⠀➷ winter ball!

@✦ ┆ s. mingi. ʰᵘˢᵏʸ Mingi nosed closer to him, sniffed in his scent, held him tighter. It was so comforting to him. They were mated, and the most traditional type of mated pair. Alpha and omega. It soothed him so deep down that almost immediately the pain in his belly from the table, in his back from the weight the twins were already putting on him, all of it faded away. He really wished he could just pause like this.

"Mingi-yah... I..." Wooyoung started, but he stopped when his date mentioned practice for a future date. He smiled, and he took a sip from his drink as he guided them to a spot away from the table to start slowly swaying from side to side, as usual at a dance with a partner. "I'd love that. Whatever it is you have planned," his voice wavered only slightly from the thought that it would, again, probably never come to fruition.

He slung his free arm over Mingi's shoulder and around the back of his neck, smiling up at the alpha, his gaze betraying him; if Mingi looked, and he knew he would, it would be obvious that Wooyoung was already deeply in love with him. The dumb, slight smile that stayed on his face, the way his eyes softened while looking at him, the way his ears angled down and slightly flat to his head in comfortable submission. His heart thumped in his chest, and his throat, as he continued to lead the sway from side to side, pushing closer to his date and burying his face in the crook of his neck.

"Baby... Tell me all about these ten dates you have planned?" he mumbled against Mingi's skin, leaving a soft kiss to his neck

@₊ ✶ ┆ j. wooyoung. ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ ᶜᵃᵗ The short moment of hesitance has Mingi close to dropping their hands. He'd probably acted bolder than he should, especially considering what others might think if they'd saw them. But then again, they were still groupmates, this wasn't anything that they hadn't done before. And even still, how many people offered the opinion that he and Wooyoung were an official couple or would look good together. It takes another moment of Mingi thinking to cut the whole things and literally wipe his hands of the clammy feeling on them. But the weight in his pocket and the return squeeze brings him back down to Earth. Grounding the alpha once again on the /why/ he was even doing this tonight. If there were hints of this not being any kind of a good idea, Mingi figures that the good outweighs the bad. To at least know that there's a chance was good for him. And an even better thing is to lay it all out for Wooyoung. Let him know exactly how he felt and that he wouldn't be cut of his life. Or... theirs. Now there was a swell of pride in his chest at that train of thought. This was a deep instinct in making sure that his, not so accidental as the days had gone by, mate be assured that he was there to stay. And not just as a member in the same group. He wouldn't let himself think about any other possibility. In his mind, Mingi needed to have this night ending in pure satisfaction on both ends.

Soon enough they were nearing the table of drinks. And it felt like half a second before noticing that Wooyoung was (also) lost in thought. Mingi gives a light tug to his hand to pull him back in close against his side, ears pricked up as if sensing more danger than just a table. It takes a lot in him not to glance down at the protective gesture and just clears his throat, covering it up with a cough while just wrapping an arm around his waist.

The curl of the other's tail around his own has his heart skipping a beat. It always seems to betray just how pleased he gets everyday around the omega whenever it thumps against Wooyoung's thigh. "Thanks, babe." There's an offhand comment questioning the minor difference in their drinks, not fully paying attention, before he's leaning down to press a chaste kiss to his forehead. For how excited (and riddled with nerves he tried so hard to not outwardly show) it was fairly obvious /some/ kind of emotion was high from the quickness in downing the fruity drink.

"You know, this dance is going to be practice for the future." Mingi offers up, a playful grin tugging at his lips. "Take that as a hint for one of the dates on the list." he adds on a moment later. There's a brief thought of if he's coming on too strong right away but it leaves almost immediately when dipping his head to nose in the dark strands of Wooyoung's hair, breathing in his favorite scent.

Just from that, Mingi really could not imagine Wooyoung being anywhere but right next to him and in his arms.

@✦ ┆ s. mingi. ʰᵘˢᵏʸ "You'll see," Mingi had said. He couldn't help but feel a few of the pieces of his heart shatter further. He probably wouldn't see. Wooyoung hugged his arm tighter, and squeezed his hand once Mingi laced their fingers. His own twitched, as if he was going to release them and try to brush it off. Like usual. But he stopped. He liked the idea of being seen like that, like the thing they always played off like they weren't. Because they weren't. But he so badly wanted to be. He started to second guess himself. *Should* he say anything? If he could just keep it for another month, have them, and... give them up, as much as he didn't want to. Mingi wouldn't want them, even if they were half his. If he had them and kept them, he worried Mingi would get mad at him for lying. Or at least... obstructing the truth. Not a good way to start the relationship, if one even started. Then again, it probably wasn't the best way to start anything by saying "hey I was pregnant with our twins but I already gave birth to them and gave them up for adoption, so you don't have to worry." That felt worse. But he didn't want to tell him and have him run away. If he ran, he'd be left alone with the twins, and out a mate and someone he loved dearly. Not alone, but... they wouldn't have a dad. Just a lot of uncles. Which he appreciated, while he also wanted them to have a father figure.

He wanted to have his cake, and to eat too, in every hypothetical that played out in his head.

Which, is something Wooyoung knew was impossible to do. So he brought himself right back to it up and telling him. Just not yet. He wanted to enjoy the date, and to let himself be in love, to pretend like they were a viable, happily expecting young family. I don't want you to leave me alone any day, he thought to himself.

Without realizing it, he'd guided them to the drinks, nearly running into the table. Instinctively, he held his stomach, and he rubbed the side of it. He leaned against Mingi and softly purred, nosing closer for a moment before looking at him. He even went so far as to curl his tail around Mingi's fluffier one as he poured them both a cup from the big bowl of indistinctly fruity pink juice. "Here, baby," he whispered, handing Mingi the fuller of the two cups.

@₊ ✶ ┆ j. wooyoung. ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ ᶜᵃᵗ Another laugh. There's amusement written all over his face when peeking over at Wooyoung's own expression. Like he couldn't believe it. "Just wait, you'll see." There was still some teasing in his voice but also some hope mixed in. No matter how this night would unfold, Mingi would be sure to, at least, prove that he was serious about his intentions.

And just like that, it was the smallest touches from the omega that could relax him. Even before they had even started whatever label that would be put on whatever kind of relationship they had. It almost slips his mind that emotions can be filtered through their bond as he starts to calm. Although there is just /something/ that tugs at his heart. Panic? Probably his own. Especially considering the little gift tucked away in his pocket. He had half a mind to just sweep Wooyoung away from the ball and have a more private moment but on the other hand, this also seemed like the perfect moment. Mingi brushes his hand over the one on his arm and rubs the back of it, reassuring. That slight bit of nervousness coming through definitely from his date. A skip of his heartbeat hearing the cut off sentence. And then an exhale. Almost there but not quite.

That must mean... oh, there's another twinge in his stomach. Anticipation on both sides clear as day. Clearing his throat, the alpha nods, not wanting to be away from the other at all right now. Reaching up again, he lowers Wooyoung's hand to lace their fingers instead. This was one of the days that they could afford to appear like things would go right. A lopsided smile and a squeeze to his hand, Mingi tugs him in after a gentle bump of their hips. "I'll go with you. You think I'll leave you alone today?" Drinks were good. Something to take his mind off of the continues anxiety wanting to fill his chest.

@✦ ┆ s. mingi. ʰᵘˢᵏʸ "T-tenth?" Wooyoung stuttered out. He couldn't tell if Mingi was joking or not, even if they were bonded now. Some things he still didn't quite understand, some emotions he knew weren't his, but couldn't quite place them even still, since they were still fairly newly and accidentally paired.

His head was already starting to spin, and he couldn't tell if it was because of the twins making him extra tired, or if it was because he was with his mate, extra sensitive to his scent. Or maybe it was the overwhelming sensation of being given love. Mingi kissed him, held him, scented him, doted on him, lingered by him, kept an eye on him. His tail would wag all the time, and he always found a way to rub his back, or his tummy, or lay on him, anything to keep him close. And right now was no different. It was delayed, but the returned scenting and the feather-light kisses on his face, his knuckles, all hit him like a heatwave. He dug his nails into Mingi's arm to keep himself sane, and he kept his eyes on the ground as they walked. His date seemed tense, at least physically, so he gently massaged the part of his arm that he was hugging, giving a kiss to his shoulder.

Enjoy the date first, he reminded himself. The words were on the tip of his tongue, yet also at the back of his throat, like the lump right before a yawn. "I'm pre..." he looked up at Mingi, hugging his arm tighter, like he might slip away. He swallowed the lump of words in the back of his throat. Enjoy. The Date. He reiterated to himself. "...tty thirsty, " he saved it with a sigh. "I'll go get us some drinks. Or do you wanna just come with me," he recovered the masking of his nerves by teasing the alpha, patting his arm

@₊ ✶ ┆ j. wooyoung. ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ ᶜᵃᵗ Mingi's laugh is like the usual: full, and loud. It helps as a small distraction from the butterflies in his stomach. And he does end up quieting it soon enough with a coo, doing his normal routine in nosing down into the omega's hair, gentle brushes of his ears added in. If he holds onto him for a moment longer than he needed to, it's out of his mind when the wriggling happens. A dramatic frown tugs at his mouth as soon as his arms are free of the shorter male, already wanting to gather him up again. "I always miss you, actually." Mingi's tone just as teasing. And just as truthful. His frown immediately disappears though as he feels the brush against his neck. An almost relieved sigh escapes from the touch of his, unintentional, mate. The senses in their bond still as fresh from when they first bit each other only heightens that need, want, to be as close to the omega as possible. And the beginning of getting surrounded by Wooyoung's sweeter than usual scent only serving to muddle his mind in fuzzy emotions. Strong arms hold the shorter male as close to him as possible, head dipping down to return the scenting and the brief show of affection. Mingi makes sure to cover every inch of Wooyoung's face in many kisses when he pulls back. He could almost forget that this shouldn't be their usual display. Keyword being almost. At least, not until he could make this right.

His nose never did steer him wrong. And certain moments that popped into his mind told him much more than what was ever said outright.

Mingi would for sure do this properly. A bit out of order, but still. He just /knew/ that if their feelings were anything to go by, he could call Wooyoung his. And have even more.

Sighing again, he gives a gentle squeeze to their linked hands, just about to do a slight jog up ahead. Shooting a smile down towards his date, he bumps his hip. "Now who's planning ahead? Then again... me, personally, I've already planned up to our tenth." Not a complete lie. If this goes anywhere near according to what he's got in mind, something bigger would be on the table after a few of their "post, pre-date". Lifting up their hands, he presses a kiss to the back of Wooyoung's. Hoping his nervousness wasn't so obvious while they walked, arms hooked now. His anticipation was high for how this night would turn out. He, honestly, couldn't wait to end it with Wooyoung in his arms, holding the love(s) of his life.

@✦ ┆ s. mingi. ʰᵘˢᵏʸ With Mingi's wide smile and arms scooping him up like he was a lost item, Wooyoung let out a little trill like when a cat gets picked up without warning, his tail swaying lazily and his ears perking up. This... was definitely going to be painful. He could already feel his heart shattering to pieces. He wanted to keep his puppy so badly, all to himself, all to their family that would be coming. His gaze softened as he thought about it, holding onto Mingi's shoulders. A muscle in his lip twitched, and his ears fell back down to normal. "I told you you wouldn't be able to miss me!" he teased. He wriggled out of his hold just enough so he could have his feet back on the floor. He nosed closer, purring softly as he lingered, leaving a little bit of his scent behind, and even nosing further back to the mark he'd left behind last cycle. He nosed it, kissed it, and let even more of his scent pour out against it, arms wrapping around his puppy's neck so he could hug him as tight as possible and enjoy the woody scent his accidental mate gave off. Quite honestly, he didn't want to go into the ballroom, he wanted to stay just like this forever.

He wouldn't have to tell Mingi if time froze here.

But he pulled himself away and caressed the sides of the other's neck before grabbing his hands instead. "Let's go have our first dance, hm?" the playful tone in his voice luckily masked the way his heart was beating a million miles an hour, the way he wanted to combust on the spot. He gently pulled the alpha along with him, walking backwards at first, but then turning around and walking ahead of him, hand still holding his. But, with a glance over his shoulder, he slowed himself down, and let himself walk by Mingi's side. His arm linked with his husky's as they walked, and he rubbed his upper arm with his thumb. "How about that pre-date becomes our second? Or third? How far have we planned already?" he looked up at Mingi as he asked the question. He didn't expect to get a third or second after the bomb he was about to drop at some point during the night, so the question was pretty empty, but it filled the air between them nonetheless

@₊ ✶ ┆ j. wooyoung. ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ ᶜᵃᵗ This would be the moment. The day Mingi would /actually/ let Wooyoung know how he felt. Which, in his mind, seems to be the best idea at the time. But it also makes the most sense to do it today. No more hiding under the guise of "just needing him" whenever their cycles came around. When in reality, all he wanted to do was to properly ask Wooyoung to be his. Officially. And not to have another moment where the matching bites on their neck be something they needed to brush off as just a mistake. Considering the date was already agreed to, Mingi had the slightest bit of hope that they would be moving in that direction. This had to mean /something/ good. But also...

This is a date. Their first date. Where he would confess. And not under his breath in the dead of night while Wooyoung was sleeping. This could also mean that he was moving too fast. Well, as fast as you can when accidentally mating your groupmate when just having a mutually pleasurable agreement. And now doubts were starting to form. This could all mean nothing. All of the late nights huddled up in Wooyoung's more than perfect nest doing anything and everything. The little jokes of potentially starting a family. Something he, fingers crossed, hopes would actually come true someday. It also doesn't help that the little voice in the back of Mingi's mind provides the fact that they always deny ever being "a thing" in public. As much as the constant reminder of a technically that they are.

A text coming through snaps him out of that train of thought. Well- it was now or never. No use in second guessing and hesitating. He shoots back a quick message saying he'd be there soon. And not long after, Mingi's rushing up to gather his kitten in his arms, a wide smile on his face.

"And here you are, Youngie!"

@✦ ┆ s. mingi. ʰᵘˢᵏʸ He decided he'd tell him at the ball, on their first date. Maybe it wasn't the smartest decision, but what was the point of hiding it any longer? Just to keep him around for a little longer as more than a groupmate? For a second date? He wanted to say nothing, but everything and everyone pointed at telling him, and even he himself had gotten to pointing in the same direction. Sure it would hurt a little more than a normal rejection, since there was the whole involvement of the accidental bites on their necks that would make Wooyoung feel the rejection of him and the twins tenfold, but it was perfect to deal with that during the holiday season, what with all the time he'd have to get over it, move on, and try to get back out there... with two kids.

That was assuming it all went wrong, that he misinterpreted everything the husky had been telling him in the almost two months they'd been in this arrangement, and during the one month they'd spent accidentally bonded. It could go off without a hitch, but he highly doubted that. The more he thought about it as he stood at the door, debating on when to text Mingi that he was there, the more he realized he just wanted to drop the info and run before he could hear the answer. He didn't want to hear the no, but he didn't want to hear the yes either. He'd feel like he was an obligation if Mingi said he wanted to stay around. Now that he kept going... it almost felt like the no would be better, as much as he would have loved to keep him.

He sighed and shook his head; at least enjoy the date first, damn. He opened his phone and sent a simple, "I'm at the entrance, you can't miss me."

@✶ ┆ k. donghyuk. ᵗᵃᵐᵃʳᶦⁿ Junhoe pats his own chest, stepping back and raises his hands playfully. “Oh? My bad my bad. Let’s see how much I’ve underestimated you, then.” The eye roll makes him laugh before he takes a long swig of the golden colored liquid, enjoying the burn that followed after. His body mirrored Donghyuk as he turned around, the second drink already in hand. “I hope those boyfriends are treating you well.” His brow rose. “For the most part,” he nods in agreement slowly. “That’s good. I hope I enjoy my time here as well.”

@✦ ┆ k. junhoe. ᵗᶦᵐᵇᵉʳ ʷᵒˡᶠ “I think you underestimate my ability to drink, June.” He snorts in his own way of agreement, regardless of who gets drunk first and has to pay, he’s just excited that he gets to spend some time with the other. He couldn’t help the second eye roll that he gave at the others initial answer as to why he’s here, knowing he’s just saying meaningless(somewhat) words. “Ah, the breaks are always nice.” He nodded lightly taking another drink, turning his back from the bar and leaning against it lightly as he watched the crowd of people, before humming lightly at the question returned to him. “I was dragged by the boyfriends.” He answered honestly. “It’s been pretty decent actually, I have been enjoying my time here for the most part.”

@✶ ┆ k. donghyuk. ᵗᵃᵐᵃʳᶦⁿ he could practically hear donghyuk roll his eyes in the back of his mind even though his sights were elsewhere. he chuckled at the thought when he turned around and caught him mid roll, arching a brow. “of course. Lightweight pays for din din next time. you can give up now if you’re scared?” he watched as his fellow bandmate opened the tab before ordering his drink and gave a grateful nod once the drink was in his hand. “thanks, bro,” he mumbled to the bartender and turned back to donghyuk. “it’s chilly and a cold world out there. I just wanted to spend it with my best pal? kidding. I just needed a break after the solo. but how did I know I was going to get snowed in? luckily I’m practically made for this weather… why did you come? how’s life here?”

@✦ ┆ k. junhoe. ᵗᶦᵐᵇᵉʳ ʷᵒˡᶠ He rolled his eyes at the others comment as he followed to the bar emitting a soft laugh, though he was in agreement with have a few drinks himself. As the two approached the bar, he looked at the options that were offered to the guests. "So we are in agreement that we're leaving the ball drunk?" He snorted, calling the bartender over, ordering a drink and allowing the other to order his as well and opening a shared tab between the both of them. It wasn't long before the bartender had their drinks in their hands and Donghyuk turned to look at Junhoe. "So what brought you to finally join me here?" He asked curiously taking a sip of his drink

@✶ ┆ k. donghyuk. ᵗᵃᵐᵃʳᶦⁿ cold wouldn’t begin to describe what the weather was like outside at the moment. he almost regretted agreeing to attend the ball as soon as he stepped foot out of his cabin. friend or not, junhoe would ditch donghyuk if it meant beating frostbite. but as he entered the ball and the frozen tips of his fingers melted away, so did the raging regret he’d felt moments before.

“hell yeah? I’m not leaving here without 5. or maybe 10. it might help with the cold, too.” He mumbled, giving an exaggerated shiver before leading the way to the bar.

@✦ ┆ k. junhoe. ᵗᶦᵐᵇᵉʳ ʷᵒˡᶠ » date : dec 6 «

It was two days before the storm was supposed to hit, and it was bone chilling cold outside, and wind was picking up. It was easy to tell that it was coming soon, and Donghyuk was surprised anyone was coming to the ball, but when he found out that his group mate came to the resort he immediately made plans to meet up with the other, since the group lived at their own places and started their own activities they hadn’t had much time to meet up.

Arriving at the ball beside Junhoe, he looked at the other with a wide grin. “Care for a few drinks?”