ˣ 002

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 his face was red, he could tell. this all had to be a dream. perhaps he had dozed off in the middle of watching the little mermaid and was being swept away by a dream unlike any other. ever since he was young, he had always thought that ryujin was the sole good thing in his life, that he deserved nothing more but just one blessing. but as he sat on the bed, gazing into mingyu's eyes, he couldn't help but feel selfish for the first time in a long time. oh, how he wanted nothing more than to hold onto this boy's hand for the rest of his life. to give him all of his firsts, to trust him with his everything, and to cherish him just like he would be cherished. a sudden flood of memories swept through his mind, the bullying, the teasing, the judgement and hate filled glares of anyone who knew who his father was. he couldn't remember when anyone had truly wanted to be his and as the realization of the fact that he was being loved in the very moment hit, he couldn't stop the tears that welled in his eyes, a bright smile quickly forming on his face. 'i would love to.'

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 the sudden clap snaps him out of his reverie, a mix of embarrassment and ecstasy pooling in the pit of his stomach upon the realisation that his once one-sided feelings had been reciprocated. these things only happened in fairytales, stories of fiction where the prince heroically comes to the princesses’ rescue and they live happily ever after except all along it was hyunjin that saved him, saved him from the underlying sense of doom that slowly ate away at him. mingyu almost jumps forward in his seat, burly arms coming up to envelop the smaller within his embrace, laptop heedlessly falling back against the blankets but he couldn’t care less, the only thing of importance was hyunjin and how he was slotted effortlessly in his hold, as if they were meant to be. his grip loosens shortly after to lean back and meet moonlit orbs but his chest tightens, not from worry this time. ‘do we ,, no you, do you want to go out with me? we could hold hands, maybe kiss each other under the night sky, do all that couple stuff i see. i don’t know much about it but—’ ah, he’s been rambling on for who knows how long, now he understands why all the movie protagonists struggle in moments like these, everything about hyunjin feels so surreal, ‘all i know is that i wanna be yours.’

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 it's as if time had stopped. hyunjin isn't quite sure how much time had passed since those three specific words left mingyu's lips but it feels like an eternity. it happened so unexpectedly, it's almost impossible for him to process what had just been said. perhaps he had fallen asleep during the movie and was swept up in a dream, one where all his desires could come true. he almost believes it, but as his heart starts to pick up speed and a heat like he's never felt before spreads across his face, he knows this is real. hyunjin has to force himself to tear his eyes away, fearing that he may end up possessing the male in a state of fluster, gently pushing himself away from the other's side. both confusion and an overwhelming happiness are starting to cloud his mind and he starts fidgeting with his hands, not knowing what to say. how could he possibly know? never before in his life had he ever felt what he feels for mingyu, yet alone have those feelings returned and he doesn't know if he wants to laugh or cry. what he does is a bit strange -- he claps his hands together once, as if the noise would clear all the muddled thoughts in his head and when he's calmed down, he shyly raises his head to meet mingyu's gaze, a mix of emotions swirling within them. 'me too,' he signs hesitantly. 'i like you too.'

@○ ⁞ ye l 。 "alright, that looks good," she murmurs to herself, after having lugged their shoe rack about two inches to the right. everything looked good; their couches, tables, chairs all scooted. truthfully, it was entirely purposeful to prank mingyu, but she would welcome any one of his roommates to also fall for her harmless act, much to her amusement. the only thing left was to anticipate their arrival, so she maneuvers her way underneath their dining table, waiting.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 the comfortable silence between them draws on, and he can’t help but question if he made the wrong decision. everything felt so right, but was he moving too fast? ‘because you’re so perfect,’ he admits, the subtle yet welcomed ache of his heart transforming into an abundance of affection, ‘i don’t want to ruin a masterpiece.’ he had meant every word. he was a true work of art, sculpted by the hands of universalistic gods forced to succumb to the beauty that was hwang hyunjin. oh, how delicate he remained in his touch, priceless, untouchable to those who desired for him but here he was, stealing the gentlest of kisses within the stillness of the night. the glimmer of starlight scattered across his ceiling fades into the darkness, a captivating sight yet nothing could compare to the galaxy embedded in hyunjin’s eyes. he could look into them for hours on end but he trains his gaze elsewhere, the blush blooming on his cheeks matching the redness of his ears and the untold words fall right off his tongue, “i like you.”

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he's ready to shove himself away from mingyu, horrified by his rash and selfish action when he's brought back for a second kiss, eyes widening as his heart threatens to burst in his chest. no movie, no song, no amount of poetry could ever describe the perfection of having mingyu's lips on his. it felt like two pieces of a puzzle coming together, like it was just meant to be. like they were perfect together. his breath was completely taken, nervous eyes searching the other's, wondering if this was all just a dream or maybe even just a prank on him. his lips tingled, the feeling of mingyu still lingering, a touch that hyunjin was sure he would never forget. he was at a loss for words, his own hands wouldn't even move to say anything. it was quiet except for the sound of hyunjin's shaky breath and the loud thumping of his chest ringing loudly in his ears. 'why do you need to hold back?' he finally managed to question. was mingyu, perhaps, just as enamored as he was? was it alright for hyunjin to let a small seed of hope blossom in his heart, that maybe - just maybe - the one he liked ,, , liked him back?

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 he can barely process the zephyr-like peck against his lips, mind blank upon the realisation that hyunjin had just kissed him. it was chaste to say the least but it was enough to send a wave of emotions crashing through his body. in all his twenty three years of roaming the streets and academy aimlessly, it had been now he’d found a purpose in life. to give hyunjin his everything, and with that mingyu kisses him, angling his head just enough to meet hyunjin’s plush tiers once more. it was everything he’d imagined it to be like and more. gentle in pace, the faint taste of strawberry tingling against his own as svelte digits reach up to gently caress his cheek, to show hyunjin that in this moment, all that mattered was him, just him. “sorry—“ he whispers, obsidian spheres finding themselves lost within his gaze for the umpteenth time. though he pulls away sheepishly, deciding to rely on signing to convey his thoughts. ‘you’re making it really hard for me to hold back.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 hyunjin was floating on cloud nine, wondering what these emotions stirring in him could be. all he knows for sure is that, it's warm against mingyu, he smells nice, and hyunjin can't keep his eyes off the other's lips. he's seen lots of romance movies with ryujin -- of course, he has to beg and force her to watch them with him -- but he's never experienced anything like it in his own life. the closest he had ever gotten was giving a cute kid in his class a box of chocolates for valentines day. though, it hardly compared to right now, when he was snuggled up against the most handsome guy he'd ever met. mingyu's voice was quiet but his words didn't go unheard, hyunjin's cheeks burning up just from the sound of the low murmur. he wanted to hear more of it. he wanted to hear his name slip past the other's lips. most of all, he wanted to say mingyu's name. but he couldn't. so he did the next best thing. he turned his head, leaning up with all reason leaving his mind, and pressed a soft kiss against the other's lips.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 mingyu releases the breath he didn’t know he was holding, gaze flickering back to hyunjin’s lips yet again, admiring the way the glow of the screen exposes the distinct tinge of crimson blooming upon his cheeks and he can’t help the sense of pride that bubbles in his chest, movie long forgotten. it takes every inch of his rationality to fight back the urge to lean forward and close the distance between them, this feeling of longing was so foreign to him. he was nothing compared to hyunjin, untouchable, seraphic, everything about him was so perfect yet every part of him still felt so real. ‘i’ll be here for you.’ he professes, nuzzling his face against the mop of silky tresses resting against him before mumbling inaudibly to himself, “stop being so cute...” he’d be surprised if the other understood him, even more so embarrassed but he couldn’t care less at this point. god, he’s lost all self control.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 'i was hoping you would sleep first,' he admitted, feeling a bit shy and mostly embarrassed by the fact that he'd come to help the other go to sleep and yet, he was the one who was feeling drowsy. how was he supposed to know that laying in bed next to mingyu was the most comforting feeling he'd ever experienced? it made him feel safe. it made him feel warm. it made him happy beyond belief. somehow, he can't seem to keep his eyes away from mingyu's face for more than a minute, his gaze finding his way right back as if that's where they belonged, locked with the other's. he needs to stop, he silently reprimands himself, or else he'll get so flustered, he'll end up possessing the other. 'i hope i'm not too heavy,' he signed before slowly adjusting himself to rest his head against the other, wanting nothing more than to hide his tomato of a face the moment he did so.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 ‘not really, hopefully soon.’ his hand gestures pause for a brief moment, hesitation etched in his movements before he continues, ‘you can rest on my shoulder, if you’re tired. it’s gotten pretty late.’ there’s no way he himself would be able to fall asleep when the epitome of starlight amongst a night sky was bundled up next to him. surely hyunjin’s power made people fall in love with him because if it was, he was doing a damn job at it. the palpitations of mingyu’s heartbeat quickens in pace, drumming loudly against his chest in the otherwise silent room but he likes it. he likes how defenceless he is in front of hyunjin, how exposed he appears. he’d do anything to make this feeling last.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he would have immediately shoved himself away in a heat of embarrassment if it wasn't for mingyu's arm resting on his shoulder. a blush creeped onto his face as if he had just been caught doing something he wasn't allowed, gaze flickering to the other's lips for a split second before he shook his head. oh man. if ryujin was here to witness her disaster friend thirsting over mingyu during an innocent movie night, she would never let him live this down. 'are you not sleepy yet?' he was surprised he was able to sign anything, his head still a flustered mess after having met eyes. they said eyes were the windows to one's soul and hyunjin wasn't sure if he was ready to bare all of that to mingyu just yet. the last thing he wanted to do was scare him off with the burden of bearing hyunjin's crush.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 surprisingly he’d started to enjoy the movie, he makes a mental note to watch a few more next time. unconsciously mingyu drapes an arm over the younger’s shoulder, tilting his head to the side to meet glistening eyes. it was a habit he’d picked up because of jie’s tendency to claim him as a throne for napping, he was used to the additional weight and found it kept one half of him warm. ‘is there something on my face?’ he signs as best as he can with one hand, accompanied by a low chuckle to mask his embarrassment. he’s grateful the room’s more or less dark minus the light emitting from the screen, any more brighter and the deepening red hue his adorning cheeks would’ve been exposed.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 through a strange miracle, he found himself focusing on the movie, somehow seeing himself in the young mermaid that had lost her voice and silently pined away for someone she had just met. it had been too long since he had heard his own voice, he didn't even remember what it sounded like. what if it was ugly and mingyu hated it? would there even come a day when the other would grow to dislike him? the mere thought terrified him and he found himself on the verge of panicking until he found himself nuzzling against mingyu. his attention is completely snatched from the movie as he gazes up at the other, lost for who knows how long.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 mingyu finds himself focused on the movie, watching closely as the underwater princess swims through the oceans without a care in the world. somewhere along the way, his gaze drifts back to hyunjin, clouded with longing just as the sun endlessly yearns for the moon. oh how badly he wants to trap him within his embrace, to trail breathless kisses along the expanse of alabaster skin, whispering sweet nothings against the litter of love bites that showed the world hyunjin belonged to him, only him. it’s strange how the distance between them seemed to naturally ease and silently, mingyu offers his hand out to the other using something along the lines of ‘it’s kinda cold’ as an excuse. when in fact, he felt the opposite, hyunjin seemed to radiate this comfortable warmth and for once, the trepidations of his heart calmed upon his touch.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he thinks he catches a blush resting on the other's face but he can't be sure. besides, it'd be rude to lean into mingyu's personal space just to get a closer look so he simply sits there, munching on some pocky in silence. as soon as mingyu finishes, he scrambles to take his seat next to him, startling himself as their shoulders bump into each other for just a split second. it was hardly a touch but hyunjin feels as if he's been electrified, eyes wandering once more in his quiet fluster. he leans forward to press 'play' before quickly sitting back down, hugging a pillow to his chest and shoving another two pocky sticks into his mouth. he knows he should keep his attention on the screen but mingyu is so close to him, he could hardly process what was happening, tensing up so he wouldn't move and accidentally bump into the other again.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 ‘thanks.’ a faint blush creeps up on the apples of his cheeks and he can’t help but duck his head down at the laptop screen, busying himself with setting the movie up. it’s just a simple compliment but he can’t understand why it’s made him so flustered, jie does this to him all the time but something about hyunjin makes him feel so…so wanted. he can’t help but crave for more. slipping his feet under the blanket, he pats the spot next to him as the movie loads up. ‘you can start it whenever you’re ready.’

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 the sudden appearance of the spikes catch him off guard, clutching the package of pocky a little tighter as he blinks in surprise. when they disappear, he can't help but wonder what more mingyu is capable of doing and he's left with only his imagination of the other's abilities. gently kicking his feet as he sits on the edge of the bed, he nods, a bit disappointed. he wanted to hear the other's voice but he knew he had no right to force someone else to talk. 'you're doing a great job so far! maybe we could watch the little mermaid!'

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 the last time he watched a movie with someone was with jie, though he didn’t exactly watch it since he’d passed out half through. from tiredness or boredom, he’ll never know. planting his back against the wall, he summons a few spikes from the ground to fetch his laptop, quickly retracting them away once he got it. he wasn’t looking to scare hyunjin off with them. ’haven’t watched any before’ realising he’d signed part of the sentence incorrectly, he fumbles with his fingers before correcting himself and continuing, ‘it’s fine, good practice for me anyway.’

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he watches, eyes filled with longing as his gaze rests on the other's back. scooting to the edge of the bed, he fumbles to catch the assortment of snacks, setting a majority of them aside to open up a box of pocky. a movie sounded perfect, it'd keep his mind occupied on something other than mingyu and his eyes would be forced to focus on something else. 'do you like princess movies? oh, and you don't have to keep using sign language if it's difficult. i can hear just fine!' he grinned, pointing at his ears.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 nodding, he slides off the bed towards his desk, pulling open the bottom drawer. it contained his secret stash of food, with enough junk to fuel him through his studying. he tosses an assortment of snacks towards the seated boy, packets of pocky, kitkats, seaweed crisps and the wasabi chips he’d picked up out of curiosity— mostly to satisfy his spice cravings before returning back to his spot. 'you down for a movie? you can choose one, i’m not picky.'

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he nods, not giving the question a second thought. if the two of them were to stay cuddled up in bed for too long, hyunjin was sure he'd have a heart attack. reaching out to take mingyu's hand as he sat up, he looked around for anything the two of them could do. 'do you have any snacks?' at the most, he could keep his hands and mouth occupied instead of sitting there like an awkward lump.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 his gaze flutters to the beauty mark painted just below hyunjin’s eye. was that always there? the more he pays attention, the more he notices how ethereal he was. from the rosiness of his lips, complimenting the tint of his cheeks to the shimmer of starlight glistening within his eyes, everything was so flawless. ‘do you wanna do something? to pass the time...” there’s no way he’d be able to sleep, not when he’s got the whole world tucked inside his embrace.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 oh, how he wants to hide underneath the covers for all eternity. his mind was still reeling at how he could feel the other's breath against his skin and he was sure his entire face was burning red by now. hands clenched into little fists, his signing ceased as he focused on staying still, trying to will his heartbeat to slow down just a little bit. if mingyu wanted some extra warmth tonight, he'd get it. hyunjin felt as if his body was on fire just from being so close to the other.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 he finds it adorable how close the pair were, ryujin and him were almost inseparable and in a sense it reminded him of his best friend. sure they weren’t as... chaotic as the duo, but it was always nice to watch their interactions. ‘i like it, you’re more than enough.’ he leans forward for a split second, lips ghosting over the other’s forehead before pulling away upon realisation of his own actions, choosing to drape an arm over hyunjin’s slender frame.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 he in a breath, tensing up as he's tugged closer. this is no good, he thinks. if he gets too close then mingyu will definitely hear his heartbeat and hyunjin wasn't ready to have his fluster exposed. nibbling at his lower lip, he musters up some confidence as he shyly signs to the other. 'i i hope i'm warm enough for you! ryujin always complains about my body heat anyways.' he grinned despite fumbling with his signing.

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 in one prompt motion, mingyu intentionally launches himself onto the bed to make it bounce on impact. lightly, with an extended arm he tugs hyunjin closer, mainly because the wall wouldn’t be as comfortable as his own arms and partly because he couldn’t get enough of his intoxicatingly sweet strawberry smell. ‘it’s all good, i could do with some extra warmth for the night.’ he admits to the latter, a sheepish smile playing on the corners of his lips.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 jumping up to his feet, he stumbles onto the mattress, a bit dizzy from having gotten up too fast. with a dazed grin, he quickly scoots over until he's against the wall, making sure there's enough space for mingyu to rest on. the bed had a faint scent of chocolate and hyunjin's cheeks couldn't help but turn pink. it smelled like mingyu. before his heart could pound any louder, he pat the spot next to him, wanting to make sure they could both fit. 'are you sure you're okay sharing the bed?'

@○ ⁞ hyunjin h 。 ‘a bit, not good though.’ he signs back, not as slow this time, motivated by the burst of enthusiasm in hyunjin’s efforts. he doesn’t wanna admit it but he’d do anything to keep that breathtaking smile plastered on his face there forever. lifting himself off the ground in one shift movement, he pats the mattress, suggesting the other to take his spot first. it’d probably be more efficient if mingyu slept on the outer side, since he’s 100% certain he’ll roam around later.

@○ ⁞ mingyu k 。 too busy smiling at the other, silently admiring his features, he almost misses mingyu signing to him. luckily, he manages to understand the gist of what the other is trying to say. 'you know sign language??' he signs eagerly, sitting up with an ever widening grin. before he gave him the opportunity to answer, hyunjin reached out to tug at his arm, wanting them to get off the probably uncomfortable floor and get up onto the bed.