Calm (1/1)

¯ Mino clenched his trembling hands in shame. ‘What am I even scared of? It’s Jiho for god’s sake.’ It’s exactly because it’s Jiho, who was he kidding? Mino felt his footsteps getting even slower as he approached the park. Of all places, Jiho had to choose a small neighborhood park that no one cared about. What if the park janitor finds a passed out person covered in bruises later in the morning?  Mino honestly thought it might be him. Or Jiho might just drown him in the lake at the center of the park tonight. A single figure stood with a cigar between his lips, by the artificial lake. Wearing a jacket he recognized as Mino knew him long enough to memorize his clothes collection. Mino approached carefully. Jiho turned his head before Mino got too close and Mino almost flinched. But Jiho didn’t look angry anymore. He was just... expecting? This truly felt like a usual random meet up. When it most definitely wasn't. Mino stood beside him, not too close. Jiho offered him a pack of cigar like nothing was wrong and Mino took it hesitantly. Jiho gave him the lighter next and Mino took it off his hand. Making sure their skin didn’t touch. His wild mind made up a theory that Jiho might snap if they touch. Mino lit the cigarette and inhaled it deeply, an act of calming down his nerves. Jiho took another drag and exhaled slowly.  “I really,” Jiho started talking, voice low but clear “Really don’t get you.” Mino let the quietness lead a path for Jiho’s next words. “Why my brother, for example. How. Since when?” Jiho started to sound like he’s asking for an answer. Mino exhaled and braced himself.  "Since when... Is a tricky question." Mino started "If I were to say since the start, well, at first I was just interested in him because he looked like you. But then after a while, I realize it's not that." “How long was after a while?” Jiho asked. He always wanted things specific, Mino knew. Mino tried to backtrack and held back a frustrated sigh. "I started to admit what I really want sometime before the field trip. Then... if you wonder since when we're...dating," Mino peeked at Jiho to see his response at the word. Jiho frowned almost immediately. “It was.. since field trip.” "Wait—Dated? You're really, officially dating him?" Jiho asked, head turned to look at Mino. Mino looked back at him with a slightly offended face. “You honestly thought I was just messing around?” Mino said. Jiho looked back at the lake with pure confusion painted in his face. Mino sighed and took another drag. "Field trip... you started dating at the field trip, how?" Jiho asked. “Remember when we sneaked out and dispersed because there were teachers around? Well... he told me he liked me back then.” Mino said with a thumping heart. Jiho’s eyes widen and he looked back at Mino again. “What? How—Liked you back? So you came at him first? When?” Mino really didn’t know why Jiho said ‘came at him’ like Mino’s a kind of predator bear but he just gotta suck it up. “Yeah. I did confess to him first. Which earned me a few days of being ignored, but then we talked again at the field trip and... I dunno, it just happened." Mino shrugged. He tried to skip the part where he kissed Seungyoon in his house too. Jiho took another drag and exhaled with a sigh. Jiho was at lost for words and Mino tried to muster up all the courage he’s born with and started to talk. “Jiho,” Mino called. Jiho kept his silence and Mino took it as a signal to go on.   “I really like Seungyoon.”    ¯ Seungyoon couldn’t sleep. Something... No, someone was on his mind. He rose from the bed and walked up to his bag, pulling out Mino's textbook and sat on the floor. He opened random pages with drawings in it, trying to find the page with Mino and Jiho's talk he saw. But then the pages stopped flipping at a certain spot, a thick paper holding the move. A picture. Seungyoon took it from between the page and felt a pinch when saw the picture. Mino and Jiho, along with the Katsu place crew. They looked so happy. So carefree. And look at them now, Seungyoon told himself. ¯ Jiho bit on his lower lip, the cigarette he held is abandoned on his hand. “I know you.” Jiho said “I know you and your easily bored nature. I know you and the way you treat relationship.” Mino felt so small. Jiho knew too much, and too much of the worst in him. "Dude, he's just a kid. He never dated anyone. And you're—" Jiho hesitated. But he took a deep breath and braced himself "You're a guy. Do you have the slightest idea, how worried I am?" Mino’s eyes looked down to the dark lake. As dark as his mind right now. “Mino, we don’t know how my parents would react. What if they turned into the worst scenario? Hell, if people who couldn’t understand knows about it, they'll start to talk. And you know how shitty people's tongue can be. You think I'd let my brother go through that??" Jiho asked, voice rising. He's desperate. “He can’t take it.” Jiho whispered. “I’ll protect him—“ "Don't give me that crap." Jiho cut him off almost immediately "You never went through it, you’re not out either! And even if people do know about you, they won’t attack you as hard as they would Seungyoon because you have a reputation. Seungyoon is a new kid, people can say anything when they don’t know him!” "Well you don't know how it feels to be one either, Jiho." Mino said, finally turning his head to look at Jiho and go against the man's word. Their eyes both spit fire at each other. This just might be worse than an actual fist fight. "I don't. But someone I care about did. And he'll go through the pain of his parent's rejection probably the rest of his life. And you're here telling me you'll protect Seungyoon? Your longest relationship lasted 6 fucking months, how do I know you won't leave him by winter?" Jiho scoffed. “I won’t!” Mino almost yelled. “How?” “I love him!” Jiho looked at him with wide eyes and smirked like Mino just said the funniest thing. Jiho looked away and chuckled. “Don’t spit out a fucking heavy word on me, Song Mino. Not to someone whose parents got a divorce after years of endless so-called ‘love'. You're a fucking high school kid what the fuck would you know about fucking love." Jiho muttered through gritted teeth. Jiho’s words silenced Mino. He’s out of words. If only Jiho can feel what he felt, he told himself. Then perhaps things would be easier to explain. But no, Jiho was there and he’s angry. Scared. Worried senseless. “Jiho, give me a chance. Seungyoon is different. This isn’t some random urge, some puberty stupid desperation. I don’t know how to tell you but I’ve never felt so serious about someone,” Mino pleaded. He told himself he’ll beg on his knees if he has to. “I’m really trying my best to make this work. I’m trying my hardest to be good for him, so please just—“ Mino took a deep breath “Just give me a chance. I’m putting our years of friendship on the fuckin line, how can you not think I’m serious?” Jiho looked at him, face just drowned in fatigue. And Mino felt so helpless. If he said no, Seungyoon might go. Seungyoon might leave Mino because Jiho is his brother. “Look,” Jiho sighed “I can give you a chance, Mino. I can put all my trust in you. But I don’t know about other people. You can promise me your life that you won’t hurt him but what about other people? Hell, I can't even promise my parents wouldn't—" Jiho bit back his own words and taste the bitter poison in it. They both fell into silence, voice of the night between them. Jiho flicked his cigarette and sighed. “Let me talk to Seungyoon.” Jiho said “Let me tell him my worries and let him choose, okay? At least let me know how ready he is about the whole thing.” Mino could finally take a breath. At least it's a green light. It's vague but it sure sounded like a yes from Jiho. Mino sighed. “Yeah. You guys should definitely talk.” Mino said. “And if later on he chose to leave you, for whatever reason, you better respect that.” “I know,” Mino said in a mumble. He wouldn’t, Mino told himself. “Don’t you dare attack him. And if he wants his sexual orientation to be a secret, you better keep it a fucking secret!” Jiho said in a strict manner. “I know! Fuck, you think I’m that big of an asshole or what,” Mino snapped. Jiho peeked at Mino's face and nervously scratched his head. “Fine.” Jiho said. Mino looked at him and snorted. “Fine.” He said back They spent some minutes in silence, inhaling and puffing smoke out of their mouths. Jiho squinted his eyes at him clicked his tongue. “I was real mad yesterday.” “Well yeah, that kinda showed.” Mino chuckled. “I mean... dude really? You were hiding from me? Was feeling betrayed.” "Yeah well, it was kinda my fault. Chose to avoid your shitstorm rather than facing you head on cause it was easier.” Mino said with a sorry tone. “Well don’t do that from now on. If you wanna date my brother you can’t avoid problems or I’ll be your new problem.” Jiho said firmly. Mino was ready to muster up his whole courage and answer him wholeheartedly. “I know. I’ll face anything.” Jiho looked down at his feet and almost sighed. “Alright.” ¯ Seungyoon couldn’t sleep even though he felt so tired, perhaps sleeping so early is simply against his body clock. Or maybe he’s got too much in his head. He spent his time browsing things he couldn’t get off his mind.   Parents thoughts about a gay son  There was a whole discussion group about it. A whole lot of parents sharing their thoughts. Perhaps it was only 1 against 30. The 30 said they won’t accept it. Agreed that gay is a behavioral problem. A disease. A fault in parent’s teaching. Seungyoon had to stop reading halfway because he felt sick reading the way they talk about it. Seungyoon was left pessimistic. It never crossed his mind that his mother might go against him. She’s always been so supportive of whatever Seungyoon wanted, he never had a worry. But what if? A buzz startled Seungyoon.  He took his phone and opened the chat.  Jiho.  His heart ran like a marathon. 98bpm110bpm Seungyoon opened it immediately. Jiho 20.48-Seungyoon-ah, can we talk?  Seungyoon’s hand left frozen. They should talk. They need to talk. But Seungyoon was not ready. Another message followed. Jiho 20.49-I want to fix the mess I made. I hope you’re not scared to see me. Seungyoon almost melted at the reassuring words. Perhaps he missed his brother this much. Seungyoon 20.50-Let’s meet. Where and when? ¯ “Eh? But it’s so late at night,” Seungyoon’s mom said. “Don’t worry mom, he’s waiting for me a few blocks from here,” Seungyoon said in a slight hurry. He quickly wore his sneakers and tried to hide his still trembling fingers. His mom was hesitant to give him permission. “Well... then make sure to text me when you got to the restaurant okay? Don’t go home too late!” ¯ Seungyoon ran. He should be scared to see him. But a part of him was also scared the opportunity will be gone if he’s late. He ran and ran, ignoring his muscle’s beg for a rest. When he reached the designated place, he found his brother squatting on the street side, patting a stray dog. Seungyoon walked to him slowly. Jiho heard his footsteps and turned his head to meet his eyes. He smiled hesitantly and Seungyoon felt so lost. It felt like they’re back to square one. Seungyoon’s eyes brimmed with tears. Jiho straightened his legs and looked at the direction they planned to go. “So, it’s over there beside the ramen—“ “Hyung,” Seungyoon called. Jiho gave him all his focus and looked at him with a straight face. Seungyoon took a deep breath and clenched his fist on his sides.  “I won’t leave him.” ¯ Seungyoon still sniffles his runny nose as he stirred on the food in front of him. Jiho watched him looking red on the eyes and nose. "Stop playing with your food and eat it," Jiho said softly. Seungyoon pouted but puts a spoonful of rice in his mouth anyway. Jiho was glad the place is somewhat empty and he can talk freely. But after Seungyoon's tears, he had to rearrange his words again. Jiho sighed, “What’s with you crying all of a sudden,” He took a spoonful himself and munch on his food. Seungyoon peeked up at him and swallowed. “Well... you’re scary.” Seungyoon said timidly. Jiho looked up and shook his head, “No, I’m not. You came up to me looking all fierce, said something and then suddenly cried... what was that...” Seungyoon looked back down, clearly embarrassed. Right after he told Jiho that he will keep dating Mino he suddenly felt so alone. He imagined Jiho being furious and kicked him away. Also imagined Jiho telling both his parents and make them leave him too. If that's not his bigger fear he didn't know what is. Jiho swallowed his food and took a breath. "Seungyoon, do you know why I was angry yesterday?" he asked. Seungyoon bit on his lower lip and answered with the faintest voice. “You don’t like me liking men?” "No," Jiho quickly responded, "It's not it." Seungyoon looked up at him, eyes clearly sparked with the slightest hope. “Seungyoon, I don’t mind you liking men. I want to see you do whatever you want, however you like. As long as it's not dangerous to your well being. Now make that the point note, alright?” Jiho said in a soft and undemanding tone. Seungyoon nodded. “But, not everyone thinks like that. Seungyoon I’m gonna be real with you. People can be the meanest piece of shit, I know you realized this,” Seungyoon looked down at his food with a miserable face and Jiho just wanted to stop. But he couldn’t. “And I was so panicked, so worried and I didn’t know what to do. All that came to me when I saw you guys, was that I had to separate you somehow. I can’t imagine you getting hardships because of it, because I know the kind of pains it might cause. From other people who don’t understand and just doesn’t want to. Seungyoon, I’m just worried.” Jiho tried to say it in the most painless way possible, not that it worked. Seungyoon looked up to meet his eyes as if he's asking for help. And Jiho could only sigh. “Do you like him that much?” Jiho asked. Seungyoon, against his expectation, nodded so surely. “Well it’s gonna be hard and I’ll be real with you; We don’t even know if mom can accept that. Moreover dad.” Jiho added. Seungyoon looked down and mumbled, “I know... I just thought about it today.” He looked at his half-eaten food and sighed. “I’m so confused. I don’t want mom or dad to feel sad. To feel disappointment. I don’t want you to fell out of friendship with Mino too. But I really... I really,” Seungyoon took a deep breath “I really like him.” It might've been a while but at that very moment, Jiho wanted to pray. Ask God to change the world. Just for Seungyoon. “To be perfectly honest, I thought of giving up. I’m scared I’ll make way too much damage if I go on. But really that’s... to let him go it’s just... it’s so hard.” Seungyoon scoffed bitterly at himself. “I know you must be thinking I’m being dramatic for someone who dated for the first time. But if I were to say it any other way, it’s just a lie then. It’s just how it feels like this very second.” Jiho sighed and took a sip of his drink. he looked at Seungyoon still looking so down and asked, “First of all, Mino is still my friend you know.” The sentence got Seungyoon’s face lit up and looked up at his brother hopefully. “I talked to him. Straighten things out. So don’t worry we are still friends unless he decided to be an idiot and make you a mess, okay?” Seungyoon had this faint smile that gave Jiho hope like no other. “But Seungyoon, Mino is not the best lover out there.” Jiho said. Seungyoon looked at him in confusion. “He’s been messing around with girls. He can’t commit to anyone, it’s just how he is. And even though I’ve known him for a while, I really can’t promise you that he’s being sincere or no. He's just a high school kid, we're all just high schoolers. Stupid and hormonal.” "But, it's different now! He's... he's better now," Seungyoon was quick to deny but his voice also wavered in the end. Seungyoon realized he really got no right to tell how Mino is when he knew him in barely months. Jiho looked at him with slight pity. "I truly hope that's true but to be completely logical, I wouldn't count on that for the long run. You get me?” It’s understandable. It’s hard but Seungyoon had to swallow the bitter pill somehow. The things he read on the internet came to his mind. “Hyung,” he called “you really don’t hate me for liking a boy?” Jiho gave the most reassuring smile that made Seungyoon melt in warmth. "Why would that ever be a problem for me?" "Then... If I were to stay like this, live like this. Would you—" Seungyoon was so scared to continue. He honestly didn't think he'll be able to handle a straight rejection from Jiho. "If you are ready to fight the people who dislike you for being you," Jiho said, cutting Seungyoon of his worries. “If you’re ready to stay true of your feelings, I will fight anyone. And I mean it when I say anyone.” Jiho said. ¯ Seungyoon came home with a somewhat empty heart. The heavyweight he's been holding in his chest has been removed, but nothing comforting came to replace it with. He's left with another cause to withstand, another resolution to make. And he's truly exhausted. ¯  Seungyoon 01.44-Mino, can we meet after school? ¯  Eunji showed up at class looking as smiley as usual. Seungyoon felt so glad. “Let’s eat together at lunch, I made you guys something!” she said to Seungyoon, Hanbin, and Jaewon. She opened the box and showed a small chocolate cake cut into four pieces. The boys marveled in awe. “You made this? Like really from scratch?” Hanbin asked in disbelief. Eunji made a cocky smug face and just smiled as she gave them each piece with a small paper plate. "It looks so good, let's hope it actually tastes good too—" “Jaewon, I can and will kick your ass if you don’t like it.” Eunji said with all smile. Jaewon shut his mouth for the greater good. Seungyoon just laughed. It actually did taste amazing though. Hanbin was long gone, stuffing his mouth with the melting chocolate topping. Seungyoon loves sweets in general so he’s having a great time. Jaewon, though under Eunji’s harsh surveillance, actually liked the treat too. "You're so good, I can't believe it—" Hanbin said between his full mouth. Eunji put down her half-finished cake and cleared her throat. “So. I guess I have some explanation to make,” Eunji said. Jaewon tilted his head. Seungyoon listened expectantly. “Regarding the night I basically almost smash the heck out of someone’s head,” Eunji said, clearing Jaewon’s confusion. Hanbin looked up from his cake, finally back on track. "I think all of you know about my brother and what happened to him, right? Well, the guy who bullied my brother was that guy. The one I hit." Eunji said. Jaewon hummed, almost like he made a guess before. Hanbin looked shocked. “Him? The creepy guy??” he asked. “Yeah. Well, you know it was a case with so many question mark left unanswered and I never managed to let it go all these years,” Eunji said, a pint of sadness went past the crack in her. She kept her smile up and continued, “But, I visited my brother’s grave yesterday and I finally made a resolution to fight my grief. I’ve been keeping it at bay and it’s really not a healthy way to cope,” Eunji said. Jaewon nodded. "And that is why this cake is made for a celebration. Jung Eunji will live with no more bitterness in her life, you all hear me? I will be happy inside out! If you ever see me being bitter and not dealing with my feelings again, hit me with a baseball bat." She said with so much confidence. Jaewon smiled, almost like a proud parent. Seungyoon felt so happy Eunji found her peace. Hanbin, however, just love to make himself be a pain in the ass. "You'd kill me if I hit you with—" “What was that, Kim Hanbin?” Eunji asked with an eerily wide smile. Dangerous as heck. Hanbin shook his head so quick. ¯ Jaewon and Hanbin went to buy mineral water after the sweet cake and Eunji scooted closer to Seungyoon. “Hey, did Jiho oppa talked to you yet?” Eunji asked. Seungyoon looked at her with wide eyes. “Hyung? How did you know?” "Ah, he did? How did it go? He didn't scold you right?" Eunji asked worriedly. “Uh.. no? Eunji, how did you know?” Seungyoon asked. She smiled mischievously. “I met him yesterday. At Hyunki’s graveyard.” Seungyoon couldn’t comprehend her words. So yesterday Jiho skipped school to visit Hyunki? “He what??” “He’s been visiting my brother since the incident, it turns out. Even after he moved here. Your brother is really a changed man, Seungyoon. So yeah, my problem with him is clear. And about Huncheol, he left that asshole, have you heard?” Seungyoon was in a daze at the sudden information but yeah Jiho told him about Huncheol and his toxic ass last night. Seungyoon was so glad to hear it too, he could only nod. “I’m so glad. He did the right thing, leaving that guy. So what about the other problem, is it solved?” Empty. The emptiness is scratching him from the inside again. Seungyoon avoided her eyes and played with his finger. “I... I dunno. I need to solve it myself,” Seungyoon mumbled. “What? Was he being an asshole about you and Mino? The problem was him finding out about it right??" Eunji asked in a slight panic. “Yeah.. the problem was—“ "Eunji!! The mineral water is out, we only got one!" Hanbin yelled. He's back along with Jaewon. Seungyoon shut his mouth and Eunji dropped the conversation altogether. Eunji made a look that promised Seungyoon that’ll continue the talk later on. ¯ Jiho showed up at class under Kyung’s suspicious stare. Jiho just shrugged at him and sat on his desk. Mino came a minute later, just before the bell ring. Kyung also stared at Mino, who casually greeted Jiho and Jiho greeted him back. Huh. Kyung was confused. He thought something was wrong with them. They both still look like shit, that’s for sure. Like something was on their mind. but at least they’re not fighting, Kyung thought.  Mino couldn’t focus at all. He knew Jiho had a talk with him last night. and if it was good news, Mino suggested Seungyoon would tell him right away. But instead, the kid said he wanted to talk. Talk about what? Mino was filled with worry and insecurities. He looked down at the flower key chain that is identical to Seungyoon and filled himself with trust. Have faith, Mino told himself. But still, Mino couldn’t digest his lunch at all. He barely had a bite. Jiho watched him with worry. The other kids were messing around and being loud, but Jiho had his eyes on Mino and his pathetic look. Meanwhile, Kyung was watching them both. The last bell rang and Mino turned his head to Jiho. “Are you coming to the studio?” Jiho nodded his head. Mino sighed. “Seungyoon said he’ll meet you today didn’t he?” Jiho said simply. Mino quickly looked at him again with anticipation. “Hey. Is it bad?” Mino asked. Jiho tilted his head slightly. “What is?” Mino gulped. “Come on, give me a spoiler. Is it bad news for me?” he asked. The memory of his long talk with Seungyoon came through Jiho's mind at high speed.   ‘I feel like... I might be hurting mom.’ ‘But I really like him, hyung. Can’t I have this? I’ve never been happier in years,’  Jiho licked his lips and scratched his forehead. “I really don’t know. As a warning though, his head is a mess. He’s mad confused. And it’s not because of what I said.” Mino frowned. Well, now he's feeling even worse. Seungyoon is not confused about Jiho's words so something else happened to him? What? When? ¯ Mino 16.32-I’m here already Mino texted Seungyoon as the boy said they’ll meet outside the cinema. Mino initially hoped he’ll read the boy’s face if they walk to the cinema together. But that’s not happening because Seungyoon said to meet there instead and he’s now sitting with cold hands. Mino leaned his head back to the long wooden chair on the sidewalk and sighed. He looked up at the sky and realized it should be winter pretty soon. College entrance will be around the corner too, soon. Deadline to his portfolio. He barely felt how autumn passed by, been busy. Or perhaps, too occupied to let the responsibility kick him in the shin. Too busy being with Seungyoon. Well he’s happy so there was really nothing to regret, right? But perhaps he should put it in his mind more. Graduate. College. Seoul? “What’s gonna happen to us?” he sighed. A few minutes later a face suddenly popped up above him, smiling and bright, it made Mino jumped.  Seungyoon showed a pair of movie tickets in his hand. Mino felt a surge of relief just seeing his face, he sighed in content without even realizing. "Hey," he called. Seungyoon smiled and greeted him back. Mino lifted himself from the couch and looked at him. “What movie is it?” “A good one,” Seungyoon smiled. “Alright,” Mino chuckled “Wanna get some snacks first?” Seungyoon nodded enthusiastically. The supposedly good movie didn't have many spectators and Seungyoon said it was because the movie has been running for a while. A back corner seat. If it was Mino, he'd choose this seat too. Because of reasons. As soon as the lights dim and leave the cinema dark, Seungyoon leaned to Mino's shoulder. Mino rested his cheek on the top of Seungyoon's head and felt immediate comfort. Seungyoon always smelt so soft. Like flowers bathed in vanilla. “I miss you,” Mino whispered. Seungyoon chuckled. “Same here,” ¯ “That’s what he said?” Seungyoon asked. Mino hummed. After talking about the movie until they ran out of theories regarding the plot twist, they talk about Jiho over a burger. “What did he say to you?” Mino asked back. Seungyoon scrolled his memory in wonder. "Well, pretty much the same. He's just worried I'll get hurt because sometimes people like us get so many hate," Seungyoon shrugged. They spent silent moments, thinking about separate things in their head. “Seungyoon-ah,” Mino called. Seungyoon hummed. “So do you regret this?” “No.” Seungyoon answered. Quick, simple, and clear. “Do you wish... you’d never seen me instead?” Mino asked with a soft voice. Seungyoon rose his head and looked at Mino straight in the eye. “Don’t ever think that way.” Seungyoon told him. Mino had never felt so secure, never saw Seungyoon looking so mature and calm. Seungyoon suddenly took a big gulp of his drink and sighed. “Hey, there’s something I wanna do.” ¯ A photo box. Seungyoon laughed looking at the weird and almost too cheerful filters and sticker options. “What is this, a pig face?” Seungyoon cackled. Mino didn’t know what to feel. This whole day felt so— “Let’s take one in this filter, it’s nice!” It felt final. When the camera turned on and it showed their faces, Mino once again found Seungyoon's smile. He looked happy. No matter what’s probably grumbling in his head right now, which Mino didn’t dare to ask, Mino chose to let it brew. He’ll live this moment and make it the best one. One snap, two, three. All with a mix of wide smiles and silly expressions. They both laughed at the faces as they edit the pics. “Let’s take another one so we both have a set,” Seungyoon said happily. When the camera started the countdown, however, Seungyoon turned his face to look at Mino. He looked back at him with a puzzled face. The first picture was taken and it would show how both of them look at each other. Seungyoon smiling sweetly and Mmino looking puzzled. While Mino was still confused, Seungyoon leaned closer and pulled Mino by the neck, kissed his lips daringly. Mino was a bit taken aback, never seen Seungyoon made the first move. But he melted into the kiss, felt the way it soothed his mind. The camera snapped sometime during their kiss. Seungyoon pulled back and gave him another wide smile. This time, Mino smiled back for real. The camera snapped for the last time. But they both just sat looking at each other. “What is it?” Mino whispered. Seungyoon tried hard to keep his smile, but it turned bitter by the second. He parted his lips slowly, his eyes showing how messed up his thoughts really were inside. “I’m so scared,” Seungyoon whispered back “I felt like, our time is limited.” Mino gulped. They share the same thoughts. It’s annoying how Mino didn’t know how to answer too. “I’m... not messing around with you. I’m being real with you.” Mino said. "I know. It's just... people, you know? People will come between us eventually." People. Yeah. Mino can’t handle the words of people and how they act. Can’t they hide? “I wish we can hide, run away somewhere far.” Mino talked his mind out loud. Seungyoon smiled sadly. “Yeah. Would be nice, huh?” Mino shrugged. Seungyoon pulled away and took the pictures from the printer case. He smiled at both of it and gave Mino the first one. ¯ Mino asked if he can have a glass of water. He promised he’ll be quick, knowing Seungyoon and his mom have a plan to have dinner together as soon as she’s back from work. It’s 18.35 and it’s already dark outside. She’d be home at any minute. Seungyoon was pouring water on the glass when a pair of arms suddenly hugged him from behind. Seungyoon almost gasped. It’s his house and his mom will be home soon. “Please, don’t leave.” Mino whispered. If Seungyoon can see beyond his skin and into his thoughts, perhaps he’ll catch a glimpse of how much Mino is begging. “Mino, my mom will be here soon—” Seungyoon whispered back. “I’m... so happy with you.” Seungyoon stopped talking altogether and his hands that tried to push Mino away just gave up. “I’ll do my best to keep us alright. So please... fight with me, okay? Trust me. Just trust me.” Mino felt his heart broken to a million pieces by his own plea. Slapped by the fact that he is, indeed, not the number one and only in Seungyoon’s life. Stupid, silly hope. He clenched his jaw and pulled Seungyoon even closer, hoping it will help somehow. A warm touch on his arm made Mino melt. “Okay,” Seungyoon whispered “Let’s try. Let’s do our best, okay?” Seungyoon turned his body and circled his hand around Mino’s neck, resting his chin on Mino’s shoulder. Mino kept his hug tight on his torso and Seungyoon sighed. “Let's be happy now, right? Let's be happy.” ¯ Mino smiled, for real this time, and waved goodbye before he drove off to the night. Seungyoon sighed and walked into his room, drop his bag and body to the floor with no care. Seungyoon sighed and let his mind be soothed by the warm carpet under him.  “It’s okay. We’re okay..” Seungyoon whispered to the quiet room, quiet house. He turned his head to the side and slid his hand inside the bag. He took the photo and looked at it. He couldn’t help but smile. He used to be so timid about kissing Mino. He’d just wait and hope Mino would kiss him. These past few days made him grow, he guessed. Braver.  “Yeah. It’s okay.” Sound of the gated being opened made Seungyoon put the photo back to his bag and hurriedly run downstairs. His mom is back, with a chinese restaurant food dangling on her hold. Seungyoon didn’t feel so forced and uncalm around her anymore. It felt just like a daily dinner with his mom, listening to her rant about a nosy coworker and a funny joke her boss said. All is well. ¯ She took light steps to Seungyoon’s room, seeing the door opened very slightly. She walked in as she found her son sleeping so soundly on his bed. She looked around and saw a normal clean but messy room, rolling her eyes playfully. She walked over to look at her son’s face already deep in his dreams. She hoped it’s a good dream. Her feet brushed upon his bag on the floor and she took it. It’s been a while, she thought about washing the bag because tomorrow is weekend. She walked over to the table and pulled out Seungyoon’s books one by one. Then a single piece of paper dropped to the floor and she took it to her hands.  It was a picture from a photo box.