Colors of the Season

This continued until Christmas. Jinki just ruled it out as him missing Jonghyun too much. Jonghyun certainly needed space now that he was thinking deeply about it. Texting round the clock, meeting between schedules, one waiting for the other to finish their work and then going on little dates, spending the night together, only leaving each other’s side for work the following day– Jinki certainly hogged up most of Jonghyun’s time. Jinki came to an understanding with Jonghyun’s distance soon because there were more priorities in Jonghyun’s life, especially with Christmas coming up.

So he was pleasantly surprised when Jonghyun turned up at the dorms late night on Christmas, instead of just spending the night at home. He smelt pleasantly of his cologne and cake, a bit of wine too. Jinki had returned from his own house a couple of hours ago and no one else was at the dorms that time, so Jinki knew Jonghyun was here for him and he softened at his sight, extending his hands. Jonghyun took them and slowly entered his embrace, letting go of his hands so he could snuggle into Jinki instead.

“What happened?” Jinki asked after a few moments, having noticed the sullen expression Jonghyun had been trying to hide, “You look pissed.”

Jonghyun tightened his arms around Jinki, “I screwed up big time,” He answered in a cute, muffled voice.

“It couldn’t be that bad.” Jinki reassured him despite not knowing what might have gone wrong.

“You haven’t seen it yet. Once you do, you can’t say that.”

“But what is it?”

Jonghyun slowly straightened up, his cheeks flushed as he answered, “I had picked up knitting a while back… and I decided to make you a sweater for Christmas… and I worked so hard on it, I restrained myself from you just so that I can make you something decent but…” He groaned before hiding his face into Jinki again.

“Oh…” Jinki felt overwhelmed then, understanding the reason behind Jonghyun’s small absences. He felt so guilty, yet his heart was overflowing with fondness at his reason and he hugged Jonghyun tighter, kissing the top of his head, “I’m sure it’s not bad. Lemme see it.”

Jonghyun slowly wriggled out of his embrace, “Okay, you’re only gonna see it. I am gonna throw it into the fireplace right after you do.”

Jinki laughed, “Fine.”

Jonghyun picked up the messenger bag that he had discarded after he had entered and pulled out a package, handing it over to Jinki reluctantly. Jinki unwrapped it and pulled out a dark blue sweater, which was so soft and seemed warm, the size was perfect too, slightly baggy and comfortable and in the front–

“Enough.” Jonghyun pulled it back, his cheeks growing pink, his brows wrinkling.

But Jinki just laughed, pulling it back from him, “It’s my present. I can’t allow you to burn it.”

“No, hyung, just give it back to me, I’m going to make you another–” Jonghyun was pulling it back from him but Jinki was quick, he freed the sweater from Jonghyun’s hold and stepped back, quickly discarding his cardigan and putting the sweater on instead.

“I’d love another one, but I’m gonna keep this one as well.”

“Nooo~” Jonghyun whined, stepping ahead and trying to pull it off Jinki, “Get it off, it’s so ugly!”

“If you wanna throw it into the fireplace, you’ll have to throw me along with it.” Jinki caught his hands, before he kissed his pout, “I’d rather you not, I have a schedule tomorrow.”

Jonghyun just gave up, “Fine, just don’t wear it outside.”

“No promises,” Jinki whispered, hugging him again, “It’s so cute and special, I really wanna flaunt it around.”

“You’re the worst.” Jonghyun elbowed him before hugging him back.

Kibum sighed when he came back from a shoot and found Jinki rolling on the couch, texting (probably Jonghyun) in that same sweater he had probably seen him wearing continuously for days. He would wash it and wait for it to dry before wearing it again. It was the only sweater he wore when he was home. It was crazy why he would do that when it was so fucking ugly. “My eyes hurt!” He exclaimed as he passed Jinki by, who was completely ignoring him, giggling at his phone.

Kibum sat down at the breakfast table, his eyes falling on Taemin who was eating soggy cereal while he played some stupid game on his tablet.

“That hyung won’t tell me what’s up with him,” Kibum knocked on the table, diverting Taemin’s attention to himself, “But where did he get such a sweater from? I know that thing in front is supposed to be a Christmas tree but it looks like green poop… and why the fuck is that old man so obsessed with such an ugly thing?”

Taemin splurted out some cereal as he burst out laughing, “Don’t let Jonghyun hyung hear you.” He said, throwing the tissue box at a disgusted Kibum, who had pieces of cereal on his face.

“Gosh,” Kibum wiped his face as he glanced over at Jinki rolling around in his sweater, “No wonder.”

“You have only still seen him rolling around in it.” Taemin turned back to his tablet, gasping because his character died as soon as he had resumed his paused game, “Just wait until you hear him talk about it.”

And Kibum saw it later when Jonghyun was home and he was snuggled into Jinki as they waited for Minho to put on a movie.

“Soft, isn’t it?” Jinki asked and Jonghyun just hummed, tracing his fingers over the green poop Christmas tree on his sweater. “Guess what it’s made of?”

Jonghyun furrowed his brows in confusion, “Wool. I’m pretty sure I used wool.”

“Wrong.” Jinki grinned, “It’s made of boyfriend material.”

Taemin snorted into his popcorn tub and Kibum just rolled his eyes before glancing back at them, watching Jonghyun chuckle at Jinki’s awful joke before pecking his lips.

Kibum rested back in the couch, grabbing a fist full of popcorn from Taemin, suppressing his urge to throw something at Jinki for that joke and to eye Jonghyun judgingly for laughing at it.

“Told ya.” Taemin stuffed his face with popcorn. “It’s bad but they’re perfect for each other.”

Kibum just sighed and somehow ending up smiling just the slight, because Taemin was damn right.

It’s kinda cute. The thought often casually sprung up in Jinki’s mind as he watched them whisper to each other so animatedly, so intimately as they made their protein shakes late in the morning. Taemin’s soft, careless offbeat chuckling and Minho’s dorky grin– this kind of cheer was rare in their demeanor. This was their most relaxed, most happy state he had seen and it was mostly when they were around each other.

Woah. Jinki couldn’t help but notice at how Taemin’s eyes darted to Minho the very first when he entered the room, how fond they grew when he looked at him, how he just stood and stared while Minho was going about his usual chores or just yawning while he rolled on the sofa with his phone, completely oblivious to it. Yet… quite not, because it was with the same fondness Minho glanced at Taemin whenever he would fall asleep against him or would be struggling to get into his jacket and boots before leaving for his schedule in the early morning. He would rush to his rescue the next moment though and guide his arm into the sleeves and let Taemin hold onto his shoulders as support as he stuffed his feet into his shoes properly. And Taemin would bid him goodbye so softly, wearing a smile that Jinki knew wasn’t just of gratitude. Jinki would almost wait with bated breath, expecting the next moment, the next gesture. But Taemin would just leave awkwardly, a bit reluctantly and Jinki felt like something was missing. Like there was something that was not happening.

And it took a few more instances such as this for him to realize what it was.

They never crossed boundaries.

They liked each other, but neither of them was aware of it.

Jinki realized that perhaps this had been going on for long– them hesitating, controlling themselves, suppressing their feelings because they both thought that the possibility of the other requiting such feelings was null. It would be such a waste, it would be such a tragedy if this went on until they both gave up and moved on, leaving nothing but a bittersweet feeling instead of that wonderful feeling that was in full bloom in their hearts. The way they would look at each other wouldn’t be so fond but sad and regretful, they would grow further apart, being unable to even handle being just friends with how much hurt that would have accumulated over time, weighing them down.

And Jinki wanted nothing of that to happen. He didn’t know what it was, maybe the contract, maybe the pressure of their fame, or maybe their own insecurities, but nothing was worth letting this spark between them just die down. So he took it upon himself to make that something that was not happening, happen. He knew, in the end, it was their choice to either let it flare or extinguish, but it was at least right for them to know… that it was mutual.

“Why me?” Jonghyun asked in a sing-song tone as he searched for the pralines in the ice cream tub.

“If I rope in Kibum for this, he will take control of the situation,” Jinki answered, “Not that I mind it, but he wouldn’t be subtle about what we are trying to do.”

Jonghyun snickered, “You’re right. He would just gather those two and tell them to date already. But…” He looked at Jinki, smirking, “It would certainly get the job done.”

“They deserve to have that moment, you know, of them finding out themselves and confessing to each other.”

Jonghyun hummed, “Okay, I’m in.”

Jinki smiled brightly before his eyes landed on all holes Jonghyun had dug into the ice cream, “Hey… don’t eat all the pralines!”

“Quickly grab a spoon then,” Jonghyun chuckled evilly, digging another hole, “Before they are all gone.”

Jonghyun lowered his nose mask just slightly to glance over at all the stuff Jinki was throwing into the shopping cart. He had been too distracted by the scented candles Jinki had first put in, sniffing at them and relishing their scent, to have noticed the possible disaster that was unfolding before him. The cart– that had barely had a few things was now overflowing. He freed a pack of string lights from the humongous bunch of ornaments before he was distracted by the tinsel Jinki had just thrown in, adding to the ridiculous amount of stuff that had already filled the cart to the brim. Next, he saw him throwing in little cute figurines, some random stuff that was probably gonna be the gifts, a wreath, three more different kinds of string lights, a dozen bows and bells. They did try to do the best for Christmas… but Jinki was kinda overdoing it with how literally everything he touched was now in the cart.

“Um,” He finally spoke up on seeing Jinki try to find space to stuff in some wrapping paper and ribbons for presents, “You should probably stop.”

“But I’m yet to get the most important thing,” Jinki replied, pouting a little.

“And that is?”

Jinki’s pout turned into a smirk the moment Jonghyun had asked… and instead of answering, he just turned and grabbed that “important thing” and placed it carefully on the pile of his shopping, making Jonghyun smile knowingly as he pieced everything together, “Oh.”

“All done now. Let’s checkout.” Jinki dusted his hands.

“We are not done… yet.” Jonghyun suddenly said, his smile growing a little sheepish as Jinki gave him a puzzled look. “We’ll be done once we get these,” Jonghyun said, taking out the scented candle he had been eyeing before, “Will you buy it for me, hyung?”

Jinki squinted before he chuckled, “Grab the other one as well. I know you couldn’t decide between the two and want both of them.”

“Yay!” Jonghyun exclaimed softly before he placed both his items in the cart and began following Jinki to the checkout.

“Is this supposed to be our dorm or a festival hall?” Kibum deadpanned as he chewed on his caramel popcorn while he watched Jinki and Jonghyun make the finishing touches on the decorations they had done. “Christmas is still a week away… and why do we have so many stockings… and why do we have reindeers… like… everywhere?” He said, glancing at how literally every little space in the shelves and counters was occupied by a little palm-sized reindeer.

“Isn’t it cute, though?” Jinki chuckled, pushing the nose of the reindeer and ‘Rudolph the red nose reindeer’ began to play as its nose lit up, “Who wouldn’t get these?”

Kibum pursed his lips. Well, they were cute, but Jonghyun had pressed literally every reindeer’s nose as he passed them by while decorating their dorm, and all that was ringing in his head was that damn carol because he had probably listened to it about twenty times now because of that dino and he swore if he had to listen to it again, he would–

“Rudolph the red nose reindeer~” Jonghyun sang along with the reindeer that he had just set off while carrying the leftover tinsel over the to the storeroom, “Had a very shiny nose~”

Kibum swore under his breath before he turned on the TV to distract himself with some different kind of Christmas music, deciding not to rain on his hyungs’ parade because though annoying, they seemed in such high spirits. No way was he gonna ruin that.

The Christmas playlist he had selected on random was pretty good until ‘Rudolph the red nose reindeer’ came on again, this time in kiddy voices and he gave up, deciding to accept his fate. He just left the playlist on before he approached Jinki, “I wanna help.”

“Are you sure, you were working 12 hours today.” Jinki hummed, “Just rest, it’s almost done.”

“The stockings are empty.” Kibum pointed out.

“Oh!” Jinki turned towards where he had hung the stockings. Five for each member, a color designated to each of them as well, “Then feel free to fill them,” He said, grabbing that huge packet of various assorted chocolates and candies and handing it over. “And don’t fill Taemin’s too much. You dote on him blindly.”

“Yeah, got it, old man.” Kibum took the packet from him and headed towards the stockings, unwrapping one bar of chocolate to glomp on while he did his task.

A few minutes later, their door dinged and it was Minho entering, looking surprised at how bright and colorful their dorm had become. “Wow, hyung, need any help?” He asked Jinki as he walked to where the leader was, decorating the tree with Jonghyun.

“Aren’t you tired?”

“Not at all, I napped on the way back home.”

“Then, make us some coffee please?” Jinki turned to Kibum, “Do you want some coffee, Bum?”

“Yes, please~” Kibum called back.

The moment Minho had stripped himself of his extra layers and had entered the kitchen, their front door dinged again. It was Taemin who got rid of his coat right away, grumbling as he dusted off some snow and rushed in towards the warmer part of their living room, his steps halting and his frown disappearing as he noticed how decked their dorm was. He darted towards Kibum first, taking out a candy bar as he greeted Kibum. He began eating it as he approached the other two at the tree and fidgeted with the ornaments that had been hung as he watched his hyungs wrap up their work. “Need help hyung?” He asked as he stuffed the last bit of the chocolate into his mouth.

“We’re all done here, you can help Minho with the coffee though.” Jonghyun chirped as he tied the trash bag he had filled with all the boxes and packaging they had removed their stuff from.

Taemin nodded as he sauntered into the kitchen, finding Minho standing near the island, pouring coffee into mugs. Taemin grabbed his mug and placed it next to the other mugs, softly greeting him before they both started whispering to themselves, small smiles on their faces.

Jinki glanced over them before he signaled Jonghyun who nodded and grabbed Kibum before following the leader into the kitchen.

Jinki cleared his throat when he was in, interrupting the soft conversation between the two, making them look at him, “Guys,” He began, “You’re standing under the mistletoe.”

Both Minho and Taemin looked up to find the mistletoe hanging above them, amidst all the tinsel and lights.

“Why would you put that up, hyung?” Minho asked, getting slightly flustered as he finished up pouring coffee into Taemin’s mug.

Jinki just smiled and was about to take his leave to give them their privacy because he had brought the matter of their feelings before them and now it was their–

“C’mon don’t be a spoilsport~” Taemin tugged at Minho’s sleeve, leaning in slightly… and Minho swore under his breath, catching Taemin's contagious smile as he did away the rest of the distance between them and kissed him. Taemin wrapped his arms around his neck and broke away just the slight only to kiss him again, this time deepening it, and Minho wound his arms around his waist, kissing him back.

Jinki stood struck at what had transpired before his eyes before he heard a soft suppressed chuckle, making him turn back, finding it to be Jonghyun, pursing his lips and Kibum who just sighed before smirking, having pieced everything together.

“You guys knew?!” He softly exclaimed as everything finally made sense and they just smirked, getting their coffee from the island before making their exit. Jinki just watched them, eyes wide before his eyes trailed back to Minho and Taemin, watching Minho leave pecks on Taemin’s cheeks and Taemin giggle to his gentle touch.

He slowly grabbed his coffee before making his own exit, getting embarrassed at things more than one.

Taemin entered Minho’s room with his pillow and jumped beside him, kissing his protruding, popcorn-filled cheek before snuggling against him, eyes falling on the blaring TV in the dimly lit room. The show he had been watching had ended so Minho switched it off before sliding down, wrapping his arms around Taemin, sighing as Taemin’s scent mixed with his shampoo filled his senses. It was so delicate and relaxing.

Taemin started tapping soft rhythms on Minho’s arm, “Do you remember when Kibum hyung tried to set us up too?”

“Yeah, it was about four years ago,” Minho chuckled, “He went to our schedule instead of us and forced us on a date in the countryside. He was pissed when he found out we were already dating.”

“And a few months later, when you were preparing for your solo, Jonghyun hyung called me to the studio to encourage you during your recording. You were singing a few of his demos to choose a song and–”

“He had slipped in ‘I love you, Minho’ in the lyrics,” Taemin laughed softly, snuggling closer into him, “He couldn’t believe we were already dating. He kept asking us how it was possible for a week.”

“Jinki hyung’s attempt was so cute too.”

“His face,” Taemin chuckled, “Let’s come clean once and for all tomorrow.”

“Yeah, I don’t think they know we’ve been dating for almost nine years now. Since they only started to suspect us around four years ago.”

“Nine years,” Taemin whispered, a soft smile on his face, as he closed his eyes, “It will be nine years this Christmas.”

Minho tightened his embrace around Taemin, nuzzling into him and Taemin giggled at the ticklish sensation, feeling his heart quicken at how warm Minho was, at how firm his hold was, at how he was trying to convey something through it.

“I have been thinking about it a lot,” Minho began, “...now more than ever.”

“About what?”

“About how much I want to spend every Christmas– every day and night…  just everything with you for the rest of my life.”

“Are you sure?” Taemin whispered modestly, fidgeting with Minho’s sleeve.

“Surer than anything.”

Taemin wriggled out of his embrace, biting back a smile before he pulled Minho by the collar, kissing him. Minho smiled against his lips before kissing him back, deepening it, breaking only for breath, kissing him again, until Taemin broke away, breathless, snuggling into him, saying in a muffled voice, “Good luck because now you’re officially stuck with me forever.”

Minho chuckled, kissing the top of his head, whispering back, “It’s all I’d ever want.”

prompt:

Minjung chuckled because Christmas was almost twenty days away and it was unexpected for someone like him to be listening to that song instead of something newer or maybe...grungier. He was dressed that way- in a black leather moto jacket and ripped skinnies. He had many piercings in his ears and his eyes were kohl-rimmed. His cap had spiky studs and his nails were painted too.

Minjung just pulled out her notes, enjoying the rhythm that leaked from his earphones as she began revising some of her coursework.

The next day was the same except that Minjung had learned her lesson and had worn a warmer coat. She didn’t like how packed the evening buses were because most students took evening classes opposed to morning ones. The only vacant seat again was the one next to that guy’s because his bag was resting on it like the other day. But he was a little more alert than he was yesterday and when he noticed Minjung scan the seats and step back towards the front, he took his bag off the seat.

Minjung murmured thanks before she sat, the same song infiltrating their shared space. Her eyes found his feet tapping along cheerfully and she somehow found that cute. She was too tired to study today so she sunk into her seat a little and closed her eyes, deciding to listen to the guy’s playlist, curious as to what other kinds of songs he listened to.

But when ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ ended, it started again. And when it ended again, it started another time. The song was on a loop and Minjung realized that it probably was too the other day as she couldn’t recall any other song he might have listened to. She had been too engrossed in her notes to notice it then.

She wasn’t really annoyed- this song was one of her favorites-okay...maybe she was. But what interested her more was his straight face when listening to such a festive song on repeat. And why was he listening to it so much anyway?

She turned slightly away, noticing that she was getting unnecessarily nosy. She occupied herself in a webcomic to calm her urge to voice her stupid curiosity.

The next day was slightly different because there was another vacant seat at the back and Minjung was going to head towards it...but the grunge guy took his bag off his adjacent seat when he saw her get on. Minjung didn’t have the heart to go and sit somewhere else after seeing that gesture, especially when the guy had tried to yank him bag off the seat as naturally and discreetly as possible, trying to hide that he had taken his bag off there for her. She thanked him as she sat beside him, contemplating if she had taken the right decision or not when ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ filled her ears again.

He must like it a lot. He must be that kind of music listener who listens to one song on repeat until he gets bored of it. She justified his playlist because otherwise, she might not be able to stand listening to it for the ten times that she would have to until her stop came.

But there was something off about him today. He was wearing only one earbud while the other one was in his lap. She casually glanced at it, finding music pouring out of it despite the bud being disengaged from the wire. It looked like someone had stepped on it. It was working but it wouldn’t be safe to put it in the ear.

She wanted to offer her earphones but refrained because she didn’t know the guy at all. She got off the bus before him too and she would have to ask for them back...and it didn’t make sense to lend them for only 20 minutes or so. But he had been kind enough to empty this seat for her without her asking...

She was fidgeting with her earphones, thinking if she should offer them or not and before she could have decided, the bus had reached her stop.

Minjung was sitting next to him the next day as well. He had emptied the seat yet again on sighting her and ‘All I Want You For Christmas’ was what he was listening to on a loop again. He hadn’t gotten his earphones fixed (honestly, they looked beyond repair to her) nor was he using a different pair. Minjung had deliberately left her earphones in her room because she was getting too caught up in trying to offer him her pair. She knew she was just trying to be kind but she had been told many a time that her kindness came off too strong or was mistaken for something else and the last thing she wanted was to make a person uncomfortable around her. The fact that she noticed his broken earphones would make it blatant that she was watching him secretly and she may come off as a creep.

Mid December

The exam week was upon her before she knew it and instead of working at the bookstore, she was at the library, studying. Her roommate was pretty noisy so she tried to get stuff done before she headed home and that was why she was taking the evening bus again instead of the afternoon one. Somehow she always ended up sitting next to that guy and she greeted him with a ‘hi’ at times. He just smiled at her slightly, reading her lips before returning to looking at out the window. Minjung revised her materials during the ride so she was no longer bothered by the song playing out of his earphones on repeat.

Her last exam was done and she was walking towards the bus stop, She could take the afternoon bus back to the dorms today because she had nothing to do on campus anymore. But a familiar tune made her halt. ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was leaking out the cafe door near her building and she chuckled. Gosh, I’m hearing that song too much.

A poster caught her attention and she walked closer to have a look at it. There was a lucky draw going on for the holidays and they got a scratch card if they purchased a large sized drink. She bit her lip, kind of tempted at that. She queued in to get a hot chocolate because it indeed had been long since she drank one...and though she didn’t have any high expectations about what she might win in the lucky draw, it sure was nice getting a gift of sorts.

She picked a card out of the bowl and settled with her drink, taking a sip before she began fumbling for a coin to scratch the card. She slowly scratched it out and her eyes widened.

“Awesome! You now own a pair of Skullcandy!”

Skullcandy? Minjung didn’t really get what that was but nevertheless went to claim it. They were a pair of earphones. Black...with skulls on them.

Minjung settled down at her table, staring at the earphones neatly packed in their case, a red ribbon tied around it.

She couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle. This was too much of a coincidence.

She took the evening bus instead of the afternoon one. She took the seat the guy emptied for her when he saw her get on the bus. She kept her hands in her bag, fumbling with the box that was inside it, feeling embarrassed and getting nervous about what she was going to do.

‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ was playing on repeat, leaking from his broken earphones and it somehow made her believe that this was fate.

When her stop came, she quickly took out the box and placed it in his lap.

“Merry Christmas!” She said, smiling, trying not to sound too nervous and she waved at him awkwardly before she got off, getting embarrassed at how surprised he had seemed, staring at the box in his lap.

She knew he probably didn’t need them...maybe he was just lazy to get new ones. Maybe he would think she really was a creep and dump it into the garbage can.

There was nothing she could do now...and if she hadn’t given it to him, she would have probably been stuck on the fact that she could have probably helped someone whenever she saw those earphones. So no matter how the guy took her gesture as...at least she was content that she was able to thank him in some way and wouldn’t have to worry and regret about a lost chance in the future.

She brushed it off by the time she got to her dorms...because she was probably never going to run into him again from now on anyways.

Late January

Holidays were over and it had been almost a month since the new semester had begun. Minjung had taken morning classes again and usually stopped at the cafe before taking the bus back to the dorms. She had class from 8 to 10.30 A.M and she worked at the bookstore from 11 AM to 4 PM. She had really liked the hot chocolate and she could afford to drink some almost every day with the amount of time she worked out in the mornings and evenings. So she usually bought a small one on her way to catch the 4.30 bus. She drank it on the bus while reading something but today she was very tired from having helped carry the new stock of books in. So she decided to take the first evening bus at 6 PM instead (the bus went all around campus and to various other university buildings so it took that much time to come back to the same stop).

She settled on a table with her hot chocolate, making sure it was a good distance away from the edge before she gently let her feet slip out of her shoes, stretching them. She sighed, fumbling inside her bag for a book she had been reading. As she relaxed, flipping to the page she had bookmarked, her senses grew more attentive of her surroundings. She looked up from her book, finding a faint, familiar melody in the air. It took her no more than a couple of moments to recognize it.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

She knew it wasn’t coming from the cafe’s speakers so she turned around curiously, her eyes settling on the table right behind hers.

Her heart began to pace on finding the same grunge guy sitting behind her, pouting as he scribbled something into his notebook, humming along to the song leaking from his earphones. The Skullcandy that Minjung had gifted him, to be exact.

He almost met her eyes. Almost. Minjung had turned away before it could happen. She began to focus on her book and her drink. But her heart was racing for some reason and she was trying to calm it down. She had done nothing wrong! Why was it beating fast like that?!

She flinched when she felt a soft tap on her shoulder. She turned around slowly, finding the guy smiling at her, his face slightly aflush.

Gosh, so cute.

“Thank you,” He whispered, taking out the earphones from his ears, “For the earphones.”

“Oh,” Minjung calmed a little bit, getting embarrassed as well, “You’re welcome.”

“Can I treat you to…” He tilted slightly to check what Minjung was drinking, “..some hot chocolate some time? As a proper thank you.”

Minjung opened her mouth, flustered, about to say that it’s fine but he spoke before her.

“I didn’t have time to get new ones and the online delivery was gonna take 2 weeks. I needed them to turn in last-minute critiques of Christmas music for my course so…” He smiled, “These were indeed a life savior.”

“Please?” He sounded flustered too, and Minjung bit her lip, nodding.

“Minjung,” She turned, extending her hand for a shake.

The guy took it, his smile bashful yet bright, “Taemin.”

Mid December

♫

I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true, oh All I want for Christmas is...you

♫

Taemin rested his head against the cold glass window, his eyes resting on Minjung’s reflection. He adjusted himself so he could block her view when she glanced at him and would not catch him watching her reflection.

She grumbled, her brows constricting as she read her study materials, her lips moving rapidly with the words she was reading internally. She bit her lip whenever she pondered over a certain part, running her fingers through her hair, forgetting that she wore a hair band. It came off and she grumbled again, taking it off and quickly fixing it, playing with a lock absentmindedly as she soon grew engrossed in her notes again.

Taemin couldn’t help but chuckle softly to himself, awestruck by her endearing beauty.

So cute.

Taemin yawned as he stepped out of his apartment with his basket of laundry, finding the hallway busier and noisier than usual. He casually watched what the commotion was about while he waited for the elevator and he soon found out that someone was moving into the empty apartment beside his. He remembered that it had barely been two days since the last student vacated it (since they had graduated). This complex was closest to the campus, just a five-minute walk away...it was no wonder people would move in even at such bizarre times, like in the middle of the month.

The elevator dinged and he got in, his eyes falling on the guy who had just unlocked the vacated apartment after saying goodbye to some other two guys.

The doors swiftly closed, dramatically blocking his view and Taemin’s eyes gained a spark of interest. Hmm, he’s handsome.

Taemin had completely forgotten about his new neighbor...but the next week when he had stepped out with his trash, there he was, getting out of the elevator. Taemin grew instantly conscious of himself because...shit, he wasn’t just handsome, he was insanely handsome. Their eyes met and Taemin looked away on instinct, but upon noticing him smiling at him, he looked back, returning the smile. His neighbor walked past him and Taemin quickly walked towards the elevator...because he knew from the way he had just behaved, he had a little crush on him and the last thing he wanted was him to see or smell his trash.

He let out a breath as the elevator doors closed, feeling his face heat up as he whispered to himself, “Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit.”

He saw his neighbor around the apartment complex, mostly from his balcony where he usually stood and drank hot chocolate and enjoyed the view and air to take a break from his room’s stuffiness and his mind-boggling academics. The guy went out for jogs even in this chilly weather and it was beyond Taemin how he could be that dedicated. Sometimes the guy would be just returning from campus, hands tucked in his jacket as he quickly walked towards the apartment, his dark attire and hair slowly getting tainted with the falling snowflakes, his bag bouncing on his back with his steps.

Taemin didn’t want to...but he couldn’t resist his curiosity and he ended up asking the warden who had moved in next to him.

Choi Minho, Health Sciences Major.

Taemin was in Computer Science, no wonder their paths never crossed on campus.

One day, he was sipping on his hot chocolate in the balcony and upon noticing Minho enter the building, he waited a bit before he gathered his laundry and slowly stepped out, dragging the basket behind him. As he stepped out, the elevator dinged. Taemin turned to the elevator, trying to act nonchalant. He walked towards the elevator and watched Minho step out. Minho gave him a smile in greeting before walking past and Taemin thought he might have returned it too soon, too awkwardly as he stepped into the elevator, this time feeling so conscious and heated that he did not face the closing doors to sneak another glance of his neighbor.

He didn’t want to...but his crush was growing and he really wanted to see Minho up close even if it was for a few seconds. So he began doing laundry more frequently (his mom would have been so happy). He even stopped being lazy and stepped out daily to get his food instead of ordering a home delivery. He had bought those airlock, fragrant trash bags so he could even throw out the trash while walking past Minho without fearing that he will ruin his image by making the air stink.

He was doing a lot of stupid little things and getting flushed, sometimes giggly, which was surely not a good sign. He knew he would cross his limit one day and end up doing something very, very embarrassing...like maybe giggle to Minho’s face or maybe just trip and drop trash on him because he was too busy staring.

Get out of it, Lee Taemin! You’ll look like a creep! He often chided himself...and maybe that was why he had stopped going out to his balcony to drink his hot chocolate. He had stopped his urges to go do his laundry or other chores around Minho’s schedule too.

One day, he was chugging down hot chocolate as he worked on his project, all cuddled up on his mattress with his laptop resting on a fortress of pillows. He was making a presentation on the output of the code. He was almost done and as he typed the conclusion, his thoughts trailed and he looked into his open wardrobe ahead and then to his empty laundry basket. He had completely forgotten that he had to get his clothes from the coin laundry! He had nothing to wear for tomorrow’s presentation and he had to be in the lab early (around 7 A.M)  so he could not put off getting his clothes to the morning. He glanced at the clock in dread. Ten minutes to closing time. He sighed in relief, grabbed his wallet and his empty basket before rushing downstairs to get his clothes back.

He picked up his clothes and was heading towards the elevator when he collided into someone in his rush (and also because the pile of clothes was blocking half of his view). The basket slipped from his arms and he watched his basket topple ahead, out of his arms, screaming internally in horror, “MY WHITE SHIRT NOOOOO!”  The clothes had dramatically fallen upon the person he had knocked down.

“Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit,” He muttered as he quickly grabbed his basket from rolling away and looked to the person struggling to get the fallen laundry off them. “I’m so sorry! Are you alright?” The person sat up, speaking a muffled, “Yeah,” Taemin grew flustered and regretful, knowing he was going to be chided now, so he crouched down and began to gather his clothes quickly, looking everywhere but at the victim of his mishap, “I shouldn’t have been running to catch the elevator with this huge ass pile in my arms...shit, I’m so sorry”

“Hey, it’s fine.” The person finally freed themselves of the oversized sweater their head had got caught in. They dropped it on Taemin’s pile and picked up the other clothes fallen on their body. Taemin glanced at him finally, and he almost toppled over...because it was Choi Minho who he had just dropped his laundry on.

“Are your whites safe?” Minho asked and Taemin blinked, processing his question, finally realizing that his heart was thumping fast. He bit his lip in embarrassment and looked back at his pile, “Yeah, they are safe.”

“Phew,” Minho chuckled softly and the elevator dinged right then. Minho got in and held the door, looking to Taemin who was still dazed. Taemin looked to him the next moment, realizing that he was waiting for him. He muttered a sorry and got in, dragging his basket after him.

“Umm, Taemin?” Minho broke the air after they had passed the first floor.

Taemin flinched a little, not expecting him to know his name, “Yes?”

“I know you just had hot chocolate...but do you wanna have another cup with me? I used to work at a cafe and I make a killer cup.” He chuckled at Taemin’s taken aback expression, “In exchange for setting up my new laptop with all the cool stuff. I heard you were a CS major.”

Taemin blinked, trying to calm his incoherent mind, “Sure.”

“Thanks!” Minho smiled, “Just drop your laundry into your room while I unlock mine.”

The elevator dinged and they reached their floor. Taemin unlocked his apartment and pushed his basket inside before walking awkwardly to Minho, his heart going crazy as he watched him push the door open. “C’mon in.”

Taemin stepped inside, finding the new laptop peeking out of the box on the coffee table, “Is-Is this the one?”

“Yes,” Minho answered, entering the kitchen and beginning to make hot chocolate.

Taemin plugged it in and switched it on, soon getting engrossed in the setup. Minho set down their mugs of hot chocolate and sat down beside him on the couch, breaking Taemin’s attention. Taemin grew nervous at their proximity and stared at his mug a while, trying to divert himself off his thoughts about Minho, when something struck him. “How...did you know I just had a hot chocolate?” He asked softly, glancing to Minho.

Minho sat up, pointing to Taemin’s upper lip, chuckling softly, “You’ve got a mustache.”

Taemin eyes widened and he immediately slammed his free palm over his mouth and licked off the half-dried-half-sticky chocolate from his upper lip. He returned to setting up Minho’s laptop, the internal screaming of his mind making him miss that whisper of “cute” that had left Minho’s lips.

When he was done, he showed Minho the software he had installed and the other settings he had implemented. He thanked him for the hot chocolate and bid him goodbye.

He got into his room and slumped against the door, a rosy flush tainting his face as he smiled to himself. His eyes fell on his basket of laundry he had pushed in before and his smile grew wider as he crouched down and pulled the basket towards him and dropped onto it, hugging it. 

After a minute, he sighed, straightening up and dragged the basket to the carpet, crouching down again as he began to pull out the white shirt he wanted to wear the next day. While he did, a little note jumped out and landed on to the carpet.

Taemin picked it up and unfolded it.

“Wanna do laundry together next time? I do it around 9 am every Saturday morning. Breakfast will be on me ;)”

“Yet. You can just ask him to come, you know. You fuss a lot about how he is intolerable, but honestly, you’re stuck on him. This can be the chance to sort it out. It starts with apologizing.”

Minho remained silent a while in thought before muttering, “In my dreams.”

Jonghyun sighed, “Then ask him to play pretend for that week-”

“And be indebted to him?” Minho shot back, getting angrier, “He won’t even agree to it. I haven’t met him in months and the last time I got a peek of him, he was doing so much better. He’s got no reason to do me favors. He’s gonna refuse and be a jerk about it.”

“And you’ll deserve it.” Jonghyun patted his shoulder, “Get ridiculed by him or your family. Choose what you feel is more bearable.” And he left, calling out to Jinki who had been clearing the set.

Minho bit his lip in thought and made his choice, “I hate you, Kim Jonghyun.”

Minho needed a little courage to do what he had decided to do. So he needed to do it at the most unimaginable hour he could think of, somewhere around 3 am when he would probably be thinking that perhaps all of it was a dream. He’d had a beer before he had dozed a couple of hours, woken to the sound of his alarm and walked to the address he had once said he would never go to. To think that he had dedicated himself to such a ridiculous plan, was beyond him (maybe it was Jonghyun’s idea).

It was a long walk, the address was a couple of neighborhoods away. Minho was grateful it wasn’t at the other side of town. He took the elevator of the apartments and then rang the bell. Of course, silence. No response. He was angry all of a sudden, memories rushing through him and he started ringing the bell continuously. Someone finally opened the door, but only a sliver. Minho could see something peek out along with alarmed eyes, something that wasn’t part of the human body.

“A water bottle? Seriously?” Minho ridiculed, chuckling, “It’s me.”

The door opened a little more, revealing Taemin, dressed in nothing but track pants, his overgrown hair a mess, as he seethed, clutching his water bottle. Minho’s arrogant laughter set him off and he threw the water bottle at his face before slamming the door shut, “You’re not welcome.”

Minho just gaped at the closed door, his brows constricting in fury before he started to ring the bell furiously, continuously before Taemin finally opened the door again, enraged, “Choi!”

“I’m just here to talk.” Minho offered, his fury draining on seeing Taemin so riled up.

“I guess you still haven’t realized that you are incapable of that.” Taemin shot back and something in Minho hurt at the acerbity of his voice, of his eyes…and it turned into anger again the very next moment.

“I just came here to ask you a favor and all you do is be difficult and throw rude shit at me! I maybe someone you left, someone you hate, but before that, I’m still a person, a regular guy with regular problems who tries to solve them by regular methods. You don’t even care to analyze the fact that there must be a real good reason for me to knock at your door at 4 am in the morning!” Minho fumed, “Goddamit, Taemin. You really know how to drive someone up the wall!”

“Hey!” Someone shouted, “Take it somewhere else, moron!”

“Put yourself in my shoes and then talk, you asshole!” Minho shouted back at the faceless person and Taemin clicked his tongue, his voice now lower, “Why are you here?”

Minho quietened, his fury calmed and he took a deep breath, handing the invitation over. Taemin took it and read over it, glancing back at Minho, “That’s a hell lot of improvement. You got invited for Christmas.” He paused, “But how does that relate to you come storming here at this ungodly hour?”

Minho decided to unhear the ‘storming’ part, and he began, slowly, “Mom was able to win everyone’s favor back towards me. They are throwing us a reception and you know I can’t go alone-”

“Then miss it.” Taemin handed the invitation back to him.

“I can’t, that’s the point. It’s a big thing. My grandfather’s been ill a lot lately, he wants to see everyone home and together at Christmas. I really don’t wanna ruin it for him, by both not going or showing up alone.”

“If I am free that week,” Taemin sighed, “I’ll think about it.” He started to close the door, “I need to leave for work in three hours…so…please, let me sleep.”

“Taemin-”

“I’m not refusing you, Choi.” Taemin shot at him, exasperated, “That’s the best you get for scaring the shit out of me by pulling your little stunt.”

“Fine,” Minho sighed, stepping away, “My…my number’s the same. When you wanna contact me.”

“Got it.” And the door shut loudly, leaving Minho staring at it helplessly before turning away to get back home.

“To think I even bought his ticket,” Minho muttered to himself, glancing at the clock in the airport. Taemin had not responded at all but Minho had taken desperate steps during his wait- confirming he still had the same number before texting him the flight details and leaving a trail of messages asking about his decision.

“So what you gonna do if he doesn’t show up?” Jonghyun asked, sitting on Minho’s suitcase, “Will you take me? I heard it snows there…I haven’t seen snow in my life-”

“And yeah, after I come back, be beat up against the wall by your boyfriend? No thanks. I’ll just tear those tickets.”

“Better plan.” Jonghyun smirked, “Stay back. Give them to us. We’ll have a little winter getaway and you will be safe and sound back here at home. If your mom asks, blame it on us. We tricked you into giving away your tickets and you couldn’t buy another set.”

“Wow.” Minho squinted at Jonghyun, “How does your mind even work like that?” He sighed, “She’ll just send me tickets then. If you’ve forgotten…my family’s filthy rich.”

“Then you have your tickets and we have ours-”

“Seriously, Jonghyun. I don’t get why I put up with you.”

Jonghyun got up and bumped into Minho playfully, “It’s simple, I’m hot.”

“Seems like you had a replacement ready.” A voice came and Minho turned to find Taemin standing there, holding a little suitcase, dressed a little sloppily and his fringe…asymmetrical. He was expressionless, and Taemin was only expressionless when his anger was pretty serious, “Why did you ask me when you had him?”

“What?” Minho asked back, “He’s not a replacement- and well, so what if he is?! You never said you were coming!”

“I never said I wasn’t!”

Jonghyun backed off that very moment, “Have a safe flight, buddy.” And he rushed away, dragging a confused Jinki away with him who had just come back after parking the car.

“He’s gone. Do you feel better now?” Minho shot at him, grabbing his suitcase, “If it matters to you…I was going to tear my tickets if you didn’t turn up. I rather not go than go without you.” He began dragging both suitcases to the check-in line.

Taemin followed, “Are you stupid? Why would you tear your tickets? You still don’t have any sense of money, don’t you?”

“Yeah, I don’t!” Minho snapped, “And what’s with your hair?”

“I thought it was befitting your family. Aren’t they all crooked, just like this?” He pointed to his fringe.

“Gosh, Taemin. Are you even thinking about what you’re saying?”

“I’m not.”

Minho bit his lip, restraining himself from responding. His mind was ticking and ticking, filled with a hundred things he could say back to him. He was a fucking time bomb around Taemin. He can’t blow up like this in front of his family, and to prevent that, he had to start being patient from this point itself.

“Just a warning,” Taemin said after they had checked in their luggage, “If this is gonna be hell for me, then it’s gonna be hell for you too, Choi.”

Minho remained mum. It was already hell for him.

Taemin fell asleep after take-off. Honestly, Minho was relieved he did. Because, now that he thought of it, they could fight about almost anything. The seats would be uncomfortable because they are, it would be cold because it is, but if Taemin was awake to complain, it would all be Minho’s fault. Minho shook his head. What the hell was wrong with him? They weren’t even actually fighting but all he could think about was them fighting, about what Taemin would say when he was awake and how he could outsmart him. Somehow it seemed like a game he had to win.

He sighed, deciding to watch something. But Taemin’s head drooped and then dropped onto his shoulder. The air he was breathing was full of the scent of Taemin’s shampoo. A citrus scent. He thought he could let him stay like that but then if Taemin woke up like that he would find some way or reason to blame him, like for example, “for taking advantage of him”. He didn’t want to give him any excuse to pick a fight, so he gently pushed his head off his shoulder, making it droop to the other side.

He couldn’t help but watch over him, feeling a little guilty, also a little interested, maybe because it had been long since he had seen that face devoid of distaste. He looked so adorably handsome, even with that crooked fringe.

A while later, Taemin woke up- his eyes and cheeks puffy, a little frown in his brows as he tried to make sense of the world he had woken up into. Taemin was always like that when he would wake up, cute and puffy, a little grumpy as well, wouldn’t talk or move much until he was fully awake. Watching him from the corner of his eyes, Minho realized he might have missed waking up to Taemin’s sight a little more than he had thought.

The stewardess passed by and Taemin asked for water; when he opened his mouth, his voice was so hoarse it sounded like a goat bleating and Minho let out a funny noise, trying to control his laughter, making Taemin turn to him with a glare.

The stewardess handed Taemin water and he splashed half off it on Minho’s face before drinking up the rest, leaving both Minho and the stewardess wide-eyed. She excused herself nervously, after which Minho grabbed a tissue and wiped his face, forgetting all the thoughts about missing Taemin and his cuteness. He bit his anger away and turned a little away to glance outside the window, somehow feeling Taemin squirm and his eyes on him. He turned to him after a while, uncomfortable, “What?”

“What?” Taemin shot back, annoyed.

Minho rolled his eyes and turned back away from him, deciding to sleep through the rest of the flight.

They squabbled a little when they were waiting for the luggage. It was Minho’s fault, he had crashed the trolley into Taemin…not entirely on purpose. Minho’s control was almost breaking because Taemin was fretting about not seeing his suitcase, taunting Minho that he had gotten them checked in at the wrong queue.

They finally got their luggage and took a taxi, Taemin and him sitting too much apart- Taemin leaning against the window, seeming dull. When they had reached his parents’ place, he finally broke the air, “I want everyone to think everything’s fine between us, Taemin.” He sighed,  “You’ve already been my husband before so I don’t need to tell you more.” He got off the car and took out the suitcases. Taemin came to take his own and muttered, “I’m still your husband, idiot.” And he dragged his suitcase along with himself to the gate, being careful of the snow. Minho joined him, his eyes fixated on him because he was quite taken aback by his words.

Taemin looked at him, a frown forming upon seeing Minho staring at him, “Put in the code, will you? It’s freezing.”

Minho obeyed, feeling awkward because he was still thinking about what Taemin had said. Of course, he meant that as in namesake…right? Because they were now only married on paper. It had been a heated agreement and they had divorced each other verbally, had stayed divorced in every possible way for almost a year. Minho was waiting for Taemin to send him the papers; maybe Taemin was waiting for him to do so. The one who was at more fault was going to send the papers, and seeing how no side had sent them yet, both of them thought the other was at more fault. Every time he thought of that day, he would just be filled with insensible anger. He would rather live like this all his life, uncommitted and unavailable than admit he was the one at wrong. Because he clearly wasn’t.

His trail of thoughts was interrupted by the little crowd at the door, his family coming out to welcome them, probably having heard them arrive.

“Minho!” His mom called out to him and behind her were his grandparents and his cousins. His cousin’s kids were all peeking out the door and windows too, probably not allowed out for now because it was late and getting colder.

His mom engulfed him in a hug and then her eyes shifted to Taemin, her lips curving into an unsure mixture of nervousness and excitement, “Taemin! I thought I would never get to see you again.”

“Hello, Mrs. Choi.” Taemin greeted with an equally unsure smile, making her loosen just slightly. She smiled a little wider and patted his shoulder, inviting them inside. “So now everyone’s here! And just in time!” She declared happily, ushering them in.

Once their suitcases were taken to the room and they had stripped off the extra insulation and washed up, dinner was served. The house was huge and it made Taemin uncomfortable. Minho’s family was rich…Taemin’s was too, but Minho’s family was famously and stereotypically rich. Taemin thought he might have been spoilt until he met Minho- the guy had been raised amidst coddling, his every life decision already was taken. No wonder he was so bratty and rebellious to have run away from home when his family denied him something for the very first time. He was reckless, careless, impatient and hotheaded.

They had met in college and somehow they clicked, too much actually, that they ended up marrying each other while still attending classes and working part time. When they graduated and shifted into better but more demanding working environments, that’s when their relationship started to crumble and it was all because of Minho. Somehow, he was just too irritated and impatient all the time, picking a fight, sometimes doing such things that made Taemin pick fights instead. At times he just wasn’t there, and for times Taemin couldn’t stay, he would get too upset and say hurtful things. Taemin tried not to retaliate but Minho’s behavior was contagious. That day, they said too many hurtful things…and he left, unable to stand the situation.

He was fuming now,  hurting too…thinking of how they had lived together and how he had lived without him. He didn’t really know what he wanted anymore. He was just getting by, thinking more of the past than the future. He shook his head to break his thoughts, trying to focus on what one of Minho’s cousins was saying.

His cousins had taken a liking to him, they were being very welcoming and trying a little too hard. It was a little awkward but felt strangely nice and homely. Something that he probably hadn’t felt in ages. Minho, who he obviously had to sit beside, was part of the conversation too.

“Really? I learned my sewing that way too!” Minho was saying, laughing and chewing at the same time, and Taemin froze because he knew what this idiot was going to say next, “Taemin worked at this dance studio and he ripped his pants all the time-”

“Can you pass me some water?” Taemin cut him off and forced himself to drink it all, restraining his urge to pour it on the idiot beside him.

A similar situation arose again-

“Same! Taemin is so afraid of bugs that he shrieked like a banshee once when he saw a flying ant-”

And again-

“Ahaha! Taemin once tried to cook too and whatever it was is still stuck on the kitchen ceiling-”

Taemin pursed his lips, trying not to glare at Minho. The guy was probably taking revenge for the airport stint. He knew Minho wouldn’t just stay still and forget about it. He was bringing up all his embarrassing moments- knowing how Taemin hated to let others get to know his clumsy, embarrassing side. More than anger, he felt betrayed.

He almost wanted to do the same…but he bit back his words and decided to be the better person. If he stooped to Minho’s antics, then they would probably end up squabbling and that won’t be a pretty sight. He actually liked Minho’s family….and his mother did seem to have worked hard to get everyone together. Moreover, this reunion of sorts was what Minho’s grandfather had really looked forward to. He didn’t have the heart to ruin it for anyone just because Minho was being a little shit.

After dessert, some chatting and then hot tea, everyone retired to their beds. Taemin and Minho entered their room. Minho sighed, grabbing a pillow and blanket, dropping them on the sofa before stripping himself of his pants and jacket. He was wearing shorts inside. It was his habit- whenever he attended late events, he would usually wear a comfy layer under the fancy one so he could crash right away on reaching home. Taemin gawked as he settled on the sofa, snuggling up in the blanket before looking at him, brows raised, “What?”

“…nothing.” Taemin replied, heading to the bathroom to change. When he came out, Minho was already fast asleep. Taemin sighed, settling into the bed, “Just what in the world is going on in your head?”

Minho woke up and grabbed his phone to check the time. He decided to sleep a little more but the moment he closed his eyes, he heard soft footsteps. Recognizing them right away he sprung from the sofa, throwing the blanket into some hidden corner, grabbing his pillow and then jumping right into bed, scaring Taemin awake. He slid his arm under his neck and shifted close, the usual way they used to sleep before. When he could hear Taemin breath sharply, he covered his mouth with his palm to stop the angry complaint that was going to leave his mouth, “My mom’s coming…and she doesn’t knock.” Taemin calmed, blinking, his eyes still confused, “Just pretend to be asleep, I’ll take care of it.”

Taemin muttered a muffled okay, making Minho realize his palm was still upon his mouth. He dropped his palm and pulled the blanket a little over him as well, his mom’s voice calling out to them softly the moment he had rested his head on his pillow. The door opened.

“Dears, are you awake?”

Minho pretended to have woken up just now and raised his head from his pillow to look at his mother, “Not entirely, mom.”

“It’s okay, everyone’s sleeping in. I was making some toast and coffee so just checking if anyone’s awake so I can add their share.”

“That’s sweet, mom. But we’ll be sleeping in. Thanks.” Minho slurred, almost certain he added a little too much flair. But his dread was gone when his mom bought it.

“Okay, sleep well~” And she left, closing the door behind her. Minho crashed back into his pillow, breathing in relief. His eyes fell on Taemin, who was still pretending to sleep. “Hey, she’s gone.” But Taemin didn’t stir. Minho stared at him a while, noticing how his lips were parted and how is breathing was a periodic slow rhythm. He had really fallen asleep.

“Shit,” Minho whispered to himself, his eyes trailing from Taemin and to his arm that he had snuck under Taemin’s head on instinct. He sighed, relaxing, deciding not to ruin the calm of his slumber. Because, of course, if he did, Taemin would probably start a fight in his grumpiness.

He sighed in defeat, watching him a while, tearing his gaze away from him, realizing that he was gawking. He looked back to him, feeling his heart squirm and bop.

“You really are something…” He whispered to himself, closing his eyes, falling back asleep with a little smile.

When Minho was up and fresh, his mom reminded him to get his clothes ready for the reception. After breakfast, he went and grabbed his clothes before heading to the laundry room where the ironing board was. The kids were playing everywhere and almost made him trip over them when he entered the laundry room. He balanced himself, and when he found Taemin’s back facing him, ironing his own clothes, he was more relieved that he didn’t fall, because he would have fallen on Taemin.

“What are you doing?” He asked, sighing.

Taemin flinched a little at his presence and forgot to respond with sarcasm, “Ironing.”

“How long will you take? I gotta iron too.”

Taemin sighed, “Just leave them there. I’ll do it after mine.”

Minho blinked, surprised, “Really?”

“Yeah. I know you hate it,” He paused, his sass kicking in finally, “plus you do a sloppy job.”

Minho decided not to retaliate to that comment. “Fine,” He said, frowning a little as he placed his little pile on the edge of the board, “Thanks.”

Taemin didn’t respond and Minho just left, leaving him to iron. Taemin finally breathed on hearing him leave,  his cheeks a little aflush as he continued to iron that sleeve for the third time. He realized what he was doing and folded his shirt away, starting to do Minho’s, taking a deep breath. “This is bad,” He whispered, “Bad, bad, bad.” He took a deep breath again, “Why did I even come here with him?”

He knew why. He just didn’t wanna admit it. He never would have. If it hadn’t been for Minho’s stupid kindness the night before…if it hadn’t been for waking up in his arms and realizing how much he missed that.

One of Minho’s nieces (the two years old one) was playing at his feet and Taemin felt her move below the ironing board, taking the support of his legs. He paused ironing for a while to glance at her, finding her gone. He bent down, worried and found her trying to pull the plug.

“Hey, that’s dangerous, come on out, kiddo,” He said, calling out to her. She stopped tugging at the plug but then shifted to the next socket, her fingers just inches away from getting into the holes.

“Oh, my gosh,” Taemin got on his knees quickly and stopped her from putting her fingers in. It took a while for him to convince her to come out from under the ironing board. He picked her up and took her to the other room where the bigger kids could take care of her. When he returned, his face paled because, amidst that situation, he had left the fucking iron pressed down on Minho’s shirt.

He hurriedly moved it away, but the damage was done.

As if on cue, Minho entered the laundry room right then and spotted his burnt shirt in Taemin’s hands. Taemin just stared back, his mind not working at all in that moment.

“I knew it!” Minho spoke, his voice dripping with anger, “I knew there was a hidden motive behind your offer! You knew that was my favorite shirt and you just had to ruin it to get back at me!”

“I didn’t do it on purpose-”

“Yes, of course,” Minho scoffed, “Like you didn’t throw water on me on purpose in the flight. The plane wobbled and it got on me, right?”

His tone pierced Taemin’s chest, and it began to anger him, “Yeah, so what if I did it on purpose?! You ran your big mouth last night. How could you embarrass me like that?!”

“I was drunk!” Minho snapped, “You know how I get when I drink! You should have stopped me! Why did you play along? It’s equally your fault, but you just won’t admit to it! You won’t change, will you? You misunderstand everything, don’t act when you could, play the victim, blame it on me and whenever things don’t go your way, you pull such antics- you really know how to make life difficult for others-”

Taemin threw Minho’s shirt at his face, heaving in anger, feeling his heart ache at Minho’s words. His little deed had shut Minho’s trap for the time being. While Minho struggled to get the shirt off his face, Taemin pulled the plug and gathered his clothes.

Minho peeled his shirt off his face, murmuring angrily, “To think I was going to actually apologize for last night-”

“And I would have forgiven you,” Taemin shot at him, “If you hadn’t been such a jerk just now.”

“Jerk?!” Minho exaggerated defensively, “Are you sure you are not talking about yourself?”

“I sure am not.”

“Better take another look in the mirror-”

“Fine.” Taemin said, raising his voice, “You want me to be a jerk, so I’ll be one!” And he stormed off, leaving Minho grinding his teeth.

The day was mundane. Everyone was preparing for the celebration in the night and most of the family was out or busy, leaving Minho and Taemin in charge of the kids. The kids started to insist on playing in the snow so Minho put them in their snow gear and led them out. A few of the kids dragged Taemin out as well.

Minho was with the group of kids making snowmen and Taemin was with the rest, helping them with their sleds. A good hour later, the kids suggested to play snowball fight and Taemin’s eyes trailed to the unaware Minho before he agreed. He made a plan, recruiting every kid into his plan to target Minho…and soon the first snowball was thrown.

Minho lost his balance in shock and when he turned, more snowballs came and hit him. He couldn’t even retaliate because everyone was coming at him without a break, laughing at his helplessness.

“You guys are all dead!” Minho shouted angrily, finally being able to respond. He began to gather some snow and looked to the kids with a death glare, which made them abandon their spots and run away. When they ran away, Minho dropped his snowball, shaking off the snow that had seeped into his clothes, shivering. He saw Taemin approach and before he could make sense of anything, Taemin had poured a bucket full of snow on him, “You asked for it.” He smirked, throwing the bucket away before walking back into the house.

Minho groaned in irritation, watching Taemin strut smugly, “And you just asked for it too.”

Minho had beaten Taemin in using the shower so Taemin had gone to get himself some hot chocolate while he waited for Minho to finish. Minho walked out, towel still tied around his waist, his hair a mess from having rubbed them with the towel. Taemin looked away after a glance, knowing that his drenched, semi-naked almost ex-husband was still a sight that could mess his mind up. As he finished up his drink, he couldn’t help but let his eyes trail to Minho, watching him put on his shirt- the brown triangular impression upon the back of his shirt coming into his sight.

He snickered, grabbing his stuff and getting into the shower.

He turned the tap towards ‘Hot’ and screeched when cold water splashed onto him. He turned the tap close and looked at the tap, finding the labels loose. “Ch-Choi!”

“That’s not it, babe!” He heard Minho call out, snickering. 

Taemin swallowed, shivering slightly as he looked around the bathroom, realizing what else Minho had done. He had taken away the shampoo and soap, even snatched away the ones he had brought in with him. He glanced towards the hooks on the door. “Fuck,” Taemin cursed. That jerk had even snatched away the clothes and towel, taking advantage of the fact that Taemin had a habit of not locking the door.

Taemin groaned, stepping out of the shower, opening the door to the bathroom just a sliver to see if Minho was still in the room.

He flinched because Minho was standing right in front of the door, arms folded, smirking in victory. Taemin felt anger burn in him and he opened the door, shoving his modesty along with Minho out of his way. He walked to the bed where Minho had dumped everything and grabbed whatever he needed and walked past Minho, halting at the bathroom door. He turned to Minho, something brewing in his mind and Minho reacted to that a little late, flustered on seeing Taemin naked.

Taemin dropped everything but the shampoo and body wash and began took a step towards Minho.

“Stop right there,” Minho stepped back, his eyes widening in horror, Taemin’s intent settling in his mind, “We’re even now, Taemin, stop right there.”

Taemin was enjoying the way Minho was stepping back, shit scared and he unscrewed the first bottle, “We’re still odd, Choi,”

“Fuck,” Minho turned to run for his life, but it was too late. There was body wash all over his face and clothes. He looked at himself in horror, slowly wiping the dripping liquid off his face. When he turned back, ready to snatch the bottle from Taemin and return the favor, Taemin was already inside the bathroom, peeking in victory before shutting the door, this time remembering to lock it shut.

He stomped his feet, letting out a frustrated groan before storming out to ask one of his cousins for a spare suit.

They had to stay together all night because it was their reception party. When people came and greeted them, congratulated them, both of their tongues were sharpened to the sharpest sarcasm. People who were unaware of the actual situation were certainly thinking they were a sweet, lovey-dovey couple.

Despite trying to diss each other subtly amidst sweet talking, Minho had to admit, Taemin was a sight to behold. He was dressed to kill and the crooked fringe was no more because he had styled it into a sexy messy side parting. He looked sharp and handsome- even his gaze, his posture was different from how he usually carried himself. Minho was quite enjoying comparing the crooked fringe that brought out the little chubbiness of his cheeks to the way those little strands fell astray from his side parting, whilst trying to pass some comment or the other in indirect conversation to break that sophistication of his back into that angry adorableness. He had long forgotten why he even wanted to get Taemin all riled up. Now it was all to see his puffy cheeks and flaring nostrils, to hear him shout, “Choi!” before coming at him. They would be probably fighting and throwing each other’s ugly sides at each other, but during those times, Taemin’s attention was his’ and his’ alone.

Occupied in their little fight of sorts, both Minho and Taemin were unaware of the awkward, worried glances of their family. That late morning in the laundry room, they had been pretty loud and had been totally oblivious to the fact that their fight had reached every family member’s ears. They had been deliberately left alone in the afternoon by everyone so they could sort it out, but looking at their behavior (and the fact that Minho had to borrow a suit because his own was covered in body wash), it was evident that they hadn’t sorted it out yet.

After the socializing was done and dinner was served, Taemin and Minho gave it a rest, not speaking to each other, but lacking the usual bittersweet tone when speaking to others. When everyone started to leave, congratulating them again, they were probably tired, because they didn’t take the opportunities to subtly diss each other using the congratulatory comments they received.

When all the guests had left, everyone gathered after changing into comfier clothes, making everyone play ‘spin the bottle’ in pairs (since all of them were married couples and it was fun like that). To whichever couple the bottle pointed to, they had to pick up a chit from the bowl and act out whatever was written on it together or get punished. It was Minho’s mom who had come up and prepared the game, and now she was letting everyone play while she put the kids to bed.

Taemin and Minho were forced to sit together and Minho was eyeing the game, not wanting to lose at whatever it was, while Taemin just kept blinking, trying to keep himself awake, sipping on coffee.

The bottle was spun and it pointed to Sooyeon (Minho’s eldest cousin) and her husband. They picked up a chit and what they got was “Share your how-you-fell-in-love story”. When the chit was revealed, Taemin and Minho grew nervous, realizing what kind of a game this was.

Sooyeon and her husband spoke about it and honestly, it was really sweet. When they were done, the bottle was spun another time and this time it pointed towards Taemin and Minho.

There was a teasing cheer, “C’mon pick up something~”

Taemin reached out but withdrew his hand, feeling awkward and flustered. He looked to Minho, “You do it.”

Minho stuttered, “M-Me?”

Taemin nodded. Minho swallowed and reached out for a chit, his heart racing as he opened it. Please don’t be something like-

~KISS!~

Minho crumpled up the chit immediately, clearing his throat, “It’s blank. Let me get another one.”

But Sooyoung (his second cousin) snatched the chit away and put it out there for everyone to see.

“What? Aw, it’s just a kiss!”

“We missed your wedding kiss anyways! Do it~”

“Come on, guys. Don’t need to be shy like teenagers. It’s just a kiss.”

“And no pecking, no kisses on the cheeks or foreheads!”

“It doesn’t say it can’t be on the cheek!” Minho fought back.

“It’s implied it’s not.”

“C’mon, the punishment is shoveling the snow off all the driveways of the house for the rest of your stay. A kiss is fair enough-”

“Fine!” Minho declared, his declaration silencing everyone. He gulped, his cheeks getting a little hot as he turned to Taemin, who was equally flustered, speechless, his cheeks turning pink when meeting Minho’s gaze.

Minho didn’t linger long, knowing his courage would drain and leaned forward, cupping Taemin’s cheek. He kissed him smoothly, nibbling at Taemin’s lips to make him part them, deepening their kiss. The nibbling was something he did when Taemin would play hard to get won’t kiss back, and it always made him ticklish and kiss back, like now. Minho knew how to kiss him right and Taemin had lost all sense in those few moments.

Minho couldn’t stop at just that and after pausing a fraction of a second for a breath, he continued to kiss him, his force making it unable for Taemin to remain seated. To not lose his balance, Taemin grabbed onto Minho’s arm, his tight grasp breaking Minho’s daze and he broke their kiss, lowering his head in bashfulness. He stood up from his spot, “We win, the game ends.”

Before anyone could argue against his nonsensical conclusion, he had already stormed away.

Taemin was immobile, his mind reeling in those few moments of their intimacy. All he could feel was the heat in his face, all he could hear was his thumping heart.

His daze broke when his eyes fell upon the bottle and he cleared his throat, looking to the others sitting around him.

“Well, we’ll accept Minho’s conclusion, even though it makes no sense,” Sooyeon smiled, a little mischievously, “Come on, let’s pack it up!”

They had packed and cleaned, and after awkward goodnights (at least from Taemin’s side) Taemin finally walked towards his room.

His heart was racing even more in nervousness, thinking about how they would be alone together all night after what just happened. When he entered, he couldn’t even see Minho’s face because he was on the sofa, turned away and snuggled into the blanket. Taemin didn’t say a word and got into bed, trying to think of anything that could keep his mind off Minho.

Barely a few minutes had passed and he felt an arm gently wrap around his waist, making him turn to find Minho next to him, eyes closed, brows constricted into a frown, face pink. He seemed conflicted and embarrassed and if Taemin hadn’t been the same, he would have teased him about how ridiculous he looked.

“Shit, I can’t do this,” Minho whispered, opening his eyes, looking vulnerable and Taemin’s heart slipped at that sight.

“Do what?”

“Swallow my pride,” Minho answered carefully, “But I need to do it.”

“…why?”

“Because…I missed it.”

“Missed what?”

“Everything.” Minho answered, “Kissing you, sleeping next to you, waking up next to you, holding onto you tight, waiting for you to wake up because you roll off the bed in your sleep if I don’t hold on, watching you strut in my clothes adorably, watching you try cook for me even if you fail so many times, watching you dance while you clean, blasting our car with embarrassing love songs when we go on rides, making you shout at me to tone it down, bringing you lunch at your studio and eating together, teasing you and then trying to capture that flustered adorableness in pictures, giving you massages when you come home with cramped muscles after having worked too much…” He took a breath, “Fighting with you. I don’t like to quarrel but fuck, you are one hell of a sight when you’re angry…and that’s a bloody temptation.” He licked his lips, “And I…I am sorry, for that day, for the last couple of days, for everything. And,” He paused, a little breathless, tongue-tied.

“And?”

“I am stupid and bratty, I can’t think properly when I am angry and I end up doing a lot of shitty things…but, no matter how much you get me angry or hit me with hurtful words, and make my life difficult, I don’t think it will ever change.”

“What…won’t ever change?”

Minho blushed a little, “How I feel about you.” He finally gathered his courage, “God, I love you, Taemin. A lot, like crazy lots. I could never divorce you and all this year, I lived in fear that maybe you would.”

Taemin remained silent a while, knowing Minho’s heart was stuck in his throat, waiting for his response. He didn’t want to make him wait like that…but he was too overwhelmed, his mind was haywire, his heart was racing…he had no proper words that could suitably retaliate to what Minho had just uttered. Instead, he shifted closer, “Do you,” He blushed a little, tracing his finger on the neckline of Minho’s t-shirt, “want me to be angry?”

Minho swallowed, “What…what do you mean?”

Taemin breathed, his eyes now resting on Minho’s lips, his voice airy, “Just kiss me already,”

Minho stared, unsure of where that came from but Taemin didn’t give him time to figure it out and kissed him, making him forget about every fight, every grudge he might have ever held against him.

When Taemin woke up the next day, he was still in Minho’s arms. He shifted gently, wanting to get a proper look at Minho, who was still fast asleep. He felt like his heart was back to the days when he was in college, holding so many feelings, but not being able to articulate a thing. He used to prefer showing his heart than speaking it. Almost five years had passed with them being together, but he realized, the way he loved still cannot change, even if he had become pretty good at coming up with clever comebacks in fights.

Before he lost his determination to speak, he decided to whisper it all out to the unbeknownst Minho, “Yes, you are stupid and brash, you always end up picking fights even if you get the slightest upset, and hell, you’re contagious, you make me wanna fight you, and this whole year, I regretted leaving you because all I ever did was either miss you or get angry at you for letting me go. I don’t care anymore, I just wanna stay together even if it means we’ll be quarreling most of the time…because, all that quarreling, all that anger, it’s temporary…and when it wears off…I want you there. I don’t know how I fell for you this deep but…I’m glad I did.” He smiled softly, his heart swelling a little on having finally said that out, feeling a little less nervous about trying to say it to Minho when he was actually awake. He shifted closer, pecking Minho’s lips, “I love you too, like crazy lots, Minho.”

“You only call me Minho,” Minho’s soft, hoarse voice came and Taemin froze, finding a smile grow on his face as he opened his eyes, “When you are sappy.”

Taemin shifted away, “How…how much did you hear?”

Minho furrowed his brows, shifting closer the amount Taemin had shifted away, “Everything?”

Taemin blushed but his brows crossed and he grabbed the extra pillow and hit Minho, “Why didn’t you tell me you were awake?! You sneaky little-”

Minho dodged the pillow and climbed over Taemin, cutting his words short as he pinned him down on the bed.

Taemin’s eyes widened in flustered horror, “Are you trying to pick a fight?”

“Maybe?” Minho grinned, “Because I think I figured out how to end our fights as well.”

“And how is that?” Taemin shot back, regretting asking the moment the question was out of his mouth because Minho smirked before whispering, “You asked for it.” He leaned down and kissed Taemin briefly before he trailed kisses from his chin down to his neck, his hands finding their way into his shirt. Taemin lost all his sense to his touch, and grabbed his collar, pulling him back up so he could kiss him.

“Morning! Are you guys-” Minho’s mother stopped short on opening the door, and both Taemin and Minho broke apart. His mom stood there frozen for a few seconds before she finally blinked, “Oh dear, carry on. I’ll make sure to knock next time.” And she hurried out, closing the door.

Minho looked from the door to Taemin, his lips curving into an amused smile, “So…Taemin, do you wanna “carry on”?”

“Shut up!” Taemin blushed, pushing him off and turning away, pulling the blanket over him.

Minho hugged his wrapped up figure from the back, “Since she saw us, I guess it’s mission accomplished.”

Taemin scoffed and Minho chuckled, “Really,” he asked, imitating his mom’s tone, “do you wanna “carry on”?”

“I swear it, Choi-”

And that squabble might have gone on for long.

“Wait,” Jonghyun furrowed his brows, seeing Taemin leave Minho’s set, miffed, “Are you sure you guys are together?”

“Yeah, why?” Minho asked, looking a little angry, but focussing himself on editing the pictures he had just taken.

“That was a pretty ugly fight.” Jonghyun deadpanned.

“We figured out how to end our fights, so we fight without a care.”

“And what in the world ends a crazy fight like that?” Jonghyun asked, exasperated but Minho remained silent, making Jonghyun roll his eyes. “Fine, don’t tell me, I’m gonna go grab lunch with Jinki.”

When Jonghyun returned, he saw Taemin leaving. He walked to Minho, finding his tensed brows resolved. Before he repeated his question, his eyes fell upon the hickey half concealed under Minho’s collar, making him notice the other disheveled traits in his appearance.

Minho looked at him, curious as to why he was standing there without saying a word, “What?”

“Gosh,” Jonghyun let out a chuckle in disbelief, shaking his head as he turned away, returning to his work. Jinki spotted him coming, “What’s up?” He smiled too, seeing Jonghyun smiling, “What’s the matter?”

Watching slideshows until he fell asleep was a very common thing Jonghyun did. Hence, when his manager stepped into his room early next morning to help pack for their flight, he wasn’t one bit freaked out to see photos of Jonghyun’s boyfriend spinning and fading on the tv screen. He instead sighed and plugged the poor phone to the charger before shaking Jonghyun by the arm.

There wasn’t much to pack, actually. They were ready to go within half an hour, which was a good thing because they were boarding within 2 hours. It gave them enough time to grab some breakfast and take the scenic route to the airport.

Jonghyun was still a little hazy. He had drunk a fair amount last night and he had quite a headache.

They reached the airport, checked in, passed the customs. While they were walking to the terminal, his manager sighed, “You have no work till next month after this photoshoot. You guys can finally go on a date.”

Jonghyun smiled slightly, “Yeah.”

He was really excited, despite how unenthusiastic he probably seemed right now. It was the hangover that was keeping his excitement within seams. He really wanted to sleep it off so he could properly plan something.

“Why don’t you just stay at Jinki’s for a while, then?”

Jonghyun nodded, mentally noting down the suggestion to think about it later.

They finally reached the terminal, and Jonghyun furrowed his brows on reading the name of the airlines. “You changed the flight?”

The manager hummed, “This one was earlier so I switched ‘em…gotta avoid the fans for this schedule. The company doesn’t wanna disclose about the photoshoot before the launch date is set.”

“Ok. Do you know who the pilot is?” Jonghyun asked, already knowing his question was in vain.

The manager chuckled, “They never tell you that, now do they.”

“The chance’s slim, anyways,” Jonghyun yawned, looking to his phone and swiping to his messages, “There are, like 200 flights active for this airline. 1/200. 0.005. 0.5% That’s the probability of him being on this flight.”

“As good as zero.” The manager sighed and Jonghyun sighed as well, reading the simple calculation Jinki had sent a while back another time before locking his phone screen.

Jinki and Jonghyun had met through a collegiate event and had become fast friends despite how different they were academically. They hung out quite often and Jonghyun was elated whenever Jinki said yes to his plans or would contact him with his own. He had a crush on him from the start and as they spent their free days together, he had grown quite fond of him. They studied together often, because both of them preferred to study alone, but not just quite…they preferred company but not the kind that would hinder them from concentrating at times…like those few classmates who troubled you often with doubts and such and tried to leech off you. When they didn’t have to study, they finished up chores at each other’s dorms and later either ate out or cooked at home, putting a DVD on. That was it- nothing quite special, just two friends who were comfortable and understanding of each other, two friends who trusted and helped each other out. But, Jonghyun had always wanted to be more than friends, wanted to sit a little closer to Jinki, wanted to hold his hand, wanted to do a lot of things with Jinki, things that were special.

Everything changed the day he was scouted. It was the chance he had been waiting for all his life and Jinki knew that too. Jonghyun wanted to speak his heart before he left, know what Jinki thought about it, make sure if the chance was worth taking at all. It was then he had realized how bad he wanted Jinki to be in his life.

But Jinki seemed happier than him and kept urging him to take it.

And Jonghyun, afraid that he would spoil this friendship, this happiness, decided not to break it and took it.

They stayed in touch after he had moved to become a trainee, but after Jinki graduated and got into flight training, it became difficult. Their contact information changed and them being more apart and busy, didn’t help.

Four years later, they met at a hotel by chance. Jonghyun was checking out and Jinki had just walked in with a small bag. One look at Jinki and Jonghyun was breathless. He had grown handsome, his smile was more charming…and the pilot uniform…looked really good on him. In those five minutes they chatted, Jonghyun had bravely asked for his number.

And so they had started talking again. It was mostly through messaging until Jinki called him. Then their interaction furthered into video calling. They usually video-called each other when either of them was doing chores. It wasn’t exactly the same, but it returned warmth to Jonghyun’s heart. Jinki would be advising him and sometimes chuckling at his clumsiness. When it was Jinki’s turn, Jonghyun would just keep chatting to keep him entertained, because Jinki did chores a lot better than him and he really couldn’t help with words in any other way.

These calls were occasional…like twice a month, and Jinki was hardly home. Usually, he called from his hotel room. Sometimes, when Jonghyun called, Jinki would be at the airport, substituting as co-pilot for someone who had an emergency. His schedule was very flexible and kept changing because he was still new, and didn’t have a family. He had written his name down as most of his colleagues’ back-up. Almost every time, Jinki was in a different country…and Jonghyun being a famous singer didn’t quite help bridge the distance at all. He had his own schedule and wasn’t in Seoul, or even in the same time zone when Jinki was home.

He had asked Jinki once, what if by chance they were on the same flight?

“There are approximately 200 active flights for this airline. I could be on any one of them. 1/200. 0.005. 0.5%. That’s the probability of me being on a certain flight. The probability of you boarding my flight is even less. You have a bunch of airlines to choose from. Hmm? 0.001%? You multiply both of our probabilities because we are looking for a convergence and-”

“It’s quite a dismal number.”

Jinki chuckled, “It’s not zero, at least.”

When Jonghyun had been preparing for his latest album, he had gotten a call from Jinki in the middle of the night. Jinki was apologizing for waking him the moment he saw him, saying he called without thinking, saying that what he wanted to say, could wait. But Jonghyun knew from his eyes, that whatever it was that he was trying to say, was going to keep him frantic if he wouldn’t say it. He was a pilot after all. He shouldn’t be flying with a troubled mindset. So he urged him to speak and waited patiently, watched him pace around until he finally sighed and asked, “Will you go out with me?”

Jonghyun was speechless at his question. Jinki took that negatively and began to explain himself, “Like, of course, it’s not possible most of the times, like, in the literary sense….and I know this won’t work out very well…but I think I lost my chance all those years back…and this is probably…not even a chance…it’s going to be so difficult being more than friends, I understand if-”

“Yes, I will go out with you,” Jonghyun had muttered, hiding his face in his pillow for a while in embarrassment, watching the surprise on Jinki’s face. It gave him a little courage and he sat up,  “And I don’t care if it’s difficult. I don’t feel it is, actually. I don’t mind…if we are able to see each other only through the phone. Even that…is a blessing. Without this, I wouldn’t have ever been able to see you at all.”

Jinki grew silent, yet his bashful face said everything. A few moments later, he asked, “Have you…? All along?”

Jonghyun finally admitted, “Yes,”

Jinki frowned a little, “I was so afraid…for nothing.”

“So was I.”

“You know, the probability of us meeting in person is greater- if you tell me the days you are in Seoul, and not working and I converge my days off-”

“Enough, smarty pants.” Jonghyun chuckled, “Don’t you have a flight to pilot?”

“Yes. I have to report in an hour, actually. Thanks for the reminder.” Jinki replied, grinning, “Seeya soon.”

“Bye.”

That night, it had snowed a lot. Everything was cold. But Jonghyun’s heart was warm.

Jonghyun’s manager shook him from his daze, “The flight’s taking off. Buckle up.”

Jonghyun yawned, obeying and decided to sleep his headache off. He was just waiting for the take off to be done with. He didn’t quite like take offs- they gave his tummy a funny feeling- and also he couldn’t really sleep through them, or do anything else. The air was always filled with so many announcements.

“Good Afternoon, everyone. This is your Captain speaking. Firstly, I’d like to welcome-”

Jonghyun froze. He knew this voice. He knew it so, so well. Despite the announcement being a little noisy, he could make it out…because he had been listening to it for these past months…through a speaker, through earphones, on the phone. It was so, so close. But before he could have focussed on it further, the announcement ended and it was a woman’s voice that had begun speaking instead.

He looked to his manager, eyes wide, “That voice,” He whispered, “It’s Jinki.”

His manager gave him a weird look, “How could you tell? That was quite choppy.”

“I studied music, I am a singer, a famous one, if you have forgotten, and I know how different forms of recording affect a voice.”

His manager remained silent in response, before sighing and putting his eye mask on, smiling just a little, “Then I guess, today’s a 0.005 day.”

After listening to the landing announcement, Jonghyun was sure, Jinki was on the flight too. But his excitement of the knowledge fizzled out too soon as he wondered what truly could come out of this rare happening. He had a connecting flight on a different airline to Seoul in three hours and he was aware, pilots don’t fly continuously. Jinki probably would be staying at a hotel in this stop for a day or two before his next scheduled flight, whereas Jonghyun would be leaving shortly.

He was tempted to push back his flight and search for Jinki. While his manager headed to the terminal, he had instead taken a stroll around the airport mall, thinking about it on and on. As he neared his terminal, he was all set to talk to his manager about it and take the chance to find Jinki.

But when he got to the terminal, the flight had already departed half an hour ago. He checked the time. They still had two hours before boarding started…at least that’s what his manager had told him. He decided to check his boarding pass but realized that he didn’t have it on him. His manager had been holding onto it. He checked the flight name and status. He wasn’t at the wrong terminal. This was supposed to be his flight-

A boarding pass obstructed his view and he blinked. The next moment, Jinki stepped into his view, lips pursed into a nervous smile.

The moment Jinki’s sight settled in, Jonghyun managed to piece everything together. Jinki had made this happen. Their 0.005 day.

“A day,” Jinki waved his boarding pass, “That’s all I could persuade your manager into giving me.”

“So…the flight change was deliberate? Not because it was earlier?” Jonghyun muttered to himself and Jinki chuckled. Jonghyun blushed, “I should have known. That’s too many coincidences.”

“When you could more or less measure the probability of our meeting…” Jinki began, “I thought, it was possible to manipulate it…after all, real life processes at times, are far more manipulative than ergodic processes. We can use a lot more than calculations.”

“I sometimes wonder how I fell for you when I dislike math so much,” Jonghyun said, taking the boarding pass from Jinki and putting it safely in his bag.

Jinki was silent at his words and Jonghyun looked to him, reading his eyes and smile, realization settling on him. He had just openly confessed. He looked away, embarrassed and Jinki began chuckling. “I sometimes wondered too, how I fell for you when I couldn’t really stand rock music much.”

Jonghyun’s mouth fell open, but before he could respond, Jinki had gently grabbed his hand, “Just kidding.”

Jonghyun pouted, “Are you really?”

“…I grew to like it.” Jinki admitted, his lips curling up mischievously, “You make quite some interesting sounds in your songs-”

“Let’s walk around!” Jonghyun interrupted his attempt of teasing, flustered, knowing where it was to lead. He entangled his fingers in Jinki’s and began to walk, tugging the join of their hands and Jinki stepped to his side, shifting close, making their shoulders brush. Jonghyun noticed the little contact, noticed how the gap between them had lessened and he smiled to himself.

Jinki had planned to go home and spend all of his off days there, but his family was out of town partially for business reasons, partially for visiting his other relatives and wouldn’t be back until he’d have only a weekend of his vacation left. So he had set those last 3 days aside for his family and had decided to just laze around in the dorm, doing those little things he hadn’t been able to in a long time, like reading this particular book, until he could come up with something better.

Jonghyun had been out until late last night because of his radio show and hence couldn’t have fled like the other three. Jinki had heard him stumbling into the dorm around 3 A.M and had assumed that he was just gonna sleep in and then go home later today. It was almost noon and Jinki was expecting Jonghyun’s fluffy little head to pop at his ajar door any moment to say goodbye.

But, honestly, he wished Jonghyun stayed.

They hardly got such time when it was only the two of them.

But Jinki couldn’t ask him to stay.

They hadn’t been very close from the start. That was normal. They had their differences, they had their quarrels, days of cold wars, and slowly they began to warm up to each other. The fights had already exposed all their ugly sides, the way they thought and how they felt about each other. They were their truest selves when they were with each other, not caring if a comment was too harsh or too cheesy; they had gotten to know each other so well in the whole time they had spent struggling to match, to adjust...that now they knew exactly how the other might react for most of the times. They had come a long way, from quarreling to joking around with each other. From being irritated at each other’s sight to enjoying each other’s company.

But it was the cold silence they had shared that had given Jinki the best moments of their bond. Those cold silences made the silences they shared now comfortable. Somehow, they knew when the other wanted peace and they remained silent in acceptance. Jinki especially appreciated those moments when they would just sit side by side, doing nothing, saying nothing. It gave Jinki a peace nothing ever gave him. He just liked sitting there with his thoughts, Jonghyun’s faint scent adrift in the air, his warmth passing into him through how he casually rested against him.

And it was in one of those moments he realized that he probably loved him.

He had spent a long time dwelling on the thought, he had never acted on it, because of many, many reasons. Reasons that were perhaps trivial. Maybe it was just him, afraid that if he took a step forward, it might ruin the dynamic they shared. He wanted to preserve that, cherish it for a lifetime.

But he was tempted so many times when they had to perform and sing close to each other, whenever he was asked to do something as fan service; whenever he was asked questions about Jonghyun...or questions of his love life and the person he would like to date.

Many a time, his tongue might have slipped, following the image of Jonghyun engraved in his mind, brimming his every thought.

Many a time, in the way they joked around for fans or in the way Jonghyun would casually come rest against him or embrace him, or sit so dangerously close, Jinki might have returned a little more affection than what was considered normal between friends, bandmates.

He thought it was somewhat of a miracle that his heart was still his secret to keep.

His thoughts had set his heart at a wild pace and he blinked, realizing that he had been staring at one word for all this long.

He should have known, nothing could ever have his attention the way Jonghyun did. He slipped into his bed to lie down properly, holding his book over his face and trying to read again.

But right then, Jonghyun’s head popped in and Jinki turned towards the door, finding him still in his pajamas, his hair adorably askew as he stepped inside after a soft knock, pushing the door completely open. He said nothing and just walked slowly towards the bed and got in beside him, pulling the blanket back on both of them. He pressed Jinki’s awkwardly raised arm down and then rested his head on his forearm, snuggling closer as he pulled the blanket till his ears. He wrapped one arm around Jinki and closed his eyes.

Jinki had been passive, his guards down, his very presence malleable whenever Jonghyun entered his space. He was struck, knowing he should not be. Jonghyun had rested against him many a time, he had embraced him many a time. A good share of them were genuine gestures, but none of them had been so intimate...none of them had occurred when they were entirely alone like this.

Thoughts raced in Jinki’s head, at the same pace of his rushing heart, his eyes upon the little furrow of Jonghyun’s brows, upon the faint tint in his cheeks. He was being both brave and nervous, both confident and shy. In that very moment, he also realized, how good Jonghyun could hide such emotions, or maybe, it was him- poor at noticing them unless they were so blatant.

He was here to stay; he was here to say, something that their words probably couldn’t. Something that maybe they both had been displaying in their silences, something that had maybe gone unnoticed in the many worries and fears that came along with it.

Jinki discarded his book and placed his other arm around Jonghyun as a response to his gesture and he watched the little tension in his brows ease, his cheeks rise a little, hinting at the smile that he was hiding underneath the blanket.

Ever since the Mirror had mentioned Jinki, Junghee had been greatly distracted. She had been once betrothed to him...when she was a princess and not a self-announced Queen. He was someone she had been fond of, she had once cherished, someone who made her heart catch beautiful rhythms, made it dance with joy whenever she danced with him. He was arrogant to the world but for Junghee, his walls would lower. Behind his arrogant mask, was a gentle boy who would smile shyly but bright, his smile so innocent, so contagious that made Junghee drop her own mask of arrogance. She was livelier after she had met him, her magic was the most golden it had ever been, reflecting her jubilant heart.

But now it was gray, and Jinki had lain forgotten amidst the pain that she had been inflicted with, the pain that she still struggled to live with, the pain that had made her what she was now.

It was four winters ago...when the gold of her magic had begun to dim into the gray that it was now.

“Existence, in entirety, shall see what is wished them to see, The evil cast around you, you can never flee.”

- She had woken up to a dead silence and when she walked out, she found the workers scurrying around, avoiding her, not greeting her as usual. She headed to her parents’ chamber and there were many workers and nobles gathered around. They paved a path for her on noticing her and when she entered, she halted at the sight, her heart clenching with horror.

Her parents lay motionless in their bedstead, the royal doctor dismayed.

She walked in closer, spotting how their skins were sickly pale, how their lips were a dark shade, how blood dripped off their noses and lips. How they were angry marks around their necks, golden specks littered around them.

She staggered and fell upon her knees, tears clouding her eyes, her senses whirring around as her loss settled in, unable to focus upon the nobles in the room, their angry, hateful faces, the words they threw at her. She couldn’t defend herself against them, nor could she fight the soldiers who pulled her away, taking her down to the dungeons, locking her away.

Days passed and all she saw were soldiers guard her, push measly meals into her cell, their eyes full of hatred and fear. She couldn’t comprehend the faces they wore, the eyes with which they glanced at her.

When the soldiers changed duties, she spotted a familiar one, her private guard, one that had watched her grow up, one that was always kind to her, one that was familiar with how her nature truly was. She called out to him, but when he turned, something in his eyes struck her. It was the same as what she had seen in every pair of eyes that she had sighted. Hatred.

He looked away with contempt and Junghee called out to him again, reminding him of some moments he had been kind to her, some moments she had been kind to him, but he ridiculed them all. From his unreasonably stubborn words, Junghee could grasp that something was off. She watched him a while and noticed a difference in his eyes. Whenever he glanced from somewhere else towards her, a glint appeared and disappeared within a fraction of second...and that was when Junghee knew what was off.

She rested back against the wall, remembering the spell books she had read all her life. But this wasn’t a spell...it was a curse.

The curse of false impression.

When cast, everyone will only see what the caster wanted them to see. She had been framed for her parents’ murder to support that false impression of evil...and that impression...was now barricading her true self, making that the only thing they would see upon looking at her.

She knew she had to get out of the dungeons. It was futile to believe that she would receive justice. Everyone had a false impression of her, a curse that she knew not how to break.

She finally gathered courage and broke out of her cell using her magic, knocking out the soldiers who attacked. The others fled from her path, upon seeing the magic whirling around her fists. As she walked the corridors, everyone began to flee and by the time she reached the throne room, the castle was abandoned.

The moment she was in power, the moment she was free, the hatred in the eyes of her people had easily given rise to another emotion. Fear.

She could hear the fearful murmurings of the fleeing soldiers and workers...and it angered her. As the whispering faded and she was left in dead silence, the air grew suffocating. She knew she couldn’t revert anything, she knew that she could not win back her people with the cursed impression dousing her. The only thing that she could in that moment to secure herself was to take advantage of what she had become.

Without a second thought, she picked up her father’s crown which had been resting beside his throne and wore it on her head before walking out into the balcony.

“Swear allegiance to your queen,” She spoke as everyone quivered, lifting her palm surrounded with her darkening magic, “Or die.” -

“My queen,” The Mirror broke her daze and she turned to it with questioning eyes, “Did you find anything in the new books you acquired?”

Junghee glanced at the pile of books littered around her chamber. Somehow, the curse was incomplete in all of them...even in books she had paid exorbitantly for, books that came from every corner of the world she could reach.

“Nothing…” She sighed, “I guess I am fated to be known as the Evil Queen.”

“Mirror mirror on the wall,” Junghee began as she entered her chamber after dressing up, only to trail off, realizing that the answer the mirror would speak is now no longer the same. She had been lonely all this while, and the only thing she took proud in had been her beauty. But honestly, she couldn’t care less who in the land was fairest of all. That question was the only one she asked, that question had become a habit, and on hearing the mirror say it was her, she felt a little pleasant about herself. That was all.

But maybe she needed to hear it because now nothing about her was prideful or pleasant.

Jinki’s mention had her riled up...her struggling heart was struggling more with the pain she had long suppressed, with the memories she had pushed away, with the feelings she had long forgotten.

All she could reminisce were the words from a scroll she had received a few days after that unfortunate incident, the scroll from the neighboring kingdom, revoking the betrothal. It wasn’t in his hand, not that it made any difference. He would have had no choice but to obey his father. Moreover, he was away, fighting battles with allies, maybe unaware of everything...but his oblivion was in vain. No matter what he held in his heart...it was bound to be replaced with hatred, with evil upon sighting her.

She had begun to fear meeting him, begun to fear the eyes he would glance at her with. The thought itself pained her, to find the only person left in this world who she cherished, who cherished her in return, to disregard her, blame her, be repulsed by her sight.

She sighed, deciding not to think of it much.

She was no longer the cheerful, loved princess of pure heart. Her heart had grayed due to the anger and dismay she had accumulated over the years, reflecting in her magic. She was cursed...and already a Queen. The Evil Queen. He definitely deserved better.

She didn’t even have to do anything. One glance would end it all. The thought weighed upon her heart, that she could no longer even hope for something everyone hoped for. Love.

“How many more days for the prince to get here?” She asked the mirror as she put on her crown and jewels.

“Better hurry up, my queen,” The Mirror answered, bemused, “He is already here.”

She finished dressing up, transferring the magic of her mirror into a smaller one and she tucked the little mirror in her coat like she always did to keep it by her side, as a support of sorts. She began to walk the corridors towards the throne room, her eyes falling on the snow that had doused her entire view. The air was still quiet as she walked the corridors. She had expected a slight chaos to be in the air, for, no one ever dared to visit the Queen, but she brushed the anomaly off and finally walked into the throne room, taking her throne and waiting patiently for her visitor.

The doors opened and Jinki walked in, dressed in simple yet elegant attire. He seemed a little haggard, his head lowered slightly as he neared and lowered on one knee when he was a mere step away from Junghee, “I am here to honor our betrothal.”

Junghee’s heart rose slightly...because Jinki still wished to wed her despite the time that had passed since their last meeting. Her eyes softened and she almost uttered her heart out, but pursed her lips, speaking instead, “Raise your head, look at me and then repeat those words.”

Jinki obeyed. He raised his head, his eyes meeting Junghee’s.

Junghee’s heart was beating heavily, waiting for him to speak, preparing herself to be strong despite what he was to speak.

“I am here,” Jinki began, his voice louder, clearer, “To honor our betrothal.”

Junghee gasped, her wide eyes upon Jinki, who had now lowered his gaze again, his lips curving up slightly in a blend of amusement and modesty, “May I rise, Your Highness?”

Junghee got up from her throne, her heart hammering in confoundment as she fled his sight, muttering, “You may.”

Flustered, frustrated, confused. Junghee was pacing around her chamber, trying to mask the rapid beat of her heart with her steps, before she finally threw her question at the Mirror.

“How can he remain unaffected?”

“Perhaps, he likes what he sees, even if it is evil.” The Mirror answered simply and Junghee blushed, “That does not make sense.”

She paced around a while more, thinking and thinking for reasons, “Is it because he was far away…?” She asked softly and then answered her own question, “But I am cursed, even if he came from another realm, nothing should change.” She paused, reminiscing that moment, her face striking in the realization of something she hadn’t realized in that moment due to her bashfulness, “...his face. The way he smiled...he...knows. But what? And how?”

“My queen,” The Mirror answered, bemusement tinting its tone “...there is a simple solution to your plight.”

“And what may that be?”

“Ask him yourself.”

Junghee finally sat down in her armchair, disgruntled, grinding her teeth subconsciously as her thoughts collided within her mind before she sighed and gave up pressuring her mind.

A few minutes of silence later, the Mirror inquired, “So...is he the fairest of all?”

The chaos on Junghee’s countenance calmed as she softly replied, “Indeed he is.”

Junghee stood on the balcony of the throne room next day, watching the white silence, the heavy footprints left by the soldiers on their patrol, as she snuggled in her coat, lowering her face a bit so her cold nose could get warmed up in the collar of her coat. She flipped her hand mirror open, making it gleam softly, “Where is he, Mirror?”

“And I thought I would never see the day when I would finally spy for my Queen.” The Mirror spoke deridingly and Junghee frowned.

The Mirror chuckled, “You are lucky, my Queen...or maybe it is fate? Your once betrothed is walking to you. Look below.”

Junghee shut her mirror and looked below, finding Jinki walk into her view, wading through the snow, his handsome countenance rosy due to the cold. A few snowflakes had settled between his neatly parted locks, on his dark coat. He looked up, his eyes closing to the soft snowflakes that fell upon his face and when he opened his eyes, they met Junghee’s and he stopped in his tracks. A handsome smile grew on his face and Junghee felt her heart race.

His sight riled her heart more than it ever had...for she was thinking of how Jinki could see through the curse again. In her daze, she didn’t notice him reach her side and only did when he cleared his throat, “Your Highness, would you fancy a walk-”

“How,” Junghee interrupted him, still looking to the snowy scene ahead of her, her heart beating heavily, yet her face showing nothing of it as she continued to ask, “How can you...see me?”

Jinki remained silent a while before he took out a scroll from his pocket. He extended it towards Junghee who took it after a long pause, gingerly rolling it open.

"Existence, in entirety, shall see what is wished them to see, The evil cast around you, you can never flee.

Alas, there is solace, for even evil has a foe, To the one your heart truly belongs, your real self will show."

“It is complete,” Junghee breathed, the arrogance, the cold she wore, dissipating, “The curse, it is complete.” She looked from the scroll to Jinki, “How...how did you know?”

Jinki lowered his gaze in thought before looking back to Junghee, his eyes a little playful, a little modest, and his cleared his throat, “You told me yourself,” He spoke in a changed voice, in the voice that had kept Junghee company all this while, “My beloved Queen.”

Junghee blinked, struck by his voice, by his words and she flipped her mirror open, making it gleam. The moment she did, something gleamed in Jinki’s pocket, and he pulled it out- a rustic yet beautifully carved hand mirror, similar to the one Junghee had received on one of her travels. She had not used it until after she had pronounced herself queen and loneliness had begun to suffocate her, making her unpack all the enchanted objects and spellbooks she had enclosed in her trunk. While she fidgeted with them, the mirror gleamed, addressing her. It was misty and she couldn’t see her own reflection, let alone the actual form of the voice. The soul in the mirror, or so she thought, couldn’t see her or was simply immune to her curse, hence becoming the most realistic presence in her life. She conversed with it often and soon grew attached because from its words, she could ascertain that the ‘mirror’ meant her no harm. She sought its guidance when she tried to find the rest of the curse or the break, discreetly also seeking a method to free a soul from an enchanted object. But all she found was to transfer the enchantments of the mirror into different ones...and now she understood why she couldn’t have ever freed the Mirror. It was never a trapped soul, but an enchantment for communication. She remembered now, Jinki’s father had a vault full of enchanted objects he had conquested in battles. Jinki might have snuck the mirror into her belongings when she had last visited.

She looked down to the scroll, her gaze falling upon the last line, the words setting her heart into many a rhythm.

"To the one your heart truly belongs, your real self will show."

She had her answer.

Something that she had never admitted to herself, something that she had always underestimated, something that she believed had faded from her heart.

But it hadn’t. It had grown instead. Despite how much she had ached, despite how bleak her chances at truly living had become. Her heart had always belonged to him...and she had always known...that it forever will.

She looked from the scroll to him, to his dark eyes, clouded with worry and the soothing bliss that had seeped into Junghee’s veins began to dissipate.

He needn’t had kept her company through a mirror all these years, he needn’t had believed in the unspoken bond they once shared, he needn’t had quested for the break, he needn’t had come to her, to a cursed existence.

But he did.

He was precious, his heart was more...and she did not deserve to have it.

Jinki observed how her eyes changed with her thoughts and he stepped closer, finding her short of breath, holding her tears. But she stepped away, her tears finally flowing out, dripping onto the scroll and Jinki’s face paled.

Junghee blinked, wiping her tears, her eyes catching an anomaly in the scroll. The spot where her tear had fallen had revealed ink and she breathed heavily, touching the spot, soft gray wisps wiping away whatever had concealed the hidden inked words.

"But it shall be ensured your love never transcends this verse, The one you truly love, will also suffer from a curse. The price of holding love, of solace will only accrue, The one who truly sees you shall be visible to none but you."

Junghee’s hold on the scroll tightened. Her vision grew blurry. The words were resounding in her mind, piercing her heart and when she finally parted her lips, she couldn’t speak anything. 

The anomaly that she had felt, of the air being unperturbed by Jinki's presence, by how no one came asking what to do of their visitor, finally settled upon her. No one had seen him ride in, no one had seen him enter, no one could see him right now, standing before her.

She lowered her head, concealing her face with her palms, her entire body shaking as she suppressed the pain from taking over.

Jinki engulfed her in his arms, and when his warmth hit her, she finally let go of her restraints, “I am sorry,” She spoke, her voice repressed, “I...I am sorry, Jinki. I-I-”

“For what?” Jinki asked softly, his features doused in pain upon seeing Junghee cry, “For loving me?” He let go of her, gently making her drop her hands, revealing her distraught face, the tears that were making paths on her aflush cheeks. He wiped them away and she calmed at his touch, looking to him with her beautiful eyes, that now held whirls of agony.

“I do not know what I would have done,” Jinki spoke, “If you had not loved me.” He took her hands, “If the price to see you, to love you, is to be unseen to the world...then so be it.”

“Never ever dare,” Jinki continued on seeing her silent, wearing his struggle in his countenance, his brows constricting, his voice soft yet stern, “...to think this is your fault. Never dare to push me away because of this, never dare to-”

His words drowned on Junghee’s lips and when she broke away from him, she caressed his cheek gently, her voice soft yet arrogant, “Never ever dare to leave my sight.”

Her words vanquished the disquiet that had rested on his features and he smiled, “I promise to never, my beloved Queen.”

It was winter again soon. When the first snow fell, Junghee had been sitting by her window, writing, smiling at the snowflakes that flew in on to her face. When she turned, Jinki was walking to her, snowflakes caught between the strands of his dark hair, the cold tinting his skin to pink, his smile holding warmth despite the chill in the air.

Even if the Mirror wasn’t what she had thought it to be, it had never lied.

Jinki indeed made the fairest sight.

Her gaze was broken with his soft question, “What do you write, my Queen?”

Junghee glanced down to her words, “If anything in this world is false, it is the verse.” She looked to Jinki, smiling back at him, “Even if we are bounded by the curse, our love isn’t. The curse will break one day through these words.”

Awestruck, Jinki dragged a chair to her side and sat on it, shifting closer, looking to her words, smiling as he read through.

“I need a title,” Junghee spoke and Jinki took her hand gently, caressing her knuckles, “I think I know a fitting one.”

Junghee urged him to speak with her eyes and Jinki smiled, “Transcend.”

Junghee immediately scrawled it at the top, content with it, her smile modest, “One day, the world will finally see us.”

Their town was small and Minho didn’t belong there. He was from somewhere else, forced to live with his grandparents in this quaint place…for reasons he never mentioned.

Minho’s eyes carried kindness and his smile, warmth. He was too friendly…and maybe that was why Taemin, who was reserved by nature, couldn’t brush him off like he did with the others.

People usually left Taemin’s side because he took a while to open up- he was too cautious; his words too frank. He hardly had friends except for his cousins and he was fine with that. But despite how much Taemin ignored Minho, he was there every day, pestering him if he needed help with the snowman.

“Do you need help with that?”

But Taemin ignored him which resulted in Minho withdrawing and instead sit on the rocks nearby, watching him build the snowman with doleful eyes. Taemin gave in one day to his constant presence. He was a child then after all- naïve, beguiled by aberrances, and despite how much he denied it- in need of a friend.

Minho chattered away and Taemin remained silent at first, a little annoyed, trying to be patient but he lost himself in his stories, in his cheery voice. He began to join in the conversation, sometimes humor him, sometimes tease him, sometimes order him around. Minho happily enjoyed every of their interaction, his eyes gleaming whenever Taemin initiated a gesture.

But there came some days that Minho didn’t come by and Taemin felt the air to be colder and vacant without his warm voice flitting against it. In one of those moments, he realized that one of the reserved spots of his heart, he had given it away to Minho.

Seasons passed and they grew, changed. Seasons passed and the bond their shared molded into something else, something they never acted upon, yet could feel it within. Something that made them confused at times, determined at others. Something that made them too afraid to express it, but gave them enough courage to capture moments through excuses at times.

Seasons changed and so did the distance they maintained- from a step to an inch. There came one winter when they held hands, claiming it to be too cold, but knowing in their hearts it was not. There came one winter when they lay in the snow, side by side, arms entangled, laughing at the weird shapes of the clouds. There came one winter when they shared the blanket, snuggled together, watching movies on a day too cold to be out.

The bond they shared had molded into something beautiful and warm, and now they were more determined than confused, more courageous than afraid, yet they spoke nothing of it…because it was evident in their eyes, in the warmth of the gestures given and returned.

Despite all that had changed, all that was yet to, there was one constant. The snowman they built together after the first snowfall of winter.

It was the ninth winter after they had met. Minho was extremely early that morning, sitting on the rocks in the cold, waiting for Taemin to come out of his house. Taemin happened to peek out when he woke and ran outside, dressing up untidily, his layers incompletely fastened, curious as to why Minho was so early and had chosen to sit in the cold instead of ringing the bell.

Minho smiled fondly watching him wade through the snow. He buttoned up Taemin’s jacket properly and wished him a good morning in his soft voice, a voice that had changed, become richer, yet still had the same warmth it had when he was a child.

Taemin replied in a tone that was less excited than the way his heart was, than the way he had come running at his sight. He never had let his heart reign his gestures openly, because though he didn’t need their relationship to be put in words, he indeed did look forward to it. It was his worthless pride and nothing more, that restrained his smiles at times, restrained the urge to engulf Minho in his arms, because it had become a habit of his, to make an excuse for every gesture…and to wear his love in his smile, to embrace him without any reason, he hadn’t yet found proper excuses.

“I can’t build a snowman together today.” Minho spoke, a little nervous, his voice shaky, “I’m leaving.”

Taemin’s mind froze for a moment, “Why?”

“I never told you, Taemin.” Minho answered, his head bent, “The reason I was here.” He took a deep breath, “I was dying…I had only two winters to live…you gave me nine…and I realized…even that number, is not enough. I want to spend every winter that I live, with you…and that is why I am leaving. To try capture those winters.”

Taemin felt the cold of the wind seep into his body and hit him right in the chest. It was only then that he admitted to himself that he had given every spot of his heart to Minho...the pain was ablaze in that entirety.

Minho’s words had his mindset in haywire, and it was fear that was raging within him, fear that he might lose Minho, a fear that grew immense on remembering every second he had spent with Minho, oblivious to this knowledge, assuming Minho to be a constant, restraining himself in arrogance.

Fear fell heavily upon him, turning into dread, turning his pain sharper, shattering something within him.

All that he could manage without giving out this broken heart of his was, “When will you be back?”

“Next winter.”

“…and if you are not?”

His soft question broke those formal restraints they had, and Minho pulled Taemin into his arms, not speaking an excuse why he did so, but instead whispering, “I promise that you will see me standing here the morning after the first snowfall.”

Taemin wrapped his arms around him, the promise Minho had spoken, holding the broken pieces within him barely together, “I have something to tell you that day.”

Minho softly kissed the top of his head, smiling through his tears, “I can’t wait to hear it.”

Taemin had lost hope. Three winters had passed since the promised winter. Minho was not standing there after the first snowfall of any of them. He had consoled himself, assuming Minho needed more time, deciding to have more faith in him. He had consoled himself again, and then again…but now that the fourth winter was approaching…he could feel how tight fear had clasped his heart during his wait…and he no longer believed that he could hold his heart together if didn’t see Minho after the first snowfall.

The first snow fell…and it doused everything in a blinding white, made the line between the earth and the skies almost non-existent. Taemin woke up that day, after not having slept at all that night, his breathing uneven, as he waited for the sun to rise. When light crept into his room through the gaps between the curtains, he walked towards his window to peek outside.

All that met his eyes was white…and white. He decided to be a little more faithful and he waited at his window for the entire morning to pass.

His eyes grew tired, yet they barely blinked, staring at the absence in front of him.

The clock struck twelve and he flinched, closing his eyes, stepping away from the window, grabbing his jacket with shaky hands.

He walked towards the rock and crouched down before it, finding the last of his hopes drain him. Tears finally left his eyes, tears that he had not let out for four winters, not in arrogance…but in belief.

They fell, warm on the cold carpet, streaming down his reddening cheeks, as he finally lost balance and dropped down onto the snow entirely, covering his face in his palms.

He wailed and he whimpered, letting out the last of his pride, his broken heart filling with regret and anger at himself, words resounding in his mind. Words that he had wished to say but never had…words that now he would never get to say.

He got on his knees, stabilizing himself in the snow, shakily beginning to mold the snow, beginning to build the snowman he had not built for four winters, in wait for Minho.

With every handful of snow that he molded, with every detail that he added, he reminisced him, dropping all restraints one by one, softly muttering the real reasons behind every excuse he had made.

“I wanted to hold your hand, I wanted to bring you coffee, I wanted to walk with you that evening, I wanted to…I wanted to.” He shifted away from the snowman, the very first glimpse of Minho flashing before his eyes.

“Do you need help with that?”

His lips quivered, “No…it’s already made.”

Taemin enjoyed making snowmen ever since he was a kid. It wasn’t his most favorite thing about the snow but making a snowman held a special importance to him. He grew up and didn’t play in the snow anymore…but after the first snowfall every year, he spent an entire day making a big snowman in his yard, and watched it every day of winter from his window, leaning against the sill, drinking his coffee before he left for work.

Taemin grinned sheepishly as he stopped in front of him. “Now we skate.” He gently took Minho’s hand in his and lead him across the ice.

“Hey hey hey!” Minho panicked a few minutes later, “We are going too fast.”

“No, we are not.” Taemin chuckled. “Trust me.” and he closed the distance between him and Minho in a single step, planting a soft kiss on Minho’s lips.

Minho, a member of the National basketball team, had first seen Taemin at the yearly athletic award ceremony held in their country. He was intrigued by the tall, sharp-featured, handsomely beautiful man sitting across the room from him. Their eyes had met once or maybe twice and the smile he got in return had his eyes glued on Taemin for the rest of the night.

A few chance meetings more and Minho found himself asking Taemin out. Their first few dates were initially a bit awkward, but their passion for their sports broke the awkwardness bit by bit and soon they grew close. This Christmas would mark their second year anniversary.

They kept their relationship hidden from their families, their coaches, Minho’s team and the whole world, fearing the repercussions on their respective careers if the news got out. But that fear was long gone as time passed...they didn’t care if their secret was out. They had realized that nothing was worth not being together. But they hadn’t made an effort to either make it known or hide it, trying to enjoy the spontaneity and the privacy the oblivion of others gave them at times like now.

Minho grabbed the barrier to stop himself as he breathed out. “And here I was thinking maybe you wanted to go out on a date before you fly off for your competition.”

“Isn’t it a perfect date?” Taemin whispered as he stopped right behind Minho, embracing him from behind, his voice cutely muffled.

“If we were playing basketball back at the court in my place, then maybe,” Minho answered teasingly as he intertwined his fingers with Taemin’s on his stomach.

“You need to learn how to skate too.” Taemin said feigning to be miffed as he let go and slapped Minho’s bum before skating away, “Come on Choi, don’t let all that muscle go to waste. Come!”

Minho turned around, his pout turning into a smile at the joy on Taemin’s face. He took two steps, the blades feeling wobbly and he lost his balance. He laughed too when he heard Taemin’s loud chuckles.

“Stop laughing and help me get up now!”

Taemin glided back to him and extended his hand as he pulled Minho up. Once Minho was up on his feet he pulled Taemin against himself effectively wiping away the grin. “Just watch me, Mister, I’ll beat you.” and he kissed Taemin on his nose before skating away and practicing what Taemin had taught him.

An hour later of casually skating alongside Minho, watching him follow him and improvise on his own, Taemin felt his feet became heavy with each step. He stood against the railing watching Minho glide on the ice. He chuckled at the concentration and seriousness evident on Minho’s face as he tried to get the move right.

His little chuckle caught Minho’s attention who immediately glided towards Taemin. He trapped Taemin between himself and the railings, completely pressing into him as he leaned down. “Enjoying the show?” he asked as he littered small kisses along Taemin’s neck.

Taemin’s hands descended up Minho’s back and finally settled on his cheek, directing Minho’s attention away from his own neck. “You bet,” he whispered against Minho’s lips before he kissed him.

Minho pulled away from Taemin, “We need to leave now. We have to catch a plane early in the morning.”

“We?” Taemin’s eyes lit up. “You’re coming too?” he asked excitedly.

“Yes! I am not going to let you go all alone, and,” Minho felt his ears burn, he cleared his throat, “and it’s going to be our anniversary soon.

“Oh!” Taemin exclaimed as he pulled Minho in a tight hug enticing a fond chuckle from Minho.

“Come, we need to leave,” Minho said as he led Taemin out of the rink.

Taemin nodded cutely as he followed Minho. He took off his skates and handed them over to Minho. “Can you put back mine too? I need to change out of my practice clothes.”

Minho’s eyes widened when Taemin stepped outside. He was dressed up in Minho’s jersey and was pulling on Minho’s coat.

“I stole some clothes from you.” Taemin smiled a little nervously, his cheeks pink from the quick warm shower, growing pinker on noticing Minho’s gaze.