“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.”* The officiant began, looking between the two of them.

Hongjoong broke his gaze, looking towards the man. “Romeo and Juliet ?” He inquired, tilting his head. Seonghwa turned his head as well, listening and letting the words fill him with the truth.

“Yes, that’s right. Act 1, Scene 1. That line is known to compare the duality of what real love can make us feel. It explains that initially, love is like a suffocating smoke developed in the mutual longing between two, becoming passionately full of soul and fire when purified. However, if you disrupt that, it introduces a vast problem. That metaphor illustrates the pain that can come when love isn’t returned.”

He paused, his eyes flickering between the both of theirs. “Love is truly a dual thing. As it is beautiful, it is painful. As it is intense, it is fragile. It must be treated with caution.”

A smile sprouted on his lips as he specifically directed his attention to the both of them. “What you two share is sacred. It is something that took root when you were children, and has continued to bloom over the span of a decade. This milestone is well deserved and I’m positive that everyone in this room says the same.”

“We are gathered here today to join Kim Hongjoong and Park Seonghwa in marriage. This speaks on their dedication to the commitment and dedication they’ve put into each other. You two are so blessed.”

They both looked back at each other, their gaze locked on each other’s face, filled with admiration for the other.

“Do you have your vows prepared ?” The officiant asked, leaning forward with a smile. Hongjoong had to resist the urge not to burst into tears, full of so much emotion and readiness to call Seonghwa his.

“Yes, I do,” he sniffled, pulling the slip out of his pocket. “Am I okay to start ?” He questioned, looking towards the man. “Whenever you’re ready,” he softly spoke, giving Hongjoong a reassuring nod.

He took a deep breath, looking at his soon-to-be, then down at the paper.

“Seonghwa, my love. For years, I’ve watched you, waited for you, known in my gut that you were always meant to stand here, before me, by my side. After all of these years, –preparation, too– it’s finally real. I vow to be the rock in your world, the man who always provides, protects, and keeps you safe within the luxurious life you deserve.”

“I promise to cherish your timeless beauty, your spirit, and every inch of your body and soul, forever. My heart, my home, my name– they are all yours, completely and without question or any doubt.” He reached out to hold his hand, intertwining their fingers and softly stroking his knuckles.

“All I ask, all I demand is your unwavering devotion. Be mine, Seonghwa. Be my wife, my darling, now and always.”

Once he looked up, the sight of Seonghwa’s tears streaming down his soft cheeks was enough to make his chest heave. Hongjoong snatched the hankerchief out of his suit, leaning in and dabbing the salty drops off of his face. They were almost there.

“Seonghwa ? Your vows ?” Yeosang tapped him, holding his vows between his fingertips.

“Oh, right…” he giggled, turning to accept the small paper from his man of honor. “Thank you, Yuyu.” He said, letting out another melodious laugh, the guests returning his humor.

He looked up at Hongjoong with his sparkly eyes, squeezing his hand once, out of affection. “Hongjoong, my dear From the moment I first saw you, a boy I shared my high school experience with, my heart knew you were my destiny. I’ve dreamed about this day, countless of times. Since the first time I fantasized about signing my name ‘Kim Seonghwa’ on my papers, and now, standing here, giving myself wholly and completely.”

“Today, that dream finally becomes our reality. I vow to trust you implicitly, to adore you without end, and to surrender myself fully to your care and your guidance. My body, my spirit, my every breath– they are yours to command, to cherish, and to fulfill. I promise my devotion, my loyalty, and my deepest love ‘til my dying day. I am yours, Hongjoong. Your wife, forever devoted to you.”

If there was one thing that Seonghwa did, it was practically rip his heart out and willingly hand it to the other. Hongjoong couldn’t– he wouldn’t escape the feeling of passion that Seonghwa truly conveyed to him through his loving surrender.

This was a dream come true.

“Do you, Kim Hongjoong, take Park Seonghwa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love them, comfort them, honor and keep them, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live ?”

“I do.” He promised.

“Do you, Park Seonghwa, take Kim Hongjoong to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live ?”

“I do.” He whimpered, fanning his tears.

Hongjoong softly chuckled, then turned his back momentarily to accept the ringbox from his best man, Yunho, who sweetly handed it over, followed by an affectionate hand on his shoulder. He took the first ring out, a glimmering, white gold ring, a princess cut diamond resting elegantly at the top.

“Repeat after me, Hongjoong,” the officiant said, Hongjoong nodding in response. “With this ring, I thee wed,”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he softly repeated, sliping the diamond on Seonghwa ring finger.

“–and pledge you my love, now and forever.”

“And pledge my love, now and forever.” He softly said, bending down to place a chaste kiss on the ring.

“Seonghwa, repeat after me.” He turned, just as Seonghwa took the matching wedding band from the box, before it got handed back to Yunho.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he began.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he smiled, taking Hongjoong’s hand and putting the ring onto him.

“–and pledge you my love, now and forever.”

“And pledge my love, now and forever.” He finished, looking back at Hongjoong.

The officiant grinned ear to ear, stepping back and placing a hand on his heart out of adoration for the newlywed couple.

“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the–”

Hongjoong didn’t hesitate to yank Seonghwa by the wrist, pulling him in his embrace. He wrapped his arms around his waist, Seonghwa’s arms flying around Hongjoong’s neck as he sealed it with a kiss.

You gotta be one hell of a kid to pull up to school, on a Monday, in one of the most luxurious car brands known to man. Jeong Yunho, ever attuned to his own privileged persona drove up to the bleak campus in his new 2022 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ– along with his pretty best friend riding in the front.

It was unbelievably stupid for a seventeen year old to impulsively spend over seven hundred million Won of his inheritance on a sports car. Geonho tried to bargain with him, to get a less.. flashy car, or even just one with class.

Like Geonho’s black and beloved Bentley Bentayga.

Nah. Yunho preferred the **** roar of the V12 engine and the cat-eye headlights of his custom-coloured Aventador, the stark blue clashing with the bleak prep school environment.

“Yo, Yunho-ssi !”

There he was, Park Seonghwa. Shouting from across the parking lot, he jogged over to the two, his sparkly smile glimmering in the sunshine.

“You like my new coupe ?” Yunho hollered, swarms of underclassmen and fellow seniors beginning to group up with their phones to take pictures. Yunho could already see the headlines:

Chairman’s Charming Brother, Jeong Yunho, Pulling Up to Class With No Class, Only Flash.

Too long ? Yeah. Thought so.

“It’s ******* amazing.” Seonghwa praised, leaning back to admire the gorgeous carbon-fibre structure. “My favorite thing, though,” Hwa started, before lunging over to the side, “this ****** on the right side. What’s his deal– attempting nonchalance ? It ain’t working.”

Yunho shrugged, tapping his fingernail against the thick glass. “He wants the attention, too. Might as well spoon-feed it to him.” He joked, opening the scissor doors to let Mingi out.

“Your door, my dear.” Yunho purred, theatrically moving around to assist Mingi out of the car like a princess.

Mingi stepped out, dramatically adjusting his uniform before Yunho presented him.

“Here he is, boys, the one and only–”

“Get on your knees, -----. Worship this dirt I walk on.” Mingi interrupted, his coarse demand eliciting mock-shock gasps from the two. Now this was their dynamic. Always and forever will Mingi raise his acts for the entertainment of others.

“****, man, you didn’t even give me the chance to introduce you.” Yunho scowled, earning a playful punch from the elder. Seonghwa watched the entire charade between the two of them with a raised brow and a skeptical look.

“–seriously, Yunho-ah, I spend one day away from you, and you spend 700,000,000 Won on a ******* sports car !!” Mingi shook Yunho by the shoulders.

Seonghwa shook his head. “You two argue like my Mothers’. Except you two are like some sort of… spunky… gay couple.”

Both Yunho and Mingi froze, becoming timid and seemingly really shy. “Uh-oh. Looks like I hit a sensitive spot. What did you two get into ?” Hwa raised both brows now, crossing his arms.

Before the two could even conjure up a meager response, Kim Hongjoong scurried over, jumping right on top of Mingi, into his arms.

Both Hwa and Yunho immediately went quiet.

They loved Hongjoong ! But it seems that Hongjoong was quite smitten with Mingi. Would it be bad if Yunho wished that Seonghwa had never chosen to invite Hongjoong to lunch with them ? Would it be bad if Seonghwa admitted to regretting his choice to introduce Hongjoong to his friends ?

Either way, there was no turning back now. No matter how entitled Yunho felt to Mingi, it always felt as if it was being bombarded with Kim Hongjoong.

The same was for Seonghwa, too. The idea of his meet-cute with Hongjoong being shattered by his undeniable attraction to Mingi was heartbreaking.

And to make matters worse, no one could tell if Mingi reciprocated Hongjoong’s feelings, or if he was just being nice. Once again, Yunho was practically entitled to Mingi, especially after what happened on Friday evening.

That weekend, Yunho had spent around an hour getting himself off in the Aventador to the thought of Mingi and his… performance.

The bleak image was burned in his mind, the moment running through his mind like a movie. The session in his car was almost tangible, with the way he could feel, hear and especially see everything in its imagined detail.

There was no denying that Mingi was smoking hot.

And Yunho had been unbelievably bothered ever since.

“Is this your car, Mingi-ssi ? It’s really hot.” Hongjoong purred, leaning against the sleek body and dragging his nails across the carbon. It’s as if he just… didn’t see the key in Yunho’s hands !

The three of them internally cringed. Mingi didn’t even answer, letting Yunho take the wheel. “Um, no– actually, could you get your hands off her ? This is my car, and I’d appreciate if you’d quit scratching the hood. Don’t you know how delicate this carbon fibre is ? You ain’t a gearhead, huh ?” Yunho snarled, his voice unintentionally sounding… mean.

Hongjoong stumbled back, raising his hands off and away from his ride. “Woah, sorry, I didn’t know. You don’t have to talk to me that way.” He defended himself.

“Yeah, lay off, Yuyu. He’s just curious.” Mingi reassured the younger, placing his hand on his lower back. Yunho flinched away from the touch, crossing his arms. “I don’t give two *****. My car costs more than his home.” Yunho whispered into Mingi’s ear, a little scoff escaping his lips right after.

Hongjoong frowned. “I can hear you, y’know. But you’re right. I live in a trailer park not far from here.”

Yunho shut up real quick. He let out a shaky sigh before stepping forwards.
“Listen, Hongjoong, I’m… sorry. I crossed a line. We good ?” Yunho tilted his head, softening his eyes and sharp scowl. Unease ran through the group as the tension became quite heavy. Although the apology seemed half-hearted, he meant it. Sorta.

Hongjoong nodded, before patting his shoulder. “Yeah… You’re good. We’re… good.” He gave a tight, close lipped smile before looking over to Seonghwa. “Seonghwa, we should.. get to first period. We only have a few minutes left until the first bell.”

“Oh, right. Yeah, let’s go. I’ll see you guys later !” Seonghwa smiled, before skipping off with Hongjoong.

It was obvious that Hongjoong didn’t belong next to them.
The wealthy private school kids.
In Yunho’s eyes, he was a scrappy teenager that only got in because of his academic talent.

If it wasn’t for that scholarship, Hongjoong would be back in Busan, going to public school and working part time at the docks with his single father.

Although, it would probably be healthy for Yunho to admit that he was envious of Kim Hongjoong and his work ethic for both home and school, he didn’t.

It would only serve another reminder that Hongjoong is just… better.
He has a strong dynamic with his father.

Hell, he had a father.

No one wants to deal with a pissy little rich kid with daddy issues.

And he’s new. A fresh face for the academy.

It’s like buying a diamond.
It’s all attractive and sparkly until you see it too many times.
Then it gets old.
And people are just waiting until a new diamond drops into Seoul for them to admire until it dulls down to ****.

Yunho didn’t wanna be dull. He deserved to shine.

The two skipped into Yunho’s bedroom, tossing their bags by the door. The younger went straight for the closet, grabbing a t-shirt for himself, and some shorts. Mingi followed right after, snatching a grey tank top as well as shorts.

They both quickly changed, Mingi walking out of the closet and throwing himself on the Younger’s bed. Yunho had followed after, going to his desk.

He plopped down in his big chair, turning a bit to look at the elder. “I’m gonna play for a little, is that okay with you ?” Yunho sweetly asked, his hand on the mouse.

Mingi looked up from his phone, his eyes flickering to the screen. “Yeah, go ahead.”

Yunho made a little noise in response, turning his attention to the login screen. If Yunho was being honest, VALORANT only stood as background noise to his thoughts. All of the things he had considered this morning were coming back to him, despite his urge to shove it all in the back of his mind.

He’d never quite realized how… off his thoughts about Mingi were. No way this was normal. Best friends don’t **** their **** in front of each other.
And they certainly don’t moan each other’s names when they come.

…Right ?

Best friends don’t sit in each other’s laps and whisper naughty things. They don’t offer little favors when the other is visibly turned on.

Yunho couldn’t let go of the idea. He was sluggishly playing a five-on-five– meant to be focused on a certain objective. Unfortunately, he couldn’t quite remember what his objective actually was. Of course he had to be distracted when he was trying to maintain his rank.

He was vaguely aware of the loud and screechy voices of the gamers he was playing along with, only halfway processing their callouts and bordering demands. Usually, that would be Yunho, but as of now, his focus was diluted.

He slacked off the game, his eyes half-heartedly following the jerky movements of his agent. His fingers worked over the keyboard, the mechanical sounds flooding the uncomfortable sound of the quiet bedroom.

Best friends don’t have ****** tension. Boy best friends don’t.

Did Mingi even like boys ? Because boys certainly liked Mingi. Especially Hongjoong. God, it was unnerving to Yunho to feel like he had to share his best friend’s attention. They were made for each other. So why was Hongjoong so adamant about being a part of that ?

No matter how much fun Yunho had with it, he didn’t like competing with Hongjoong. But his ego is too ******* thick to admit that.

Yunho tried to keep up with his friends ingame, but it felt… off. For some reason, the enemy team seemed to move with almost telepathic coordination, and Yunho didn’t have the energy to counter all of that.

Although, their score ticked up against his team’s. It was hard to ignore, even through his haze. He put in the last bit of effort he could, the final round ending fast.

“Yuyu, can I borrow a hoodie ?” Mingi spoke up, his deep voice cutting through the silence.

Yunho perked up, sparing him a glance. “Huh ? Oh, yeah, of course.” He motioned to the closet before facing the screen again.

The inevitable ‘DEFEAT’ splashed across his monitor just minutes later, ending the match. He leaned back, exhaling softly, staring at the losses. Well, that was another forty minutes of his life that he won’t get back. All for a ****** play.

The rustle of hangers and the soft whisper of fabric came from the closet. Mingi, having retrieved a soft grey hoodie from the rack, paused, his hand snagging on an unfamiliar textile.

He pulled it out, a small, pale blue slip of a thing, adorned with delicate straps and a hint of floral embroidery. It was tiny, almost ridiculously so, and extremely out of place in Yunho’s closet full of t-shirts and designer streetwear.
“What is this ?” Mingi asked, holding it up with a playful smirk, his eyebrows raised in amusement. “You didn’t tell me you had a sister, Yuyu.”

Yunho, still scowling at his monitor, finally turned, his eyes landing on the pale blue garment. His heart lurched. He swallowed, then feigned a shrug, attempting nonchalance. “Must’ve been an old gift. Or a joke.”

He knew it was neither. He’d bought it months ago, tucked it away in the back. It was the unspoken curiosity, something that urged him to explore his softer sides, a femininity he’s never let anyone see.

Mingi walked over, dangling the dress. “It’s… pretty.” He tilted his head, a genuine flicker of curiosity mingling with his usual teasing. “You should put it on.”

Yunho started. “What ?” He tilted his head, his voice a little too high. Outwardly, his shoulders stiffened. Put it on ? He wants me to put it on ? The internal excitement, a tiny spark of real daredevil he hadn’t known was in there, began to flicker.

Mingi was asking him to step into that dress, and he wanted to so badly. But the thought of it, the vulnerability, made him feel exposed. “No way,” he managed, trying for a dismissive laugh that came out strained. “It’s… not my size.”

The elder just chuckled, tossing it gently onto the bed. “Come on. Just for fun. You’ve got that reckless streak, don’t you ? Prove it.” He settled back onto the bed, propping himself up on the palms of his hand, his eyes twinkling. Clearly, he was ready to watch the show.

Yunho hesitated for another beat, then, when an almost inaudible sigh, he stood. His internal grin stretched wider with every step he took towards the dress. Oh, I am so doing this. He picked it up, feeling the light, silky material against his fingertips. He turned his back to Mingi, a quick, almost shy movement, and slipped out of his clothing.

He paused for a fraction of a second, then drew the pale fabric over his torso, feeling it glide over his sweet skin. He adjusted the thin straps over his shoulders and around his back, then fixing the delicate lace onto his chest. It was short, the hem riding up high up his thighs, the fabric clinging in all the right places.

'God, I really did buy this because I wanted to feel pretty. Beautiful, even. It’s ridiculous. I’m Jeong-*******-Yunho, for Christ’s sake.'

He could feel the weight of Mingi’s gaze on his back, and when he finally turned around, he was met with Mingi’s dark expression. At first, it was that usual, casual curiosity, a slight smirk playing on his lips.

But as the elder’s eyes slowly took in the sight of Yunho in that ****** dress, his posture shifted. His smirk softened, a slow realization dawning in his eyes. A subtle widening, a hint of something just a little deeper.

Yunho noticed this, starting to feel a strange surge of confidence. He didn’t even have to say how much he liked it; Mingi was seeing it for himself.

As he slipped out of the car with his things, he rushed up to the front door. Before he could knock, Mingi opened the door with a raised brow.

Oh, ****, he looked hot. Also wearing designer, Song Mingi stood in front of him clad in a very… compressing Ralph Lauren polo, along with pleated beige pants and a lovely belt to top it all off.

Yunho thought he would die.

“I thought I told you to be cool off that engine.” Mingi leaned with his hand against the doorway and the other on his hip.

“Not my fault the Lamborghini is loud.”

It’s always a treat when Mingi dresses up. His usual boyish charm is replaced by this hot, masculine persona that would make anyone swoon, and Yunho was absolutely fawning over him. It was downright sinful to feel this way. His crash-hot attitude powered over the rest of him. It was truly captivating.

“You look good, Yunho.” Mingi smiled, his pearly teeth sparkling in the sun. Yunho could swear he heard the ting !

He softly hummed, smiling before being dragged inside and upstairs, straight for Mingi’s bedroom. The mansion was almost silent, save for the ventilation and bouncing echo from the marble floors and walls. Mingi held onto Yunho’s hand, guiding him up the grand staircase that they were so familiar with.
Yunho's casual stride felt so natural, though he knew he was overthinking every step, all for the sake of impressing Mingi today– tonight, really. The pressure was on, and not only because Yunho had to offer an entertaining ride, as well as pull off practically suicidal tricks.

Yunho let himself be pulled, his gaze fixed on Mingi the whole time. His bedroom was as big as Yunho’s, if not bigger. It felt so lived-in, with clothing draped over a plush armchair in the corner and books neatly stacked on the nightstand. The subtle scent of his musky cologne was so sensual, almost animalistic.

Mingi finally released Yunho’s hand, letting him set down his bag. “So,” he began, turning to face the younger. A troublesome smirk played on his lips, a pure indicator that he would be picking up the charm.

“You looked like you were enjoying yourself at lunch. You always get so.. spirited when Hongjoong is around.” His eyes glittered, a challenge in their dark depths.

Yunho sheepishly shook his head, a nervous flutter stirring in his stomach. “Me ? Spirited ? You were the one practically glowing from all of the attention. And don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy being fed.”

“You’re like a prince.” He stepped closer, invading Mingi’s personal space. His gaze dropped to Mingi’s full lips. “You look hungry for something else, though.”

Mingi chuckled, a low, breathy sound that sent a shiver through Yunho. He didn’t back away. Instead, he reached out, his fingertips tracing the collar of his Burberry top, just barely brushing his defined collarbone.

“Mm, well, unlike some people, I don’t try to bite the hand that feeds me.” His tone was light, but his dark eyes held Yunho’s. “Though, I admit you were awfully bold today. It’s almost like you had something to prove.”

Yunho swallowed, the heat rising in his face again. Mingi’s touch was feather-light, barely there, yet it felt like a brand. He leaned in, his gaze dropping to Mingi’s chest. “Maybe I did,” he mumbled, his voice audibly rougher than intended.

The younger’s hand moved to Mingi’s hip, his fingers slightly tightening around the fabric of his pants. He could feel the warmth of the elder’s skin, the tautness of his muscle. He took in a shallow breath, Mingi’s scent overwhelming his senses.

Mingi’s eyes fell to Yunho’s hand placement, but he made no move to remove it. A faint flush touched his own cheekbones, his lips parting slightly. Yunho’s thumb began to gently stroke the small dip there, between his hip and his thigh.

Mingi leaned in, moving to whisper in the younger’s ear, but before he could get a word out, a small, discreet knock interrupted. All of the tension in the bedroom had practically dissolved, as if all of that just didn’t happen.

A soft, polite voice followed the knock. “Mingi-ssi, would you like your tea now, or later ?”

The elders eyes, which were still clouded with intensity, snapped back to focus. He let out an irritated sigh, clearing his throat. “Later, thank you !” He said, forcefully returning the tone, betraying absolutely nothing.

He finally glanced back at Yunho, who had put a bit of distance between them. He had a knowing glint in his eyes, a small smirk painting his face.

“Some things just have to wait, Yunho-ah.”

Frustration coiled tight in Yunho’s gut. God, he’s enjoying this.

“Right.” Yunho responded with a stiff nod. His eyes drifted around the room, trying to find something to focus on so he didn’t seem as awkward as he felt. “Well, it’ll be dark soon. Should we… head out to the warehouse ?” Yunho beamed, his blood rushing at just the thought of adrenaline.

Mingi smiled at him, taking his hand. “Yeah, let’s go.” He nodded, walking him to the door.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all day. You’re gonna love it. My car’s ******* amazing.” Yunho boasted, giving Mingi that roguish look.

He’s crying, and crying, and crying.

Yunho refuses to go home, not yet. Not when he’s such a mess inside and out. He figured Geonho and Mingi would be waiting up for him, so it’s not like he could leave town, especially with two more days of school remaining for the week.

Needless to say, Yunho needed a break. He needed to risk his life to go back to feeling okay, but as of now, that wasn’t really possible. So he rerouted to the convenience store.

He had enough gas in the tank, he was sure of it. He didn’t need a snack, either, since he was just sat at one of Seoul’s five-star restaurants. No, he was searching for something else– something that awakened a different type of hormone. Dopamine ? Testosterone ? Oxytocin ? Either way, it was something he didn’t have to inject into his veins, so a win is a win.

But he couldn’t just walk in and go talk to Hongjoong’s daddy. That would be weird. Yunho would look stupid, and he didn’t like looking stupid.

He parked at the front, instead of paying for gas he didn’t need. He sure did love the smell, though. Petroleum and the sweetly sterile scent of a convenience store. Did wonders to his messed up brain.

Before even walking in, he could see the glow on his face. Even in the empty store, he still kept a smile on his face.

Yunho pulled the door open, slinging himself in and sparing him a shy glance as he walked straight to the back, acting like he came here just for a drink. He doesn’t pay attention to which one he grabs, he just does, before stumbling over to the cashier’s counter.

He sets the drink down, pawing it forwards. Daddy looked at him with a soft, welcoming smile as he rang him up.

Yunho felt his cheeks flush as he struggled to keep eye contact with him, his heart lurching anytime he caught glimpse of his broad shoulders filling out his uniform, or the subtle flex of his forearms as he reached for a bag. There was a quiet strength in him, a solidness that Yunho hadn't realized he was craving, a sense of safety wrapped in undeniable appeal.

Daddy pushed the bag forwards, tilting his head at Yunho as he did. “Are you upset ?” He softly asked, furrowing his brows. Yunho gave a tight lipped smile, shaking his head. “Oh, no, sir. I’m okay.” He instinctively said, awkwardly brushing some hair out of his eyes.

“I can tell you’ve been crying.” He pointed out, looking at him with empathetic eyes.

Yunho huffed, then nodded, looking down at the floor. “I-I’m sorry, today has just been… a rough day. I’m not feeling too well.” He whimpered, his lips turning into a frown. Daddy sighed, reaching forwards and placing a hand on his shoulder.

“Don’t be sorry. And please don’t cry, angel. I’m sure things will get better, okay ?” He smiled, reassuring him and squeezing his shoulder softly. Yunho nodded, his ears turning red as he took the plastic bag from the counter.

‘Angel. He called me angel.’

Before Yunho could fully take a step away from the register, Daddy stopped him. “Wait– take these, angel.” He held out a box of cookie-flavored Pepero with upturned lips and soft eyes. Yunho happily accepted it, pulling some cash out of his pocket and setting it on the counter.

“Thank you…” he sweetly said, waving bye-bye before Daddy could force the cash back into his hands. It was a sweet gesture, but Yunho didn’t want to risk getting him in trouble for a snack.

As he approached the door, a bright slip of orange paper on the floor caught his eye, stopping him in his tracks. He bent over, picking it up and scanning the words.

‘EXCLUSIVE CAR MEET, 12 AM SAT EVENING.’

On the bottom left in small hangul was a location Yunho recognized from researching areas to drive at night without getting arrested. It was a small abandoned airport just outside of the city limits, perfect for an event like this.

He slowly stepped out of the store, further examining the flyer as he got to the car. It was dark out, nearing ten pm. Yunho knew Mingi had to be worried about him, and if Mingi was worried, God knows what Geonho was going through.

The engine ignited and he pulled out, making his way back home. Traffic was fair this evening, most likely because it was a Wednesday, but still. He had tucked the paper in the net on the passengers side, save for later, save for Saturday.