know you never talk about it but you yearn for something bigger, preferably in the form of love. Any love.” he explains, “I also know you feel alone. Your family and friends are far away, you left them to come to this city and I know you miss being well surrounded.” he says with a sympathetic smile, “Of course, you have people here, but you don’t let yourself have your people because you’re scared you’d have to leave them one day or another.” he continues, “And I know you needed someone that would make all your walls come down and that person is Seokmin.” he admits, looking at your lover, “He’s love in the form of a person. I knew he’d be good to you. I knew he was who you needed.” he adds on, “And I think I did it for myself too. I like talking to you, hanging out with you but I always knew you were keeping up your barriers around me, around us. And, you can ask Joshua or Seungcheol, I always talked about us becoming best friends in the future. And I just did what I needed to do so I could become your person too. Your person in a different way.” He clarifies when he hears Seokmin snicker at his words.

Well, I guess he is better at reading people than I thought.

“Jeonghan…” you say softly, teary eyed, “Where did that come from? I was supposed to be mad at you, not grateful!” you say with a laugh.

“Hey, no! You said you weren’t mad at me!” he says, smiling big, “You’re not a liar now, are you? Or did Seokmin corrupted you already?” he teases, again. There is the Jeonghan I’m used to, you think.

“I think you are the one who corrupted me.” you throw back at him, watching him laugh. “Thank you, Jeonghan. I hate saying it but you were right. All along.” you start, “I wish things were done differently but I also know I’m grateful for how things are now.”

“So, are we good here?” Seungcheol asks.

You look between the four friends and when you see Seokmin smiling at you reassuringly, you decide everything is very good; “Yeah, we are.” you speak.

“Okay, we’re going to go back then.” adds Joshua as they organize the chairs.

“But, hey, Jeonghan,” you say, getting his attention, “wait for my revenge. Because it will come.” You let him know with a smile on your face.

“But you said we were good!” Jeonghan says loudly, as you shrug, “And what about them?” he says, pointing at his two best friends, “They knew and they didn’t say anything!”

“They’re my favorite now so they get a pass.” you throw back at him, an angelic smile on your face while Joshua and Seungcheol snicker next to him, “Now you all can go back to work. I want to enjoy alone time with my boyfriend.” you say looking sweetly at Seokmin.

The 3 same-age friends walks away as you hear Jeonghan mumble “I think I made a mistake by setting them up together… I’m not ready for them to be disgustingly in love.”

“I have never seen someone stand up to Jeonghan like that.” says your now boyfriend while looking at you with heart eyes. You can see it now. How his eyes lit up when he’s next to you and how his smile doesn’t fade away.

“He’s nothing, I swear. He likes annoying people but he gives up easily once you tell him off.” you let him know while looking at him with the same fond look.

“That’s good to know,” he tells you, “When’s your next class?”

You look at your watch, noticing how your class starts in 5 minutes; “I’m late,” you tell him softly.

“What? Well go! I’ll text you later.” He says hurriedly, waving his hands at you as to make you leave.

“It’s fine. I’ll be late.” you say as you hold his hand over the table and look in his eyes, “There’s other classes but there’s no other you.” you tell him as you lean over the table.

he smiled and hugged you back, "nice to see you again," he said to you.

"ready to dye your hair?" you asked when you stopped hugging.

"kind of need to," he said while running his hand through his hair, "my roots are horrible and i need a trim." you looked at his hair and easily noticed the natural black color coming from his hair.

"okay, let's get you seated," you said to him and brought him over to your seat. "do you know what color you want?" you asked while getting some supplies ready and putting the cape around him.

"i don't have any major schedules, and the company is okay if i choose something different..." he started, "want to choose for me?" he asked you, looking at your through the mirror in front of both of you.

"me?"

"you."

"me?"

"can you not understand me?" he asked.

"i'm just surprised that you're letting me choose. it's your hair after all," you replied to him. you thought for a few seconds, "okay, i know what color i want to do. are you sure you're okay if i choose the color?" you asked him.

"promise! if anything, you can always dye it again another day," he said before laughing.

you smiled, "alright, you got it, but we're gonna make this whole thing a surprise," you said to him and grabbed another cape to cover your mirror. then, you looked at him, "and don't hate me, but we're bleaching your hair."

-

after a few hours of bleaching and dyeing seokmin's hair. you finally did the final wash and brought him back to your vanity. you trimmed his hair before letting his hair dry under a dryer.

"want a snack?" you asked as his hair dried. you stood in front of him and held a bag of chips open.

"sure," he replied and you held the bag to him. seokmin grabbed a few chips and ate them while you two waited. "what color did you dye it?" he asked.

"hey, i told you it's a surprise," you replied. "you look great with it," you complimented him, "bet even your fans will like it."

he laughed, "i'm just impatient right now. i'm glad you're good at your job, or else i wouldn't be here."

you grinned, "if i was bad at my job, then i wouldn't be here either." the timer suddenly went off for the salon dryer and the machine turned off. "perfect timing."

you moved the machine out of the way and fixed seokmin's hair some more before deciding that you were done.

"ready?" you asked seokmin.

"i've been ready for like the last four hours."

"oh hush," you said and moved the curtain out of the way to show the mirror. you watched seokmin's face light up as he looked at his new hair.

"we're matching!" he exclaimed, talking about the color of your hair and his. "y/n! this is so cool!" he said, standing up with the cape still wrapped around him. then, seokmin hugged you tight, "you're the best!"

you laughed, "you're so cute," you said to him and hugged him back.

"we need to take photos together, come on!" he said and hurried to a backdrop that was set up in the salon.

he is so animated. myriad of emotions change in his face as he hands you a glass of strawberry lemonade, because 'i noticed how you mostly stuck to it, it's your favorite, right?' and then smiles brightly at your hushed 'it is'. he still is standing and it takes you few seconds to realize that you haven't answered his question about the chair. 'oh my god, please sit.' you rush, surprised at how he waited for your verbal permission. 'thank you for the drink.'

'welcome!' his smile is so bright, you pretty sure it can rival the sun. 'i'm glad i made you smile, i think it's the first one since you came here. you have a really nice smile, by the way.'

seokmin is kind, that much you know, but experiencing this kindness on yourself is another thing. it leaves you flustered in a way that has your body tingle with warmth. 'why are you here?' you ask, because you have to know. what is this sunshine of a boy doing next to you?

'i could tell that something felt off for you, so i just wanted..' seokmin shrugs, looking at you. 'to make you smile, i guess.' at your silence, he gently nudges your shoulder with his one. 'you really should smile more. it suits you.'

there's a commotion from the living room and then door to the balcony opens, revealing dino. 'hyung! you coming? game is about to start!'

seokmin turns, reaching out for your hand, but not taking it. his smile is kind, sweet and when he asks: 'you wanna come with me?', you don't really doubt your answer: 'yes.'

a large-hearted individual who can overwhelm another preson with his emotions; he is warm and sweet, but can be a little detached and moody, so someone who is patient with childish outbursts and gentle at core is the best fit for him. loves excitement and is not demanding nor possessive to his partner.

'are you getting moody at me, lee seokmin?' you question, teasingly flicking his ear. 'you, big baby.'

'hey!' he whines, trying to hide from you only to end up being trapped by you on the sofa. 'you should support me, not make fun of me!'

you giggle, pulling pillow that he's holding away. at that you almost fall but seokmin catches you, because letting you fall is not something he can ever let happen, not when he's around. he quickly pulls you back to his chest and helps you to fix your hair, looking at you lovingly. even during his moody scenes, he is incredibly sweet and attentive, which never fails to make you smile. 'i always support you and that's exactly why i will not let you make decisions when you're this cranky. we should be logical here, babe.'

seokmin pouts and tries to continue pouting but gives up under your insistent lips on his; he ends up smiling, kissing you back sweetly. 'what logic? don't wanna use any logic.'

rolling your eyes, you let him whine, petting his head as he hides his face in your neck. he holds you close to him, finding strength in your support. seokmin's large heart hurts sometimes from caring too much and you are always there to pick it up and fix it again. 'do you want to go somewhere far?' you ask quietly, running your fingers through his hair.

'somewhere far?' seokmin perks up like a puppy. 'just you and me?' at your nod, if possible, he gets even more excited. you can practicallly feel it radiate from him in waves. 'god, yes. yes! anywhere you want, it doesn't matter as long as you're with me.'

you peck his lips, noting how he doesn't seem so sulky anymore. being close enough that he'd feel comfortable to show the real him, whether it's an excited self or moody self - you're grateful for that immensely. 'we'll choose together. but for now, let's think of that thing, yeah? logically.'

he smiles at your emphasis and leans in to kiss you. moody or not, he loves how you always treat him with such gentleness that his heart skips a beat whenever you look at him. 'alright,' seokmin agrees easily, because with you everything is easy. 'whatever you want.'

and he means it. whatever you want, however you like - he's ready to give it all, knowing that you'll be waiting for him on the other side with a small smile, cheering him on even on the darkest days.

a/n: whenever i try to write seokmin i always end having a meltdown, i'm sorry if this is not good guys :( - nini

tagging @prpldahy

your boyfriend reaches out a tentative hand towards your head, smoothing it carefully. “hey, sunshine,” he murmurs softly, amusement pulling his lips upward. “nice to see you too.”

“i am not sunshine today,” you announce, muffled by the sheets. “i’m the opposite. whatever that is.”

“moonlight?” wonwoo suggests, and then lifts your head and scoots under it, so you’re now resting in his lap.

you turn, blinking at him with bleary eyes. “moonlight’s too romantic. i’m miserable.”

“oh?” he cocks his head to the side, lips still tilted slightly. “and why are we miserable today?”

“i found out that there’s this whale, right? and it’s the only one of its — why are you laughing?” you cut yourself off to glare up at him accusingly.

wonwoo bites back his smile, apologising. “i just didn’t expect that you would — go on. i’m sorry.”

you continue as though there’d been no interruption. “it’s the only one of its kind and it can’t talk to the other whales! the frequency is different or something, i don’t know, but it’s so sad and now i’m miserable.”

wonwoo resists the intrusive urge to punch your cheeks. instead, he hums agreeably — “very sad,” he murmurs, but he’s looking more at your rounded eyes than thinking about whales.

“can you imagine? it must be so lonely down there. imagine you couldn’t talk to anybody ever.” you’re talking faster now, moving your hands as your head shifts on his thigh, making yourself more comfortable. “i think i’d lose it. completely. i’d miss my — my people!”

wonwoo leans over, kissing your forehead. “luckily,” he says, smoothing a gentle thumb over your cheek, “you’re not a whale. you’re my person.”

(“that was a very sweet line,” you say, furrowing your brows at him like you’re in a dilemma. “but i’m still sad about the whale.”

“as long as you’re sad with me, sunshine.”

“damn it. you’re good at this.”)

an / in my delusional wonwoo thoughts as always. guys i love him so much i’m going to cry

"Do you want to go on a trip?" Seokmin had asked, all soft and fond with lights twinkling in his eyes that afternoon, and there was no way you would have been able to refuse. 

It’s why you are where you are right now, in the car, on the road to somewhere, the sky velvet navy over your heads and yellow street lamps lighting your way, like some sort of glittering fairy trail.

Everything feels endless, like hours and hours are passing, or like it’s stopped, like the seconds ticking by on your watch have simply ceased to move anymore. You’re not entirely sure. The world is dimmed, and the air is so cold that you have to roll the window back up, but Seokmin’s hand is warm in yours, and that’s really all you need.

Seconds, or perhaps years, pass, before Seokmin eventually veers off the abandoned road, and you disappear into the trees.

“How much longer?” you ask again, and he looks over at you, sparkles in his eyes.

“Almost.”

And then you’re emerging out of the woods, and he smiles as your eyes widen.

The entire universe has opened up before you, the sky yawning and stretching contentedly, the land rolling leisurely for miles and miles. The longer you stare, the more there are little lights winking down at you, smiling as teasingly and adoringly as your boyfriend is smiling at you right now.

“Do you like it?” Seokmin asks, as if he’d been the one to painstakingly hang up all the stars in the sky for you to see, unbuckling his seatbelt and leaning over to do the same for you.

You can’t answer, too busy staring up at the sky, barely even registering when Seokmin gets out of the car, walking over to your side and opening the door for you to get out. “It’s… it’s beautiful,” is all you can say, and Seokmin chuckles.

“Just like you.”

The sky continues to reveal itself to you, as Seokmin sets up his equipment, as you lean back in the fold-up chairs that he’d brought, as you breathe in the clean countryside air and marvel at the natural landscape before you.

Not a sound is uttered by the world, save for the ones you make yourself, with the creaking of chairs and the shutter of Seokmin’s camera and the sound of you both breathing. Your attention is captured by the stars, as if the stars are the photographer and your awe is the picture, being captured and held in their glittering embrace endlessly.

“Y/N, love?”

Seokmin smiles when you finally look at him, and his eyes are glittering too, mesmerising and warm. He has his camera in his hands, and gestures to the open field.

“Can I photograph you?”

The universe truly was showing you her best side tonight, the moon little more than a silver sliver in the sky, shy and gentle and beautiful, the entire sky nothing more than a gorgeously soft expanse of dark and rich fabric, little gold threads delicately sewn into it.

You look over at Seokmin, looking over to where he has his camera up to his eyes, before laughing, shy, and having to look away.

It’s dark, because of course it is—you’re out in the middle of the countryside, with no artificial light for miles—but Seokmin’s smile, even behind his camera, is radiant, like he’s kept part of the sun’s brightness in his smile, wonderful and golden and looking perfectly in place within the beauty of the universe surrounding you.

“Beautiful,” is all Seokmin says, and when he lowers the camera you can see his eyes too, eyes that have turned into crescents that still, still sparkle so warmly.

“I know,” you say, tilting your head up again. “They really are beautiful.”

He laughs: a soft, adoring sound that drifts and carries in the silent night air. “You really, really are.”

Seokmin carries on taking his photos, some for his clients, some for himself, and you sit there on the grass, watching him, watching the sky, watching the world slowly, slowly continue moving.

Eventually he flops down beside you, lying on his back, but the camera keeps making shuttering sounds as he continues to take pictures of the universe above you.

You lie down too, nudging your hand against his arm, and he makes a playful noise in annoyance.

“Just a couple more,” he says, the camera still on his eyes. 

And then he takes it away, simply looking up at the sky without the camera filtering the images, and smiles. Seokmin looks over at you, eyes bright.

“Don't you think this is the best trip ever?” he asks, and you laugh.

“The best,” you agree, shuffling over to rest your head on his shoulder, him immediately putting an arm around you to pull you against him. “I didn’t know there were so many stars in the sky.”

“Me neither,” he says, fingers mindlessly trailing up and down your upper arm. “Hey, do you know any constellation names?”

You hum thoughtfully, adjusting yourself against him. “Sure I do.”

“Really?”

“Yep.” You point upwards at the sky, at a small cluster of stars. “Do you see that constellation there? The one with one star a little higher up to the right and two in a horizontal line under it?”

“Where?”

“There. Those three stars.”

“Oh!” Seokmin rests his palm, warm and gentle, against your skin. “Which one’s that?”

You lower your arm, grinning. “It’s called: ‘Junhui’s face moles’.”

Seokmin is silent for a long moment, before promptly pinching your arm, making you chuckle softly. “I really thought you knew constellations for a second there.”

“Of course I don’t.” You shift around in his arms to look up at him, tracing a light finger down his nose. “You’re the only and most beautiful constellation of stars that I know.”

He smiles, leaning down to press a kiss to your forehead. “That doesn’t even make sense.”

“Well, it does to me.”

That makes him laugh, an endeared exhale, kissing your forehead again. “Well, actually, I know a couple of constellation names too.”

You quirk an eyebrow, amused. “You do?”

“Yeah.” It’s Seokmin’s turn to point upwards, a long finger tracing a shape of stars, outlining a cluster of them that look a little brighter than the others. “See that one?”

“Mhm?”

He looks at you. “What does that one look like?”

You tilt your head to the side, shuffling further into him. “Um. I don’t know.”

“It looks like two people hugging, duh,” he says, as if it was obvious, and you laugh. “It’s called the ‘you and me’ constellation.”

“The ‘you and me’ constellation?” you repeat, smiling, endeared by his adorable naming of constellations, taking his hand from where it’s still pointing to the sky and interlacing your fingers together and bringing them downwards to rest on his chest. “That’s cool.”

Seokmin nods, grinning. “Exactly. Anyone who looks at that constellation, if they resonate strongly with the constellation of two people hugging, can call it theirs. The ‘you and me’ constellation.”

“That’s very sweet.”

Silence descends once more. Seokmin taps the fingers of one hand against your arm, the other warm and secure in yours. The grass is cold, and definitely a little damp, but neither of you notice, too absorbed in the way the universe seems to be painting a beautiful landscape just for you.

You look up at Seokmin, who still has his eyes fixed on the sky. His mouth is slightly parted in wonder, eyes wide, side profile as beautiful as ever, and it makes you smile.

“Seokmin?”

Seokmin’s lips automatically lift into a smile at the sound of his name, and he looks down at you. “Yes, darling?”

“Did you know the closest red supergiant to Earth is called Betelgeuse?”

Seokmin’s eyebrows raise upwards, surprised. “I did. How did you know that?”

You grin. “Research.”

His face softens, laughing. “You searched it up while I was taking photographs, weren’t you?” He kisses you on the nose, lightly. “Betelgeuse is also one of the brightest stars in our sky. It’s going to become a supernova really soon.”

“Wait, really?”

Seokmin nods, looking back up at the sky. “It’s not even that old. But even so, the Earth will probably still be around to see it go supernova. It’ll become the brightest light in our sky for several days.”

“Wow.” You look around at the sky, trying to see if you can see which one is Betelgeuse, but they all twinkle even more, as if intentionally attempting to confuse you, so you give up. “It’s incredible, actually. Our Earth being able to exist at the same time as such a phenomenon.”

Seokmin smiles. “Like you and me.”

You blink. “The constellation?”

“What? No,” Seokmin chuckles, “not the constellation.” He squeezes your interlaced hands, once. “Like Seokmin and Y/N. The fact we found each other, were pulled towards each other, in this same lifetime. Under this sky.”

Seokmin looks at you, and his eyes are soft, soft with indescribable emotions, as beautiful and endless as the universe expanding above you. It makes you smile, heart melting, fragile and yet safe in his hands.

“I don’t think there will ever be a lifetime where we don’t find each other,” you say. “I promise. In fact, I’ll make sure of it.”

He grins, face positively glowing with love, and he really is the most beautiful constellation of stars you’ve ever seen. “Have I told you I love you?”

You laugh, lifting yourself upwards slightly to smile down at him. “Hmm, no, I don’t think you have.”

“In which case, I love you.”

His mouth is warm on yours, the kiss light and sweet. When you pull away, he’s still grinning and glowing and looking like the stars in human form. 

“Say it again,” you say, and he smiles impossibly wider.

“I love you.”

It’s him that leans up to kiss you this time, a fluttery, silvery thing, and now you’re smiling too, the fingers of one hand still interlaced with his, the other cupping his face. You hum, pleased, and kiss him once more.

“I love you too.”

Far away, somewhere up in the stars that you can’t identify, there’s Betelgeuse, shining brightly down on you, light years away and never-ending. At least, in your lifetime. But that supergiant, that star, isn’t the biggest and most beautiful star you’ve ever seen.

Oh, no.

That title belongs to your boyfriend.

And under this same sky, when he shines, he’ll do it with you, holding your hand, kissing you gently and promising you the entire world. 

In every lifetime, in every universe.