He couldnât stay in his apartment. Everything here reminded him of Wonwoo, Seokmin and the whole situation. Besides, Minghao would show up here at some point and Mingyu wasnât ready to talk to him. He packed his things and drove to his mother, who was happy to take him in. And finally, finally, Mingyu could breathe. Breathe properly.
He got the feeling that the distance was good for him. No Wonwoo, no Seokmin, no Minghao. No one he could disappoint. Mingyu was able to fully concentrate on Wonwooâs gift. It...he didnât necessarily care if Wonwoo forgave him. He hoped so. But Mingyu would understand if Wonwoo didnât, the way Mingyu had hurt him. But Mingyu didnât prepare the gift because he wanted Wonwoo to forgive him. But because Wonwoo deserved it. Even if Wonwoo didnât give him another chance, Mingyu would go through with it.
Mingyu sat at Wonwooâs gift until the last moment. He left very close and arrived at his office a little late. The last appointment was coming up. The last date. Mingyu was a little nervous as he packed Wonwooâs gift in a bag and took it to the cat cafe. Mingyu didnât know how the others would react to his presence. He could explain it to Jeonghan, Jihoon and Soonyoung. He could explain it to Minghao and Jun, who would be there. Mingyu just wouldnât be able to explain it to Wonwoo. Not yet. Because he wanted to do it right. Just like Wonwoo deserved.
As soon as Mingyu entered the cat cafe with a very uneasy feeling, Soonyoung greeted him. âLuckily youâre here! Wonwoo is in the kitchen. Itâs best to go to him now.â
Okay. He hadnât expected this reaction to his presence. Mingyuâs phone had been off since Christmas, but he still remembered the message on his voicemail from Jeonghan. He expected worse.
On the way to the kitchen, Mingyu only glanced around. The decoration seemed sparse compared to previous events. And there were a lot of people there. Even though Jeonghan didnât put as much work into the event this time, they were popular. Without hesitation, Mingyu walked into the kitchen.
His heart skipped a beat when he saw Wonwoo. He had missed him so much. He still missed him. Mingyu missed his Wonwoo with whom he could tease each other. Someone he could talk to. Who cared for him and who he cared about. Would Mingyu get him back? It was all up to Wonwoo.
âHey.â His voice broke and Mingyu cleared his throat. Would the other curse him? Punish him with silence? Mingyu was prepared for anything.
Wonwoo raised his head. And looked relieved when he saw Mingyu. âLuckily youâre here. Can you help us? Jeonghan and Jihoon are both sick and the help we usually hire has made some mistake and we are understaffed. Really understaffed.â
Just not this one.
âSure. Should I go change?â he agreed, surprised. Mingyu would do anything. Even if it meant he had to work at the cat cafe for at least five hours.
âYes, please. A uniform is already waiting downstairs. After that, you can replace Soonyoung so that he can go to the bar.â As if the matter had been resolved for Wonwoo, or because he was really stressed, he turned his attention to the snacks he was currently preparing.
Mingyu stopped briefly and looked at Wonwoo. Not for long, as he didnât want to avoid work and was already late, anyway. Just long enough for his longing to subside a little and yet at the same time get worse.
Mingyu turned away and opened the door.
âMingyu?â Wonwooâs gentle voice made him freeze. He didnât dare turn around. âThank you.â
Mingyu closed his eyes. Why was Wonwoo like that? Mingyu didnât deserve it. Not yet. âNot for that,â he whispered and went out of the kitchen to get to work.
He had imagined New Yearâs Eve to be different. Mingyu had imagined the date differently. But he didnât mind greeting people that day, offering them drinks, and later picking up snacks and trash and dishes. It even fit into his plan better than him being alone with Wonwoo. He noticed that Minghao and Jun were also helping out, but (fortunately) couldnât speak to them.
During his break, he went to see Soonyoung. Soonyoung was in the kitchen (luckily Wonwoo was checking on the cats) and was preparing the next round of snacks. He looked exhausted. Therefore, Mingyu felt guilty about his request. But it had to be done.
âYou want to be alone with Wonwoo at midnight? I think we can manage that. Heâll go upstairs to the cats if thereâs any panic there. Just go up.â Soonyoung gave him a thumbs up.
âThank you, Soonyoung I-â
âIâm doing this for Wonwoo,â Soonyoung interrupted him and for the first time, the other came across as serious and cold. âI shouldnât have let you into the cat cafe. Iâm definitely going to get in trouble with Jeonghan because of you. But if you want to make it up to Wonwoo, I wonât stop you.â
Mingyu nodded. He also had to gain the othersâ trust again. He still had no idea how and at the moment only Wonwoo mattered to him, but he made a note that he had to think of something. Mingyu ended his break early because he would have enough rest later and plunged into work again.
Mingyu kept an eye on the clock. Time passed quickly as he worked. And then it was 11:50 p.m. Mingyu went into the kitchen and grabbed a bottle of champagne and two glasses. Then he got Wonwooâs present from the basement and went to the first floor.
âItâs getting a little loud, but youâre not scared, are you? Nothing will happen. Donât worry,â he heard Wonwooâs voice. Mingyu smiled. He would have liked to listen to the other a little longer, but a glance at the clock told him that it was time. So he entered and made his way into the lounge, where he thought Wonwoo was.
Wonwoo looked up when he heard the door open. Seoltang came to Mingyu meowing, but Mingyu had no eyes for the cats. He fixed his eyes on Wonwoo, who looked at him in surprise. He sat on the floor and the cats gathered around him as if they competed for Wonwooâs attention. And Mingyu could understand them.
âMingyu? Sorry.â Wonwoo stood up. âIs it getting too much for you? Youâre welcome to stay here. Iâll go downstairs and help.â
He hated that Wonwoo was so understanding. That he didnât blame him. That he made things way too easy for Mingyu.
âPlease stay.â Mingyu knew that his perfectionism had ruined some things for him. But he wanted this romantic gesture he had planned to be perfect. So he didnât say anything else.
Wonwoo looked at him uncertainly before nodding and sinking back to the ground. He ignored Mingyu. Okay.
Mingyu went to the window and placed the gift on the windowsill before placing the champagne bottle and glasses there. It had to be soon. He glanced at his watch. 3 minutes left.
Since Wonwoo ignored him, Mingyu opened the champagne and poured it into the glasses. He didnât even know if they would have anything to toast to.
âYou nearly made it.â Mingyu tried to start a conversation. He meant the bet. But Wonwoo didnât reply.
âSince you have to work today, the others will know that you won, right?â he tried again. Was it a mistake, after all?
Mingyu sighed and looked out the window. If it werenât for the cats, he would have kidnapped Wonwoo to the roof.
Mingyu didnât notice Wonwoo getting up. Only when he stood next to him did he look at him. Wonwoo looked out the window. And there was such a sad expression in his eyes.
âYou nearly made it, too.â, Wonwoo whispered. And in his voice, Mingyu heard the pain Mingyu had caused him. âAnd you never have to see me again.â
Mingyu had planned to toast with Wonwoo at midnight and then carry out his plan. But after those words, he couldnât.
âPlease look at me.â, Mingyu asked gently.
Outside, you could hear the people starting the countdown.
10
9
8
Wonwoo turned to him.
7
He raised his head and looked at Mingyu.
6
And Mingyu could see tears in his eyes.
5
Mingyuâs heart clenched painfully.
4
He didnât want that. Not at all.
3
âPlease let me explain,â Mingyu whispered.
2
It was too early, but Mingyu didnât want to wait another second. He walked up to Wonwoo and kissed him.
1
Wonwoo didnât push him away, but he didnât respond either. Only when the fireworks could be heard outside did he push him away. He didnât look at Mingyu anymore, but went back to his seat and seemed to take care of the cats.
Mingyu turned to him and looked at him helplessly. âWonwoo-â
âWhat was that?â Wonwoo asked without looking at him. He petted Byeol, who looked around the room in a panic.
âItâs a tradition to kiss on New Yearâs Eve,â Mingyu explained. His head was blank. He knew he should go through with his plan. But it took him a moment to remember. Remember Wonwooâs gift.
Mingyu took it in his hands and walked to Wonwoo. Noise could still be heard outside. âI still owe you a gift,â Mingyu began. He crouched down, so that he was almost at eye level with Wonwoo. Mingyu felt so sick. He hadnât been this nervous in a long time.
âYou donât owe me anything,â Wonwoo said shortly, giving Mingyuâs heart a pang. He didnât deserve anything else, did he?
Mingyu finally sat down on the ground. He held Wonwooâs gift in both hands and held it out to him. âI broke up with Seokmin. Wonwoo...Iâm sorry. Iâll be happy to explain everything to you later, but please unwrap the present first.â
Apparently, that was the right thing to do. Mingyu could be cursing himself for not saying it right away. Wonwoo must have thought that Mingyu was just playing with him!
Wonwoo raised his eyes and looked at Mingyu. He then stretched out his hands and took the gift from Mingyu.
Byeol, who meowed offended, wandered over to Mingyu and Mingyu took Wonwooâs part and petted him.
Wonwoo looked at the wrapped gift. He didnât say anything or respond, and Mingyu waited. He wanted to give Wonwoo the time the other might need. Should he have explained everything to him first and then given the gift? Damn, why couldnât Mingyu do anything right anymore?
Then Wonwoo hesitantly began to unwrap the gift. Careful to not damage the paper. Mingyu was glad that Byeol and now Seoltang had come over to keep him busy. Otherwise, he would have gone crazy waiting.
Wonwoo took out the calendar that Mingyu had prepared for the last week. He stroked the cover. âA calendar?â he asked, more to himself. Wonwoo looked up briefly and their gaze met. Then he opened the calendar. Mingyu focused on Wonwooâs face. He picked up on every little movement. Mingyu saw the otherâs expression become more closed. He hated it. Mingyu had tried to save it too late. But he had tried. He lowered his gaze and let go of the cats. And then he noticed Wonwoo flipping through the calendar from the back.
A nervous laugh escaped Mingyu. He reached for the calendar and opened approximately the page that should be for January.
14.01.2023
6:00 p.m. Eating out with Mingyu
âSorry. I havenât found a stupid name for myself,â Mingyu tried to tease the other. But his voice sounded far too nervous. How long had it been since heâd pulled something like that?
And failed miserably.
Wonwoo was still silent.
âWonwoo, Iâm so sorry. I wasnât fair. I wanted to do everything right. Want to have everything perfect. And in the end, I destroyed everything. I have feelings for you. Only for you. There is no one else and there should have been no one else. I donât know if you can forgive me, but I hope we can keep the dates on your calendar.â
He saw Wonwoo swipe at the appointment and turn the page.
07.01.2023
2:00 p.m. Visit to the aquarium with Mingyu
21.01.2023
8:00 p.m. Visit to an observatory with Mingyu
28.01.2023
1:00 p.m. Paint & Pour with Mingyu
âYouâre an idiot.â
Huh? Wonwoo finally spoke after what seemed like forever and that was the first thing he said? And was that a good or a bad sign?
Wonwoo closed the calendar and placed it on the floor next to him. âSuch a big idiot.â
Well, then the rejection would come now. Mingyu would endure it.
âMy idiot,â Wonwoo added. Soft. âMy big idiot.â When he looked up, he smiled at Mingyu. âThe cats have calmed down. Now letâs go to the others and help. And then talk. I canât believe you didnât remember that I hate getting out of the house and doing things every week!â
Wh...what? Mingyu was still too confused. He still didnât understand whether Wonwooâs reaction was positive or negative. He was...like before? But the words didnât make sense. Was he angry or forgiving Mingyu?
Mingyu also stood up as Wonwoo did so. Wonwoo smiled.
âThank you.â Wonwoo came up to him and kissed him. Gentle and short. âI canât believe I not only won the bet, but I got you, too.â
And finally, finally, Mingyu knew that he hadnât completely messed up with Wonwoo. Things wouldnât be the same again tomorrow, but Wonwoo was willing to give him another chance. That was all Mingyu wanted for today.
He reached for Wonwooâs hand and squeezed it.
âCome on, Mr. Beanie. Letâs end the last date of the old year.â
He was the worst. The most terrible. He didnât deserve anything good.
Mingyu had really tried to do everything right. Breaking up with Seokmin. Wait a certain amount of time. Confess his feelings to Wonwoo. Explain everything. Mingyu had managed none of it. Absolutely nothing. He had hurt Wonwoo. He would hurt Seokmin. Not to mention himself.
Mingyu buried himself in work again. After his escape he went to his office. And thatâs where he worked. The thoughts couldnât always be stopped.
Mingyu thought about Seokmin. Wasnât it better to stay with him? Did he need that one person who wouldnât let him push him away? Or would it be too much for Seokmin that he had cheated on him? Not just emotionally but also physically? Seokmin didnât deserve it. Should Mingyu even confess it to him? He didnât want to lie to the other, but it would only burden Seokmin. If Mingyu decided to tell Seokmin the truth, would Seokmin stay with him? Would he carry out his threat?
Mingyu looked at his phone, which was still turned off on his desk. Seokmin had definitely written to him often. But Mingyu couldnât bring himself to turn it on. He was too scared. Which is why he sat in his office in the dark and only worked with the light from his screen.
Which led him to the person he thought about so often. Wonwoo. What did he do now? What had he thought when he got out of the shower and found the bed empty? Had he cried? Was Wonwoo a guy who cried a lot? Had he written to Mingyu? Called him? Cursed him? Mingyu couldnât blame him. Mingyu would rather have Wonwoo hate him than cry because of him. He didnât deserve someone like him. Mingyu had tried to be better and earn Wonwooâs love, but he wasnât that good.
Whenever he thought of Wonwoo, Mingyu tried to quickly shake the thought of him away and concentrate on work again. For 2 days. He worked from Saturday evening to Monday morning. Mingyu took a short break at night when his program restarted and dozed off a little in his chair. He had food delivered to the office and trash piled up in the kitchen. He didnât even notice that he was working through Monday because he was so intent on blocking out his thoughts.
Until Seungcheol showed up.
He didnât say anything, but the look he gave Mingyu said it all.
âI...worked...throughout the weekend,â Mingyu justified himself.
âAre you okay?â Seungcheol sat down at his meeting table and looked at him. And since he should move again anyway, Mingyu got up and also went to the meeting table. He stopped behind the chair across from Seungcheol. âIâm having a little trouble,â he admitted. âThatâs why I took the opportunity and worked. The good news is we donât have much work left to do this year. Whatâs here so far.â It was really good to work for two days.
âThen you can go home and rest now.â Seungcheol looked at him seriously and Mingyu didnât like that. He couldnât use anyone who wanted to take care of him right now. It reminded him ofâŠWonwoo. Damned.
He shook his head. âI...I canât go home.â What if Seokmin or Wonwoo were waiting there? He wasnât ready to face either of them.
âOkay.â Seungcheol stood up. âThen you go to my house. You can shower and sleep there. Iâll keep things tidy here and then drive to my apartment via your apartment. Iâll bring you what you need, okay?â
Old Mingyu would have refused. He would have put his employee in his place, because that was really not appropriate behavior here. He would have refused any help because he didnât need it. Mingyu wouldnât have let himself go like that in the first place.
But Wonwoo had changed him. He was no longer the old Mingyu. This Mingyu was happy that Seungcheol offered him this opportunity. That he could continue to run away from his problems. And so he nodded. âFine.â
After the long nap at Seungcheolâs (fortunately his son wasnât at home), Mingyu felt a little better. At least he could think more clearly again. And even if he couldnât sort things out with Wonwoo, Mingyu would at least be able to handle things properly with Seokmin.
He thanked Seungcheol and gave him the rest of the year off (the three days he would have worked were unnecessary due to Mingyuâs weekend work) and then drove to Seokmin. At least for the last week, he could be the boyfriend Seokmin deserved.
Until Christmas.
âWhy are you going to meet him? On Christmas day?â
Mingyu sighed. Things had been going well the last few days. Seokmin hadnât been stressful, but rather they had gotten along well. He had been a good distraction. It wasnât fair, but Mingyu had given up on that since last week.
âSeokmin, please. There are only two weeks left. Iâll come home and then we can do something else, okay?â After this week...why shouldnât he stay with Seokmin? Mingyu realized that he needed someone to take care of him every now and then. Someone he could take care of. Who saved him from loneliness. So why not?
âHurry up?â Seokmin softened at Mingyuâs promise. Good. At least he wouldnât disappoint one person today. Mingyu said goodbye with a kiss and then drove home.
He showered, changed, and then turned on his phone for the first time since last week.
39 missed calls
6 voicemail messages
110 new messages
Oof.
Most were from Seokmin. Mingyu opened the chat and closed it again. He had spoken to Seokmin. More or less.
39 missed calls
6 voicemail messages
26 new messages
Mingyu took a break and picked out something fancy. They were going to his favorite restaurant today. He hadnât been there for a while and should actually be happy. But he didnât feel like it at all.
Dressed, he sat on his bed and picked up his phone, which he had attached to the charging cable. He next opened the chat with Joshua.
Sorry Mingyu, I didnât check my messages. If you want, call me and we can talk.
A bitter laugh escaped him. He didnât need the message anymore. It had cleared up. Mingyu opened the chats of his clients and replied to them if he had not answered them via email in the office.
39 missed calls
6 voicemail messages
12 new messages
Mingyu breathed in and out deeply. Only the chats with Wonwoo and Minghao remained. But before he opened them, he closed the chats and opened his missed calls.
Wonwoo had tried three times. Right after Mingyu escaped. A few hours later. Sunday morning. Mingyuâs heart ached and he couldnât say why. Did Wonwoo give up after that?
Luckily, his thoughts were interrupted as he saw that Minghao had called him 29 times. Why did he call him that often? He changed his view and went back to the chats. And as he watched Minghaoâs 9 messages, he remembered that he had forgotten to pick him and Jun up from the airport. Damned.
12/21/22, 5:48 p.m.: Mingyu?
12/21/22, 5:49 p.m.: Where are you? Are you late?
12/21/22, 6:10 p.m.: Did something happen? Please get in touch!
12/21/22, 7:00 p.m.: We took a taxi. Please get in touch, Iâm worried.
12/22/22, 9:00 a.m.: Mingyu, whatâs going on? You are not at home. Where are you?
12/22/22, 12:06 p.m.: Mingyu, what have you done?
12/22/22, 12:50 p.m.: How could you do this to him? Where are you?
12/22/22, 10:06 p.m.: Shit Mingyu. Where are you? I am really worried.
12/23/22, 2:17 p.m.: No matter whatâs going on, weâll get it sorted out. Please contact me. I love you
He had disappointed three people. Damned. How could he have forgotten his best friend? Mingyu typed in the typing field and his fingers remained over the keyboard that had opened. But what should he write to him? Minghao had apparently been with Wonwoo. He knew it. He knew what Mingyu had done.
Sorry for being such an ass?
I wasnât thinking.
I am the worst.
No. He deleted his attempts and closed the chat. Even if Mingyu had considered chickening out today, he wouldnât do it. At least he still had some pride left in him. Mingyu would keep his promises. He would see Minghao in half an hour.
Iâm doing well. Iâll pick you up in time.
It had to be enough. For now.
And then all that was left was one chat. Wonwoo.
6 voicemail messages
3 new messages
12/17/22, 4:48 p.m.: Where are you Mingyu?
12/17/22, 5:26 p.m.: Iâm sorry.
12/18/22, 12:26 a.m.: I understand if you need some distance. Please letâs talk when youâre ready. Iâm sorry, Mingyu.
Mingyu closed his eyes and put his phone aside. He was sorry? Wonwoo was sorry? Mingyu had made the mistakes after all. Mingyu should write these words. He shouldnât receive them. He sank back. Damned. Mingyu didnât deserve this.
His notification tone sounded and Mingyu sat up and brought up the chat.
Are you all right? Iâll pick you up. Same time.
A slight smile crept onto his face. Minghao wasnât angry with him. Or his concern was bigger. Anyway. Since he still had time, he opened his voicemail and let the calls go through one after the other.
âMingyu?â Mingyu swallowed hard when he heard Wonwooâs voice. âIâm sorry. I shouldnât have...I...please get in touch. We should talk. Iâm sorry.â
âMr. Kim, nice to hear from you. Iâm not in the area this week. Iâll call you again to sign when Iâm nearby.â
âYouâre not answering again. Mingyu, Iâm your boyfriend. Why are you giving me the cold shoulder? I do love you. Please contact me. I need you. I donât know what to do without you. Please.â Seokmin sounded desperate. He hadnât said anything about his call when Mingyu showed up at his house on Monday.
âWhat were you thinking, you mean little-â
âJeonghan!â
âWhat? Youâre banned from the cat cafe.â
Mingyu closed his eyes in pain. That was what he needed to hear. But it didnât make things any better.
âMingyu,â came Jihoonâs voice, âof course you are not banned. Donât listen to Jeonghan. Wonwoo blames himself. Please come over and talk to him.â
âMingyu, where are you? You wanted to pick us up. Are you too busy with Wonwoo to remember me?â
âMingyu darling? Minghao called me to see if you were here. Did something happen? You know you can always come here, right? No matter what. If you have time, you can call. Iâm always there for you.â
Mingyu wiped his eyes. Hearing his motherâs voice felt good. He had completely forgotten her request. Not only was he a bad friend and boyfriend, but he was also a bad son. Great.
He received another notification.
Iâm here
Then things would get serious now. Mingyu had no idea how to act, but he wasnât going to back down now. Mingyu checked his appearance in the mirror and made sure there were no tear tracks before heading outside.
As Mingyu stood in front of Minghaoâs car, he panicked. Minghao definitely wanted Jun to sit up front with him. But that meant he had to sit in the backseat with Wonwoo. He couldnât do that. Just the thought of the other made his stomach turn. He didnât want to talk to Wonwoo. He couldnât. Nothing had changed. He was in a relationship with Seokmin. It was natural that he felt bad. After all, he cheated on his boyfriend. So Mingyu got in the front, but avoided Minghaoâs gaze.
âHey Mingyu.â
âIâm sorry I forgot you. I had a lot on my plate.â
âDo you want to talk about it now?â
âNo.â
He could hug Minghao for not pushing him any further. Even though the ride to the cat cafe was very quiet and unpleasant. He felt Minghaoâs gaze on him every now and then, but Mingyu stubbornly looked out the window.
âGo out and get Wonwoo. I will turn around.,â Minghao said as they stood in front of the cat cafe.
Mingyu didnât like the idea. Absolutely not. When he went outside, he would have to talk to Wonwoo. He wasnât ready for it. Mingyu took out his phone and called Wonwoo. âWeâre here,â he said briefly before hanging up.
âNice. Didnât you talk to him?â
âI really donât want to talk about this topic,â Mingyu said stubbornly. He would get through the meal and then leave. Only because he promised.
Mingyu tensed as he heard the car door open. Wonwoo greeted them and sat down, right behind Mingyu.
âMerry Christmas, Wonwoo,â Minghao greeted the other exuberantly. As if he had to compensate for Mingyuâs behavior. Mingyu didnât turn around. He didnât dare turn around or look behind him through any of the mirrors. Wonwooâs stare at his back was enough to make him feel uncomfortable. Mingyu should have given up the last bit of pride. But he couldnât bring himself to do it. Mingyu could behave as badly as he wanted, he would keep his promise.
The car ride to Junâs was terrible. Nobody said a word. Minghao tried several times to start a conversation, but neither Mingyu nor Wonwoo responded. Things only got better when Jun got in and Minghao and Jun talked.
Even on the way to the restaurant, Mingyu managed to avoid Wonwoo. Only in the restaurant did they sit opposite each other. Mingyu couldnât manage not to look at him. He glanced at him briefly, but immediately noticed the red eyes and it was enough to make him feel even worse. But it was better that way. He had to ignore him. It was really better that way.
The mood was depressing. Mingyu couldnât stand it, so he started a conversation with Jun. Jun tried to involve Wonwoo and Minghao, but Minghao kept giving Mingyu evil looks. And Wonwoo didnât respond. If it werenât for the bet, he probably wouldnât be here at all. Mingyu just shouldnât have shown up. He should have taken the evening off for Seokmin. Shouldnât he feel guilty about being here? Then why did he feel bad because the situation here was so terrible? Mingyu glanced at Wonwoo. He sat there with his eyes down and picked at his food.
Jun talked about their vacation and Minghao gave short and tight comments.
âMingyu? I have a gift for you.â Wonwooâs voice came when no one said anything.
Mingyu froze. This...he hadnât expected this. A gift? A damn gift? Why was Wonwoo like that?
âMingyu has one for you, too. Here you go Mingyu.â
His gaze shot to Minghao, who was holding a small package in his hands. What? Why? Did Minghao get a gift for Wonwoo?
âWell, give it to him,â demanded Minghao. Mingyu reluctantly accepted the package. He then looked at Wonwoo. Wonwoo looked at him and there was so much pain in his eyes. Mingyu didnât want to give him the package. They both knew it wasnât from Mingyu. It was an attempt by Minghao to clear the situation between them. Nevertheless, Wonwoo thanked him quietly and handed Mingyu an even smaller package. Mingyu stared at it. When Minghao elbowed him in the side, he accepted it. He placed it on the table in front of him.
âDonât you want to unwrap your present?â Minghao asked as Mingyu just looked at it and made no move to unwrap it.
âNo,â came emotionlessly from his lips. He wouldnât last the evening. It was a mistake to come here. What was he thinking? Mingyu was fooling himself. He wouldnât be able to save anything between them. Not if things went like this. They should talk to each other, but not in public. Here he would only cause more damage. Mingyu stood up.
âI should go now.â
He immediately felt three eyes on him. And because he was tired of being a coward, he looked at Wonwoo and then at Jun and Minghao.
âExcuse me?â Minghao asked, stunned.
âI have another date.â He mentally braced himself for what the next sentence would do. âWith my boyfriend.â Mingyu had to look at him. It wasnât because he wanted to see his pain, but he couldnât help it. Despite the situation, he had missed Wonwoo. He lowered his gaze and Mingyu managed to avert his gaze. He said goodbye quietly, took the gift, and left the restaurant. Maybe this was a lot worse than last week.
He called a taxi and drove to his house, where Seokmin would be waiting. As soon as he entered his apartment and heard Seokminâs cheerful voice, he felt the guilty conscience that he had missed before. Why did it just feel like he was cheating on Wonwoo?
When Seokmin came to the door and greeted him with a kiss, Mingyu realized that he couldnât continue like this. He felt nothing for Seokmin. Absolutely nothing. And he never would. His heart beat for Wonwoo. And even though he had been doing everything wrong in the last few weeks, he finally had to put it right. Mingyu would apologize to Wonwoo and hope that he didnât hate him.
âSeokmin, itâs Christmas,â Mingyu began. He saw the happy expression on Seokminâs face give way to one of panic. Mingyu could no longer put Seokminâs feelings first. âIâm sorry. I donât feel anything for you. Iâve done so much wrong lately and I donât want to hurt us any further. Please accept this.â
He saw the tears in Seokminâs eyes. He expected the other to make a scene again. âWould you like me to call Joshua for you?â he asked.
âItâs because of him, right?â
Of course he would speak about Wonwoo. Mingyu felt bad. So bad that he gave Seokmin what Wonwoo wanted from him and what Mingyu wanted to give to Wonwoo. They talked. Mingyu would do everything right. He had thought it so many times, but this time it was true. Mingyu would do everything right.
Joshua picked Seokmin up from Mingyuâs apartment. At least Mingyu didnât have to worry about this one. This matter was settled. Done right. Next, he wrote an apology to Minghao. And a quick message that he would make everything right. He should just give Mingyu some time. As soon as he sent the message, Mingyu clicked on the chat with Wonwoo. He wanted to write to him. Explain everything to him. But that wasnât the right method. Not the way he had behaved today. No, he had to think about something. AâŠa romantic gesture. Even if Mingyu had blown all his chances, he would try. And he already knew how.
Mingyu got up and wanted to go to his hobby room. Until he passed Wonwooâs gift in the hallway. He stopped in front of it and reached for it hesitantly. When Mingyu opened the gift, he felt even worse. It was the cookies they had baked. Oh, he had to make it right. He had to make everything right.
âIâm so sorry,â Mingyu whispered, putting the cookies close to his heart. It was time for him to act mature and make up for his mistakes.
The next week wasnât any easier. The time until the New Year was approaching and the work was increasing with each passing day instead of decreasing. Mingyu hid in the office. But this week he slowly regained control. Which was largely because the subject was Seokmin history. And Mingyu could finally breathe freely again.
At least thatâs what Mingyu thought.
During his lunch break, he had planned to go to the cat cafe and try to talk to Wonwoo. Until Seokmin showed up in his office.
âHello, darling,â the other person beamed at him as he entered his office.
What the fuck? Mingyu looked up in horror when he heard the otherâs voice. There was no sign that Seokmin had cried two days ago. âSeokmin,â Mingyu began calmly. He stood up and repeatedly told himself not to get angry. He was here at work (which made it even worse that Seokmin showed up here) and Mingyu didnât want to cause a scene here. âWhat are you doing here?â He walked to his door, past the other one, and closed it. He didnât want Vernon or Seungcheol to know anything.
âI missed you. Should we have lunch together?â
Did the other have amnesia? How could he have forgotten that Mingyu had ended the relationship?
âI broke up with you, Seokmin.â Seokmin didnât have a twin, right? Urgh, he didnât know anything about him. Which was just another reason why they didnât fit together. And it was a sign that Mingyu had been a bad boyfriend.
âI thought we could try it again. Just tell me what you donât like about me. Iâm changing, Mingyu. Give me a chance! I...I can show you that you can love me. Please.â
Okay. Mingyu didnât go crazy. Even if a twin or amnesia would have been a better choice. He really didnât have the time or the desire to make it clear to the other that it was no use. Why couldnât Seokmin accept that Mingyu didnât have feelings for him?
âI donât think thatâs a good idea. Seokmin, please give it up.â
âBut Mingyu-â
Mingyu exhaled in annoyance. He wanted to go to the cat cafe and explain the situation to Wonwoo. Instead, he had to deal with something he didnât want again. âNo. Please go. I donât want to anymore and I donât want to talk about it anymore.â
And there were the tears. And Mingyu became even more annoyed. Did Seokmin really think he would progress like this?
âMingyu, please. I need you. I only moved here because of you. And now you want to leave me alone?â
Mingyu suppressed the urge to laugh. He walked past Seokmin to his window and looked out. So now he tried guilt. How low did Seokmin want to sink?
âPlease, Mingyu. Give me until Christmas. Until Christmas and if you donât feel something for me then, Iâll give up. Please. Just this time.â
And negotiating. It was laughable. Christmas was only 12 days away - what was going to change in that time? He shook his head and turned around.
âI canât live without you anymore, Mingyu! If you push me away, Iâll kill myself!â the other blurted out.
And Mingyu became ice cold. What did Seokmin say? He wanted to kill himself? Mingyuâs mind was racing. He had never had any experience with anything like this. Was Seokmin just saying it âlike thatâ because Mingyu didnât do what he asked? Or was he serious? He needed help. Urgent. How do you respond to a person who threatened something like that? Mingyu had no idea. He didnât want to do anything wrong.
âUntil Christmas?â he repeated the demand emotionlessly. Should he respond to that? It would buy him time. He would be able to find out more. He didnât want to just let Seokmin go after he made the threat. It wasnât fair to Mingyu to say something like that. But maybe Seokmin didnât understand that at all? He definitely didnât want to risk it. Just because Mingyu had no feelings for him didnât mean he didnât care about him. Seokmin had initially been a friend. He didnât want to hurt him or lose him.
âOkay.â
Maybe he and Wonwoo just shouldnât have a chance. It was never the right time. Maybe they were destined to end up as friends - if they still were. Because after the last meeting? Mingyu had his concerns about that.
âOh Mingyu, thank you! You wonât regret it!â Seokmin rushed towards him and threw his arms around Mingyuâs neck. It seemed like Mingyu did the right thing. Even if he didnât feel like it at all.
He missed his lunch break that day and because of his appointments he didnât get to do any research during work. And in the evening? At 6 p.m. Seokmin picked him up from work and never let him out of his sight for a second. As if he knew what Mingyu was planning.
Mingyu was able to investigate on Tuesday. He told Vernon that he shouldnât let Seokmin or other private matters come to him. And even though he often received texts, calls and visits from Seokmin, Mingyu brushed him off with the words âI have to work.â Of course Seokmin wasnât happy about it. But there had been no more outbreaks. Mingyu had the faint hope that the other would notice how bad Mingyu actually was.
The suggested solutions to his problem? They sounded logical. But Mingyu had his doubts that they were good for his situation. The first suggestion was to talk to the person. But how could that work if Seokmin didnât listen to him? Seokmin hadnât accepted the breakup, so how was Mingyu supposed to start a conversation about the threat of suicide? No, that wasnât the right solution. Mingyu found the second idea, that he should call the police, too extreme. No. He would talk to Joshua. Maybe he had an idea. But when he called he only went to voicemail. Mingyu wrote him an email. And until Joshua responded⊠he was in a relationship with Seokmin again. It was only until Christmas for now. Mingyu had his doubts that Seokmin would accept it if he told him at Christmas that nothing had changed for Mingyu.
Mingyu had stayed away from the cat cafe. Vernon had made sure he still had something to eat. Be it lunch or dinner. He once got him something from the cat cafe. But Mingyu didnât let anything get to him. When he was in the office, he had no time for other thoughts. He didnât allow it anymore. Not the thought that he should finally give up on Wonwoo and their future together (was Mingyu that much better than Seokmin?) nor the thought that Seokmin was putting a burden on him that no one should have to bear. No, Mingyu threw himself completely into the work.
When Seokmin wasnât waiting outside his office to pick him up (and Mingyu had the feeling that he was getting even more clingy), then Mingyu was working late. Like on Friday. He could have left long ago. But when he got off work and went home, he would have to deal with the thoughts. With Seokmin. With Wonwoo. With tomorrowâs date. And thatâŠhe wasnât ready for it. Thatâs why he stayed here and continued working. Thanks to Mingyuâs hard work, they got through well. Vernon was now on vacation for the rest of the year and Seungcheol would take days off to look after his son when his ex-wife wasnât with him, but Mingyu felt like they were well on schedule. Especially if he kept working like this. Then maybe he could go visit his mother in February.
A ringing sound interrupted his work. Mingyu looked at the clock. It was past 8 p.m., who else was coming to the office now? Although individual clients knew that Mingyu was often there late, they never came by without calling first. Was that Seokmin? Did he bother him at work again? Sighing, Mingyu stood up and walked to the door. He no longer had any strength for this. He wanted to be left alone. If Seokmin showed up, there would just be more stress about tomorrow. And Mingyu hadnât received a response from Joshua yet. He probably also had a lot to do and hadnât seen the email yet (Mingyu urgently wanted to get ahead).
But it wasnât Seokmin. But Wonwoo.
Wonwoo stood in front of his door and had a lunch box in his hands. He looked...nervous? What?
âCan I come in?â Wonwoo asked, and Mingyu could hear the uncertainty in his voice. He stepped aside and made a welcoming gesture.
âSure.â
He had missed him. Mingyu had missed him so much. Mingyu wanted to hug the other. Pull him close. Hugging him tight until he felt better. But he wasnât allowed. Not just because he was in a relationship again. No, Mingyu didnât know if Wonwoo was still mad at him.
âI saw light. No, wait.â Wonwoo interrupted himself. He entered and went into Mingyuâs office. As if they would bother anyone else. Mingyu followed him. He said nothing and waited for Wonwoo to continue. Wonwoo stood in front of his desk and first turned his back to him, but then he turned around and looked at Mingyu.
âI was worried about you. I know that last week...Iâm sorry. It wasnât fair of me. Iâm not someone who interferes in relationships. Just because I have feelings for you, it didnât make it right.â He trailed off.
Just because I have feelings for you.
Just because I have feelings for you.
Just because I have feelings for you.
The words repeated in Mingyuâs head. He resisted the urge to close his eyes and surrender to those words. Oh, he wanted so badly to go to Wonwoo and hold him close. But he couldnât. Mingyu couldnât return his feelings. Not yet.
âIt will not happen again. Believe me. Iâm...Iâm not...angry anymore either. You can come back to us.â Wonwoo started speaking again and Mingyu forced himself to listen to him.
Just because I have feelings for you.
âI have a lot of work,â came out of his mouth and it sounded so strange. So wrong. He wanted to say something else. Not that. But his words seemed to calm Wonwoo. He didnât seem so nervous anymore.
âThenâŠyou arenât avoiding us?â he asked, and Mingyu had to smile. Did he think about Mingyu a lot? Was he worried about him? How could Mingyu ever stay away from the cat cafe?
âI told you that I might not come again.â
âI know, but I thought I messed up. Mingyu, Iâm really sorry.â
Mingyu stepped towards the other. When he realized it, he stopped himself. He wasnât allowed to. Wonwoo was so sincere. Why did he apologize for that? If Mingyu really loved Seokmin, that would be the absolute best thing Wonwoo could do. But he didnât have to apologize for anything. For absolutely nothing. Mingyu wanted to tell him. Should he explain the situation to him? And ask him to wait?
âWonwoo I-â
âPlease tell Seokmin too. He doesnât have to come to the cafe anymore to make it clear that youâre his.â
Please what? Mingyu went to his desk and sat down. It gave him a moment to think about that sentence. Seokmin had been to the cat cafe? He had made it clear to Wonwoo that Mingyu was his? What did the other actually think he was? Mingyu would love to visit him now and tell him what he thought. But he was starting to get a little scared. If he went to Wonwoo â what else would Seokmin do? Would he really kill himself if Mingyu broke up with him? DamnedâŠ
âIâm sorry, Wonwoo. Iâll tell him.â He had to keep playing the game. Pretending he was in a happy relationship with Seokmin. It was probably better that way. Wonwoo and him werenât made for each other. Time was against them. If Mingyu had sorted things out with Seokmin, was Wonwoo already over him? He would wish him to. Wonwoo deserved better. And Mingyu wasnât it.
âI brought you food. I didnât know if you ate anything.â Wonwoo came over to him and handed him the lunch box.
Mingyu first looked at the lunch box and then raised his gaze and looked into Wonwooâs eyes. He smiled. âVernon got me lunch. But I havenât eaten dinner yet. Thanks.â
âAt least heâs looking after you.â Wonwoo seemed a little unsure again now that he no longer had anything in his hands.
Just because I have feelings for you.
âOh well. For this year, Iâm on my own again. Heâs on vacation from now on.â Mingyu tried to lighten the mood.
âOh? If you want... I can-we can bring you your lunch. Jeonghan is already complaining that we will lose sales if you stop coming.â It seemed to work. Wonwoo relaxed again and he also joked slightly.
âIf you really donât mind. You can really forget about the other food in the area.â
It brought a smile to Wonwooâs face. Good. If they continued like this, their friendship wouldnât be destroyed.
âI should let you get back to work now. Donât work so long anymore, okay?â Mingyu watched as Wonwoo walked to his door. He paused there. Without turning around, he asked, âAre you coming tomorrow?â
Mingyuâs heart beat faster. Wasnât Wonwoo here because he was worried about Mingyu? Was he afraid that Mingyu wouldnât come to the meetings anymore?
âOf course. I promised you. You wonât get rid of me this year,â he repeated his promise, even though he would have preferred to say something else.
âSee you tomorrow, Mingyu.â
Wonwoo didnât turn around. But even after he left and Mingyu ate, he couldnât get Wonwoo out of his mind.
Just because I have feelings for you.
He wouldnât be able to do anything today. It was time to call it a day. After all, he would be baking cookies all day tomorrow. Despite having worked 14 hours today, Mingyu was full of energy. He finished his work, shut down his computer and drove home. As he passed the cat cafe, he saw a dim light glowing.
Just because I have feelings for you.
This weekâs meeting was registered for a long time. Mingyu suspected that Jeonghan wanted to use him as cheap labor again. Maybe it took all day to bake cookies. He had no idea about it. But Mingyu didnât care either. He was so stressed from work (he realized he brought the stress on himself) and it felt good to get away from Seokmin. He called him last night and again this morning and complained why Mingyu didnât have time for him. Mingyu really didnât need anything like that. For this reason, when Mingyu was walking from his parking spot to the cat cafe, he decided to turn off his phone. He never did that. He would mute it every now and then, but he never turned it off. But putting it on silent or do not disturb didnât feel good. It wasnât until his phone was actually out that Mingyu felt ready for the day.
He was a little surprised when he entered the empty cat cafe. Shouldnât the business start already?
âHello?â he called loudly because he didnât hear any noises either. The cats came to him curiously and normally Mingyu wouldnât pay any attention to them. But he spotted Seoltang snuggling against his legs and Mingyu squatted down and petted her. He wasnât a cat person. But he also had nothing against cats. But Seoltang and some of the other cats had become so familiar to him.
âHello. Did you miss me?â he asked quietly as he petted her. Seoltang meowed and Mingyu couldnât help but smile. Gopchang or Naembi (Mingyu couldnât tell the two apart) tried to push themself between them and Mingyu sat down completely on the floor and stroked them with his other hand.
It seemed like the cats werenât getting enough attention - or were they hungry? Was that because the cafe was closed? Had the others overslept and didnât give them any food?
Mingyu looked around the cat cafe. From what he could see from where he was on the ground, it was deserted. He saw no light and, what surprised him even more, not even any decorations. He would have thought more of them after what they had shown at the events. A Christmas tree, he would have thought that Jeonghan hang mistletoes, anything. But here? It was hard to see that Christmas was just around the corner.
And suddenly Wonwoo came out of the catsâ rest room and came into Mingyuâs field of vision. He looked surprised before a soft expression came over his face. âYouâre here,â came Wonwooâs gentle voice. He sounded like he didnât expect it. Didnât he make sure yesterday?
Mingyu pushed Jag-Eun off his lap and stood up. One cat meowed, and it sounded almost offended.
âWhy is it closed?â Mingyu asked, without addressing the subject of his presence. He couldnât think about it. Not about yesterday. Not about Wonwooâs words. He wasnât ready yet. He hadnât figured everything out yet.
âWe spontaneously decided not to open today.â Wonwoo went to the sofa and sat down on it. He tilted his head back and closed his eyes. Mingyu noticed that the other was walking around in very comfortable clothes - had he slept in those? Mingyu raised an eyebrow. âAnd why?â
âWe had a kind of farewell party yesterday. For Ash and Naembi. Jeonghan is currently taking them to their new home.â
Oh. That was fast. Didnât Wonwoo tell him about it recently? But then he remembered that the last few weeks hadnât been normal.
âWe accepted your suggestion. Thanks for that. Even more than our regular guests came by to say goodbye to them both.â
âI wasnât told anything,â Mingyu managed to say. Not that he had a deep relationship with Ash or Naembi. But if it was his idea, Mingyu would have liked to have known about it beforehand. Then he could have come over.
âYouâre not coming over for the cats.â Wonwoo opened his eyes again and stood up. It looked arduous.
âAre you sure you want to bake cookies all day?â Mingyu asked when he saw this. Secretly, he was relieved. It was as usual between them again. As if the last few weeks hadnât happened. And that was exactly what he needed today. To have a worry-free day. With Wonwoo by his side.
âWant? Jeonghan and Jihoon gave us four recipes that we have to make. Soonyoung contributed a fifth after the four of us said goodbye and had a little drink yesterday. They want to make it difficult for me. But give me a little more time and Iâll be ready for it.â
Mingyu had to smile. So that was it. It was the otherâs turn to be hungover. âAre you having a hard time letting them go?â
Wonwoo motioned for him to follow him and Mingyu did as he asked.
âItâs difficult for Jeonghan with both of them. He nursed Naembi back then and sometimes had to feed Ash with a bottle. But itâs better if they can go to a home where you can care for them alone. This was clear to us from the beginning when we set up the cat cafe. It shouldnât be an end stop. We need space so we can help more cats,â Wonwoo explained as he led Mingyu to the first floor.
The cat flap was lose again. Then it was really finished and Mingyu would now see the finished result with his own eyes. The time they had worked here together seemed so incredibly far away.
Wonwoo stepped aside and let Mingyu lead the way, and he entered. In the hallway, Mingyu saw the walls decorated with handprints (Wonwoo had already shown him that in the video). But the portraits of the cats were new.
âWe thought it would be a kind of hall of honor for the cats that lived here in the cafe.â
Mingyu looked at each picture. Ash and Naembi were also there. It was a nice idea. If it helped them to overcome the pain of separation better. And then he saw Hwaseong. It seemed to be a recent picture because he was so much taller than Mingyu remembered, but he recognized him immediately. With his white-orange fur. âItâs nice.â Mingyu turned away and went into the lounge. This hadnât changed since his video call with Wonwoo. Even the stupid lines on the wall were still there. Urgh. When he heard Wonwoo laugh, it bothered him even more. The other knew exactly how annoying that was!
âYou should just let me fix it.â
âWhy? Itâs perfect like that,â Wonwoo replied in a good mood. He seemed to be doing a little better. Tz! Mingyu would have preferred to bake with a bad-tempered Wonwoo than let himself get teased again.
The three quarantine rooms looked no different. But the office.
âWow,â Mingyu exclaimed. It was neat. There were no more piles of paper lying around. âDid you throw everything away?â he asked suspiciously. But the office was so small, he couldnât have hidden anything there.
Wonwoo laughed again. Loudly. He pushed past Mingyu and pulled two folders from the shelf. âEverything filed, Mr. Tax consultant. Are you satisfied with me now?â Wonwoo asked teasingly. Mingyu looked at the other and his folder. Isnât that how porn started? Mingyuâs thoughts threatened to wander in a dangerous direction. Mingyu cleared his throat. Damned. Why was it suddenly so difficult to hold back? He had managed it at the beginning.
Just because I have feelings for you.
Shit.
âSure,â he said with an extra annoyed tone and rolled his eyes. Mingyu turned away from the office. âShouldnât we start baking? How many recipes did you say we had to make? I donât want to be here all night.â
âMingyu.â The mischief had disappeared from Wonwooâs voice. Instead, he sounded worried. âIf it gets too much for you, you donât have to stay there until the end. I can do this on my own.â
He wanted to get away from this...harmless...flirting. But that Wonwoo cared about him again? That didnât make it any better.
âI told you you wouldnât be able to get rid of me for the next three weeks. I just want to finally start and finish. It sounds like a lot of work.â
Mingyu turned briefly to the other, and their eyes met. Whatever Mingyu had done, it was the wrong thing. Or the right one. Because Wonwoo broke eye contact and put the folders back. âLetâs start.â
They went back downstairs.
âWhy donât you have any decorations here?â Mingyu asked. The silence became uncomfortable. And he had no idea what he had said that had upset Wonwoo.
âWe have cats here. A tree wouldnât last long, believe me. We tried.â Wonwoo turned to him and looked at him. âYou wonât stay clean today. Because of the flour. Should I give you old things? Otherwise, I would give you an apron?â
Urgh. Wonwoo seemed completely cold. What had Mingyu done wrong? Because he had urged the other to hurry?
âJust give me an apron.â He would wash his clothes afterward, anyway. Whether there was a little flour on it or not. Mingyu didnât expect a flour fight because of Wonwooâs threat - he remembered too well what he was like in the kitchen.
Mingyu washed his hands while Wonwoo disappeared and returned shortly after with an apron.
âYou should get your own name tag,â the other teased as he handed him the apron.
âNo, thanks.â Mingyu took the apron from him and shook it out. âI donât plan on working here again.â
He put the apron over his head. And when he looked at Wonwoo, he knew what he had done wrong. Shit. It was still about the calendar thing.
âCan you please help me?â Mingyu asked, even though he didnât actually need help. But he didnât know how to tell Wonwoo that he definitely wanted to see him next year. He didnât want to see him just once a week. If Mingyu had his way, they would see each other a lot more often. But how should he make it clear to Wonwoo? That wouldnât work. Not yet. Wonwoo should forget about him. He was way too good for Mingyu.
âHelp?â The other looked at him skeptically. But it helped as it replaced his gloomy expression.
Mingyu turned around and held the ties of the apron backward.
His gentle voice almost made Mingyu shudder. He closed his eyes briefly so that it wouldnât be obvious that Wonwooâs gentle voice was overwhelming him, before Mingyu turned around again. His breathing stopped. Wonwoo had come closer.
âYou tie the apron at the front,â the other explained as he took the straps from Mingyu. Wonwoo took another step closer and was now so close that they were touching. Mingyu didnât move. He waited. His gaze locked on Wonwooâs face as he leaned forward and brought the straps to Mingyuâs back, probably crossing them there and bringing them out again on the other side. Mingyu didnât care. Wonwoo could do whatever he wanted. As long as he stayed close to Mingyu.
But Wonwoo leaned back again when he was done, putting distance between the two of them. He explained something to Mingyu while he brought the straps together on Mingyuâs stomach and knotted them there. But Mingyu could only think about pulling the other that tiny bit that separated them, towards him and kissing him. As Wonwoo spoke, Mingyu focused on the otherâs lips. He noticed Wonwoo raise his head. Wonwoo was finished, Mingyu could tell, but he didnât move. He didnât step back. Mingyu raised his gaze and saw Wonwoo looking at him. With the same piercing look he had given him after the dark restaurant.
âMingyu.â It came almost soundlessly from Wonwooâs lips. They immediately caught Mingyuâs gaze again. Wonwooâs lips parted slightly, but he didnât say anything else. Was that an invitation? Mingyu raised his hand. But before he could do anything, the magic between them was over. Wonwoo stepped back. âWe should get started.â
Mingyu watched as Wonwoo put distance between them. Damn, what was he doing here? Luckily, Wonwoo seemed to still have enough sense. Mingyu took a few deep breaths. He had to pull himself together. When he felt ready, he approached Wonwoo.
He was completely correct in his assumption that Jeonghan wanted to use him as cheap labor. Five cookie doughs didnât exactly sound like a lot. But when they kneaded the first dough (luckily with a kitchen machine), Mingyu saw how much dough there was in one cookie dough. They would stand here until evening. Could he make it?
To set the mood, Wonwoo turned on the radio and they played Christmas and winter songs. It was a good distraction from Wonwoo. Because when they kneaded the second dough, Wonwoo was close to him again to show him how it was done. But Mingyu was able to control himself this time. They had to prepare all the dough first so that they could cool down. Kneading it together was quick and the dough could be prepared in the kitchen machine, anyway. Wonwoo only left him alone for the last dough. They hadnât spoken much. Which was mainly due to the loud kitchen machine. Since the recipes were requested by Jeonghan, they were even printed out and Mingyu could prepare the dough alone. And yet he kept an eye on Wonwoo as he went to the stove and did something there. Mingyu took a quick look at the recipe. Apparently Wonwoo was melting chocolate.
He hadnât imagined todayâs event to be like this. On the one hand, it was good because it gave them some distance between them, but Mingyu didnât want any distance. He looked back at Wonwoo, who was absentmindedly stirring a bowl. Did he think about the situation before? If Wonwoo had done nothing, Mingyu would have kissed him. As if he heard Mingyuâs thoughts, Wonwoo looked up. His mouth moved, but Mingyu couldnât hear anything over the noise of the kitchen machine. He turned it off and a Christmas song could be heard.
âWhat?â
âIâll be almost done,â Wonwoo smiled. He behaved as if nothing had happened between them. Mingyuâs mind told him that he should handle it that way, too. He shouldnât think about it anymore. He couldnât think about it anymore. And yetâŠit was so hard.
He turned the mixer back on and watched the dough hook knead the dough. When Wonwoo came to him, Mingyu took off the splash guard, and they poured the chocolate into the dough, which slowly turned dark.
Wonwoo put the pot away and Mingyu stayed in front of the kitchen machine until he received further instructions. Wonwoo came back to him with a form.
âDo you know what the most important thing about baking is?â Wonwoo asked after turning off the kitchen machine (hopefully for the last time).
The most important thing about baking? Had Mingyu forgotten something? He had washed his hands.
Wonwoo gave him a mischievous grin and pulled out two small spoons. âTry it.â
What? Try it? Did the other person want to trick him? That couldnât possibly be right.
Wonwoo took a spoon, put some dough on it and let the dough drip from the first spoon onto the second. Whatever he was doing there. He then held out the second spoonful to Mingyu. Not so that Mingyu could take it with his hands himself. No, he held it in front of Mingyuâs mouth. So he hadnât forgotten it either. Mingyu opened his mouth and looked into Wonwooâs eyes as he fed him the dough. He expected him to do or say something, but Wonwoo turned away and grabbed some dough with the first spoon. He acted like nothing happened. It was the most sensible thing they could do. And yet it frustrated Mingyu more and more.
While the first dough was in the oven (it was supposed to be chocolate bread), they prepared everything for the second one to be processed further. And here and there Wonwoo touched him. It couldnât be a coincidence. He would come close to Mingyu when he showed him something or touch his hand when he passed him. Wonwoo was the one who hardly initiated any physical contact. But after that he behaved normally. Whether they were talking about normal things (âHow are things at work?â or him making fun of Mingyu for complaining about the tenth Christmas song, it was all normal. As if nothing had happened.
The cookies were quick to process. When the chocolate bread was ready, all they had to do was take it out of the oven and cut it into pieces. Mingyu was allowed to melt chocolate again and spread it over it while Wonwoo rolled out the dough for the cinnamon stars and cut out the stars. During these times, everything seemed like a normal baking day. Even when they made the hazelnut macaroons or the vanilla crescents, everything was normal between them, apart from a few touches.
But when it came to the piped cookies, which were much more tiring and Mingyu couldnât believe that they had more dough than the others, Wonwoo became brisker again. Mingyu no longer had time to concentrate on anything other than the cookies. The dough was put into a pump and Mingyu had to pump by hand so that the dough would be pressed out of the pump in a certain shape. That would have been okay a few times. But they had so much dough! After filling the pump for the tenth time, there was still so much dough.
âIâm sorry, Mingyu. I have no idea what kind of recipe Jeonghan picked out,â Wonwoo apologized.
While Mingyu did the hard work, Wonwoo cut the ropes of dough into small portions and formed circles out of them, which he then placed on a baking sheet and every now and then, when the kitchen timer rang, he went to the oven to swap the cookies. It now smelled wonderful in the kitchen. But they had already been there for a few hours. Wonwoo provided him with drinks. As for lunch, they both decided to skip it because, according to Wonwoo, the most important thing about baking was trying the dough and cookies, and they did that enough.
âShould we swap?â
Mingyu had just finished a new pump. He went to the bowl that had the dough in it and looked inside. He had to go maybe three or four more times. Mingyu would manage that, too.
âNo, itâs fine. Itâs not much left.â He would definitely regret it tomorrow. Mingyu took some dough, rolled it (after all the times he was a pro at it) and put the dough into the pump before going to the work surface and continuing.
Wonwoo came to him and waited. Since his work wasnât that strenuous, he was much faster than Mingyu (and because he had to wait for free baking trays). He grabbed Mingyuâs upper arm and squeezed, as if he wanted to feel Mingyuâs muscles. âWhat a hero,â Wonwoo grinned at him.
Good. Mingyu almost expected something different. But this was okay. That was them. At least the way they used to treat each other.
Mingyu rolled his eyes and shook off Wonwooâs hand. âBetter change the radio station than keep me from working here.â Dashing through the snow in high heels was on for the third time. The third time! Mingyu really didnât feel like listening to songs like that anymore. He preferred not to hear anything.
âNot in the Christmas spirit anymore?â Wonwoo guessed but did as Mingyu asked. As Mingyu continued to process the dough, Wonwoo flipped through a few radio stations before they found one that wasnât playing Christmas music. Well finally! As if he had recharged his batteries, the two more dough fillings got processed like nothing. And then came the last dough.
âWell finally. The last portion,â he announced to Wonwoo, who brought another baking tray away. But there were still two on the work surface waiting to be baked.
âReally? Then weâre finished,â Wonwoo cheered. âThe others can make the rest of the cookies. After all, theyâre supposed to be gifts from all of us.â
Gifts? And Mingyu should help? âWho are they for?â He could already guess. But hearing it made the fact that he had spent his Saturday here even worse.
âFor the visitors to the cat cafe. If you visit us before Christmas, youâll also get a package,â Wonwoo winked at him. TheseâŠexploiters!
Mingyu pumped the dough onto the table and then started cleaning up. As soon as Wonwoo was finished, he helped him. In between, Wonwoo swapped the baking sheets. They were finished cleaning the kitchen when there were still two baking sheets left. Luckily, by the last dough, things had cooled down between them.
âYou can go now, Mingyu.â
They leaned against the kitchen counter and waited for the kitchen timer to go off. Two more baking trays and then thatâs it for todayâs appointment. And Mingyu would have survived the day. Two more baking sheets and then this appointment would be done. And two more were left. It was amazing how quickly the time had passed and what they had experienced.
âNo. Iâll stay until the end.â Mingyu looked at Wonwoo. âI owe you this after the trouble I caused you.â
âTrouble?â Wonwoo also turned his head to look at him.
âHave you forgotten how I was to you in the beginning? Have I ever really apologized to you for that? If not â Iâm really sorry. You didnât deserve that.â
Wonwoo bumped his fist into Mingyuâs upper arm (and Mingyu was already feeling the soreness). âWhatâs going to happen now? Do you want to say goodbye to me? Idiot.â
Idiot? Mingyu wanted to apologize. He couldnât remember a sincere apology. Why did the other have to put it down like that now?
âI wasnât any better,â said Wonwoo. He smiled at Mingyu. âWeâve put that behind us, havenât we?â
Mingyu shrugged. Well, if Wonwoo didnât want his apology, then not! âI was just thinking about what weâve been through together. And now youâve finished another appointment. Youâll win the bet, wonât you?â
The kitchen timer rang and Mingyu took the cooled baking tray with the next cookies while Wonwoo took the other one out of the oven. The song on the radio changed and Mingyu really wondered what station Wonwoo had tuned to now. A Halloween song was playing. He just shook his head as he put the cold baking tray in the oven and closed the oven door. He then took his place next to Wonwoo, leaning against the kitchen counter. Another 20 minutes and they would be done. He looked at Wonwoo, who hadnât said anything else, and noticed that Wonwoo had a closed expression on his face again.
âWonwoo-â Mingyu started, but then stopped speaking because he didnât know how to broach the subject.
âDo you know what you promised me? That we dance together on Halloween.â Wonwoo started instead.
Mingyu looked at him. He had promised to dance with him? That could be. Mingyu could blame him now since Wonwoo hadnât been seen all evening. But he didnât feel like arguing. So he pushed himself off the kitchen counter and offered his hand to Wonwoo. They still had almost 20 minutes, and he didnât want to spoil the mood between them.
âWhat?â
âCome dance with me. I wonât let anyone tell me I broke a promise.â And he wanted to be close to Wonwoo.
The Halloween song ended and a soft, quiet song began. It was perfect for dancing. Mingyu smiled at the other and held out his hand closer. And hesitantly, Wonwoo took it. Mingyu pulled him close. Close to himself. He could blame it on dancing for finally being able to do what he longed for. He put one hand around Wonwooâs waist and held Wonwooâs hand with the other. They started moving to the music. Wonwooâs free hand rested on his arm. And Mingyu pulled him even closer. They were far too close. He should stop and save the situation. But when Wonwoo rested his head against Mingyuâs shoulder, he gave up on those thoughts. Mingyu could feel Wonwooâs slightly increased heart rate and he noticed how his own was adjusting. Mingyu could only hope that the song was quiet afterward too, because he wanted the moment to never end.
It wasnât really dancing what they were doing, but neither of them complained. When Wonwoo pulled away a little, Mingyu hoped it was just because he wanted to look at him. Mingyu loosened his grip to give him a chance to stop. But as he had hoped, Wonwoo just looked him in the eyes and didnât move anymore. The calm song ended and another one, perfect for their situation, played. Another Halloween song would have ruined the moment. Mingyu knew that the moment would eventually end. But for now, he wanted to enjoy it. He was tired of listening to his reasonable side. He finally wanted to listen to his heart. And his heart wanted Wonwoo. It never wanted to let him go. It wanted him here in its arms. And it wanted to kiss him. But before Mingyu could do anything, Wonwoo pushed himself closer to Mingyu so that they stood like before, pressed close to each other. Mingyu could feel Wonwooâs heartbeat again. And Wonwoo got closer to his face.
But before they could kiss, the kitchen timer went off. As if he reminded them that what they were doing was wrong, they separated. Wonwoo stammered an apology and rushed to the oven. Mingyu swallowed hard. Damn kitchen timer. He didnât want it to end like this. He turned around and saw Wonwoo putting down the last cold baking tray and running his hands through his hair. If he knew him right, Wonwoo didnât want it either. So Mingyu went after him.
Mingyu waited until Wonwoo had put the hot baking tray to cool down and put the cold baking tray in the oven before he walked up to it from behind. Mingyu grabbed Wonwoo by the waist and turned him around. He didnât wait any longer, but pushed Wonwoo against the oven with his body and kissed him. When Wonwoo groaned, Mingyu didnât know if it was the heat of the oven door he pressed him against or if it was because of their kiss. Mingyu turned off the oven with one hand and pulled Wonwoo closer to him with the other.
Their kiss was wild and passionate and Wonwoo, as well as Mingyu, often sighed. Neither wanted to really break away from the other, and they kissed again and again. But no matter how many times he kissed Wonwoo, it wasnât enough for him. Mingyu needed him.
âMingyu. Not in my kitchen,â Wonwoo gasped between their kisses. Mingyu understood. Wonwoo thought the same thing. As if to annoy the other, Mingyu broke away from him and grabbed Wonwooâs shirt. As he pulled it over his head, he kissed Wonwoo again. Wonwoo lightly tugged at Mingyuâs lip with his teeth and Mingyu grinned. However, they couldnât separate for long and so they stumbled further upstairs into Wonwooâs apartment, leaving a trail of clothing behind them. When they got to the first floor, Wonwoo pushed Mingyu against the wall. He unzipped Mingyuâs pants and slipped his hand inside. It was a miracle that they eventually arrived in Wonwooâs bedroom.
If Mingyu had been in his right mind, he would probably have been bothered by all the fluffy spectators. But he wasnât in his right mind. Oh no.
Mingyu only regained consciousness when he came into Wonwoo and withdrew. They had been so caught up in the moment that they hadnât even used a condom. What happened to Mingyu? He wasnât like that. Not a bit.
Wonwoo pulled him next to him and Mingyu wrapped his arms around the other. His heart finally had what it desired. But now his mind returned.
The ecstasy disappeared, and he felt terrible. What had he done? He had destroyed so much because he wanted to do it right. And what had he done today? Mingyu had destroyed everything. Shit. His mind was racing. Wonwoo didnât notice anything because his hand was stroking Mingyuâs arm and his chest. Mingyu had destroyed everything. There was still Seokmin.
Wonwoo sat up. âDo you want to come take a shower? The others are coming soon. I should clean up a bit. In the kitchen. And collect our things.â He looked at Mingyu and leaned over to blow a kiss on his lips. Mingyu closed his eyes. Wonwoo should stop talking. It all sounded so right. If Mingyu wasnât such a damn bastard. âWe could talk after that.â Mingyu managed to shake his head. However, he didnât manage to open his eyes and see the look on Wonwooâs face. Was he disappointed? Understanding? Mingyu didnât want to know. He felt Wonwoo lean in again and kiss him one last time. The last kiss they would probably share. Mingyu opened his eyes and watched Wonwoo pull away and stand up.
âJust forget me,â he whispered as he heard the shower turn on in the next room. And then he did the worst thing he could have done. Mingyu fled.
Mingyu threw himself into work. Saturday when he got home, he sat down at his laptop and worked. He had to distract himself. He also spent Sunday working. The work helped him focus his thoughts on something else. So he didnât think about Wonwooâs hurt expression. Not his confession. No, Mingyu could work until the evening without thinking much about it. Thatâs why he loved his job. It helped him to suppress such negative things.
But when his alarm went off, Mingyu was glad that he had asked Seokmin to come to him. As he shut down his laptop and packed it up, Mingyu found himself not being able to focus. He had no idea how he was going to tell Seokmin that there was no future between them. Or never had. Should he call Joshua afterward? Urgh. Mingyu could only hope that the thing with Seokmin didnât ruin his friendship with Joshua.
Mingyu continued to forbid himself from thinking about Wonwoo. Only once, when Seokmin canceled on him for the day, did he open their chat. They hardly wrote to each other, which is why the last message was the one Mingyu wrote to him when he came back from his vacation. He sighed. There would be no point in writing to Wonwoo. Not until he talked to Seokmin. Why did Seokmin stand him up? Had something happened?
Can we talk tomorrow? Itâs important
He waited for Seokmin to enter the chat and read his message. And then left the chat.
Sorry, I canât next week. I would have time on Saturday
Mingyu now looked at the chat angrily. Seokmin couldnât? He had told him several times in the last few days that Mingyu had never had time for him and now Seokmin didnât have time to meet with Mingyu? Oh no. Did he suspect something? And then Saturday too! Until Saturday he had actually intended to sort this thing out. And besides, Seokmin knew that Mingyu never had time on Saturdays.
Mingyu picked up his calendar and looked at the appointments for Saturday.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Christmas market visit with Mr. Beanie
Good. Actually, it would be advisable to wait at least a day. But if he met with Seokmin beforehand and ended things with him, then he could properly apologize to Wonwoo and tell him the truth.
I have an appointment from 4 p.m. When do you have time before that?
This time it didnât take as long for Seokmin to answer.
Sorry, I canât until the evening.
Mingyu agreed after all. He had no other choice. But it would be another week before he could talk to Wonwoo. Damned.
Mingyu could really use Minghao here. He would know what Mingyu should do in the current situation. He would be able to help him. But Mingyu didnât want to disturb his vacation. Mingyu sighed. He stood up and stretched. It was late and he might as well just go to bed now. Mingyu felt so tired at the moment.
His heart skipped a beat and his thoughts immediately turned to Wonwoo when he got a call. But it wasnât Wonwoo. It was his mother.
âHi Mom,â he greeted his mother as he walked into his bedroom.
âHello, my darling. How are you doing? You didnât even get in touch after you got back from your vacation. How was it?â
Mingyu was a grown man. He usually didnât like it when his mother called him darling. He then felt like a little child. But right now, he didnât mind.
âIâm having a few problems right now. No big ones. Hopefully, I can sort it out next week, but itâs weighing on me a little.â Mingyu couldnât tell his mother everything. He felt too bad about his role in the whole story. He was the bad guy, wasnât he? Mingyu was the one who had been acting like an idiot from the start. And it was him who flirted with the other despite being in a relationship. And cheated on his boyfriend. And hurt Wonwoo.
âOh, my poor darling. If you want to talk, you know you can call me anytime? I know you have a lot to do at work, too. But come over when things get better, okay?â
Mingyu smiled. He finally felt a little better again. âThat sounds good, yes.â He would do that. As soon as this matter was sorted out, he would go visit his family. And take some time off.
The next week, he continued to throw himself into work. It wasnât like he had that much to do. But it wouldnât hurt to do some preliminary work. And he didnât think about Wonwoo while he was working. Or Seokmin. It was better when he worked.
On Saturday, Mingyu would have preferred not to go on the date. Mingyu didnât feel ready to face Wonwoo yet. If this one showed up.
Mingyu was so incredibly tired. His vacation had been for nothing. He felt the same as before his vacation. Only this time, it wasnât because of work. But Mingyu still stood in front of the entrance to the Christmas market and waited for Wonwoo. Crowds of people were streaming into the market and Mingyu had no desire to get involved. He didnât feel like it. But here, in the fresh air, he felt like he could breathe deeply for the first time in a long time.
âHello.â
Mingyu looked up when he heard Wonwooâs voice. âHey,â he greeted the other briefly. He didnât know how to behave. He made it easy for himself and didnât deal with the situation. It wasnât fair, but Mingyu had done so much wrong. One more thing didnât matter anymore, did it? Mingyu didnât even have to apologize because he couldnât tell Wonwoo the truth. Not yet.
âLetâs go. Not that the appointment takes much longer because we canât get through.â
Ouch.
Wonwoo spoke to him emotionlessly. He had never been like that to Mingyu before. Mingyu had missed his chance.
This da...meeting...this meeting was so unpleasant. Mingyu wanted to grab Wonwooâs hand so they wouldnât get lost, but Wonwoo pulled away and walked ahead. He didnât turn around or say a word to him. Not a single word. Mingyu had no choice but to follow him and make sure he didnât lose him. He felt so tired. Everything had gone wrong.
The two hours they spent âtogetherâ were torture for Mingyu. Seeing the other made the longing for him worse. But the absence Wonwoo showed him made him long for the meeting to end. They arrived at the exit and finally Wonwoo looked at him. âSee you next week.â
âWonwoo, please wait!â He had no idea what to say to the other. But Mingyu couldnât let him go like that. Not when things were going so badly between them. He didnât want things to end like this between them. If Mingyu couldnât have Wonwooâs love, then he at least wanted to save their friendship.
âIâm sorry. I-â
âI donât know what you should be sorry about. Besides, I have to go, Mingyu. Our meeting ended 5 minutes ago. And your boyfriend is waiting for you.â Wonwoo nodded his head towards Mingyu. What?
Mingyu turned around and saw Seokmin waving brightly at him. What was that supposed to mean? Sure, they had agreed to meet today. But only in half an hour. In Mingyuâs apartment. How did Seokmin know where Mingyu was? Had Seokmin looked into his calendar? Oh, he couldnât stand that at all.
âWonwoo, that-â Mingyu turned to the other and fell silent when he was no longer standing in front of him. Wonwoo was gone. Without saying goodbye. Why did everything just go wrong?
âWhat are you doing here?â he asked Seokmin more sharply than he intended.
âOh, I saw you were at the Christmas market. I thought we could stroll over it a bit. Itâll be a nice first date, right?â Seokmin didnât care about his sharp tone. He spoke in a cheerful tone, completely without accusation.
And Mingyu felt bad. The anger disappeared. âOkay.â He would grant him that.
Seokminâs beam widened. He linked arms with Mingyu and pulled him back to the Christmas market. Things didnât get better and Mingyu almost wished for the silence and being ignored by Wonwoo. Seokmin chattered happily and didnât seem to mind that Mingyu wasnât listening to him. Because Mingyu just wanted to go home. He wanted to end things with Seokmin (but not in public) and then go home.
Since Seokminâs apartment was closer, they went there after the Christmas market. To distract himself, Mingyu went through his clients on the way there. Since today was the 10th, the advance sales tax return was due on Monday. As far as he knew, everyone was already finished. But he would check again on Monday just to be on the safe side. He didnât trust himself anymore.
He walked behind Seokmin into his apartment. âCan we talk now, please?â
âWait a minute!â Seokmin walked happily through his apartment. Mingyu reluctantly followed him. He didnât want to drag this out any further.
âI found us somewhere to do our Christmas date.â
Oh no. Mingyu was worried that Seokmin knew Mingyu wanted to break up. Thatâs why he didnât want to meet Mingyu. But that he had no idea and was making plans? Mingyu sighed.
âI wanted to talk about that. Itâs not going to work.â
âAre you having a meeting with him at Christmas, too? Why? Mingyu, you are my boyfriend! Why do you choose him over me?â Seokmin became upset.
âPlease listen to me, Seokmin. It is not about that. This isnât about Wonwoo. I have no feelings for you. Weâd better end this.â He saw Seokminâs eyes fill with tears.
âMingyu, please. I do everything.â
Urgh. He couldnât stand something like that. Why did the other want to change just to please Mingyu? Why did he want to pretend to be something he wasnât? Heâd better find someone who loved him for who he was. And that wasnât Mingyu. They were too different. They prioritized other things.
âSeokmin, please stop it. I donât see a future for us. Iâm sorry.â He wanted to remain polite. He didnât want the break up to turn into an argument.
âBut Mingyuâ The other was interrupted by a sob.
Mingyu hated situations like this. He was tempted to comfort the other. But that would only give him false hope. âYou canât change my mind. Iâm really sorry Seokmin. Take care.â
Before Seokmin could plead any further, Mingyu fled. It wasnât acting like an adult, but what was the point?
As Mingyu stepped outside, he took a deep breath. Finally, this issue was settled. Now all he had to do was figure out how to explain it to Wonwoo.
The second half of his vacation was...different. It was restful, yes. But Seokmin behaved differently. Maybe it wasnât really different, but Mingyu noticed it now. He hinted that Mingyu shouldnât work so much after their vacation. He expressed his displeasure about meeting Wonwoo. It wasnât just these incidents, there were other things that bothered him too. And Mingyu decided to end things with Seokmin as soon as they got home. He had tried. Mingyu had really tried. But it was just like always. Seokmin didnât understand that he was a workaholic. Mingyu was so tired. He didnât want to fight for it when he knew it wouldnât help, anyway. And why should he fight? He liked Seokmin. He found him attractive. But there was nothing more. No, it was better if they ended it now, before either of them developed deeper feelings.
Minghao picked them both up from the airport late Wednesday evening. Mingyu let him drive Seokmin home first. And as Seokmin happily talked about their vacation and Mingyu looked out the window, Mingyu realized how much he had missed someone here. The feeling had been there since last Saturday, but he hadnât been able to put it into words until now. He missed Wonwoo. Not like a friend. He longed for the other. Although his mind had decided at the time that he wouldnât worry about Wonwoo any further, his heart had decided otherwise at the first thought about him and their what-if.
âYou were right,â he began as Minghao drove towards Mingyuâs apartment after dropping Seokmin off. Now that the other was no longer by his side, Mingyu felt much freer.
âWith what?â Mingyu looked ahead briefly and met Minghaoâs gaze in the rearview mirror before looking out the window again. He wasnât ready to say it yet. âTheyâre dates.â It had to be enough. Because it wasnât the right time. Despite his feelings, Mingyu was still with Seokmin and it wasnât fair to him and Wonwoo. Even if his heart demanded otherwise.
âIs there anything else you want to tell me?â Minghao asked after a while. They turned down a street and Mingyu knew that it led to his office.
âNo,â he answered quietly, because he just couldnât say it. He had to put everything right first.
âDonât worry, Mingyu,â said Minghao, who seemed to understand what was going on in Mingyuâs mind, âGo and do what you agreed on. Just enjoy it, okay?â
Minghao meant the weekly dates. Mingyu knew. This was clear to his mind. But his heart? The possibility of going to Wonwoo�
âBring me to him.â Mingyu sat up. They should arrive at his office and therefore at the cat cafe in a few hundred meters.
âWhat?â
âJust drop me off at the cat cafe. I have to see him.â
Minghao was silent, but he turned on the indicator and changed lanes. âAre you sure?â he asked as he pulled up to the cat cafe.
âYes.â
Mingyu got out with his suitcase. He was going to work tomorrow anyway and from there he could take a taxi home. But now he was standing in front of the locked door of the cat cafe. He had no idea how to get Wonwooâs attention. The cat cafe didnât have a bell and Mingyu didnât think there was one at the back entrance. So he took out his phone. He could only hope that he wasnât already asleep.
Iâm standing at your door
Mingyu didnât leave the chat. He saw Wonwoo read his message and left the chat. Without answering him. Should he have written something else?
But then the light came on.
As soon as he recognized the otherâs face, Mingyu realized how much he had missed him. He should have taken Wonwoo with him. Damned.
Wonwoo paused for a moment when he saw Mingyu and Mingyu realized that the other was already wearing his sleeping clothes (comfortable shorts and a faded T-shirt).
âMingyu? What are you doing here?â Wonwoo asked as he unlocked the door.
âYou wanted to see my pictures.â He took a step closer and didnât take his eyes off Wonwoo. âBesides, didnât you say you missed me?â he teased the other before opening his arms slightly. âArenât you going to welcome me back?â
Mingyu realized that Wonwoo still didnât really know why Mingyu was here. But when he saw Mingyu offer him a hug, he laughed and accepted it. And yes, Mingyu was enjoying it a little too much. He didnât want to break away from Wonwoo, but instead hugged him even tighter. Wonwoo seemed to feel the same way. They stood in the entrance to the cat cafe for a few minutes, lying in each otherâs arms and saying nothing. âI missed you too,â Mingyu whispered before letting the other go.
Wonwoo looked at him with a piercing gaze. As if he didnât understand what was going on with Mingyu. But Mingyu didnât know it himself.
âYou want to show me the pictures, right? Come in.â He wasnât sure if Wonwoo really believed him or if he just accepted it.
It was probably a mistake to go to the otherâs apartment late at night. For a made-up reason. But Mingyu didnât really care. He entered and followed Wonwoo upstairs. They made themselves comfortable in Wonwooâs bed and Mingyu linked his camera to his television. Mingyu sat further forward at the front (he certainly wouldnât make the mistake of lying down next to Wonwoo...he had to do it right!) and clicked through the pictures while telling Wonwoo about them. He kept looking at the other person. Until he noticed that Wonwoo had fallen asleep. They hadnât gotten through all the pictures, but that was an excuse, anyway.
Mingyu disconnected his camera from Wonwooâs television and turned it off. He glanced at the clock. It was already well past midnight. It was far too late to go home. He didnât think about it being inappropriate because Wonwoo had offered it to him many times before. So Mingyu went to his suitcase, took out a shirt and his pajama pants and went into the bathroom to change. He set his alarm for tomorrow morning and then lay down next to Wonwoo.
Yes, this was right. He really had to end it with Seokmin.
His night was not very pleasant. Which wasnât because of Wonwoo. But the first night in strange beds was always a challenge for Mingyu. And at least two of the cats visited them in the bedroom and walked over Mingyu. How could Wonwoo sleep peacefully? At 5 a.m. Mingyu decided to not go to sleep again. Instead, he made himself comfortable by laying on the side of the bed and looking at Wonwoo. He behaved like a lovesick idiot. It wasnât like he loved Wonwoo so much that he couldnât take his eyes off the other. But Mingyu wanted to enjoy the sight. Wonwooâs gentle face that faced towards him. The quiet snoring noises that escaped him every now and then.
Of course, Mingyu could now think that they could have had this a long time ago. What if he hadnât seen Seungkwan and Wonwoo together? What if he had thrown Seokmin out of the apartment right away? What if he hadnât been so stubborn when the dates started? No, Mingyu preferred to think about the future. Would he be able to enjoy this sight more often? The past was gone. It wouldnât let itself be changed and there was no point in thinking about what ifs. Mingyu just wanted to look forward. He had to clear it up with Seokmin, then he could really get closer to Wonwoo. It was time.
Seoltang joined them. But instead of paying attention to Mingyu, she bumped her head into Wonwooâs. She meowed at him and Mingyu only realized too late that she was waking him up.
Wonwoo made a disapproving noise as he woke up. He felt for Seoltang and petted her. He sighed and then sat up. Mingyu waited, amused. Did the other not notice him?
âGood morning,â he whispered as Wonwoo sat in bed but didnât move. He saw the other flinch. And finally turned to Mingyu.
âMingyuâŠwhat?â
âI hope you donât mind that I slept here. You just fell asleep, and it was too late.â Mingyu also sat up.
Wonwoo slowly looked away from him. He felt for his glasses, which were lying on the bedside table next to him, and put them on. Then Wonwoo looked at the blanket in front of him again. âNo, itâs fine.â
Mingyuâs grin disappeared. The other was strange. Shouldnât Mingyu have slept here? But Wonwoo had offered it to him several times.
Wonwoo raised his gaze again and looked at Mingyu with the same intense look as last night. He didnât say anything but looked at Mingyu as if he wanted to find out what Mingyu was doing here. He had the right to do that. And Mingyu wanted to tell him. But he couldnât. Shit. Mingyu wanted to do it right. Now it was Mingyu who looked away and stood up. âCan I shower at your place before I go to work?â he asked in a decidedly casual manner. He had to do it right.
Unfortunately, Mingyu didnât get to talk to Seokmin before their Saturday date. As soon as he entered his office, Mingyu was in workaholic mode. When he got home, he wrote to Seokmin, but he was put off until Sunday. It bothered him a little. But they had endured this long. It would still work this one day. On Friday, he saw Minghao and Jun off on vacation. The two of them would first visit Junâs parents and then Minghaoâs parents and only return home shortly before Christmas. And that was only because their double date was coming up. Even though Mingyu no longer needed a double date to go on one with Wonwoo on Christmas. But now it was too late to rebook the flights.
Mingyu went to the cat cafe page several times to watch the latest vlog. But it wasnât until his fourth or fifth attempt that it was online. Again with Soonyoung. Disappointed, Mingyu closed the page without taking a closer look at the latest entry. Mingyu looked at the clock. Well, if he couldnât see Wonwoo in the vlog, at least he didnât have to wait long before he could see him properly. It had only been two days since they last had a proper conversation, but Mingyu missed him almost more than after his vacation.
Their date today was something extraordinary. Mingyu had never been to a dark restaurant before. It had never occurred to him before. And even though he had complained about Jeonghanâs choices the last few times, he found this idea creative. Since he hadnât seen or spoken to Wonwoo before, Mingyu wasnât sure if he was overdressed. Although you wouldnât be able to see in the restaurant, since he had truly accepted that he had feelings for Wonwoo...he approached the whole thing differently. It was laughable. Mingyu knew that too. Mingyu looked around, but couldnât see the other yet. There were already a few people waiting in front of the restaurant. It was like an event and everyone would start eating together. Mingyu was excited about the menu.
âYou know no one will see you in there?â He heard Wonwooâs amused voice and turned around.
âNot everyone has to walk around like you,â Mingyu countered. Although Wonwoo wasnât dressed quite as shabbily today as on some other dates. He actually looked quite good. And Mingyu didnât think so because he had accepted his feelings for him. No, he was wearing fine white trousers and a striped light brown sweater.
Wonwoo grinned at him. âJust say that you made yourself so pretty for me.â
Mingyu let out a fake mock breath. Just like he often did in the beginning. âYou wish.â He turned his gaze away from Wonwoo and towards the entrance of the restaurant. Slowly, there was movement.
âCome on, letâs get in line,â Mingyu said and started moving. He was glad that conversations with Wonwoo werenât suddenly strange. That Mingyu had no inhibitions because something didnât feel right anymore. No, it was the same as before. Just different. But that made it right.
âPlease hold on to my shoulder. Iâll show you to your table.â A waiter came up to them and Mingyu held onto his shoulder with both hands, just like he saw the others do. And when Wonwoo placed his hands on Mingyuâs shoulders, the waiter started moving. It was still light in the entrance area, but as soon as they passed through another door, darkness greeted them. Their waiter led them to their table and Mingyu carefully made his way and sat down.
âIâll be right back.â
âHave you done something like this before?â Wonwoo asked when their waiter was gone. At least Mingyu thought so. You could hear others being shown to their tables and chatting. But see anything? Not a bit.
Mingyu shook his head. Then he realized that Wonwoo couldnât see it at all. âNo. But itâs an interesting idea.â
He heard Wonwoo laugh softly. âAre you starting to forgive him?â
âForgive him? Never.â In truth, perhaps he did. If this calendar thing led to him getting into a happy relationship, then he had no other choice? Although even then, Mingyu wouldnât make it easy for Jeonghan. Maybe he would help Jihoon and Wonwoo with the next bet. Jeonghan deserved to lose.
âThe others miss you. You werenât with us at all,â Wonwoo began after there was silence for a while. He said it without any undertone. But had he missed Mingyu the last few days?
âI had a lot to do. You can let them know that Iâll stop by again next week.â He had to hold himself back. He wanted to do it right. And wasnât he just congratulating himself for acting normal?
âWere you here before?â
âNo. We all wanted to come here together, but itâs not that easy to find a suitable day. We donât want to leave the cats alone.â
âIâm starting to get the feeling youâre the worse workaholic. When are you on vacation? When are you leaving, hmm? Who told me a few months ago that you should enjoy life?â
âThis is something else. Iâll do that.â After a short pause, Wonwoo added: âIf the others have time.â
âThen you just need a few more employees at the cafe.â It was fun to tease Wonwoo. And hey, when they got together, Mingyu wanted to do something with his boyfriend. And not always just play cat sitter. âHavenât you already thought about that?â
âCan we please stop talking about work?â
Mingyu laughed. Was he annoying Wonwoo too much? Or had he hit a sore spot?
âSorry for disturbing you,â a voice suddenly sounded and Mingyu jumped. He hadnât heard anyone come to them. Shouldnât oneâs senses become sharpened when one is taken away? Or was it because he was completely focused on Wonwoo?
âThe drinks are included in the price. May I take your order?â
âOh really? I take a cola. How about the menu?â
âThis was chosen in advance. Iâll take a water. And a wine.â, Mingyu answered Wonwooâs question.
He heard the waiter laugh. It sounded likable. âExactly. We wonât reveal exactly whatâs served. But you could make a rough pre-selection when making your reservation. What you donât like, whether you have allergies or donât want to eat something specific. Iâll bring your drinks straight away and the first course will start soon.â
Allergies? Mingyu knew how it happened, but he hadnât specified anything. And if he interpreted Wonwooâs question correctly, he hadnât either. That could only have been Jeonghan (Mingyu hadnât paid anything yet either - had Jeonghan done that in advance?).
âJeonghan didnât ask you if you had allergies, did he?â Wonwooâs voice sounded.
Mingyu felt around the table to orient himself. Luckily, there were no decorations lying around. Because it was probably pointless, but it calmed Mingyu down because he was otherwise afraid of knocking something over. âNo. But itâs okay, I donât have any allergies.â
He heard Wonwoo exhale in relief. Mingyu smiled. âMaybe he guessed because I never said anything to you.â
âHe urgently needs to improve his planning. You wonât believe that he is responsible for event planning for us. He never forgets things like that.â
Mingyu didnât hear anything from Wonwooâs side. Sure, the other guests, but nothing from Wonwoo. Wasnât he moving? Was he sitting there quietly? Or was he moving so quietly? Mingyu placed his hands on the table. Somehow, it made him feel safer. He debated whether he should close his eyes. Would it be more pleasant that way? He tried for a moment. But despite the fact that he couldnât see anything with his eyes open, he felt safer when he had them open.
Their waiter came and brought them their drinks and cutlery.
âI hope I donât knock anything over,â Mingyu said quietly as he hoped the waiter was out of earshot.
Wonwoo heard him and he laughed. âDo you regret your choice of clothing?â
âMaybe I shouldnât have ordered wine after all. Itâs hard to get wine stains out of clothes when theyâre dry.â He carefully felt for his glasses and brought the larger one to his mouth. He sipped and when he was sure he had gotten the wine, he took a sip. Mingyu wasnât a wine connoisseur, but today in this atmosphere he wanted some wine.
And then finally the appetizer came. The waiter said nothing to this and Mingyu carefully felt where the plate was. He then took his cutlery. It was really strange. He didnât see where the food was. He poked around with his fork until he caught something.
âMh, thatâs good,â he heard Wonwoo say.
âAnd what do you think it is?â he asked as he cut a piece with the knife (or so he hoped). He took the fork and brought it to his mouth.
âMeat. Beef,â Wonwoo told him and when Mingyu took the first bite, he was able to confirm it.
It really was a different way to enjoy food. He guessed with Wonwoo what they had on the table in front of them. They narrowed it down to a beef carpaccio with a citrus marinade (but they couldnât agree on which citrus). And Mingyu talked a little about his vacation. From the second half, since Wonwoo already knew the important details from their last appointment.
Just as Mingyu arrived on the last day, their plates were cleared, and music began. Mingyu fell silent and listened. It wasnât live music. It was classical, calm music. It would still be possible to continue the conversation without any problems, but Mingyu now closed his eyes and listened. Wonwoo was also silent. You could still hear the other guests resuming their conversations. But no one around them was loud enough for them to hear exactly what was being said.
âMy nieces have been asking about you,â Wonwoo began.
His nieces? Mingyu tried to remember the two of them. He had seen them once. That wasâŠkite flying, right? It had been so long. âWhat were their names again?â he asked. Wasnât that their first real date? Where Mingyu hadnât hated Wonwoo.
âSoyeon and Somi. If I tell them that you donât know their names anymore,â Wonwoo scolded him. But his laughter softened it all and Mingyu didnât feel guilty about it. He had barely spoken to the two.
âMy brother says Somi raves about you all the time. She really wants to see Uncle Wonwooâs almost friend again.â He heard the smile in Wonwooâs voice.
âUncle Wonwooâs almost-friend?â Mingyu repeated. He said that back then, right?
âShould I tell them weâve become friends now?â
Friends? Were they really friends? Mingyu remained silent because he didnât know how to respond. Hadnât they skipped the friends stage?
âI havenât had much to do with children so far,â he went back to the previous topic.
âThey donât mind. Believe me, they are so excited about you, you canât do much wrong right now. Next time theyâre at the cat cafe, Iâll let you know. If you have time and want to, you can consider coming.â
There was an advantage to being in the dark - Mingyu didnât have to hide his emotions. This way he could grin undisturbed without Wonwoo thinking badly of him. So thatâs why Wonwoo started with his nieces. It was still that Wonwoo thought Mingyu wouldnât do anything with him after the meetings. The right thing was to enlighten Wonwoo. Thatâs what Mingyu had planned, too. But it was...amusing to see how Wonwoo kept coming up with new things.
âLetâs see,â he replied casually. He would allow himself a little bit of fun here.
âAnd here you have your main course. I hope you enjoy your meal.â This time he heard the waiter coming!
The guessing game began again with Wonwoo as to what they had on their plate. It was veal (not exactly imaginative, Mingyu was hoping for a bit of variation) and the sauce was definitely laced with red wine. They could taste pumpkin, but they couldnât figure out the last thing. But you couldnât complain about the taste. Mingyu took a sip of his red wine (he thought it was the same as the one used in the sauce, but as he said, he wasnât a wine connoisseur and could be wrong). As he put the glass away, he placed his right hand back on the table. As long as he didnât need the knife, that was the best place for it. He had almost missed his plate earlier.
âAnd how are you?â Mingyu asked after they hadnât spoken for some time. He meant Wonwooâs breakdown.
He could almost hear the other freeze. The cutting sound stopped. âItâs okay. Better. But I have decided to start rescuing cats again next year. I know they need my help, but I still need the time for myself. Losing the three of them...was...â He heard Wonwooâs voice break. Shit. He didnât want that. Wonwoo cleared his throat. âSorry. Itâs not that easy to talk about yet. I know I couldnât have done anything better,â he continued in a quieter voice.
âBut it doesnât make it better, right?â
âNo.â Wonwoo sounded sad. Mingyu felt his way further and when he felt Wonwooâs hand, he grabbed it and squeezed it. âBut Iâve had enoughâŠdistractions? The other cats help a lot. Even though we received an application for Naembi and Ash.â
Huh? âAn application?â They wanted to let two of the cats from the cat cafe go again? It must be tight now and they should look for new cats. Even though Wonwoo wanted to take a break this month...with the quarantine and everything, they definitely couldnât give it that much time. Since Wonwooâs voice no longer sounded so sad, Mingyu withdrew his hand.
âSomeone wants to take them both in. All cats are open to this. Thatâs why we opened the cat cafe. It will be difficult to let them go, but we are currently in the process of investigating.â
âIf you let them go, you should make an announcement at the cat cafe. So that people know about it.â He still remembered Hwaseong. To the cheeky little cat, who suddenly disappeared.
âAn announcement? So you can say goodbye?â
âYes, why not? Youâre not the only one who likes the cats. Iâm not talking about myself now. You know Iâm over for other things, but other guests come to you because of the cats.â
âCorrect. You only come to us because we are within range of your WiFi.â
âDonât roll your eyes like that.â Tz! He could see it even though he didnât see anything. Why did Wonwoo have to tease him about it? Even if it was true, it wasnât a bad thing?
The mood had changed again and was better than before, but one question was still burning on Mingyuâs lips. It wasnât really the right time, but it probably wouldnât come again. But it was important for him to know. He needed to know if Wonwoo was over Seungkwan. He didnât want to get his hopes up again just for Seungkwan to get in his way.
âAnd the other thing? Tell me about Seungkwan.â Mingyu didnât know if Wonwoo had told him about Seungkwan. Had he now given himself away that he knew about the other person?
âSeungkwan?â
There was silence. Mingyu took his knife again and cut off some of the meat.
âIâm over him,â Wonwoo confirmed what Mingyu was aiming for. âItâs easier than with the cats. Or it was more complicated. Weâve actually been separated for a long time. It...because he was also one of our veterinarians, we couldnât completely end the contact. Now I would do a lot of things differently, but you can always say that in hindsight, right? I was lonely. I didnât want to let him go. Seungkwan...he...he told me that I was concentrating too much on the cats. He didnât understand that they were my family and, of course, I put them first. Nevertheless, we tried again. And again. But this time Iâm really over him. We even saw each other again. And I told him it wonât happen again.â
Mingyu didnât expect so much openness from Wonwoo. Mingyu remembered that the other had mentioned something like this before. That someone didnât understand how he could take cats so seriously. He didnât want to think it, but Mingyu thought that fate was sending them a sign with this. The reason why their last relationships didnât work out was why Mingyu believed they were a good fit.
âThatâs good. You deserve better.â Thatâs why he wanted to do it right.
They were silent for a while and ate. For Mingyu, the issue was over. If Wonwoo didnât want to talk about it further, he wouldnât delve into it.
âHowâs work going?â Wonwoo asked. He was probably looking for his drink because his hand touched Mingyuâs. So he was no different from Mingyu and carefully felt his way across the table.
âOh good. Seungcheol is really good at it. I didnât have to rework that much. But now the turn of the year is coming. Maybe I wonât come to you every lunchtime. I know I should take a break, but with all the extra clients itâs a lot of work despite Seungcheol. I donât want to apply for as many extensions of deadlines as usual this year.â He hated that. It was often the case because of his clients, but Mingyu hated not meeting deadlines. Even if it was hardly possible to submit all financial statements on time.
âDo you want me to bring you your lunch?â Wonwoo asked. And again, his hand touched Mingyuâs. But this time, Wonwoo didnât withdraw his hand. Mingyu couldnât place which finger, but Wonwoo stroked Mingyuâs finger with his one. What was that supposed to mean now?
âNo,â he replied, trying not to let his confusion show. Did Wonwoo not realize what he was doing here? Or did he do it on purpose?
Mingyu didnât want to withdraw his hand. What if this sent Wonwoo the wrong signals? Luckily, it was dark and no one saw, so he speared his piece of meat with his fork and took a bite. There was no more word from Wonwoo and Mingyu was busy eating. And he also focused more on Wonwooâs hand, which was feeling its way forward. It had to be his pinky trying to lift Mingyuâs pinky. And Mingyu let him have his way, so Wonwoo laced their fingers together. Was thatâŠWonwoo wanted to go one step further? This was the dateliest date they had ever had. Mingyu released their fingers and clasped their hands together properly. He didnât hear a sound from Wonwooâs side. He would have loved to see his face to read it. It didnât take long until he finished eating (Wonwoo too?) and Mingyu placed the cutlery on his plate with one hand. He wiped his mouth with the napkin with one hand. Because his right hand was still clasped with Wonwooâs hand and was lying on the table.
Their waiter came and cleared the table and the soft string music started again. And they held hands. He would drive Wonwoo home today. This was finally a real date. And even though you didnât talk about exes on a date, it all felt so right. He would drive him home. And who knew what happened next. Otherwise, he wouldnât plan anything else.
Mingyu smiled as the other squeezed his hand. As if to make sure Mingyu was still there. And he gently squeezed Wonwooâs hand back. This was so right.
They stayed like that during the meal break. During dessert. And Mingyu could have sat at that table the whole time. Holding hands with Wonwoo. Even if they didnât speak to each other. Mingyu didnât know what to talk about (which wasnât often). Because he didnât want to ruin this moment between them. But at some point, the evening came to an end. Their waiter came to them.
âI hope you enjoyed the evening. You can now follow me outside again.â
As if those words had broken the spell between them, Wonwoo withdrew his hand. He heard the other get up. Longing gripped his heart. He didnât want to leave here. He wanted to enjoy the moment even longer. Mingyu didnât know if it was because of the darkness, his feelings, or the moment. But this had been something so intimate. It had been very different from their other encounters. But it didnât help. He stood up and put his hands on Wonwooâs shoulders and followed him and the waiter outside.
It was already dark when they left the restaurant. It wasnât quite as extreme to be able to see again, and Mingyu only blinked a few times. They thanked the waiter and walked away from the entrance. Mingyu wanted to reach for Wonwooâs hand again, but Wonwoo put his hands in his jacket pockets and avoided his gaze.
Did he regret it? Was he ashamed of it? Was it going too fast for him?
Mingyu swallowed the questions. âIâll drive you home,â he said instead.
âWhat? I can take public transport!â Wonwoo still didnât look at him. But he heard uncertainty in his voice. Mingyu smiled. âItâs late. And thatâs how you do it,â he explained. As he added, âOn dates.â, he now turned away. As Mingyu said the words, he realized what it sounded like. He felt his cheeks warm.
âOkay,â he heard Wonwoo say almost tonelessly.
Mingyu nodded and led him to his car. Mingyu held the door open for him and looked Wonwoo in the eyes for the first time again. He expected a comment because he held the door open for him, but Wonwoo said nothing. He looked at Mingyu intently, as if he wanted to find out what Mingyu was up to. Was it really so absurd that Mingyu had feelings for him?
Even on the way to the cat cafe, he felt Wonwooâs gaze on him. They only chatted superficially about the experience. Exceptional experience, good food, great music, blah blah blah. Not a word about what had happened between them. And Mingyu couldnât tell if it came from Wonwoo, him, or both of them.
When he finally turned on the indicator and stopped in front of the cat cafe, Mingyu turned off his car and turned slightly in the seat to face Wonwoo.
âThanks for the ride home, Mingyu.â Wonwoo unbuckled himself and reached for the door. And without thinking, Mingyu stopped him. He put a hand on Wonwooâs thigh and said âWait please.â But he didnât know why he was doing that. He didnât want to think about it, so he acted purely instinctively here.
Wonwoo turned to him and remained seated. When he looked at him questioningly, Mingyu could only think of one thing. He wanted to kiss Wonwoo. He didnât want to let him go. Not after this evening. Not after what happened between them. But Mingyu couldnât get the words out of his mouth.
âJeonghan didnât choose you at random back then. When you first came to our cafe...I had a crush on you, Mingyu.â Wonwoo began and Mingyuâs heart was now pounding in his ears as he heard those words. What?
âAnd maybe I never stopped.â
Wonwoo just confessed that he had feelings for him. Mingyu had...he didnât expect it. His mind was racing at this new knowledge. He opened his mouth when his car showed he was being called. Mingyu glanced at the screen.
Seokmin.
Shit. He had...he had forgotten the other. What Mingyu was doing here wasnât right. Wonwoo deserved better. He deserved more, so much more. Mingyu closed his eyes as he opened his mouth again. âI have a boyfriend, Wonwoo.â He had to break Wonwooâs heart for today so they could start things off right. He couldnât ask him to wait. Because that only came from people who had no intention of ending anything.
When Mingyu opened his eyes again, Wonwoo was still looking at him. He saw the pain in the otherâs eyes. He felt it himself. Wonwoo had expected something different. And Mingyu would have liked to give him a different reaction. But it wasnât fair. Not towards him. And Mingyu had been such a bad boyfriend to Seokmin. He wouldnât cheat on him any further.
âIâm sorry.â Wonwoo continued to look at him as he tried to open the car door behind his back. The sight of it pained Mingyu, but he remained silent and watched as Wonwoo, when he finally made it, stammered a goodbye and got out of the car.
Mingyuâs heart screamed to get out too and follow Wonwoo. But Mingyu couldnât follow him. He had tried to do the right thing and had possibly done everything wrong.
Mingyuâs vacation was incredibly relaxing. He wasnât able to take quite as many pictures as planned since Seokmin changed his plans here and there, but Mingyu could relax. He and Seokmin grew closer. And time flew by. Mingyu was hardly on his phone because he didnât want to be tempted to log into his work email account. But it was okay. To be isolated from everyone. Because Seokmin was there.
It wasnât until Mingyu sent him away alone on Saturday evening, made himself comfortable in bed in their hotel room and called Wonwoo via video chat on his laptop that he realized that he missed his normal life a bit. His friends, his work (yes, Mingyu was a workaholic) and his everyday life.
âHey Mingyu,â Wonwoo greeted him gently. Mingyu could see the sofa in the lounge. Wonwoo seemed to have made himself comfortable there. He looked good. Not tired, not exhausted and not sad anymore. That was good. And when Wonwoo smiled at him, Mingyu realized how much he had missed the other.
âHey,â Mingyu replied.
âYou look refreshed. How is the vacation?â
âRecovering,â Mingyu teased the other. He saw Wonwooâs amused look and began to talk about his experiences in more detail. Mingyu held back from talking too much about Seokmin. He wanted to at least keep him out of this appointment. But Mingyuâs experiences werenât that entertaining and he told Wonwoo about the pictures he had taken and the ones he planned to take.
âI canât wait to see the pictures,â Wonwoo said as Mingyu finished. Wonwoo sat down differently and Mingyu could see a catâs tail.
âIs the lounge already approved for the cats?â Before his vacation, Wonwoo had made sure that the room was locked. There were still too many things lying around and Wonwoo didnât want the cats to get hurt.
âYes, weâre done.â Wonwoo shifted the camera and Mingyu no longer saw his face, but rather Gopchang, who had made herself comfortable on Wonwooâs lap. âGopchang wanted to say hello to you, too.â He heard the smile in Wonwooâs voice. How Mingyu had missed that. It was crazy how much he had grown fond of the other. In just a few months.
âMingyu?â The camera image moved again and Mingyu could see Wonwooâs face again.
âSorry. Iâm a little tired.â Mingyu apologized for his absence. It was true, but Wonwoo didnât need to know the reason why he wasnât here with his mind. âHow are things going at home?â
âOh, Jihoonâs birthday was on Tuesday. We decided to close the cafe in the afternoon and celebrate a bit just for ourselves. Soonyoung gave him something. I think our gifts were nothing compared to that,â Wonwoo said and laughed.
Mingyu remembered Jihoonâs bet. âIs there something going on between the two of them now?â
âNo. Jihoon continues to have a crush on him. I donât think Soonyoung notices.â Wonwoo sighed. Was he still thinking about Seungkwan? âOh well. Iâm curious how much longer. Jihoon has worn the sweater he gave him every day so far. Just donât mention it to him!â
Mingyu put the laptop on the bed and lay sideways and saw the camera.
âJeonghan is acting like he always does. Even if he asked about you.â
âJust because he needs someone to annoy,â Mingyu interrupted him.
âNo. I think he really likes you. Vernon and Chan were here too. Donât worry, things are going well. I should tell you when we talk. Vernon also told me that you havenât contacted them yet. So youâre really going through with the trust thing, huh?â
It was good to hear that things werenât going badly in the office. He had thought about getting in touch once or twice. But Seungcheol was there. And Vernon also knew his way around and would contact him in the worst case scenario. âOf course. I told you I can relax. You just never wanted to believe it.â
âAnd youâre never afraid to rub it in my face, are you?â
Even though they had never actually spoken on the phone or written to each other before, now it was as if they were face to face. Well, at least almost.
âAnd how are you?â Mingyu asked after Wonwoo didnât say anything about himself.
âI miss you,â Wonwoo answered him gently. Without any indication that he meant it as a joke. It was...Mingyu couldnât tear his eyes away from the screen where Wonwoo was looking at him. Until Wonwoo lowered his gaze. What Mingyu would give to be with the other now. Mingyu looked around the room to get away from that thought. His eyes fell on his calendar. There werenât many appointments left. Was Wonwoo worried because he hadnât been able to get access to Mingyuâs calendar yet? He probably still thought that Mingyu didnât want anything to do with him after that. Which was just laughable. âHow long is the appointment on New Yearâs Eve?â he teased, to lighten the mood a bit. âTheoretically, it should end at midnight, right?â
Mingyu looked at the camera. He was just able to catch a glimpse of Wonwoo before he panned the camera. Mingyu saw him stand up and force Gopchang off his lap.
Why did Wonwoo take this so seriously?
âI would definitely have fallen while skating today,â he tried to lighten the mood.
âI think so too,â Wonwoo agreed. And suddenly he saw his face again. Well, this time he said the right thing. When did it become so difficult to talk to Wonwoo?
âWant me to show you the first floor, Mingyu?â
âYes, gladly.â
Mingyu yawned and lay down more comfortably. He looked at the laptop screen. Wonwoo showed him the lounge. This was very comfortably furnished. The sofa, and the two armchairs with reclining function. Of course, lots of cat sleeping options. Shelves with books in them. Wonwoo talked a lot, but Mingyu found it increasingly difficult to listen to him.
When Wonwoo showed him the two smaller quarantine rooms, his eyes kept closing. He couldnât shake himself out of this trance and when Wonwoo entered the office, Mingyu finally fell asleep.
If Mingyu had been awake, he would not only have noticed Wonwoo showing him the now paperless office, but also him going back and noticing that Mingyu had fallen asleep. Mingyu would have seen how his face first showed tenderness and then melancholy. And he would have heard Wonwoo: âI hate Seokmin. Why did you take him with you? It should have been me. You should have taken me with you...why didnât you give me a chance? Just a small chance?â He would have heard Wonwoo sigh. And he would have seen him lie down on the sofa and watch Mingyu sleep. âI miss you so much. But even if you come back here, you wonât be with me. Why did you just come into my life and be so perfect? So insanely perfect.â Mingyu would have heard exactly those words in Wonwooâs gentle voice. But this time there was longing and a bit of sadness in it. He would have seen Wonwoo reach out and touch his screen. And continued to watch him. But Mingyu was sleeping soundly and didnât notice anything.
Mingyu also didnât notice how Seokmin came back and Wonwoo quickly sat up and interrupted his expressions of love.
âDarling?â Seokmin asked, but Mingyu didnât react.
âHe just fell asleep. He must be pretty exhausted. Itâs best to let him sleep.â
Seokminâs gaze focused on the laptop. He glared at Wonwoo. âOh please. Mingyu still needs something to eat. âIâll take care of my boyfriend.â And without saying goodbye, he ended the conversation.
Jihoon loved Soonyoung. He just loved everything about him. Even the fact that he pushed Jihoon away and rejected him didnât weaken his feelings for the other. He loved Soonyoungâs craziness and he loved his serious side. The side that would sink its teeth into something when it was important to him.
That means everything that wasnât Jihoon.
It was humiliating that Soonyoung had pushed him away. In front of all their friends. But Jihoon didnât blame him. Jihoon had kissed him. True, to free him from a curse, but he had kissed him without Soonyoungâs consent. Soonyoung knew Jihoon loved him. That according to Minghao, he felt âtrue loveâ for Soonyoung. And Soonyoung felt nothing for him. It was...Jihoon had to live with it. Somehow.
If only Soonyoung wasnât so different. He had changed so much. Over the last few months (if Jihoon saw him at all), Soonyoung was losing more and more of his carefree attitude. His craziness. Something wasnât right. Or Jihoon wanted to believe something was wrong. Because if it wasnât, it was just Jihoonâs fault. Then Soonyoung had pushed him away much earlier.
âWhat did he confide in you?â Seungkwanâs voice broke the silence.
âI canât say that!â
Jihoon looked up and paid attention to the others again. Seokmin was still sitting on the sofa, holding Vernonâs hand and didnât seem to ever want to let go again. Everyone else had gathered around them. They ignored Jihoon, as if they wanted to give him time to deal with the rejection. Except Seungcheol. He sighed.
âThen Iâll say it. It canât go on like this. Soonyoung did magic. Heâs made some mistakes and something seems to be eating him up. HeâŠhe comes from another time.â
Jihoon paid no attention to Minghao, who frowned thoughtfully. He didnât pay attention to Jeonghan who wanted to silence Seungcheol. He didnât pay attention to Seokminâs shocked face or the others who looked disbelieving. Jihoon only paid attention to Seungcheol. It sounded so crazy. It suited Soonyoung. To the Soonyoung a few months ago. âHe was in a relationship with you, Jihoon. In his time. He made a mistake and wanted you back. I have no idea what went wrong, but he changed his mind.â
He was in a relationship with you, Jihoon.
SoonyoungâŠand himâŠ? Were a couple? HowâŠ? The otherâŠSoonyoung loved Jihoon.
âTime travel. Sure, of course. Oh, I knew something was wrong,â Minghao wondered out loud.
Something had gone wrong. And thatâs why Soonyoung didnât want him anymore. Had Jihoon made a mistake? Is that why he didnât want him anymore?
âJihoon?â
âOkay,â he said. It wasnât like he could do anything about it. Or? His gaze fixed on Minghao. Minghao had helped Seokmin. CouldâŠcould Minghao help him too?
The others reluctantly let him go. Seungcheol in particular was clingy and really wanted to pay attention to him. But Jihoon got rid of him. He didnât go home either. Or to Soonyoung. He drove to Minghaoâs apartment. He had no idea what he was supposed to do. What he hoped to achieve. He just wanted to understand.
It didnât take long for Minghao and Jun to arrive. When they saw him, Minghao broke away from Jun and whispered something to him. Jun nodded. He kissed Minghao and turned around.
âWhat do you want to know?â Minghao asked as he approached. He unlocked the door and entered.
Jihoon followed him silently. What did he want to know? Everything? Nothing? âMagic is real.â
âYes. Listen, I donât know what Soonyoung has done. But if he gives Seokmin expired ingredients, itâs risky. Iâll spy on him. If you want, you can be there.â
Spy on him?
It felt wrong. As if Jihoon was betraying him. Would betray him. But he wanted to understand. So he nodded. âThanks.â
Jihoon followed Minghao into a room he had never been in before. And now he knew why. It was a - what should he call it? Magic room? In the middle there were various cauldrons, most of which had something cooking in them. Ingredients were stored on a shelf to the left and various books were on a shelf to the right. A larger board had been placed under the window and there was a lot of stuff on it that Jihoon couldnât quite see.
He stopped at the door and looked at Minghao. He nodded appreciatively, as Jihoon had done something right. âI just need a moment. It wonât take long. Since when has Soonyoung been acting so strange?â
âAbout six months.â
Of course he knew the answer to that. It was shortly after Jihoon developed feelings for him. A sigh escaped him as he watched Minghao add something to the cauldron. He wasnât interested in this stuff. Even if there was sorcery and magic - Jihoon didnât need anything. He wanted nothing to do with it. All that mattered to him was that Soonyoung went back toâŠânormalâ. He should become Jihoonâs Soonyoung again. Even if it meant Jihoon had to forget his feelings.
âOkay. Iâm done. Are you ready? We travel as some sort of ghost into Soonyoungâs past. All we can do is watch, not touch, talk to, or change anything. Weâre just observers, okay?â
It felt so wrong. He should leave it alone.
âLetâs get started.â
Jihoon was no saint. And when it seemed to be about Soonyoung, especially not.
Minghao reached for Jihoonâs hand. When Jihoon handed it to him, Minghao mumbled a few words. And the next moment it seemed as if they were being sucked into the cauldron.
And what they then experienced was indescribable.
They ended up in Soonyoungâs room. He was sitting hunched over a book and pulling out his hair while trying to attach it to candles. Minghao mumbled something and time ran faster. It was like they were watching a movie. Except they were standing right in it.
Jihoon and Minghao watched as Soonyoung tried many different little spells. âHe didnât reveal the secret of the magic book. And he does everything wrong. How did he get so good?â
Jihoon could see himself. In situations that never happened. He could see how he didnât have time for Soonyoung, how he recognized what Soonyoung was doing and how he invited him to dinner. Jihoon was jealous when the other Jihoon confessed his feelings to Soonyoung. When Soonyoung returned it. As they exchanged caresses. What had Jihoon done that made Soonyoung no longer want this?
His heart clenched painfully as Minghao mumbled something again and the surroundings disappeared before they appeared in Soonyoungâs living room.
They watched as Soonyoung performed magic with Mingyu. While it was important for Minghao that Soonyoung discovered the secret of the magic book like this, Jihoon just wanted to know what he did wrong.
The scene changed again and instead of Mingyu there was Jun. But instead of watching this fast forward, Minghao stopped the spell. Jihoon didnât pressure him into anything. If Jun was his boyfriend, he would probably want to know too.
âIs that your new pet?â
âYeah. Heâs very cute, isnât he?â
Jun showed Soonyoung a frog. Where was Tutu? Jihoon glanced at Minghao. Nothing made any sense here. Everything seemed familiar, but at the same time so strange.
âHowâs it going with Jihoon?â
As soon as his name was mentioned, Jihoon looked back at the two.
âHe rather did something with Seungcheol. They didnât even ask me!â Soonyoung sounded so pouty. Was that the reason? Had he not paid him enough attention? If thatâs true-
âOtherwise, good. He didnât want to officially introduce me to his parents, but I think thatâs coming soon.â
âSo my loneliness has meaning, thatâs good.â
Jihoonâs mind was blank. He tried to figure out what happened from every sentence Soonyoung said.
âI can help you.â, Jihoon heard Soonyoung say as Minghao put his hand on Jihoonâs shoulder. âWeâll find out, donât worry.â Minghao said it at such a volume that Jihoon was afraid the other two would hear and discover them. But they didnât.
Jun took a sip of the drink and turned into a frog. What the�
What happened earlier with Seokmin and Soonyoung was something different. There was something fairytale-like about it. But this?
Minghao made the scene move faster. Although they stood still, they floated with Soonyoung as he drove with Jun as a frog to the magic shop. Minghao watched in normal time, as he kissed Jun as a frog and then made out with Jun as a human (Jihoon averted his gaze) and then they jumped to Soonyoung. And him. How he snapped at Soonyoung when he asked Jihoon for permission to kiss Jun. Oh, if Soonyoung had told him the truth! If only Jihoon had let him finish. Even though it wasnât Jihoon who hit Soonyoung and threw him out of his apartment, he felt incredibly guilty. No wonder Soonyoung didnât want him anymore.
The scene changed again to show Soonyoung in his apartment. How he kissed a frog.
It was disgusting. And yet it amused Jihoon and lifted his spirits. Soonyoung could be such an idiot sometimes. But he was a lovable idiot. Who cared about his friends.
âWhat is he doing?â Minghao asked, stunned. Soonyoung sat over a paper and wrote things down. Magic came in handy because Minghao was able to make it bigger so they could get a good look at it.
Jihoon closed his eyes as he realized what it was. Soonyoung didnât resent Jihoonâs behavior. No. He wanted to apologize. He wanted Jihoon to forgive him.
âI canât do this anymore,â Jihoon whispered. It was too much. He couldnât watch Jihoon, who wasnât him, treat Soonyoung like that. He should have known what Soonyoung was like.
âNo, we have to look at it. He casts a spell over you. Or not you. How did he manage that?â
Minghao was merciful to him because he let the scenes play through fast forward. Every now and then he would stop it if he thought it was something interesting. Like when Soonyoung kissed Seungcheol and it almost broke Jihoonâs heart, or when it turned out that a poltergeist (whatever) had escaped and taken up residence in his best friends (Jihoon had no idea, why Minghao got that from the actions and conversations, but even Soonyoung had no idea). Minghaoâs face became more and more closed.
And then Minghaoâs counterpart came to Soonyoung. Minghao changed the story when his counterpart said that he had changed time. And Jihoonâs expression became more closed off as they looked at what the other had done. He didnât necessarily blame Minghao for doing magic on him (after all, Soonyoung did too and he didnât blame him for it either). It rather bothered him that he wanted to hide everything from Soonyoung. What was the point?
Unfortunately, he felt right, when they watched as Soonyoung started working at Minghaoâs magic shop and his magical urges were at least controlled - but Jihoon saw the scenes with his counterpart clearly. He didnât pay attention to his counterpart, but rather to Soonyoung. How the loving expression in his eyes disappeared. How he became less emotional. How he fell out of love. It broke Jihoonâs heart. But he couldnât blame Soonyoung. The Jihoon that Soonyoung was with wasnât him. He was so different. As soon as Soonyoung made a mistake (all his laundry was pink!), the fake Jihoon didnât care. In theory, it was Soonyoungâs magic. But Soonyoung never thought it would come to this. Jihoon knew that. But the fake Jihoon that Soonyoung was currently holding in his arms? He stared at the opposite wall and didnât care.
It broke Jihoonâs heart again as Soonyoung tried to get the fake Jihoon to react. When he snapped and lied to him. But not because of himself. No, it broke for Soonyoung. How desperate did he have to be? When Soonyoung loved something or someone, he only wanted the best for them. He was not one to hurt the person he loved. That was a quality that Jihoon loved about him.
Finally, Soonyoung was desperate enough and turned to Minghao. And they listened. Jihoon was happy to have something else to focus on.
âAndâŠand what you did? The time travel?â
âNow things get interesting,â he heard Minghao say next to him.
âNo!â said the other Minghao firmly.
âI canât believe he changed my mind.â Minghao sped up the scene. Until Seungcheol hugged Soonyoung.
âStop,â Jihoon interrupted and Minghao obeyed him and let everything go normally. That wasnât right. The two were friends, but not like that. Something had happened. Something that wasnât normal. Jihoon didnât look at the other, almost lifeless, Jihoon, who sat on the sofa and didnât react. His gaze focused on Seungcheol, who had a disgustingly gentle expression on his face. Something was wrong there.
âThe poltergeist!â Soonyoung shouted at that moment.
Seungcheol laughed. âIâm Jeonghan. Donât worry about how or why. Believe me, Seungcheol and Joshua bear with me willingly.â
Jihoon averted his gaze and looked at Minghao. Thatâs what they were looking for, right? He was confirmed when Seungcheol said a little later: âI can help you better with your little problem. And you could help me.â
It didnât matter to Jihoon anymore. He had his answers. He could imagine that Soonyoung had given up at some point. That he thought that he didnât deserve Jihoon anymore. Oh, that idiot. Of course he deserved Jihoon. He deserved only the best.
Jihoon thought about what to say to Soonyoung. How could he destroy these thoughts? Jihoon would forgive him anything. Now that he knew what had happened, anyway.
âJihoon? I think thatâs what you want to see,â Minghao whispered. He didnât sound good. Jihoon opened his eyes. They were in Soonyoungâs bedroom. And he had another man with him. Oh no, why would he want to see that? Jihoon definitely didnât want to see Soonyoung having fun with someone el-
What?
He was too shocked to understand the words the two were saying. He watched helplessly as Soonyoung tied up the other man, who he knew as Jeonghan. The way Soonyoungâs fingers dug into the pillow as he pressed it against Jeonghanâs face. What had Soonyoung done?
Jihoon lost his footing. He sat down on the ground and stared at the scene in disbelief. No words could make this right. Soonyoung would never recover from this. How long ago was that? He tried to remember if and when Soonyoung had shown any different behavior. Was that when he moved? Shit, why was Jihoon so blind and didnât see that something was wrong? He should have forced Soonyoung to talk to him! How much had he let him down? He should have known. He had also known that something was wrong. Damned.
While Jihoon argued with himself, the scene continued. Sometimes faster, sometimes slower.
Seungcheol and Joshua came and Jeonghan came back, too. It passed Jihoon. Although he realized it, his eyes were fixed on Soonyoung. At Soonyoung, who looked like he was about to collapse. If only Jihoon could have helped him! But he had to watch helplessly as the four (according to Minghao) traveled back in time. How Soonyoung tried to make everything right on his own. And became more and more desperate himself. How the Jihoon in the scenes before him didnât understand anything and just accepted it. And what made this Jihoon so much worse â he was him. It was much harder for Jihoon to see him let Soonyoung suffer like that and do nothing about it than to see the emotionless Jihoon, who he hadnât been, treating Soonyoung like that. It was his fault. Soonyoung had every right to push him away.
Minghao ended the spell when they arrived at yesterday and Soonyoung collapsed in Seokminâs arms. Jihoon wiped his eyes and slowly stood up. He had no idea how he could save this. How he could help Soonyoung.
âI have to go back in time,â Minghao stated.
Jihoon turned his gaze to him. He hadnât said much since Soonyoung went back in time. Jihoon didnât know what was going on in Minghao. But he knew that wasnât right.
âNo. You wonât do anything. Thatâs not the solution, Minghao! He makes a mistake and you travel back. Then you make a mistake and he travels back in time. How long is this going to continue?â
âIâll give him a potion that will make him forget the magic and-â
âNo. Thatâs not the solution. We both saw that it was only through Soonyoung that the others came together. What if you make a mistake? Do you want Seungkwan and Chan to fight all the time again? That Seungcheol continues to be blind in his love? No. You do nothing. I...Iâm thinking about it. How we can do this here in our time. Understood?â
Well, he was more emotional than usual. Stricter. Angrier. Jihoon didnât care. He was only satisfied when Minghao nodded. âOkay.â
And even though he had no idea how to do it, Jihoon set to work.
~
It took so much strength for him not to go to Soonyoung and confess to him that he knew everything. That he would help him somehow. But he couldnât go to him. He had to act as Jihoon, who was rejected by Soonyoung. Who was now hurt and heartbroken. Also towards the others. And it gave him the time he needed to plan everything, involve Minghao, and refine his plan.
In the end, Jihoon was happy with the plan. Minghao no longer had anything to object to either. And yet Jihoon couldnât bring himself to start. The hardest part was the beginning. After that everything would become easier. But the beginning?
Jihoon closed his eyes. The idea of Soonyoung suffering made him start. And thus dial Soonyoungâs number.
It took a while for Soonyoung to answer. Jihoon ignored his aching heart. If everything worked, that would change again. Then Soonyoung would answer on the first ring like he used to.
âYes?â
âHeyâŠSoonyoung,â Jihoon began. His heart was pounding in his ears. If Soonyoung didnât agree, the plan was in vain. âI wanted to ask if you could come to my place tonight.â
He heard Soonyoung sigh. That was a no. Soonyoung would say no. âI would cook us something. Please.â
âJihoon, I-â It was a no again.
âYou owe me that, donât you think?â He didnât want to say it. Jihoon didnât want Soonyoung to feel any worse. But he needed a yes.
âI...Iâm so sorry-â
âJust say yes.â, again Jihoon didnât let the other finish. It had never been so hard to convince Soonyoung to do something.
Soonyoung sighed again. âOkay,â he whispered. And Jihoon felt a weight lifted from his heart.
âOkay. 7 p.m. at my place. Be on time.â He hung up before Soonyoung could change his mind.
With shaking fingers, Jihoon wrote to Minghao that today was the day. Today, they would go through with the plan. Getting a thumbs up from Minghao made his heart feel a little lighter. It would be fine. Jihoon just had to think positively.
He spent the day shopping, tidying his apartment because he was so nervous, and cooking. Jihoon finished early. The food wouldnât taste good until Soonyoung showed up. If everything was back to normal and Jihoon told him it was just because he was so nervousâŠSoonyoung would tease him about it. And Jihoon almost wouldnât mind. Jihoon turned off the stove and walked to his door. Soonyoung wouldnât come for a long time, but he needed to distract himself.
But when he looked out the door viewer, he could see Soonyoung. Soonyoung, who was waiting at his door way too early. Who looked like he was debating whether to ring the bell or leave. He really loved Jihoon, right? Jihoonâs heart beat faster again as he reached for the doorknob and slowly opened the door.
When Jihoon faced Soonyoung, he could clearly see the desperate expression on his face. Until Soonyoung tried more than badly to cover it up. âDonât you want to come in?â Jihoon asked. He wanted to pull Soonyoung into his arms and tell him everything would be okay. He wanted to confess his love to him and kiss him. But Soonyoung, as he was now, would push him away again. No, it was no use.
âIâm early,â Soonyoung exclaimed. He seemed as if he couldnât understand the situation.
Jihoon forced a smile, even though he felt like he was going to throw up. âItâs good. The food is ready.â
Soonyoungâs expression became even more desperate. Did he see it as fate? They only had to wait a few more minutes.
Jihoon turned away and pointed inside. âPlease come in.â
When Soonyoung finally entered and Jihoon closed the door behind him, his fingers were shaking. He didnât know what they would do if the plan didnât work.
Soonyoung waited for Jihoon to move, and followed him into the kitchen. Jihoon set the table while Soonyoung stood in the room uncertainly.
They didnât even act like it was a normal meal. As if they were still friends. Lover. Even if they never were in this time. Soonyoung started picking at his food and Jihoon didnât even start eating.
âJihoon, what do-â Soonyoung looked up and paused when he noticed Jihoon wasnât eating.
âI know everything, Soonyoung.â Jihoon adjusted the chopsticks because he had to do something. âI know about magic, about time travel, and about...us.â
Soonyoung stared at him. Shocked. And then it was as if the message got to him. His eyes became watery. Soonyoungâs hand came up to grab Jihoonâs, but he wanted to pull it back. Which is why Jihoon did it for him and linked their hands together. He saw Soonyoungâs gaze drop to their hands. âThen you know why this isnât a good idea. You should stay away from me,â he whispered. And he sounded so broken. How could Jihoon not have noticed it before?
âBecause you love me? Because you did everything to make your friends happy? That you tried to do it right? Why should I stay away from you?â
âButâŠI hurt you, Jihoon. I hurt everyone and put everyone in danger. And I killed someone. You donât know...you canât...I...Iâm a bad person.â Soonyoung wanted to take his hand away, but Jihoon tightened his grip.
âIâve seen everything, Soonyoung. I know how you struggle with it, too. Does a bad person do such things? You are still the man I fell in love with. Who cares about his friends. Who thinks with his heart. You are such a good person that sometimes it almost hurts to see how naive it makes you. I thought I made a mistake. That you didnât want me anymore because of a mistake. I realized too late that the only mistake I made was not push you to talk to me. We could have figured it out together. But itâs not too late, Soonyoung. I...I spoke to Minghao.â Jihoon now released their hands and stood up. He got the magic potion that Minghao had brought him in two small bottles and placed one of the bottles on the table in front of Soonyoung. He held the other in his hands.
âHe brewed us a potion. You will forget everything that has to do with magic.â
A tear rolled down Soonyoungâs cheek as he shook his head. âI canât. Thatâs too easy.â
Jihoon had feared it. âItâs okay to take the easy route. If you agree, Minghao will tell the others to drink the potions too. Seungkwan, Chan, Vernon, Seokmin, Wonwoo, Mingyu and Jun agreed. Seungcheol, Joshua and Jeonghan have no choice, otherwise, Minghao will not allow Jeonghan to continue to walk around freely. Weâll all drink it and go back to how we used to be. And I can finally tell you how much I love you and that I want to be with you. I cooked especially for it.â
âJihoon...â
He couldnât tell what was going on in Soonyoungâs head. He could only hope he said the right thing. This wasnât a superhero movie where the main protagonist had to live with his mistakes. If there was something as crazy as magic, why wouldnât they use it?
âPlease,â Jihoon added.
âAnd what if I start magic again?â
âMinghao will make sure that doesnât happen. He will perform a spell that puts a blockage on you.â
Soonyoung nodded. But he didnât move otherwise. What else could Jihoon say? He put the bottle down in front of him and looked at it for a moment. When he knew what else he could say to Soonyoung, he looked up and at him. âThe last few times have been bad for me. Not because I missed you and you hurt my feelings. I had to watch you suffer and I couldnât help you. I want you to be well Soonyoung. And I know that you will break because of what happened. If you arenât already. I couldnât bear to see you like this. I want you to be well. And if the only way to do it is by simply forgetting what happened, then so be it. Iâm fine with anything as long as I can see you happy again.â
Soonyoung held out his hand again. But this time he didnât hesitate, but reached for Jihoonâs hand. He squeezed it quite tight, as if he needed to support himself. âI donât know what I deserve you for.â
He had won. Jihoon was so relieved. Soonyoung would do it. A relieved laugh escaped him. âI donât know that either. So go ahead, drink. The food is getting cold.â
Soonyoung let out a deep breath. He let go of Jihoonâs hand and took the bottle. âI love you so much, Jihoon. Please never forget that.â And then Soonyoung drank. Once he finished the bottle, Soonyoung closed his eyes.
Jihoon picked up his phone and sent Minghao a thumbs up. The others would now take the potions. And then he deleted the chat with Minghao and anything that would remind him of magic.
âHuh?â Soonyoungâs voice sounded different. So damn different that it brought tears to Jihoonâs eyes again. It sounded like it used to. Carefree. Cheerful.
âAre you back among the living, yes? You were so lost in your thoughts that it wasnât worth talking to you.â Jihoon tried to scold the other person. But at the moment he was so happy with the development that he could act well.
âHuh? Talking to me?â Soonyoung looked at him with big, naive eyes. Oh, Jihoon loved him so much. He couldnât wait to meet the other Soonyoung. The Soonyoung who had been the other Jihoonâs boyfriend. Who loved each other.
âSoonyoung?â
âHm?â
âI have to tell you something. Right now, yes? Please make sure I donât run away from it, okay?â
Jihoon looked into the otherâs eyes as he reached for the bottle. He saw the spark in Soonyoungâs eyes. He had the right guess. Everything would be fine. Jihoon closed his eyes and drained the bottle.
~
Jihoon put down the bottle he had in his hands.
âJihoon, you wanted to confess something to me?â
Oh no. Why had he said that? How should he...how should he confess his love to Soonyoung? He couldnât do that. What if their friendship fell apart? What if Soonyoung didnât like him. Oh no. He-
Soonyoung reached for his hand and squeezed it reassuringly. âThereâs nothing to be afraid of.â
Did he know something? Had anyone else spilled the beans? Jihoon hadnât told anyone about his plan. He didnât know what drove him to invite Soonyoung to an incredibly romantic dinner and confess his love to him. And why had he told him that he wanted to confess something to him? He couldnât talk his way out of it anymore.
Jihoon lowered his gaze. âI love you,â he pressed between his lips.
Soonyoung pulled his hand away. But before Jihoon could think, Soonyoung was behind him and hugged him. âI knew it. Oh Iâm so happy! I dreamed that you were the first to confess. Jihoon, you donât know how happy I am about this!â Soonyoung shouted and hugged Jihoon to him.
A weight fell from his heart. âI love you too,â Soonyoung breathed into his ear, releasing a swarm of butterflies into Jihoon. He leaned back and looked up into Soonyoungâs face. âI love you, Soonyoung,â he repeated, a little more confident this time. âI love you so much.â
Magical Soonyoung - Chapter 6: Seokmin and the poisened potion
Soonyoung tries to make up for his mistakes and change the past. Seokmin is let in on the secret "magic" and also wants Soonyoung's help
Soonyoung loved Jihoon. He just loved everything about him! WellâŠat least the old Jihoon. His Jihoon. And for him, Soonyoung would do anything. Even if it meant killing a person.
~
âAre you really willing to do everything that needs to be done?â Jeonghan looked at him seriously in Seungcheolâs body.
âOf course.â Soonyoung nodded firmly. He would do anything.
âWe need the Spell. Minghao must have the instruction.â
âOh, I know where it is. I can take a photo of it.â, Soonyoung interrupted the other. If he had known that he would have to do it without Minghao, he would have photographed it right then.
âNo. A photo doesnât work with magic books. You have to write it down. And you canât make any mistakes, understand? But itâs good that you know where it is. Next, we need the ingredients. He mustnât notice that youâre taking them, otherwise, he might suspect something.â
Okay, that wasnât really a problem either. He worked in the store and Minghao had already left him alone once. Soonyoung just had to wait until he left him alone again.
âWe also need rosemary, eucalyptus, sage, lilac, cinnamon, myrrh and carnation. I donât want Joshua and Seungcheol to forget me.â Jeonghan stopped and seemed to be talking to Seungcheol.
Even though it was a little strange at first, Soonyoung envied the three of them. Well, at the moment he would probably envy anyone with a happy relationship. But they got along so well. They probably knew everything about each other from Jeonghan being inside Seungcheolâs body. He also wanted to be able to be so carefree with Jihoon again. Soonyoung sighed softly as a giggle escaped Jeonghan. It was so strange to hear that!
âWe need the protection spell. Itâs important. I also want them to cast the spell with us to be on the safe side.â
Soonyoung nodded. He understood. He would do anything to get his Jihoon back. But he wouldnât jeopardize the othersâ relationships. They didnât deserve that.
âAnd then we come to my reward. For helping you.â Jeonghan started and he became more serious. âI need a body.â
Soonyoung blinked. He didnât understand what Jeonghan meant. He had a body after all. Couldnât he control Seungcheolâs or Joshuaâs body the way he wanted?
âMy own body. I want to live, Soonyoung! I was a ghost and trapped for years. This makes it better, but I want to have my own body. How else am I supposed to really enjoy my two lovers?â Despite his joke, Jeonghan remained serious.
A body of his own? How should they do that? He felt ice cold as a thought occurred to him, which Jeonghan confirmed: âYou have to kill someone for me, Soonyoung.â
~
He just had no idea how. Or who. The other points were far too easy. But a murder? He had destroyed everything with his magic. If only he had listened to Jihoon back then! He would somehow have to deal with taking out someone elseâs life. Jeonghan didnât want to do it himself because he wouldnât involve Joshua and Seungcheol. And Soonyoung understood. He totally understood. He also didnât want Jihoon to get involved. Thatâs why he asked Jeonghan for two days. Two days in which he could say goodbye to this Jihoon.
The two days passed far too quickly. Soonyoung tried his best to be the most perfect boyfriend in the world. Jihoon didnât even act weird. It made Soonyoung think about whether he should go through with the plan with Jeonghan. But it was tiring. And he liked teasing Jihoon. Not teasing him that Jihoon got angry. But light teasing that didnât hurt too much. He loved it. And it still wasnât his Jihoon. Although this Jihoon had his advantages. But he would see him in a year. Soonyoung could wait.
He didnât leave Jihoonâs side for the last few hours. They had had sex, and they had made love. For Jihoon, Soonyoung was probably just clingy and horny, but for Soonyoung, it was a goodbye. A farewell to this Jihoon. How else was he supposed to last the year until he could have him again? Soonyoung wanted it to be like it used to be.
When he finally had to leave, Soonyoung hugged Jihoon. He pulled the other tightly to him and buried his face in the otherâs hair.
âGoodbye. See you in a year,â he whispered. It didnât matter if Jihoon heard it or understood it or dismissed it. Soon, he no longer existed.
Before Soonyoung started crying, he left Jihoonâs apartment for the last time. Now it was time to kill someone.
Soonyoung wandered around the area. He had the ingredients and the copied instructions in the car. He still didnât know who or how to do it. How could he kill someone? He looked every person he met in the eye. But he couldnât choose them as victims. What if they had family? A lover who was waiting for them? Was his happiness worth more than their happiness?
It got later and later, and Soonyoung couldnât find anyone who fit. If such a thing even existed. His path led him to a bridge and there he saw the way out. A young man stood on the railing and stared down. Soonyoungâs heart skipped excitedly. That was the solution! It wasnât really murder if the person wanted to die, right? He shouldnât be so happy about it, but Soonyoung quickly and carefully walked toward him. He just had to convince him to do it his way. He should feel bad, but all he could think about was that this was his ticket to the past.
âHey, can I make you a suggestion?â He had no idea how to say something like that. Can I kill you?
âGo away! I wonât change my mind! No one-â
âGood, I didnât want to change your mind, either.â Soonyoung shrugged his shoulders in a decidedly calm manner. Maybe that was exactly what he was supposed to say? âI wanted to make you a suggestion. If you jump down here, it will hurt. And maybe youâll fall so unluckily that you wonât die. I could help you with that.â
The other was silent. Like he seemed to really be thinking about it. Soonyoung got excited. He ignored the guilty conscience. He had to do this. There was no other way out.
âWhat do you suggest instead?â
He really shouldnât be as excited as he felt right now. Soonyoung wasnât keen on killing anyone. Especially not his counterpart, whom he barely knew. He didnât want to think about his bereaved. Would this time continue here? Would he be gone forever and they would never know what happened to him? No...Soonyoung wasnât allowed to think about it! The other was his chance to be with Jihoon again.
âIâm suffocating you. It happens quickly and you lose consciousness.â
âSorry, Iâm not into men.â
Pah! What did he think of Soonyoung? Soonyoung was loyal to Jihoon! Well, except for the kiss thing with Seungcheol, but that was Jeonghanâs fault! It was absolutely not Soonyoungâs fault and thatâs why he hadnât cheated...right? Soonyoung definitely wouldnât want to have sex with the other guy!
âI just want to kill you. Nothing else.â
The other one seemed amused? Soonyoung doubted his mental state a little - but thatâs probably what he thought of Soonyoung, too.
âSo you want to try what itâs like to kill someone? Do you at least have a good plan after that? I want them to know that I wanted to die. I donât want to be mourned as a victim.â
Soonyoung shuddered slightly. It wasâŠnot very nice. He wouldnât want the other guy dead if it wasnât for Jihoon. He didnât want to kill him, either. The knowledge that he was responsible for the suffering of others was horrible. But he nodded. âNo one will find your body,â he promised. At least Jeonghan lived on in the other one. At least as he understood it.
âOkay, then lead me to the place of my death, stranger.â
He was strange. But Soonyoung was fine with not having to violently kill someone. That would make it easier. He hoped.
On the way to his apartment, he texted Jeonghan that he and the others could come in an hour. When they got to his apartment, Soonyoung wanted to lead the other into his bedroom, but he had such fond memories with Jihoon there. He didnât want to ruin it with something like that.
âYou should tie me up. Iâve heard that the body fights back and the survival instinct kicks in. Unless youâre into that kind of thing, of course.â
Soonyoung swallowed. He wasnât prepared for it. Not at all!
With shaking hands, he tied the other man to his bed. He would do it. He did this for Jihoon. So they could be together again.
âThank you,â he whispered before sitting on the otherâs chest. He groaned, but Soonyoung didnât have to pay any attention. After all, he had something much worse planned. He thought deeply of Jihoon as he took the pillow and pressed it on the otherâs face. When he opened his eyes after a while and began to pull at the restraints, Soonyoung closed his eyes. Inwardly he just repeated, âIâm doing the right thing.â Again and again.
It didnât take long. At least not according to the clock. But it felt like forever. Soonyoung had squeezed longer to be on the safe side. He recited in his head every little thing he loved about Jihoon. Every memory that was dear to him. Just to get through this cruelty. And when Soonyoung was sure that the other was dead, he let go and opened his eyes.
As soon as he saw the other person, he felt sick. Soonyoung quickly got up and rushed to the bathroom, where he vomited. He had killed a person! Even if it was the right thing and the other person had agreed, Soonyoung had done something terrible. He sank to the floor and began to sob.
He didnât know how long he sat there mourning the other. He didnât even know his name. Soonyoung only stopped when the doorbell rang. He just hoped it was really Jeonghan and the others. What was he supposed to do when it was someone else?
Soonyoung stood up heavily and dragged himself to the door. He felt tired. So incredibly tired. He wanted the year to go by quickly, and he could finally be in Jihoonâs arms again. How much he missed the other!
When Soonyoung opened the door, it was little consolation that Joshua and Seungcheol were actually standing at his door. He didnât know which of the two was Jeonghan, and he didnât care.
âIn the bedroom,â he managed.
Joshua nodded and Seungcheolâs eyes turned worried. âAre you okay?â he asked and Soonyoung shrugged his shoulders. He wouldnât complain. He had decided to do it. Soonyoung couldnât break down now. Not now when it was about something so important.
âIf you want to talk, weâre here,â Joshua began and Soonyoung turned his gaze to him. He seemed different. Was Jeonghan out of him? Soonyoung felt sick again as he thought about what this meant. âCome with me,â he tried to distract himself and led both of them into the living room. To keep himself occupied, he took out his magic supplies and spread them out on his table.
âItâs good to have my own body again.â
Soonyoung froze at the sound of the voice. He knew what Jeonghan was planning. But just a few minutes ago, he had robbed that voice of the strength to ever speak again. He swallowed several times before he felt ready to turn to the dead manâs voice. And he wasnât.
Tears welled up in his eyes. He felt so bad. As if he was about to throw up again.
âWell, how do you like me? Soonyoung really did a good job, didnât he?â
He didnât want to hear that. He had killed someone. A person. What was good work about it? He had ended a life!
âSoonyoung?â
Soonyoung was still staring at the dead man. You couldnât tell he was dead. His skin didnât appear bluish. There was no sign of the shackles on his wrists and no signs of how violently he had fought back. Nothing.
âI spoke to his ghost before he disappeared. Heâs not mad at you, Soonyoung. You donât have to blame yourself. Iâm really impressed with how you handled this. You will be a great magician.â The dead man came towards him. No. He had to stop thinking like that. Jeonghan. Jeonghan came towards him. Could he believe him? Had he spoken to the other person? Soonyoung shook his head slightly. It wasnât the time for that. He had to go to Jihoon!
âLetâs get started, please.â
The time travel spell was complicated. Not only was there a potion involved that Soonyoung was taking care of, but also three different colored candles for Joshua to keep an eye on. Seungcheol took care of the herbs by mixing them together and drawing a mark on each personâs forehead. And Jeonghan looked over the instructions, keeping an eye on everything and drilling the words for the spell into their heads.
The potion bubbled in the center of the nine candles. It had turned a soft purple. Soonyoung had never seen this color in a potion before, but he trusted Jeonghan completely.
âNow letâs all hold hands. We have to recite the words of the spell together. 3 times. Then we take a sip and the spell should begin to work. Just close your eyes. It will be best because otherwise you will feel a little dizzy. We will arrive at the place where we were at this point almost a year ago. No matter what you do. Stop this activity and we will meet again in Soonyoungâs apartment. It is important, otherwise you will lose your memory of your current life. Understood?â
Wouldnât it be better to lose your memory?
No. He couldnât be so cowardly and run away from his actions. Besides, he would never be able to stop Minghao and let everything go back to the way it was before. That just didnât work. So he nodded.
Soonyoung focused on the instructions Jeonghan had placed next to the potion, and as they all joined hands, he repeated the words Jeonghan had taught them. With the sound of the last word of the third repeat, he closed his eyes. He felt the ground start to move. Or at least thatâs what he thought. He felt Jeonghan and Joshuaâs hands slip from his, but Soonyoung kept his eyes tightly closed. He was feeling sick enough.
Only when he felt that everything was calm again did he carefully open his eyes. Soonyoung was still in his apartment. Had the magic worked? Soonyoung couldnât spot the others, but what if they had made a mistake? But the magic things were gone. The cauldron, the ingredients, the candles, everything! It had worked, right? He was just about to make his way to his bedroom to see if there were any traces of the dead man when he received a message.
Soonyoung pulled out his phone with shaky fingers. He stared at the date for a moment. It worked. It was 2021 again. They had done it. Everything would be okay! Soonyoung closed his eyes happily. It was worth it. He could do everything right. And then he would never do magic again! The magic had taken too much away from him. Jihoon had been right. It was all too dangerous. Once everything was back to the way it should be, he would throw it all away. He would never, ever risk losing Jihoon again!
Soonyoung opened his eyes again after promising himself and looked at the message preview. Jihoon!
He unlocked his phone and pulled up the message.
Weâre meeting today, right?
His heart was beating fast. So crazy fast. He wasnât ready. Unwilling to face Jihoon and see if the spell had really worked, or if the Jihoon here was also cursed by the forgiveness spell. He wasnât ready to face him and had to hold back. They werenât together at that time. Could he hold back? Argh, he had to. How else was everything supposed to be the way it was? What had he written to Jihoon back then? He didnât remember anything. ButâŠhow would he answer Jihoon to a question like that? His fingers moved of their own accord and as he sent the message without hesitation, he stared at it. Did that sound like him? Like the Soonyoung a year ago?
Of course~ I canât wait to see you.
Was this the Soonyoung a year ago or the Soonyoung he was now?
When the doorbell rang, he jumped and dropped his phone in shock. His first thought was the police. They had noticed the murder! Only after a few seconds of shock, when the doorbell rang again, did his thoughts become clearer. No. He had never murdered during this time. They couldnât arrest him.
Nevertheless, Soonyoung hesitated until he finally went to the door and opened it. Jeonghan. He hoped.
âAre Seungcheol and Joshua here yet? I bought the necessary materials. To be on the safe side, also a cauldron.â
He was it. This calmed Soonyoung incredibly.
âNo, youâre the first.â Soonyoung led Jeonghan into his living room. âWhat aboutâŠwithâŠâ He trailed off.
âThe person you killed? His soul is not here. In the future, I was some kind of zombie in his body. I couldnât have held him long before the body rotted. Because of the protective spells, his soul didnât go back with him. This body is alive and belongs to me. Thank you for that, Soonyoung.â
So Soonyoung had actually ended a life. He tried to suppress his guilty conscience. The other guy wanted it that way, right?â
âThe good thing is that he has crazy problems with his family. It wonât be noticed if I cut off contact with them and change my name. Anyway, I discussed with Shua and Cheol that we will move in together, so no one will find this body again.â
It was shocking how casually Jeonghan said that. But Soonyoung didnât want to think about whether it was the right thing to do.
âJihoon wrote to me,â he tried to distract himself.
Jeonghan grinned at him. âCanât wait to see him again, huh? But remember, you have to stop Minghao from meeting Jun. Otherwise, everything will start all over again.â
Could he really deprive Jun of his happiness in love? Soonyoung wanted to be happy with Jihoon again...but not at the price of the othersâ relationships! He would prevent the premature meeting...but he would have to bring them back together. He owed Jun that! Luckily, he had almost a year to think about how to do this without Minghao becoming suspicious.
It didnât take long until Joshua, and shortly afterward Seungcheol rang his doorbell. âI had to leave work early!â Seungcheol complained. âI hope I donât get in trouble for this. I said it was a family emergency, but I donât know if they believe that.â
âWeâll manage,â Jeonghan reassured him and kissed Seungcheol. For him, it seemed completely normal to kiss a stranger. Sure, it was Jeonghan, but not his body.
âLetâs get started.â Jeonghan broke away from the other and gave instructions again. Soonyoung chopped the ingredients and the others took turns stirring the potion. Soonyoung added the ingredients as instructed and after it turned a bright yellow, everyone took a sip. Soonyoung felt nothing.
âI donât feel anything. Are you sure the potion works?â Joshua asked skeptically.
But Jeonghan nodded. âAbsolutely. Iâm a master of magic, donât forget that. We wonât lose our memories. And we shouldnât talk about it with others. Weâll each go our own ways now and not talk about it anymore, okay?â
Soonyoung had no choice but to nod. And when the others left and Jeonghan took the magic things back with him, his life was as it used to be. He was the Soonyoung who was head over heels in love with Jihoon and had no idea how to get a confession out of the other.
Before he forgot everything that had happened the last few weeks, Soonyoung sat down and wrote everything down. He made a schedule, took notes, and wrote down every bit of information he still knew. He would approach this the way Jihoon approached things. Planned and thought out. When Soonyoung couldnât think of anything else, he looked at his to-do list:
1. Prevent Minghao and Junâs premature meeting
2. Find out if Jihoon is still under any spells
3. Bring Mingyu and Wonwoo together
4. Bring Seungkwan and Chan together
5. Bring Minghao and Jun together without Minghao finding out about me
6. Finally get Jihoon
He hesitantly wrote on the list:
7. Change apartments
Even though this didnât happen a year ago, he couldnât stay in this apartment. It did not work. He couldnât imagine going into his bedroom at the moment. At the place where he committed the murder. Soonyoung shuddered. No, he had to get out of here.
It was time to get right to the first point. Operation preventing Minghao and Junâs premature meeting could begin.
As far as Soonyoung knew, Minghao had hit on Jun in a cafe. Tomorrow. So he just had to keep Jun away from any cafes. That wasnât a problem. But the question was, and Soonyoung was incredibly proud of himself for thinking about it, whether Minghao already knew about Jun or not? Would he give up after tomorrow or would he try again? Soonyoung liked Jun, but he didnât think they could meet every day to prevent this. What if this bothered Jihoon? No, that wouldnât be a good solution. He didnât want Jihoon to get jealous and mess up their predetermined schedule. No, that didnât work.
Soonyoung thought and thought. And finally, he came up with an idea that Minghao lost interest in Jun. He would just give Jun a love potion. One like the one he had given Chan. He knew what he needed and the potion wore off after 24 hours. Soonyoung just needed a suitable victim... But first he had to get Jun to spend the day with him. He dialed his number.
âHello Soonyoung,â the other greeted him.
âHey Jun! Do you know what I was thinking? We havenât done anything together for a long time. What do you think about spending the day together tomorrow and doing a little shopping?â Soonyoung immediately blurted out his request.
âTomorrow? I actually have plans with Vernon. But if you want, you can come with us.â
Vernon? Soonyoung wondered if he would hinder his plan - but Vernon was the perfect victim! He would simply give them both a love potion so that they would be madly in love with each other for 24 hours and Minghao would see that and give up on Jun. And since he wasnât protected this time, his memory of the future would fade. It was perfect!
âSoonyoung?â
Oh crap. Jun was still on the phone. âSorry, I was distracted. No, that sounds perfect. Iâll pick you up tomorrow,â he announced happily and hung up. He urgently needed to get the ingredients for the love potion! Luckily, he knew where to get the ingredients without having to go to Minghaoâs shop.
On the way back to his apartment, he got a call. From Jihoon! His heart jumped when he read the name.
âHeyâ He was just able to stop himself from saying âbabyâ. Shit, he had to be more careful!
âWhere are you?â
âHuh?â
âWe wanted to meet? Have you forgotten me?â Jihoon tried to sound matter-of-fact. But Soonyoung could hear the slightly annoyed undertone. Annoyed! Jihoon was annoyed! Because of him! Was there anything more beautiful?
The grin couldnât be kept off his face. Jihoon was angry with him. Annoyed, no matter what, as long as it was a negative feeling. It had worked! Everything would be fine.
âKwon Soonyoung!â the other one scolded, and Soonyoung turned his attention back to the annoyed Jihoon. âIf you donât have time for me, just say so.â
âI always have time for you. Iâm on my way. Wait for me a little longer. But please tell me again where we want to meet?â
Jihoonâs sigh was like angel bells in his ears. Jihoon was annoyed with him!
âIf youâre not at the cinema in 10 minutes, weâll miss the film.â
The cinema? He didnât think he could do it. Soonyoung started running. âIâll be there as quickly as possible.â Sure, he wanted Jihoon to be mad at him. But not because of something like that!
In the end, he didnât make it in time. Jihoon stood in front of the cinema with his arms crossed and when he saw Soonyoung, he just looked at him silently. Soonyoung had tried everything! He was completely out of breath and couldnât even apologize to the other. But the way Jihoon looked at him was worth it. It was no longer a blank expression. No emotionless look. It was his Jihoon. The Jihoon he had endured so much for. Before Soonyoung could catch his breath, he hugged the other.
As if sensing something was different, Jihoon didnât resist but stood motionless as Soonyoung hugged him. As he slowly regained his breath, Soonyoung whispered, âI missed you so much.â He didnât care if Jihoon heard it or not. Soonyoung often did âweird thingsâ like that and Jihoon wouldnât mind it. He finally had his Jihoon back!
With a heavy heart, he had to say goodbye to Jihoon again after a few hours (they drove to another cinema to see the movie). His heart ached as the other turned to leave without a hug. It would be harder to act ânormalâ than Soonyoung had thought. But he had to get the love potion ready for Jun and Vernon. As he looked at it and the pink slowly turned to the real pink, he felt melancholy again. This Jihoon didnât have pink underwear. He would miss it a little. Would Soonyoung still be that good with the love potions? Or would he forget which color was the right one? If the color faded any further, the potion would become ineffective. But now he still knew. Maybe he should keep practicing this year so he wonât completely fail next year. Soonyoung filled the potions. He would put these in two teas for the two tomorrow, and then they would have to drink them.
Soonyoung didnât dare go to his bedroom and slept on the sofa. He was a little exhausted the next morning, but he was looking forward to the day. A little. He couldnât let Minghao approach Jun and Minghao couldnât get suspicious!
Soonyoung prepared tea and filled the love potion in. He filled this tea-love potion mixture into two cups to go and then drove to Jun and Vernonâs apartment.
âGood morning,â he happily greeted Vernon, who opened the door for him.
âGood morning Soonyoung.â
âTea? I brought you some.â He just had to make sure they were looking at each other and not at him. He didnât really want to experience that.
âYes, sure. Thank you.â Vernon took a cup from him and Soonyoung quickly scurried past him into the kitchen. He found Jun there and offered him the other tea. âI just have to go to the toilet, then Iâll be ready.â
Soonyoung hurried out of the kitchen, where Vernon went to. He went to the toilet normally, opened and closed the door, and then sneaked back. He didnât dare look around the corner. But he listened. It just had to work! Maybe he should find some sort of camouflage or invisibility spell for his next plans. Even if there was a voice in the back of his mind telling him not to. Magic was too dangerous. What if he never became visible again?
âWhy canât we just stay here? Weâre going to get rid of Soonyoung and-â Jun started. Soonyoung should be offended because they wanted to get rid of him. But he spoke exactly as he had heard Chan on the phone. Would hear. Whatever.
âWhat are you talking about?â Vernon fell silent and Soonyoung waited anxiously. Was he looking at Jun too now? Why didnât anyone say anything? He didnât want to see around the corner. But when he still didnât hear anything, he did it. And pah! The two stood in the kitchen and made out with each other.
âHey, Iâm done, we can go.â
Suddenly, the two of them pulled apart. Good. The potion worked, but they were still sane. When he looked at the two of them, he felt guilty for a moment. Would that destroy their friendship with each other? But there was something good about it. Jun would have someone and wouldnât get lonely and Vernon wasnât in a relationship right now either. They could handle it, right?
âSoonyoung...can we skip this today?â Vernon started and Jun grabbed his hand and nodded.
âNo, we canât. You promised me a day of shopping. Letâs go.â Soonyoung grabbed Vernonâs free hand and pulled him towards the exit.
It was very tiring traveling with a couple on love potions. Exhausting and incredibly lonely. The two clung to each other the whole time. Kissed each other, held hands, or whispered sweet words to each other. Well, it was Soonyoungâs fault. But he only did it for everyone else. Minghao was not allowed to join their friend group at this time. It would destroy too much. He had to endure it.
âLetâs go to the cafe,â he suggested. It was just that the two of them were so busy with each other that they didnât notice that they were just hanging out in random cafes all day. Or it was just fine with them because they could snog with each other. And finally, in the fifth cafe, he saw him. Minghao.
Soonyoung tried not to look at him or give himself away. He looked for a table nearby and the other two followed him. Soonyoung ordered cake for everyone and the lovestruck Jun fed Vernon. Very nice. Soonyoung pretended to look around the cafe and saw Minghao standing up. With his heart pounding, he waited to see if he would come to their table. But he was lucky and Minghao left the cafe. He had done it! Everything would be okay!
That one year passed quickly. Way too fast for Soonyoungâs liking. And everything went wrong.
The friendship between Jun and Vernon hadnât really survived the love potion, and Jun had moved into his own apartment. He had a cat and didnât seem lonely at all anymore. Vernon had a new roommate. But it wasnât Seungkwan, but Seokmin. Seokmin hadnât been in their friend group in the old time loop. But he matched them and he was also really nice and Soonyoung got along wonderfully with him - but he wasnât right. How would he ever get Seungkwan and Chan together like that?
Soonyoung had moved. He had found an apartment near Jihoon, but the nightmares wouldnât leave him. And it wasnât just the nightmares. Soonyoung felt bad whenever he met Jun or Vernon. He had not only destroyed Jihoonâs old self, but also the friendship between them. Soonyoung had ended a human life. He had made so many mistakes. All because of the magic.
The only small consolation was Seungcheol, Joshua, and Jeonghan. The three fit together wonderfully. For them, Soonyoungâs mistakes had something good. But otherwise? No. He should never have started magic. Soonyoung would make up for his mistakes and then never do even a little bit of magic again. There would be no more spells, potions, or incantations. Absolutely nothing more. But first, it was Mingyu and Wonwooâs turn. Soonyoung knew that he should actually focus on Jihoon first...but he didnât feel ready at the moment. Not until the other stuff was made right. He couldnât face Jihoon like that. He had to make everything right first. And what difference did it make in which month they got together? He just had to do his best.
Of course, it hurt when the day they got together went by and nothing happened. The time before, when Soonyoung had tried out the magic spells, he had stayed away from Jihoon this time. There were no meetings, no dinners, and no confessions. Soonyoung had grown to hate himself so much that he had taken up magic. He also withdrew from Jihoon over the next two weeks. Jihoon had been writing to him every day for a few days, but Soonyoung couldnât face him. He was such a loser. He hadnât accomplished anything and had only made things worse. Jihoon deserved better. Someone better.
Soonyoung longed for the day Mingyu came to him with heartache. It was a step in the right direction. After that, there would only be two more steps left on his to-do list before he could devote himself to Jihoon. He missed him so much. But Mingyu didnât come.
He didnât come that day, exactly 14 days after Soonyoung should have gotten together with Jihoon, and he didnât come the following day either. Or the one after that. What had changed? Where was Mingyu? Without further ado, Soonyoung decided to visit him himself. Mingyu and Wonwoo still lived together. At least that hadnât changed.
When Soonyoung rang the bell and Wonwoo opened the door for him, he didnât look like one of his closest friends had just confessed his love for him.
âHey Wonwoo. I wanted to visit you.â Soonyoung tried to make his voice sound happy and as usual, but he knew that he couldnât do that anymore. He himself had changed in the last year.
âMingyu isnât here. But I donât have anything planned. Come in.â
Damn. What if Mingyu was on his way to see him? Should he go again?
âWhere is Mingyu?â
Wonwooâs expression didnât change in the slightest as he said the next words. It didnât look like it bothered him much. âMingyu has a date.â
Damned.
Since Wonwoo would get suspicious, Soonyoung had stayed there for a few hours. But he wasnât paying attention. Where had he gone wrong with Mingyu? Why was he on a date? Why didnât Wonwoo care? They were so happy! In the first timeline and the second that Minghao had created. They couldnât give up! Soonyoung didnât know how, but he had to fix it. He just had to do it!
Only too late did he realize where he had gone. Where he always went when he was feeling bad and didnât know what to do. To Jihoon. Soonyoung stared at his door. He couldnât drag him into this. Soonyoung would make things worse. He was not allowed to. He turned around with a heavy heart, even though he would love nothing more than to be with Jihoon. And at that moment he got a message.
Donât you finally want to ring the bell?
Jihoon had noticed him. Soonyoung pressed his lips together. He couldnât drag him into this. Jihoon didnât deserve this. But he couldnât leave now either. Would it hurt the other? And it would be the first time theyâd seen each other since they-
âIs everything okay with you?â Jihoonâs voice came from behind his back. And the worry inside it drove Soonyoung to tears. He turned around and walked towards Jihoon. He looked up at Soonyoung worriedly. Jihoon opened his mouth to say something, but Soonyoung beat him to it: âCan I hold you, Jihoon?â He didnât care that they were in public. Because when Jihoon nodded, Soonyoung came closer and hugged him. Soonyoung closed his eyes. He wouldnât drag Jihoon into this, but he would get some strength from the other. From his Jihoon.
Jihoon didnât let him go. He cooked food for them and that made Soonyoung even more desperate. It reminded him far too much of their actual get-together. He picked at his food and couldnât really eat anything. Jihoon didnât pressure him into anything. Soonyoung loved him more and more.
âWhy doesnât Mingyu confess his love for Wonwoo?â Soonyoung asked suddenly. He looked up and noticed Jihoon looking at him with wide eyes.
âWhat?â
âMingyu loves him, after all. Why doesnât he just confess to him?â
Jihoon put down his chopsticks. Was the other shaking? Why?
âItâs not that easy to confess your feelings to a friend,â Jihoon answered him. And then Soonyoung realized it. Did Jihoon think he had figured him out? Of course, he saw that Jihoon had started to have a crush on him in the last few months. It was obvious, and he didnât understand how he hadnât noticed it the last time. But he would never trick him like that. Not his Jihoon!
âIt can destroy a lot. If the other person - if Wonwoo doesnât love him back, then it destroys their friendship. Look at Jun and Vernon. To this day they still canât talk to each other without things getting weird. It is better to suppress your feelings than to lose the other person.â
DidâŠJihoon think that about him? Was that why he only confessed his love to him back then after he was sure that Soonyoung loved him too? Because Soonyoung had used love spells on him?
âBut Wonwoo loves him too,â Soonyoung interjected weakly. Because he didnât want to think about himself and Jihoon.
Jihoon looked at him, amused. âIf it wasnât so complicated, it would be easy. Thereâs so much that can be misinterpreted.â
Good. So all he had to do was get them to talk to each other. Should he do this with a love spell? No. Jihoon was right that he had destroyed Vernon and Junâs relationship. He couldnât risk that. What if they dismissed it as the influence of the love spell?
A truth potion, like Mingyuâs back then? But then he would have to be there and it wouldnât be a sweet love story anymore. No, that didnât work.
The transformation potion! His actual plan! That was it. He would turn Mingyu into a cat (too bad he couldnât get him to dye his hair again) and would take him to Wonwoo. He would only tell Mingyu how to lift the transformation when he was a cat and Mingyu had to kiss Wonwoo. And then they would talk to each other. Hopefully.
In a better mood, he sat up straighter. âThatâs why I like being with you, Ji. You helped me so much.â Soonyoung concentrated on his food, ignoring Jihoonâs still worried looks.
It wasnât difficult to lure Mingyu to him. Soonyoung had previously brewed the potion alone. Meanwhile, he decided not to tell Mingyu about the transformation. What if he was against it? Soonyoung would have to outsmart him. It was easier this way. Because if it was really like Jihoon said, then he wouldnât admit that he liked Wonwoo. Soonyoung didnât understand what was different. Surely he hadnât changed the timeline of the two of them? What was-
Jihoon and Soonyoung.
Soonyoung paused as the thought occurred to him. They were different. They werenât a couple, but still friends. Had old Mingyu only gathered his courage because they dared a relationship? Oh Mingyu...
Soonyoungâs mind was racing. On the one hand, there were Seungcheol and Joshua, who were also first friends and then a couple. And Mingyu was good friends with them. But no one noticed how they got together. Because it didnât happen in the current timeline, but in the old timeline. And there was Jeonghan. It wasnât a âthey were friends and now theyâre loversâ story. Not the one Mingyu needed. Not the ones that Jihoon and him were. Had been. Argh!
It touched him that Mingyu only dared to do it back then because Soonyoung had tried it with Jihoon. Mingyu took him as a role model! He would rub that in his face...if he knew everything about it.
Soonyoung jumped as what was probably Mingyu rang the doorbell. Damned. He couldnât go through with his actual plan. But what should he do instead? He had the potion; he had Mingyu, but he didnât know how to get anyone to do anything.
Nevertheless, Soonyoung went to the door and let Mingyu in. The tea, with the transformation potion, was on the table and ready to be served. But Soonyoung chatted with Mingyu about everything and tried to come up with a plan. But he came up with nothing.
âWonwoo told me you were on a date,â he finally moved on to another topic. At some point Mingyu would want to leave. And Soonyoung had no idea how to stop him.
âOh, right.â Mingyu didnât seem particularly happy to talk about this topic.
âDidnât it go well?â Soonyoung did his best to sound genuinely worried. It would have been a catastrophe if things had gone wonderfully.
âHm? No. Itâs all ok. Itâs justâŠâ Mingyu trailed off.
âIt wasnât Wonwoo, right?â Screw any plan. Soonyoung would improvise. He was good at that. He was damn good at it.
Mingyu confirmed this as he looked up in panic. âWhat? How? What do you mean?â he stammered and Soonyoung leaned back.
âEveryone can see that you like him.â It hadnât been that obvious. Back in the old timeline, he had no idea. âAnd also that Wonwoo likes you,â he added and lied again. He had no idea if Wonwoo liked him. Old Wonwoo had to rethink the matter. The current Wonwoo? No idea.
âWhat?â Mingyu looked at him as if he was overwhelmed.
âHe didnât look so happy when he told me you were on a date yesterday. Heâs jealous, Mingyu. Why are you even going on a date if you love him, huh?â
âHe was jealous?â Mingyu breathed. He seemed too lost in his thoughts at the moment. But then he ruffled his hair. âItâs much more complicated than that, Soonyoung,â Mingyu complained. âWe are friends. We live together. What if it doesnât work? What if any of us underestimate our feelings and things go wrong? I donât want to lose him. Iâd rather wait until the feelings go away. Itâs easier this way.â
âEasier? Since when did you take the easier route? Itâs wonderful to be with a friend. You all know your bad sides about each other. There is nothing to hide or hope that the other person cannot accept it. You know each other and you still love each other. Mingyu, this is the best thing that can happen. Not having to keep secrets from each other. You already have a past.â
âAnd what about Jun and Vernon? I donât want to end up like this with Wonwoo.â Mingyu interrupted him.
Shit.
This was Soonyoungâs fault. But he couldnât tell Mingyu that. That the two of them were just under a love spell. âIt went wrong for both of them, yes,â he said slowly, desperately trying to think of a counterargument. âBut they donât fit together as well as the two of you either. Wasnât it the case that they jumped into it too early? When they werenât really aware of their feelings yet?â Soonyoung continued to lie.
Mingyu looked at him doubtfully.
âDo you know what I read? If you drink a cup of black tea on a full moon night and make a wish over a red candle, it will come true. It just so happens that today is a full moon.â It wasnât, but Soonyoung hoped he was convincing Mingyu.
âAnd thatâs supposed to do what? As if something like that would work.â
âThen we can test it out. Wait, Iâll get a candle.â It wasnât a magic spell. It was just something Soonyoung made up. So it wouldnât do any harm.
âDo you have something you wish for?â Mingyu asked when Soonyoung came back and lit the candle. Soonyoung thought about Jihoon. âYes. I have.â He couldnât stop his voice from sounding sad.
âOkay, letâs test it out. Do you have any black tea?â It didnât go unnoticed by Soonyoung that Mingyu was now more enthusiastic about the matter. Well, then his longing for Jihoon was good. He nodded and poured them both the tea with the potion.
âAnd if that doesnât work, weâll get Wonwoo a cute red kitten and try woo him with it, right?â he jokingly tried to direct Mingyuâs thoughts towards a kitten. Oh, it just had to work!
Mingyu drank the tea in one go. Soonyoung watched him close his eyes and move his lips. And suddenly began to transform. Shortly afterwards, a little red kitten sat on his sofa.
Mingyu didnât have to dye his hair orange.
It was the first thing that came to his mind. âOh Mingyu, what did you wish for?â; he asked after a few minutes. The Mingyu kitten meowed a few times and spun around. Perfect. Now all he had to do was get Wonwoo to admit his feelings. âI have an idea, Mingyu. Iâll take you to Wonwoo and heâll take care of you, okay? Youâll definitely change back.â
Mingyu meowed, but Soonyoung had no idea if it was something affirmative or not. As he picked Mingyu up and left his apartment, he set his alarm. Not that Mingyu remained a cat forever. Oh no, Soonyoung had really learned.
Luckily, Wonwoo was home. Otherwise, Soonyoung would have had to kiss the other one. No thanks. Soonyoung held the Mingyu kitten out to him as Wonwoo opened the door.
âUm hello?â
âWonwoo, I need your help. I found the poor little kitten here. I donât think it has a home.â Soonyoung deliberately made his voice sound sad. But it was a cat. Of course Wonwoo would jump at it.
âYou should take it to the animal shelter. I canât just take in a cat here, Soonyoung. I have to clear this with Mingyu and the landlord and-â
âMingyu wonât mind. Heâs gone all day and night. He has a date,â Soonyoung interrupted. Damn. It wasnât until he thought about it that he realized it probably wasnât a good idea. Saying that Mingyu went on a date again and it lasted through the night.
âOh. Again?â
Huh? Huh???? He could see that Wonwoo was bothered by it now? What happened? But that was perfect! He pushed the Mingyu kitten into Wonwooâs hands. âSorry, I have to go to Jihoon. âHave a lot of fun together,â he grinned and hurried away.
Despite the excuse, he didnât go to Jihoonâs but instead went home. Mingyu and Wonwoo were done. Now he had to think of something for the others. He had no idea what he could do for Jun, so Soonyoung started brewing the two love potions for Seungkwan and Chan. The normal one for Chan was easy. But the one for Seungkwan took longer and when Soonyoung was finished, he had two messages on his phone.
Why are you telling Wonwoo you would come to me? Did something happen or why arenât you coming? Iâm worried about you.
His heart beat faster as he read the message from Jihoon. Shit, of course Wonwoo and Jihoon were talking. Wonwoo had definitely complained about him. Was Jihoon hoping he would come over?
Sorry, something came up. Iâll come back to you soon <3
He saw Jihoon open the chat. But he didnât write anything. And yet he stayed in their chat for a long time before being shown as offline again. AhâŠ.he missed him. He finally wanted to take him in his arms again. Like really. As lovers. But...he wasnât worthy of calling himself Jihoonâs boyfriend yet.
He also left their chat and opened the one with Wonwoo.
Mingyu doesnât answer. Did he say where he was or where he wanted to go? When is he coming back?
Oh, if the two of them didnât speak out now, then Soonyoung wouldnât know what to do next. But why hadnât Mingyu transformed back yet? He didnât have that much time left. Should he go check? But if he went as a human, Wonwoo would stop him.
Soonyoungâs eyes fell on the tea with the transformation potion. He knew how to change back. He could risk it...right?
Before he had any more doubts, Soonyoung took a sip and imagined a cat. The potion didnât taste bad. The transformation wasnât bad either. He should have just gone to Wonwoo first and taken the potion there. Damn. So he had to make the long journey to get there. As a cat it was really dangerous. Drivers didnât pay attention to him and several pedestrians wanted to pet him, but Soonyoung wouldnât let them. Only Jihoon would have permission to do this!
He didnât know how much time had passed when he finally got to Wonwoo. He scratched at the door and meowed loudly because he couldnât ring the bell.
Wonwoo opened the door for him. Luckily, he was such a cat lover! Soonyoung scurried into the apartment. He smelled Mingyu as soon as he stepped inside. Woah. That was crazy. He hadnât had time to concentrate on the transformation, so it only really occurred to him now. He walked into the living room, where he saw Mingyu curled up on the sofa. Had he cuddled with Wonwoo? He should change back and talk to him.
Soonyoung meowed softly as he heard Wonwoo coming back. Mingyu pricked up his ears. He opened his eyes and when he saw Soonyoung, he jumped off the sofa. Soonyoung scurried into the kitchen just in front of Wonwoo.
âWhat are you still doing here as a cat? Go and change back, otherwise, you will remain one.â All that came out of his mouth was meowing, but the other understood him.
âHow? I have no idea how to do that.â Mingyu looked like he was pouting.
Did Soonyoung...didnât he tell him how to change back? Where was he with his thoughts?
âYou have to kiss him.â
âWHAT?â
âThe kiss of true love breaks all curses. Go ahead and finally kiss him.â He was so good at improvising.
âI canât just kiss him!â Even as a cat, Mingyu looked horrified and if Soonyoung were human, he would have laughed at him.
âThen youâll stay a cat forever.â
This argument seemed to work because Soonyoung followed Mingyu as he walked back into the living room.
âThere you are. Were you hungry?â Wonwoo asked in a gentle voice as Mingyu came into his field of vision. Soonyoung crept closer and watched them.
Mingyu rubbed his head on Wonwooâs hand. It took an eternity for him to actually pounce on Wonwoo. Soonyoung heard Wonwoo laugh and saw Mingyu transform back shortly after.
âMingyu?â
âWhoa. You wonât believe what happened today. And I really need to talk to you, Wonwoo.â Mingyu sounded so serious. Soonyoung was done here. At least he had brought a couple back together.
Soonyoung sneaked out of Wonwooâs apartment and thought about who he could use to solve his curse. He wanted to go to Jihoon, but he couldnât. He wasnât worth it yet. Thatâs why his path led him to Jun and he played the same trick as with Wonwoo. And of course Jun let him in too. He simply had the best friends.
âSo who are you?â asked Jun, amazed. He bent down and picked him up. Soonyoung wasnât expecting this. Especially not when Jun started to pet him. Oh~ that was so wonderful. He felt himself purring and closed his eyes in pleasure. The last year had been hard. Should he just stay a cat? It was less tiring and not as complicated as cat. And if he got Jihoon to take him in, he would be with him again.
âAre you hungry?â Jun carried him into his kitchen and set him down on the counter. Soonyoung looked around curiously. He saw Tutu, Junâs cat, come into the kitchen and freeze as soon as she saw him.
âDonât worry, Iâll be gone soon,â he called to her. He just wanted to know what Jun would give him. Delicious chicken?
But Jun gave him cat food! Soonyoung stared at it in disgust. He would never eat that. Well, then he would just have to transform back into a human. He jumped off the counter. Soonyoung didnât look back at Jun. He wouldnât kiss Jun. Soonyoung hoped it worked on Tutu, too. Then he wouldnât cheat on Jihoon like he would with a human.
âPlease come with me,â he said to Tutu as he walked past. He hoped she understood him, since she hadnât responded earlier.
âOh, not hungry?â Jun asked and followed him. Damn. He couldnât transform back unnoticed. He didnât want word to get around. Above all, Jun wasnât allowed to notice anything! What if he met Minghao and let it slip that Soonyoung could turn into a cat? Oh no, he would have Minghao right back on his trail. That couldnât happen.
He let Jun pick him up and carry him into the living room. Tutu followed them. She didnât say anything and Soonyoung wasnât sure if she understood him or not. He stared at her. But she ignored him, jumped onto the sofa and lay down at Junâs side. Soonyoung scooted a little away from them, sat down and watched the two of them.
Jun looked at him. âNot a cuddler type, huh? Iâm here if you change your mind.â
Soonyoung watched him cuddle with Tutu. He did a few times try to get up, but Jun immediately looked at him and wanted to come with him. So did he have to wait until Jun fell asleep? Great. His tail whipped back and forth restlessly. Hopefully, that wonât be too late. He had no idea what time he drank the potion. How much time he had left before he remained a cat forever.
Because watching Jun and Tutu was boring, and the TV program was...he couldnât see everything. So Soonyoung lay down and somehow he fell asleep.
A phone sound startled him. Soonyoung jumped up and had to orient himself.
âOh. Wonwoo and Mingyu are together.â Jun looked surprised. Soonyoung moved closer to him. He tried to read something on the phone, but it was difficult to read anything.
Jun sighed and pulled Tutu onto his lap, making Soonyoung keep his distance.
âWhen is it my turn, huh? Luckily, I still have you, Tutu. What would I do without you?â
Oh! Jun was lonely after all. That was...well it wasnât good, but Soonyoung would be able to make up for his mistake. And when his eyes fell on Tutu, he knew exactly how.
Soonyoung had to wait a little longer before Jun went to bed. He left them both behind. Tutu wanted to leave, but Soonyoung stopped her.
âWhat do you want?â She understood him after all!
âI need your help. Iâm actually human and-â
âI know. You are the wild one. I donât like you.â Oh. That wasnât nice to hear. What had he done wrong?
âIâll try to be a little calmer if you help me.â
âAnd I want treats. Lots of them. And you can tell him I donât like the litter. The old one was much better.â Tutu looked at him carefully and Soonyoung tried to act as if he would remember everything. He had no idea whether it would work. But he needed Tutuâs help.
âSure, I promise. I would have to take you with me. Just for a week. And then Iâll take you to someone to take you back to Jun, okay?â
Instantly, Tutu looked annoyed. Her ears folded back and her tail twitched.
âI give you treats every day. And the best food, I promise. And Iâll leave you alone.â
âAnd why should I accept this?â
Didnât he just give her a lot of reasons? What kind of diva was Tutu?
âItâs for Jun. Heâs unhappy, canât you see that? He is lonely and needs someone. The one Iâm taking you to is perfect for him.â
âIs he like you?â
She really didnât like him, did she? Soonyoung tried not to take it too much to heart. âNo, heâs very gentle. He will take good care of you. You just canât tell him about me.â
âOkay. If heâs not like you, Iâm okay with it.â Pah! Stupid thing!
Soonyoung listened to see if Jun was already asleep or still around the apartment. But it was quiet. He didnât hear anyone anymore. Soonyoung came up to Tutu and kissed her. As Soonyoung transformed back and crouched in front of Tutu, he grinned at her. âThen come with me, Tutu.â
He picked her up and left Junâs apartment.
One week. He lasted a week. Tutu made his life hell. She peed everywhere and ripped his clothes despite Soonyoung sticking to his promise. He got her the best of the best, cleaning her litter box every day. But Tutu showed him clearly that she didnât like him. How did Jun put up with the beast? In a week, Soonyoung hadnât even seen Jihoon. The other wrote to him almost every day, but Soonyoung couldnât leave Tutu alone. He heard from the others that Jun was looking for her and that he was feeling very bad. Soonyoung was sorry, but Jun had to be desperate so that he would be even more grateful to Minghao when he brought Tutu back to Jun. Soonyoung also got in touch with Chan every day. How things went with his driving license, when he had the test, etc.
And in one day everything fell together. Tutu had peed on the sweater that Jihoon had left at Soonyoungâs apartment. It was the last thing Soonyoung had of the other and he didnât care if Jun needed more time for Minghao, but Tutu had to go. With a heavy heart, he put the sweater in the washing machine. While he was removing the cat things from his apartment, he called Chan.
âI have my second exam tomorrow. Wish me luck!â
Oh no. He was under pressure. Didnât it happen last time before Chanâs exam? He would simply lure them into his apartment and trick them with the potions.
âDo you want to come and study at my place? Iâm meeting Jihoon.â
âYou are the best! Thanks, Soonyoung!â
Okay, good. Chan would show up here soon. Soonyoung lured Tutu into her new carrier and locked her up. She hissed and meowed, but Soonyoung couldnât use her right now. He prepared the potion for Chan (he had to reheat it and spoke to it again since it was brewed so long ago) and poured it into a teakettle, which he placed on the table. He prepared some snacks, but no other drinks. Soonyoung would leave Chan alone and send Seungkwan to his apartment. Soonyoung would have to get him a drink somehow. He would manage that.
That it wouldnât be noticed and not that Chan might fall in love with him, Soonyoung left the key under the doormat and left with Tutu and Seungkwanâs magic potion. Chan would show up at his place any time. Down in the car, Soonyoung changed his mind and rushed up again with Seungkwanâs magic potion. He placed it in his bedroom so Chan couldnât get his hands on it. If things went like last time, Seungkwan would call him and Soonyoung could guide him to the potion there. Good.
Before Soonyoung changed his mind, he drove to Minghaoâs magic shop.
âYou know what we agreed on, right?â he whispered to Tutu. She meowed unfriendly. âYou go over to him and let him pet you and show him your collar, okay?â
She didnât say anything back, but Soonyoung just hoped she did what he asked. After all, it was for Jun and she liked this one. Since Soonyoung wanted to see how it went, he first took Tutu out of the box and then took the transformation potion and thought of a fly. It was risky, but it was the safest way to avoid being seen by Minghao.
It took him some time to get used to flying before he followed Tutu into the store. They had to wait outside for some time, because Tutu sat there and just waited for the door to open. She should have scratched and cried like Soonyoung. That wasted his valuable time! He flew into the store and sat down against a wall not far from the counter. As a fly, it was even stranger than a cat. He couldnât wait to be human again. But he saw Tutu hop on the counter and cuddle Minghao extensively. She should please hurry up! She did everything so slowly, as if she was keeping him waiting on purpose! And then Minghao finally saw her collar.
âOh, is this from your owner?â He read Junâs number and typed it into his phone.
âHi. I think I found your cat?â
Soonyoung listened intently. He couldnât hear Jun, only relying on Minghaoâs reaction.
âShe is white and black. Long fur. A very lovely one. No, she looks healthy.â
Minghao was silent again.
âI have a shop. A magic shop. Thatâs why I canât leave right now. But come over, that wouldnât be a problem.â Minghao gave the other the address and hung up.
âYour owner will be over soon.â Minghao petted Tutu again and stroked her fur. âHe sounds very nice. Is he single?â
Oh Jun was awesome! He had piqued Minghaoâs interest with a single phone call. Jun just couldnât be so fixated on Tutu himself afterward. Soonyoung squeezed allâŠlegs? wings? that it worked.
It seemed like an eternity as he flew around until Jun finally got to the store.
âOh Tutu!â he shouted with relief. He shouldnât be concentrating on the stupid cat! His future boyfriend was present and more important! Soonyoung flew a little closer so as not to miss anything.
âThank you so much for finding her. How did you run away, you little cheeky cat?â
Minghao laughed. âShe rather found me. Came in here and greeted me. As if it were a sign.â He winked at Jun, but Soonyoung saw clearly that he was directing his attention to Tutu. Shit.
But then Jun raised his head. âHow can I thank you?â
âGo out with me.â
Was it like that with the two of them back then, in the correct timeline? Minghao had released Jun from his frog existence - but Soonyoung didnât know how they got together. Was it that easy between them? But they werenât friends either, just two strangers who found each other attractive or likable. If he could sigh as a fly, he would have done so now.
âWith pleasure.â Junâs voice had changed. Was he flirting with Minghao? Perfect! Maybe somehow they still knew that they were meant to be. Anyway, Soonyoung could leave the two of them alone.
Two couples were together again. Only one remained. And Jihoon.
He had to wait until Jun left so he could fly out. And even though he didnât like it, Soonyoung flew into the lips of the next person he saw. He flew on quickly and in the next moment fell roughly to the ground as a human. He wiped his lips in disgust. What did his mistakes lead him to? He hated it.
Soonyoung rushed back to his car and looked at his phone. He had several messages. But only Chanâs was important.
Hey Soonyoung, do you have something to drink somewhere? I canât afford to go shopping and the tea is empty.
Chan had drunk the love potion! His plan worked. Perfect! Soonyoung would do everything today. Then it would finally be as it should be again.
Iâll take care of it, donât worry
But Soonyoung wouldnât bring him anything. He called Seungkwan with a grin on his face.
âWhat?â
âHey Seungkwan. I have an emergency. Can you bring me some water? I donât have anything left and-â
âSo why donât you go yourself?â
Uh-oh. Seungkwan was in a bad mood. Damn. He wouldnât mess up his plan!
He faked a cough. âIâm sick.â
âSure, what do you need?â Seungkwanâs voice suddenly sounded completely different. Worried. Lovingly. Oh, he could be such a good friend â when he wanted to.
Soonyoung coughed again. âOnly water. I would have asked Jihoon, but I donât want him to worry,â he added. Otherwise, it would seem unbelievable why he hadnât asked his best friend. Even though Soonyoung no longer felt like they were best friends anymore. Not in this timeline and especially not in the old one. He had destroyed everything.
âIâll come over soon, donât worry. Iâm hurrying.â
It was a bit of a shame that he couldnât watch again when the two of them had their moment. But Soonyoung didnât want to risk anything. Would a love potion also work on animals? When they were actually human? No, no. He would stay away from his apartment. Seungkwan would ring his doorbell and Chan would open the door and fall in love with him.
Since Soonyoung didnât know where to go, he drove to Jihoon. First, he took Tutuâs cat things away - not that it came out that he had kidnapped her.
Just as he parked in front of Jihoonâs apartment, his phone rang. Seungkwan. Perfect!
âYes?â Soonyoung answered the phone innocently.
âKwon Soonyoung! What did you do? Why is Chan acting like aâŠlike aâŠâ
âLove drunk idiot? Oh no. I had a magic potion in the apartment. He must have drunk it.â He wasnât the best at playing dumb, but Soonyoung hoped Seungkwan would believe him. âYou shouldnât leave him alone now. He has a test tomorrow and will follow you. But donât worry, the effect will be gone in 24 hours.â
âI should what? Stay with him for 24 hours? Are you actually insane? You canât just leave any potions lying around here,â Seungkwan snapped. Was it that easy because Seungkwan had already fallen for it once?
âYou can also take one so that Chanâs potion doesnât affect you. I just have to buy a new one. The potion is in my bedroom.â Soonyoung sighed, as if he were mourning his magic potion and his wasted money.
He heard Seungkwan start to move and immediately heard Chanâs âWhere are you going? Donât leave me alone.â. Seungkwan sighed. He opened a door and then seemed to find the potion. âWoe, that wonât work.â
Hearing Seungkwan drinking, Soonyoung exclaimed, âOr I just gave you a magic potion to make you fall in love with him too. Thank me tomorrow. Have fun.â And then he hung up. He would let Seungkwan know tomorrow when the effects had worn off. Huh. Finally, everyone was together again. It was back to normal. Only Jihoon remained.
Soonyoung got out of his car and rang the doorbell.
But when Jihoon stood in front of him, Soonyoung didnât feel any different. He expected to feel better. That everything was right again. That he would feel like he deserved Jihoon. But he didnât feel that way. If it wasnât for Soonyoung, wouldnât this have happened? Could he really do this to Jihoon? Being with Soonyoung and his chaos again?
âHey,â Jihoon greeted him. He looked so happy. Could he really take away this happiness? Sooner or later, he would make mistakes again. Could he be done with magic? Soonyoung wasnât who he was before the whole thing. What had he done?
âEverything okay? Jeonghan, Joshua and Seungcheol are here, but they were about to leave. Come on in.â
Soonyoung nodded. No, he wouldnât dare do anything with Jihoon. He wouldâŠgive him up. It was better that way. For Jihoon.
He followed him with a heavy heart and briefly greeted the others.
The others left really quickly and Jihoon sat next to Soonyoung. It seemed as if he was thinking about what to say. Soonyoung had to pull himself together! He wouldnât pressure Jihoon into a relationship with him, but he shouldnât worry him either. He wanted Jihoon to be happy.
âJun has a date,â he announced and put on a cheerful expression. As if there was nothing wrong with Soonyoung.
âOh really? Good for him.â Jihoon didnât sound happy. Did he still love Soonyoung? Did Jihoon miss him? Did he wish that Soonyoung would confess his feelings to him? He could not. Shit. Did protecting Jihoon mean he had to stay away from him? Until Jihoon got over his feelings?
âI envy them. Jeonghan, Joshua and Seungcheol. We donât even have one person to share something like that with and they have each other.â Jihoon started. Soonyoung looked at him. Jihoon looked unsure. He played with his ring.
What?
No.
Jihoon. He could notâŠ
Jihoon dared to make a move. He wantedâŠhe wanted to know how things were going with Soonyoung.
It really took all of his strength not to burst into tears. He couldnât respond.
âNo,â he began, meeting Jihoonâs gaze. âI donât think you necessarily need a relationship.â
He saw exactly how his words were destroying something. Jihoonâs decision to tell him something? His heart?
âThen are you happy being single? Is there no one you care about?â
Soonyoung heard his own heart break as he looked into Jihoonâs eyes again. âNo.â
~
Bonus SeokSol, 5 months later:
Seokmin was so incredibly lucky to have moved in with Vernon back then. It wasnât just because Vernon was an absolutely great roommate - no, he also brought Seokmin into his circle of friends. So Seokmin didnât have to be alone on his birthday. Coincidentally, Vernonâs birthday was on the same day as his and they had a small celebration at their apartment. And Seokmin felt almost complete. If only everything wasnât full of couples.
On the one hand there was Seungcheol, Jeonghan and Joshua who were together. In the beginning, when he only met Seungcheol and Jeonghan and only later saw Seungcheol with Joshua, Seokmin had thought that Seungcheol was cheating on his boyfriend...until it was cleared up. The three matched each other. Although they often teased each other and Seokmin had often noticed that they were conspiring against someone, you could tell that they were happy together. So happy that it made Seokmin lonely.
Seungkwan and Chan, who teased each other more often than the three of them, also showed that they loved each other. Seokmin wasnât exactly the type to tease his love, but heâd just been single for far too long to not envy the two of them for each other.
Jun and Minghao were also a couple. Minghao hadnât been in the friend group for that long. He only started dating Jun a few months ago, but he got along quite well with most of the group. And Seokmin was so happy that he didnât have to be the new guy anymore.
There were Mingyu and Wonwoo, who had been best friends before and were now a couple. And it gave Seokmin a little hope. That friendship could turn into love.
With Soonyoung and JihoonâŠit was complicated. At least according to Vernon. The two had been best friends, but to Seokmin they didnât feel close. Soonyoung seemed to be avoiding Jihoon, and Jihoon made no move to do anything about it. It was none of Seokminâs business and he didnât know them, but Seokmin suspected that something must have happened between them. And that was the direct counterpart to Mingyu and Wonwoo. What if friendship couldnât turn into love?
Because there was Vernon, too. His roommate. Friend. And crush.
Seokmin hadnât been able to do anything about it. He had fallen for the other in the first month. He had tried to fall out of love, but it was no use. Since he had already known enough at this point, he didnât get his hopes up. There had been a spark between Vernon and Jun, who had previously lived together, and they had destroyed their friendship. And Vernon never wanted to do something like that again. He had told Seokmin that. His friends had told him that and he didnât show anything that Seokmin meant more to him. It was hopeless. But Seokmin couldnât get away from him. He wanted Vernon to know. He wanted to tell him at least once. That he loved him. But he just didnât have enough courage to do it.
âI think we should go.â, Joshua interjected.
Seokmin looked at the clock. It was already well past midnight. It was no longer their birthday and some of the others had already left. Joshua stood up and stretched. Jeonghan stood up too, but Seungcheol looked up at them in surprise. âAlready?â
Joshua gave him a friendly smile. Seokmin believed that he suspected his feelings for Vernon. âLetâs leave these two alone, Seungcheol, shall we?â
It wasnât just the three that were still there. Vernonâs little brother Chan, as well as Jihoon and Soonyoung were also still there. Seungkwan had already left since he had to get up early tomorrow.
âWould you like me to take you home, Jihoon?â Chan asked. Seokmin also stood up. He hugged Joshua, Jeonghan and Seungcheol as they said goodbye and turned to their three remaining guests.
âThat would be nice. Soonyoung, are you coming?â
Jihoon turned to Soonyoung. But he was lying half on the sofa and seemed to be asleep. He had drunk too much. They would probably have trouble getting him home. Although Seokmin would love to have a little more time with Vernon, he hadnât drunk nearly enough to do something that he really wanted to but didnât dare to do.
âHe can sleep here,â Seokmin interjected.
Jihoon shook his head. He didnât look at him, but continued to look at Soonyoung. âIâll take him home.â
âOh, come on. Let him sleep here. Donât make it so difficult for yourself,â Vernon began.
Something wasnât right. Jihoon seemed to hesitate. âHeâs clingy when heâs drunk. Not that itâs too much for you.â Something had happened! Seokmin knew. He held back. Maybe it was better that the two of them could talk?
âOh, heâs sleeping anyway. Come on now, otherwise Seungkwan will get angry if I wake him up so late,â Chan urged. Jihoon still seemed hesitant, but when Vernon promised him that they would look after Soonyoung, Jihoon was persuaded.
While Vernon walked the two of them to the door, Seokmin put together the essentials.
âWhatâs going on between them?â Seokmin asked his roommate when he returned. Vernon shrugged. âNo idea. The others think that Jihoon confessed his love for him. Soonyoung feels nothing for him. The usual. You shouldnât get involved in something like that with friends.â
Yes...Seokmin would probably never dare to confess to Vernon how he felt.
âIâm sorry for them.â
They were silent for a while. âWe should go to bed. Iâll take care of Soonyoung, donât worry. After all, it was my idea. Sleep wellâŠVernon.â
Vernon nodded and gave him a small smile. âSleep well Seokmin. Itâs really great to have you here.â
And with just those words, he made Seokmin go crazy. And even though he knew Vernon didnât mean it like that, he enjoyed hearing the words. Only when Vernon had disappeared into his room and Seokmin had calmed down again did he take care of Soonyoung.
Seokmin knelt in front of him. âAre you awake?â
Soonyoung stared into space and didnât seem to notice him at all. Seokmin put a hand on his shoulder when he suddenly started speaking.
âI love him.â
Huh?
âWhat? Who?â
âJihoon. My Jihoon. I love him so much.â
Was it completely different? They all probably assumed that Soonyoung had rejected Jihoon - but it was the other way around? Seokmin sat down next to Soonyoung and put an arm around him.
âAnd he doesnât feel like you?â he asked cautiously.
Soonyoung let out a laugh. It sounded so bitter. âHe loves me,â he finally whispered.
Seokmin sighed. Okay, Soonyoung was too drunk to get anything out of him. He would try again tomorrow. Seokmin broke away from the other and stood up. âCome on, letâs get you to bed.â
Soonyoung didnât speak anymore, but he got up and let Seokmin lead him into his bedroom. Even when Seokmin put things out for him to sleep with, Soonyoung didnât say anything.
âLie down, weâll talk tomorrow, right? Goodnight Soonyoung.â Seokmin wanted to leave when Soonyoung stopped him. âCan you please stay here?â
Seokmin was way too nice to turn down something like that. Especially not when Soonyoung said it in such a heartbreaking tone. He quickly put on something to sleep in and then got into bed with Soonyoung.
And as soon as he lay down, Soonyoungâs silence was broken. He threw himself into Seokminâs arms and slurred and said nonsense. He talked about magic and time travel and flying and Jihoon. Seokmin let him have his way. He thought nothing of it and fell asleep after Soonyoung finally fell silent.
âIâm sorry, Seokmin. I didnât want to involve you in this. Please, just forget it. And donât tell anyone. Not Jihoon. And especially not Minghao!â
Seokmin looked at Soonyoung, confused. He had been awake for a few minutes. What did Soonyoung mean?
âThe magic story?â he asked tiredly and rubbed his eyes.
âYes. You canât tell anyone about this. Please. I donât want to drag anyone into this. I ruined so much.â Soonyoung sounded so desperate.
ButâŠ
âŠ
He couldnât possibly still be drunk?
âWait, are you serious?â
Soonyoung laughed. Bitter. It sounded nothing like the Soonyoung he had met.
âOf course itâs true. I destroyed everything.â
Seokminâs mind was racing. Magic really existed? He tried to remember everything Soonyoung had told him. But he had to admit, since he had dismissed it as drunken talk, it was difficult for him.
âPlease, Soonyoung, tell me about it again. I also promise not to tell anyone.â
The other hesitated, but Seokmin saw exactly how the other wanted to talk about it. Even though he said he didnât want to involve anyone in the story, he didnât want to be alone. Oh.
Seokmin scooted over and put his arm around the other, like yesterday. And as Soonyoung leaned against him, he started to talk:
âThere is magic. I wanted...I wanted to make Jihoon confess his love to me. I was so dumb. I ruined so much because I had a selfish thought. Although I brought the others together, I turned Jun into a frog and released a poltergeist. I took away Jihoonâs feelings. All negative ones. He was like a robot! I did so many things wrong.â Soonyoung took a shaky breath in and out, and Seokmin stroked his arm. âMinghao is also a magician, and he undid everything. But it was all wrong. Mingyu and Wonwoo didnât get together like they should and Jihoon was so different. He wasnât my Jihoon anymore. And Minghao wouldnât tell me how to do it. So I did it myself. Do you know what the price is for changing the past? Itâs so high. Itâs way too high, Seokmin. Magic is dangerous. It should be left alone. But I was so stupid. So incredibly stupid. I undid everything and tried to get everything right. But I made everything worse.â
As Soonyoungâs body began to tremble, Seokmin held him tighter. He felt so sorry for the other. If magic really existed and Soonyoung wasnât lying...then he had been through so much. And Seokmin believed him! He knew he was gullible sometimes. And Soonyoung had a wild imagination. But this? He talked about how he brought Mingyu and Wonwoo together again. How he kidnapped Junâs cat and brought it to Minghao. How he had helped Seungkwan and Chan and also indirectly Jeonghan, Joshua and Seungcheol.
âAnd itâs my fault Jun and Vernon arenât friends anymore. I gave them a love potion. Iâm so sorry.â
What?
âYou have to tell them!â Seokmin shouted excitedly. Oh, he had a chance with Vernon! If he found out that it wasnât real feelings that had caused this between him and Jun, he wouldnât react so negatively. Seokmin had a chance with him!
âSeokmin, I canât do this. They canât find out anything.â Soonyoung sounded pained, and Seokminâs euphoria leveled off.
âThen canât you give them something? A forgetting spell? Or something that makes Vernon more open to feelings?â he asked cautiously. He didnât want to give up. Vernonâs dislike of friends having feelings for each other had no natural causes. Then magic would also be able to help him end up with Vernon. Oh, Seokmin was so excited!
Soonyoung looked at him silently before sighing and then shaking his head. âIt is too dangerous. Magic destroys too much. You donât know what the price is.â
Seokmin didnât want to give up. Sure, Soonyoung had had bad experiences...but he had also done good things!
âDoes that mean you help everyone else find love except me?â he asked, knowingly a little sadder. âYouâre practiced. You can do it without making a mistake.â
When he looked at Soonyoungâs face, his hope of being able to convince him faded.
âI made a promise. Once I get everything sorted out, Iâll never do magic again. Iâm sorry, Seokmin.â
No.
He didnât want to lose Vernon.
He wanted to be loved by him and to love him.
How was he supposed to do that without magic?
âYou didnât fix everything,â he blurted out desperately. âBecause of your mistakes, Vernon no longer believes that we can be happy together. Just because weâre friends.â
When Seokmin finally realized what he was saying, he felt uncomfortable. He didnât mean to snap at Soonyoung like that. Not when the other had desperately told him earlier that he should never have started with magic. Seokmin opened his mouth to apologize. But he was interrupted by Soonyoung: âYouâre right. But I...I canât take it anymore. It disgusts me. I can...I can give you my stuff. If you wantâŠthen you can try.â
Woah. Seokmin should do magic? Wasnât it too dangerous? After everything Soonyoung had said. But his fingers itched. Trying out a potion or spell. And if it helped him with Vernon, why not?
âOkay, letâs do it!â
Luckily Vernon wasnât at home, so Seokmin could drive Soonyoung home without keeping a secret and take his magic things with him. It was a lot. Three cauldrons, ingredients, various books, more ingredients and a bunch of different colored candles. Soonyoung seemed to be doing better as he gave Seokmin his all. Seokmin ignored his inner voice that wanted to warn him. He would look through Soonyoungâs spell books and think everything through carefully. What could possibly go wrong?
He made himself comfortable in his bed and looked through all the books. He placed bookmarks in interesting spells or potions. But then he found it. The perfect magic potion to try out the magic. He wouldnât experiment on Vernon, but would take one himself.
Strengthen the self-confidence
If he had more self-confidence, he would be able to confess his love to Vernon easily. And maybe that was enough? Then he wouldnât have to cast a spell on Vernon in the first place. With a big grin, Seokmin took the ingredients he needed, a cauldron and the book into the kitchen. He hummed happily to himself as he chopped the ingredients. Soon he would find happiness. Then he would no longer be so lonely, but happy like everyone else.
Making the potion wasnât difficult. It was like cooking. And in the end, the potion had turned a grayish color. The book didnât say what color it should be, but that should be fine. Seokmin poured some into a glass and drank it.
And the next moment he felt like he was falling. He staggered, but just managed not to fall over. Huh? Was there an earthquake? Seokmin heard a horrible dull bang. He turned around but couldnât see that anything had fallen on the floor. Until he noticed that there was something underneath him.
When he looked at his own face, he felt sick. He dropped the glass, but it immediately returned to his hand. What the hell? Seokmin looked at his hand. It was almost transparent. No. He had...was he...did he just die? Had he made a mistake? Oh no. No. No. No. He didnât want to die. He wanted to be happy. With Vernon. He wanted to enjoy his life. He still had so much to do! Seokmin tried to shake the glass off, but it seemed stuck. He knelt on the floor and tried to touch himself. But as soon as his hand came to his cheek, it slid through his body. He was a ghost. Seokmin had died. What had he just done?
It took about an hour before the door opened and Vernon came. Seokmin was crouched in the corner of the kitchen. Yes, he had cried. You were allowed to cry over your own death. And he had been watching the clock. He didnât want to leave his body. And especially not Vernon. And now this would find his dead body. Oh Vernon.
âIâm back,â Vernon called into the empty apartment and Seokmin cried again. He would never be able to greet the other person again.
Vernon didnât seem to mind that Seokmin didnât answer him. He probably thought Seokmin was sleeping. Seokmin stood up just as Vernon made his way to the kitchen. He tried to ignore his own body. He would rather look at Vernon - who knew how long he would be allowed to be on earth.
âOh, shit.â Vernon had spotted him. He quickly walked over to Seokminâs dead body while taking out his phone. Seokmin also knelt down and watched Vernon. This one looked really worried. And Seokminâs heart warmed.
âSeungkwan? I need help. Seokmin is lying here. He doesnât move. He fell, I donât know.â Vernon lifted his head up. âNo, heâs not bleeding.â He gently laid Seokminâs head back on the ground. Then he grabbed his wrist. âYesâ
Huh????
Did Vernon feel his pulse?
Seokmin looked at his own ghost wrist. Did he have a pulse? He wasnât...dead? Then what happened to him? Oh, no. Was this one of the side effects Soonyoung was talking about? What had he said? âYou donât know what the price is.â How could be a ghost help him boost his self-confidence? Should he spy on Vernon and find out things about himself? He didnât want to do that. Seokmin wasnât that mean.
âOkay, thanks.â Vernon hung up, getting Seokminâs attention. Vernon put his arms under Seokminâs legs and his neck and lifted him up. Seokmin sighed happily. Oh no, how romantic! If only he were awake to experience this himself.
Vernon carried him to the sofa and placed him there. He didnât say anything, but Seokmin could clearly see that he was worried about him. He knew he didnât have to hope that Vernon would now pull off a desperate display of love. That wasnât Vernon. Even if it would be so nice. No, instead Vernon sat next to him and waited.
Seungkwan hurried. He arrived completely out of breath. Chan and Jihoon were with him. Vernon followed Seungkwan and took his place at Seokminâs side again. If only Seokmin knew if this was normal friendship behavior or something more!
âAnd he shows no reaction? He wasnât awake for a moment? Is he sleepwalking? Is he sleeping deeply?â Seungkwan asked, checking Seokminâs pulse. Seokmin watched them.
Vernon shrugged. âNo idea. Not that I know?â
Seungkwan sighed. âI think we should call 911.â
No! They couldnât separate him from Vernon. How else would he benefit from being a ghost?
âHey, guys? There are strange things in the kitchen. Some pretty nasty looking stuff in the pot and aâŠspell book?â Chan came over to them and held the spell book in his hands. âDidnât Soonyoung talk about something like that?â
Oh, Chan was the best! They would call Soonyoung and he would be able to help. Seokmin felt more confident. Everything would be fine. He just had to wait.
âSoonyoung?â Jihoon asked, but no one paid attention to him. Well, except for Seokmin.
Seungkwan stood up and walked over to Chan to look at the spell book. âWhat has he done now?â Seokmin heard him mutter.
âSoonyoung?â Vernon asked. âHe spent the last night here. Iâll call him.â
Vernon was soâŠactive. That was a good thing.
Seokmin watched happily as Vernon took out his phone again and called Soonyoung.
âSoonyoung? Hey, itâs me, Vernon. I found Seokmin lying on the floor. He doesnât react. Chan found a spell book and said you might know something?â
Silence. They all listened intently, but there was no sound from Soonyoungâs side. Vernon could have easily turned on the loudspeaker.
âOkay, see you soon.â And Vernon hung up again.
âWhat did he say?â Seungkwan asked.
âHe cursed. A lot. But heâll come.â
Oh no. That didnât sound good. Seokmin panicked again. If Soonyoung cursed, didnât he know how to help him? Was Seokmin lost? But he still had so much to do!
Before he could wallow in self-pity again, Seungkwan drew his attention to himself. He walked up to Vernon and took him in his arms. âWe can do this. If Soonyoung canât help, weâll call an ambulance, okay?â
Soonyoung got here even faster than Seungkwan. He rushed into the living room and wanted to go to Seokmin when Jihoon caught his eye. Seokmin remembered his stories. And his outbreak. Was it very painful to see the other person and know that you had destroyed everything between you? He didnât even want to imagine it. Seokmin saw Soonyoung swallow and then turn to Seokmin.
âI told you it wasnât a good idea. This is all my fault.â Soonyoung murmured to Seokminâs body. Seokmin wasnât supposed to be able to hear it since he was standing too far away, but he heard it clearly. Was it because his body heard it?
âI...I can try something. If it doesnât work out and something goes wrongâŠâ Soonyoung trailed off. He didnât look up, and it looked to Seokmin like he was struggling to say the words. âIf something goes wrong, call Minghao or Jeonghan. They can help you further. Iâm sorry.â
Soonyoung acted weird. Even weirder than when he talked about the magic thing. And then he suddenly leaned in and kissed Seokmin.
What!?
Seokmin stared at his body in shock. And to Soonyoung. Or rather on Soonyoungâs body. Because it slumped forward.
âDamn,â he hears Soonyoung say. But behind him. Not in front of him, where his body was. Seokmin slowly turned around. And there he stood. Or floated. No idea whatever ghosts were doing. If they were ghosts.
âThat didnât quite work out,â said Ghost Soonyoung. And Seokmin panicked.
While Soonyoung tried to calm him down, the others also panicked. They maneuvered Soonyoung to the other side of the sofa. Chan called Minghao and Seungkwan called Jeonghan. Vernon stayed by Seokminâs side and Jihoon sat down next to Soonyoung, his face pale. He reached for Soonyoungâs hand and seemed as if he wanted to use it to support himself. That was love! And what did Vernon do? He just sat there. He should grab Seokminâs hand too!
When Jeonghan arrived with Seungcheol, Joshua, Wonwoo and Mingyu, Seokmin had calmed down a bit.
âWhat happened?â Seungcheol asked.
Seokmin looked at the newcomers and when he reached Jeonghan, it felt like he was looking directly at him.
âSoonyoung? Whatâs so special about Jeonghan? Why should he be able to help?â Seokmin asked but received no answer. Jeonghan looked directly at him.
âI donât know why Soonyoung said I can help. I canât.â, Jeonghan said, finally averting his gaze. What?
But then Minghao and Jun arrived. What had happened was explained again. While Seokmin still felt like Jeonghan could see him, Minghao didnât make the appearance. But his look became serious and that gave Seokmin courage.
When Seungkwan finished telling the story, Minghao nodded. âOkay, I think I know what happened. You must know that magic is real. I am a wizard. I donât know how they know about it, but the potion went wrong,â he explained.
And even though it wasnât good news (he had really followed the recipe), Seokmin felt so much better!
âWe can save them. What kind of potion did he want to make? What does he look like?â Minghao seemed so serious that Seokmin no longer cared. He walked over to his body and Vernon, who stayed by his side. He did hear that Seungkwan went into the kitchen with Minghao and that Minghao said something (a magic spell?), but Seokmin preferred to concentrate on Vernon. How much longer would he be able to watch him like that?
âGuys, we have a problem,â Minghaoâs voice sounded just as Seokmin reached out to touch Vernon. Or to try.
âThere is only one thing that can solve the curse. It may sound silly, but only true loveâs kiss will save them.â
Seokmin froze. What? The true what? Ohhhhhh! That was so good! Vernon just had to kiss him. If he liked him. Oh no. What if Vernon didnât love him? Would Seokmin stay like this forever? Would he be trapped for ages until his body rotted away? He didnât want that. Seokmin just wanted to have the courage to confess to Vernon. He didnât want to be a ghost!
âSeokmin doesnât have a boyfriend, does he?â Mingyu asked.
âOr an ex-boyfriend â maybe thereâs still love?â
âIs this really still true love?â
âNo, Seokmin doesnât have anyone,â Vernon intervened in the discussions about Seokminâs love life. It was a little sad to see what a failure he was in this regard. While everyone present was in a happy relationship. Or at least almost all of them. Seokmin glanced at Jihoon and Soonyoung. Jihoon did not participate in the discussion. He was still holding Soonyoungâs hand. Seokmin had never seen him so serious. Soonyoung stood behind Jihoon in his ghost form. He had placed a hand on Jihoonâs shoulder and Seokmin could see his lips moving. Was he whispering something to Jihoon?
âDoes Seokmin have to love this person or is it enough if he is loved?â Vernon asked, drawing Seokminâs full attention. What?
âI think it should be enough. Itâs hard to say what counts as true love. If itâs not enough, youâll end up like Soonyoung.â Minghao said thoughtfully.
Vernon nodded. âOkay. Iâll try it.â
Seokminâs heart stopped. Vernon wanted what? Try it? KissâŠSeokmin? Whaaaaaaaat?
âAre you sure? I donât want to lose you, too.â, Chan objected.
âIf itâs enough for Seokmin to be loved, then I should try, right? I love him. I donât want to lose him. And if not, then you can try to bring me back. If brotherly love isnât enough, Seungkwan can at least take you back. I would rather share his fate than continue living without him.â
It wasnât just hot that Vernon said such clever things. No, he loved Seokmin. He had said it. Vernon didnât want to live without him. He loved Seokmin. Vernon loved him.
It didnât matter that Seokmin had endured the last few hours torture. Vernon loved him! The potion had accomplished what he intended. So had it really gone wrong? Or had the magic simply worked differently than they had assumed?
Seokmin watched closely as Vernon leaned towards him. And then he felt Vernonâs lips on his. He finally lost the weight of the glass in his hand. Seokmin quickly opened his eyes. He was apparently back in his body. He sighed into the kiss and wrapped his arms around Vernon to stop him from breaking the kiss quickly.
He heard the others vaguely. And finally, Seokmin let go of Vernon. He sat up and beamed at him. âI love you!â he blurted out.
Vernon looked at him in surprise. Did he really not think so? And Seokmin thought he was too obvious at times. He took Vernonâs hand. âWhen everyoneâs gone, shall we talk? You love me too. After all, you freed me from my curse.â Oh, that was the best love story of all. Better than anyone in this room. It was like a fairy tale. Oh, so romantic. Seokmin couldnât wait until everything was gone and he and Vernon were alone.
âJihoon, what are you waiting for? Kiss him.â
Until then, there was another problem. Soonyoung. He hadnât woken up yet.
âI...I donât know...â
Seokminâs heart felt a little heavy again. It was so difficult for both of them. âYou should kiss him, Jihoon. Soonyoung loves you too,â he said. Soonyoung had helped him, so Seokmin would help him too.
Jihoon still hesitated. But then he leaned in and kissed Soonyoung. Finally, a happy end for everyone.
Seokmin thought. Until Soonyoung pushed Jihoon away. He snatched his hand from Jihoon and stood up. âStay away from me,â he said to Jihoon and then turned to Seokmin. âI trusted you. You should have just left me there!â
Before anyone could react, Soonyoung disappeared. But before Seokmin could blame himself, he felt Vernon grab his hand and squeeze it. And even though he couldnât completely forget Soonyoung, Seokmin finally had his happy ending. With Vernon. His true love.
On Monday, Mingyu regretted the rescheduled date a little. Because he had sore muscles. Not just in the arms, no also in the legs. He could only hope that he would be fit again by Saturday. He had actually planned to work through his break. The work wasnât getting any less, and he wanted to get it done. No, he had to get it done.
But then Mingyu sat at his desk and he felt the sore muscles again. And his stomach wanted food. And at that moment Seungcheol emailed him. Why did Mingyu work so hard? It wasnât like always, where no one was there to do the work. Seungcheol was here. Mingyu would work him into the remaining open cases this afternoon. Perhaps they would get through most of them by the end of the week. For now, he would take a lunch break. He deserved that.
When he arrived at the cat cafe, Mingyu sat down in his usual seat, but since he had left his laptop in the office, he looked around. Jeonghan and Soonyoung served the tables. Jihoon was probably in the kitchen. But where was Wonwoo?
âHey Mingyu, the usual?â Soonyoung asked and beamed at Mingyu.
âNo, please bring me the dayâs meal.â As soon as Mingyu said the word âdayâs mealâ and before he could ask about Wonwoo, Soonyoung disappeared. Were they stressed? Crap, he hadnât been to the cat cafe the previous week. Was Wonwoo still not feeling well? Was that why they were stressed?
âJeonghan, wait.â Mingyu looked for the other person and at the right moment, he spoke to him.
âHas no one taken your order yet?â Jeonghan asked hastily. So were they really stressed?
âWhereâs Wonwoo?â
âWonwoo throws himself into work. Heâs busy upstairs. Just go up.â Jeonghan quickly moved on.
Mingyu sat there undecided for a moment. He didnât want to bother anyone here when they didnât have time. He wouldnât be able to do anything for Jeonghan and Soonyoung (other than helping out himself and he really didnât feel like doing that), but he would be able to help Wonwoo take a break - maybe.
Mingyu stood up again and went to the kitchen. Soonyoung passed him on the way. âIâll eat upstairs,â he told the other and Soonyoung nodded. In the kitchen, as Mingyu had thought, was Jihoon.
He raised a questioning eyebrow when he saw Mingyu. âIâll eat upstairs,â Mingyu repeated. And he slowly came to regret his decision. At least until Jihoonâs expression relaxed.
âMake him eat something, will you Mingyu? Thanks for checking on him.â
Jihoon filled him two plates and gave them to him on a tray.
Well...then Mingyu could safely ignore the chaos down here and go upstairs.
âThanks.â
With the tray he went upstairs to the first floor. The smell of paint hit him. Mingyu realized that there were more handprints in the hallway.
âWonwoo? Time for the lunch break,â he called to the empty floor.
âMingyu?â He heard something rumbling and a little later, Wonwoo came out of one of the former quarantine rooms. âWhat are you doing up here?â
âWe,â Mingyu emphasized the word, âare taking a lunch break now.â He raised the tray slightly.
âI do not have any-â
âMe neither. The others are also stressed. Better tell me where weâre eating. Is there somewhere to sit here or are we going up to your apartment?â
Wonwoo sighed. âWe can sit down in the office. There is a table.â Wonwoo pointed to the smallest room on the first floor. Oh? Was there already a room set up?
Mingyu followed him into the room. He recognized the shelf in Wonwooâs living room. Also the desk. And the pile of papers. Wonwoo took this and roughly stuffed it on the nearest shelf. Mingyu didnât even want to know how many dog ears he had made with this action. He swallowed his comment and sat down on one of the two chairs in the room.
âThe room isnât finished yet. Weâll first bring the furniture we already have. The others are coming one by one,â Wonwoo justified, as if he had misinterpreted Mingyuâs look.
âWho will be working in here?â Mingyu asked interestedly. Even if his question only boiled down to who took care of the accounting.
âOh well. Jeonghan may edit the events and social media accounts here from time to time. No idea. We just wanted the business stuff out of my apartment. And in a lockable room so the cats canât always make chaos. And otherwise, probably me.â
Urgh. So it was really Wonwoo who seemed to have no idea about proper accounting. He would definitely have to tutor the other. Mingyu wouldnât be able to stand seeing the piles of papers for long.
âIâm not going to stress myself out this week,â Mingyu started another topic. âI think I should train Seungcheol more. My weekend was pretty hard and itâs hindering me from working a little.â He winked at Wonwoo so that he wouldnât take it personally.
âThatâs good. That you give up work. We also thought about adding more people. But I donât know if we can afford it on a large scale. Just because things are going so well now?â
âCanât your tax consultant help you?â Mingyu asked, irritated. What did he do then?
âStop! We donât talk about work. We are here as private individuals. We can voice our concerns, but Iâm not your client and you wonât advise me, okay?â
Mingyu was already busy thinking about the cat cafe. Well, he would just let it go. If Wonwoo didnât want his help!
âWhat else do you have planned here? What are you doing right now?â
âOh the sofa is in the lounge and Iâm currently setting up the scratching posts for the new quarantine rooms. Jihoon is going shopping for furniture for the lounge with Soonyoung tomorrow. And JeonghanâŠâ
Wonwoo talked about how they were going to set up the rooms with such enthusiasm that Mingyu just sat next to him, smiling and eating his food. You could see that Wonwoo had found a project that would distract him from the chaos. That was good.
Mingyu finished eating much quicker than Wonwoo, but he didnât complain. As Wonwoo devoured his food, Mingyu glanced at the clock. He still had plenty of time for his actual break. So why should he go back?
âWould you like me to help you a little?â Mingyu asked.
And so it happened that they spent their lunch breaks setting up various scratching and sleeping furniture for the cats. There was no big deal behind it and it was mostly self-explanatory.
Even though Mingyuâs lunch break was a little more stressful, it was still much more relaxing. He was able to go back to work with a fresh mind and handle a few cases.
On Monday evening he met with Seokmin. Mingyu felt a little guilty because he didnât have time for him, but Seokmin understood that he had to help his friend and was very stressed about his upcoming vacation.
On Tuesday he began to work Seungcheol into the outstanding cases. And at lunchtime he repeated the same process as yesterday. Mingyu went to the cat cafe, this time let Jeonghan give him something to eat in the kitchen and went upstairs. Wonwoo was just setting up a chair in the lounge.
âBreak,â Mingyu announced and the other looked up with a smile. Since the sofa was already there, Wonwoo decided that they would eat in the lounge today. Huchu came to visit them briefly, but since Wonwoo didnât show mercy and gave him something to eat, he soon disappeared again. The only thing that bothered Mingyu about this room were the two lines that were pretty obviously wrong. He looked at them several times. But he couldnât think of a way to hide them either. Nothing matched it.
Because he was distracted by the strokes, Wonwoo finished eating faster.
âWait a second, okay? Iâll be right back.â
It didnât take long for Wonwoo to come back. With a gift in his hands.
Mingyu frowned. What did Wonwoo want with that? Oh. He had said they wanted to give Mingyu something. But that wasnât necessary. He couldnât just accept a gift from them. Mingyu placed his bowl back on the tray and looked at Wonwoo as he approached, holding the gift in both hands. It could be a book. Did they already have the card? But they didnât know whether Wonwoo would win the bet or not? Or was it...if this was a prank book and it was somehow intended to humiliate Mingyu... Oh, he would-
âI told you that IâŠthat we would like to give you something. I know we donât have to. But since you didnât give me a wish, I have twice as many reasons for it. Here you go.â
If Mingyu didnât know better, he would think Wonwoo was...nervous? Shy? Because of a gift? Mingyu looked at the other, who held out the gift with both hands and didnât look him in the eye. What was in there? Now he was getting a little curious.
âThat wasnât necessary!â Even though he was curious, he still held that opinion. Mingyu liked doing this here. If so, they should call it a recompense for the scribbling.
âYes, that was it,â Wonwoo replied gently and now looked at him. âPlease open it, Mingyu.â
Mingyu accepted the gift. That was definitely a joke. If Wonwoo wanted him to open it in front of his eyes. Tax advice for dummies. The most annoying cafe visitors. Something like that would come out.
Mingyu braced himself for anything and carefully opened the wrapping paper. A book came out in a black leather cover. Well? As he turned the book around so he could read the title, he paused. It wasnât a book. It was a calendar. For 2023.
âI already have a calendar, Wonwoo,â was the first thing that came to Mingyuâs mind. Why did they give him a calendar? As compensation? Mingyu stroked the cover. This one looked really classy.
âWhat? But itâs only mid-November!â
âI always prepare these in September. I create my own calendars.â Wonwoo already had his calendar in his hands?
âSorry,â he added after Wonwoo said nothing more. He held out the calendar. âTake it. It looks expensive.â
Mingyu felt guilty. The other looked dejected. Mingyu didnât like returning gifts. But what would he do with two calendars?
âOkay. Sorry. Then weâll have to think of something else, right?â Wonwooâs joke didnât sound sincere. He took the calendar from him and walked out of the room. And it wasnât until he was outside that it occurred to Mingyu that it wasnât about the calendar. What if there was something in there? Shit.
When Wonwoo came back, Mingyu didnât know how to bring it up. And the mood between them became strange as they set up the two chairs.
Wednesday was exactly the same. He worked Seungcheol in on the open cases in the morning, went to the cat cafe at lunch, picked up food from Jihoon and went to visit Wonwoo on the first floor. This looked more finished day by day. They ate together and put up shelves in the lounge.
Then he went back to the office and worked. He ignored Seokminâs message about when they could meet. His vacation was getting closer and even though he had said he would give Seungcheol more cases...it didnât look like he was going to make it this week at the moment.
As Mingyu drove home, he realized how tired he was. He felt like he could sleep as long as he wanted and he wouldnât be fit again. He really needed a vacation. How did Wonwoo have to feel then? He hadnât had a vacation since at least July. And the way he assessed him before that wasnât the case for the near future either (Mingyu didnât even want to know how much the cat cafeâs vacation accruals were). Should he...could he be so direct and invite Wonwoo to his vacation? Wonwoo also wanted to go to Shizuoka, right? The others could handle it if he wasnât there for a few days. They would probably be grateful to him. And Wonwoo? Maybe he wouldnât find it so badly.
Thoughtfully, Mingyu parked his car and got out. If he surprised Wonwoo with everything already done...then he couldnât say no. And if he did... then Mingyu would just have to pay the rebooking costs again. Mingyu called his travel agent.
âGood evening. This is Kim Mingyu. Iâm traveling to Shizuoka on Sunday and would like to book for a second person. Is that still possible?â He went into his apartment while he was on the phone.
âOh Mingyu, wait!â
Mingyu only heard his name. But since he was concentrating on the lady from the travel agency, he didnât care who was calling him. He only glanced back briefly and left the apartment door open. Whoever it was could wait.
âYes, it is possible to book a second person. Of course, it costs twice as much as well as the additional fee ofâŠâ Blah blah blah. The cost wasnât important to him. So it would work. He would just do it like that now. Mingyu would invite Wonwoo to his vacation. Whether Wonwoo wanted to or not. And if he really didnât want to, maybe Jeonghan, Jihoon and Soonyoung could help him convince him.
âThen please book the second person. Iâll pick up the ticket tomorrow.â
âFor the hotel room, would you like two single rooms or one double room?â
âA double room, please.â That was fine, right? Wouldnât it seem strange? He didnât have anything bad in mind. He just wanted to do the other person a favor.
âUnderstood. I will send you the confirmation to the email address we have on file.â
âThank you,â Mingyu said goodbye. When he hung up, he felt lighter. He would surprise Wonwoo tomorrow. He hoped it would make up for the calendar thing, too.
âOh Mingyu! I wanted to complain that you donât have time for me anymore. But that! Iâd like to come with you. Iâm turning in sick. That wonât be a problem. Oh, I love you so much.â
Huh?
Only when someone fell on his neck did Mingyu remember the person who had followed him. Seokmin.
Oh no.
Mingyu was a bad boyfriend. Oh, he was such a bad boyfriend. He really didnât have time for Seokmin. At least not recently. During his lunch break he stood up the other (who asked almost every day if they could spend it together) because of Wonwoo and in the evening Mingyu either worked late, was at the gym, or had other plans. Seokmin didnât deserve this.
When Seokmin kissed him exuberantly, Mingyu couldnât bring himself to confess to the other that he hadnât extended the vacation for him. Oh, Mingyu was such a lousy boyfriend. The bad conscience didnât leave him. He couldnât tell Seokmin. They were together. If anyone should come with Mingyu on vacation, it was Seokmin. With a heavy heart, Mingyu let him believe it.
âI wanted to surprise you,â he said weakly. He hadnât told Wonwoo about it yet. So it was okay, right?
It was the same on Thursday and Friday too. Mingyu worked with Seungcheol on the outstanding cases in the morning. They were making good progress. At lunchtime Mingyu went to the cat cafe, got food from Jihoon or Jeonghan and once he ate with Wonwoo in the lounge (Mingyu was bothered the whole time by the two lines that still seemed wrong) and once they sat in one of the quarantine rooms the floor. After they had eaten, they continued working on the first floor. This filled more and more with life. The quarantine rooms were set up quickly, the office filled up a little because Jihoon and Soonyoung brought decorations and a plant, and the lounge also became more comfortable.
And then it was finally time. It was Friday evening. Seungcheol had kicked him out of the office at 6 p.m. sharp. And Mingyu had a good feeling about it, which is why he was only too happy to go. His path led him home, where he started packing. He planned the last things and did the last laundry.
Mingyu watched the cat cafeâs latest vlog, even though it was Jihoon who did it. It was a short video announcing that they were taking a break from cat rescue for the year. The last five cats that were in the quarantine rooms had been re-homed. And Huchu.
This news made Mingyu feel a little strange. Huchu was the first cafe cat that he actually noticed was being adopted. Nobody had said a word. He seemed to remember seeing Huchu this or last week. And now he was just gone? It was like Hwaseong. Are they planning on taking in another cat soon? At least someone was missing now. There were still enough cafe cats, but one less certainly stood out?
Saturday was the meeting with Wonwoo. Mingyu slept in. He slept in for a really long time. He was in vacation mode. Mingyu didnât even think about work. He wasnât completely relaxed when Wonwoo came to him, but he was much more relaxed than the last few days.
âJeonghan isnât really creative, is he? This has been how many appointments that revolved around food?
Wonwoo laughed. âDonât take it against him. The year is almost over.â Wonwoo put the bags down in the kitchen.
âHe could have entered more restaurant visits. Why do we always have to prepare the food ourselves?â
Wonwoo laughed again. âYou have to see it from Jeonghanâs point of view. This is more romantic.â
More romantic? Jeonghan really had no idea.
âIâll just go wash my hands, right?â Wonwoo wanted to get up and leave the room, but Mingyu spoke up and stopped him: âYou can do that here in the sink too?â
âAh yes. Right.â
Mingyu was confused for a second. Until he remembered why Wonwoo wanted to sneak out of the room. What he wanted to give Mingyu this week. And Mingyu didnât know whether to be amused or offended. Wonwoo wanted to find his calendar for 2023 and enter new dates. Not only that he would scribble into Mingyuâs calendar again. No, he probably didnât trust Mingyu either. Oh, that definitely deserved punishment. Mingyu suppressed a grin. He would have some fun today and ruin Wonwooâs tour. If the other didnât trust Mingyu, he didnât deserve anything else. Mingyu had repeatedly made it clear to him that it was no longer just about the appointments.
Wonwoo washed his hands in the kitchen while Mingyu leaned against the kitchen counter and watched him. The other seemed even softer today. Mingyu couldnât say why. It wasnât just the black hair (which suited him so much better than the blonde hair), no, something that Mingyu didnât realize was different than usual.
âCan I draw you?â He didnât care if the other person thought he was crazy. Something inside him wanted to hold onto this soft Wonwoo.
He looked up. âYou just want to avoid cooking,â he complained.
Mingyu smiled and shook his head slightly. âNo, I would like to draw you.â
âOkay,â Wonwoo agreed. Mingyu could see his red ears. He turned away from Mingyu and towards the bags he had brought with him. Mingyu found it hard to believe that the other was so embarrassed. He knew they had fans at the cat cafe. Wonwoo had definitely heard something like this before.
Mingyu went to his hobby room. He hid his calendar there (better safe than sorry) and went back with a sketchpad and a pencil. Wonwoo was already cooking.
Mingyu sat up high on the counter and looked at Wonwoo.
âThis is unsanitary, Mingyu.â
But Mingyu knew that Wonwoo was just saying it to distract himself. Thatâs why he didnât answer, briefly lowered his gaze to the page and started drawing Wonwoo. He kept looking up, taking in Wonwooâs facial features and trying to capture them on his paper. It was pleasant to draw him. How he cooked calmly and also kept looking at Mingyu.
Well, maybe it was bad of him to let Wonwoo do everything alone again. But he didnât complain and Mingyu found it much more pleasant. He could understand what Wonwoo meant earlier. The situation would be romantic. If there was something between them. But that wasnât the case.
Mingyu lowered his gaze back to the page and began the second drawing.
When Mingyu finished, Wonwoo gently asked him to set the table.
âIâm just going to the toilet for a moment. Then we can eat.â
Wonwoo turned down the temperature. Mingyu slid off the counter. âOkay, then Iâll put the sketchpad away.â
Oh, he knew exactly what Wonwoo was up to. He didnât have to go to the toilet. He just wanted to find Mingyuâs calendar. So Mingyu waited in his hobby room until Wonwoo went back into the kitchen. He wouldnât be able to lay a finger on Mingyuâs calendar!
âWhat are you doing with the drawings?â Wonwoo asked as they ate. But he didnât look at him. Was he still embarrassed?
âWould you like to have them? Otherwise, Iâll put them in my folder.â
âWhat should I-â Wonwooâs question was interrupted by Mingyuâs bell.
Huh? Who wanted anything from him? Anyone who would visit him knew that Mingyu was going on vacation tomorrow. So if someone did want something from him, it was urgent.
âPlease excuse me.â
Mingyu stood up and walked out of the kitchen and opened the door. Seokmin stood in front of it.
âWhat are you doing here?â Mingyu asked, irritated. The other knew that Mingyu didnât have time on Saturdays. And why did he have suitcases with him?
âOh, I happened to be driving by your house and I saw your car. I thought you were done with these meetings and I could sleep over tonight. Would be more practical for tomorrow, wouldnât it?â
It was more convenient for Seokmin to sleep here. Mingyu had to admit that. But it bothered him that Seokmin just surprised him. âMy meeting isnât over yet. Weâre eating right now.â He didnât step aside so Seokmin could enter. He could come back later if he wanted.
âOh, thatâs good. I havenât eaten anything today,â the other beamed at him. And just pushed past him.
Mingyu closed his eyes and exhaled. He wouldnât make a scene here, even if Seokminâs behavior bothered him at the moment. Seokmin was already on his way to the kitchen (luckily without a suitcase) and Mingyu hurried to follow him. He wasnât comfortable with Seokmin and Wonwoo getting to know each other like that. And that Seokmin simply invited himself to their meeting.
When Mingyu entered the kitchen, the first thing he noticed was Wonwooâs closed expression.
He didnât know if he should apologize. It would be fair to Wonwoo. But Seokmin might take it badly? He couldnât do that.
âWonwoo? This is Seokmin. Seokmin? This is Wonwoo,â he introduced the two of them. He got a place setting for Seokmin and sat on his chair. The mood was tense.
Seokmin sat down next to Mingyu. âSo youâre the one taking my boyfriend away from me, yeah?â Seokmin joked. He didnât mean any harm. Mingyu knew him so well that he could say that. But Wonwooâs expression became even more closed. Did he take that to heart?
Mingyu placed his hand on Seokminâs thigh. He wanted to suggest that he should take a step back and be nice. But the other didnât notice.
âWhy do you have these meetings? Is there any reason for that? I canât do anything with my boyfriend on a Saturday.â
Before Wonwoo could say anything, Mingyu interrupted, âItâs for an important reason, right? I told you the dates canât be rescheduled.â
Mingyu couldnât stand something like that at all. Such jealousies. It was as if the other person didnât trust him. Sure, it wasnât exactly ideal that Mingyu hardly had any time for him. But he couldnât attack Wonwoo like that when they saw each other for the first time?
Mingyu cleared his throat and started eating again. Seokmin didnât seem to mind because he helped himself to food. But the mood was strange. Nobody said a word. At least until Wonwoo broke the silence. âHow long do you know each other?â
Mingyu looked up. But Wonwoo didnât look at him but at Seokmin.
âIn 4 days we have known each other for 4 months. And next week weâll be together for a month. Thatâs why Mingyu invited me to go on a romantic vacation together.â
Mingyu felt bad. Not just because Seokmin sounded so hostile and Mingyu didnât know him like that at all. He didnât want Wonwoo to know these things. It was...Mingyu was over the fact that he had imagined a relationship with Wonwoo. But it wasnât right to tell him that he and Seokmin got together during that time when Wonwoo was having a hard time. It felt wrong.
âOh. Are you going away together? Congratulations.â
How did he get out of this unpleasant situation? Mingyu looked at Wonwoo, but this one avoided his gaze. He picked at his food. He seemed strange. Completely different and yet...Mingyu had seen him like this before. He didnât seem present. It was-
The day of the fireworks. That was it. Back then, Wonwoo was also quite strange at the beginning. Shit, had he made a mistake? He would talk to Seokmin later. He couldnât just act like that.
âI think we can finish the appointment a little earlier today. I donât want to bother you any longer,â Wonwoo said and stood up.
Mingyu wanted to stop him. But maybe it was better to end this evening. The mood wouldnât get any better. He also stood up. âPlease stay,â he said to Seokmin as he also stood up. He walked Wonwoo to the door.
âWonwoo I-â
âHave a nice vacation, Mingyu,â Wonwoo interrupted him and Mingyu made it easy for himself and let Wonwoo speak. âGet some rest.â
Mingyu should apologize. He wanted to say a proper goodbye to Wonwoo. But the situation right now? But Mingyu didnât want to let Wonwoo go just like that. Not when he was in such a strange mood. So he pulled him into his arms. âI have to tell you that. Donât work so much, okay?â
When Mingyu pulled away from Wonwoo, he looked better. âTake some photos for me, okay? I canât wait to see them.â Wonwoo even smiled and Mingyu immediately felt better. He opened the door for him.
âSee you next week, Wonwoo. Iâm sorry about Seokmin,â he added. He just had to say it. He couldnât let him go like that. As Wonwoo walked out the door, Mingyu was sure he would miss the other. They had seen each other so often lately that it would be strange not to see him at all anymore.
Despite Mingyuâs sleepless night, he was fit the next day. Before he made his way to the cat cafe, he called a client. This was a painter. Because Mingyu wasnât sure if Wonwoo had enough color for Mingyuâs plans. Although his client wasnât too happy about the early disruption, he agreed to deliver the colors to the cat cafe.
Mingyu arrived shortly after him.
âI didnât think you would do something like that in your free time,â said his client as he handed him the paints.
Mingyu laughed. âIâm more creative than you think.â
âThen good luck with it.â
Mingyu thanked him and then went into the cat cafe.
Wonwoo was already waiting for him. With crossed arms. âWho are you flirting with in front of my cafe?â
Mingyu was briefly confused. Until he noticed the mischievous grin on Wonwooâs face. âBetter help me put the paint in than to stand here and watch me.â
Wonwoo laughed but went to work helping him. They put the paint in the largest room. âShall I show you my plans?â Mingyu asked. He couldnât wait to get started. It would look wonderful when they were finished here.
âYou wanted food, so letâs have breakfast first,â Wonwoo ordered.
Mingyu looked at him in disbelief. âBreakfast? I thought weâd get started and have a late breakfast.â
âOh no, Mingyu. I donât want to hear about me not keeping up my end of the bargain. You can get breakfast, lunch and, if youâre still there in the evening, dinner and your massage.â
Mingyu smiled. âAll right. I donât want to be responsible for you not being able to do your part. But let me tell you my plans over breakfast.â
Exceptionally, the cat cafe was closed today. Jeonghan had his day off, Jihoon was sick and Wonwoo was busy with Mingyu. Soonyoung had agreed to stop by and take care of the cats, but he wasnât there yet. This allowed them to spread. Of course, they sat at Mingyuâs usual spot, had breakfast, and Mingyu explained to Wonwoo exactly what he planned. And how they should proceed. He also had his laptop with the card in case they came along.
Mingyu noticed Wonwoo watching him, smiling. But Mingyu decided not to say anything about it.
âShall we start now?â Mingyu asked as they cleared the table.
âSure. I donât want to stop you and your muse.â Wonwoo laughed.
âTz. Just because I want to finish here before I go on vacation. How am I supposed to fly with peace of mind and relax when this project is here to haunt me?â
Mingyu immediately saw that Wonwoo had taken his words the wrong way. Because his look became remorseful. âMingyu, Iâm sorry you got dragged into this. You deserve a break.â
âStop apologizing all the time. Iâm an adult, Wonwoo. I can say no. Have you forgotten that?â
âThat doesnât exactly speak well for you, Mingyu. You said no so many times and still kept coming.â Wonwoo teased him.
Mingyu gave him a warning look. He wanted to start working here, but the other had to annoy him again. But now that didnât bother him anymore.
âIf we start talking about the past. You still have one wish.â
âA wish?â What was Wonwoo talking about?
âFor winning mini golf.â
Urgh. Did he have to think of something now? Mingyu knew nothing. What could he want from Wonwoo? âI donât know.â He looked thoughtfully at Wonwoo. âYou know what? Cancel your outstanding birthday present and weâre even.â Because if Wonwoo was still thinking about winning mini golf, it certainly wouldnât take long before he came up with the present.
And again, it wasnât what Wonwoo wanted to hear. Mingyu didnât know what he did wrong, but he could see it in the other personâs face. And shortly after, his expression became closed.
âCome on, letâs get started.â, Mingyu tried to lift the mood again.
They started with the ceiling. Mingyuâs client had mixed the colors, and the black and blue were exactly how Mingyu wanted it. Only one person could climb the ladder and Mingyu volunteered, so he had something to do. When it was the starsâ turn, they swapped, and Mingyu held the ladder while Wonwoo painted it on the ceiling. It looked like Mingyu had imagined.
âIs that a real starry sky?â Wonwoo asked while he was painting the big bear on the ceiling.
Mingyu looked away, caught. The other knew him too well by now. âYes. I picked a random day,â he lied. He didnât want to admit that he had chosen the day they had stargazed together. Not that that meant anything. But Mingyu didnât do things by halves. He wanted a day that meant something. And which one else should he choose?
Wonwoo didnât say anything about it and Mingyu wasnât entirely sure whether he believed the lie. At least Wonwoo didnât say anything and Mingyu was grateful to him.
As Wonwoo climbed down the ladder, he tilted his head back and they looked at their work.
âDid you choose this for me?â Wonwoo asked gently.
âYou told me the beach was for Soonyoung, the forest was for Jeonghan, and the spring meadow was for Jihoon. I didnât know anything else to take for you. But donât you deserve something that relaxes you the most of all?â
Mingyu turned his gaze away from the starry sky and looked at Wonwoo. And he noticed that he was looking at him. Again, nothing came from him.
âCome on, letâs move on.â Mingyu pointed to the wall that was supposed to represent the spring meadow. âIâll sketch in pencil and you can start coloring it in, okay? Just look at my drawing.â
Wonwoo picked up his sketch. âDo you really want me to help you?â he asked with a smile.
If it werenât such a stressful time right now and if his vacation wasnât just around the corner... Mingyu wouldnât be reluctant to settle here alone. But he wouldnât be able to relax if he left this half-finished. âI trust you. Donât abuse it.â
âMingyu, if itâs too stressful for you next week, you donât have to come to our meeting.â Wonwoo started when Mingyu was almost at the end of the first wall. Wonwoo would take longer, but once Mingyu finished all three walls, he would be able to help him.
âWhy shouldnât I come? Iâm not flying until the next morning. What was entered again? Cooking together? It does fit. I have to eat something, anyway.â
It seemed like Jeonghan wasnât as creative with the meetings towards the end of the year. Didnât they do that already? Mingyu would have expected more individual meetings.
âAre you sure?â Wonwoo sounded worried.
âI told you Iâll be at every appointment this year. Without exception. And we have even made up for those at the beginning now. I donât know why you want to stop me now.â Mingyu grinned and glanced at him. âDo you want to get rid of me? Donât you think you would miss me during my vacation?â
âOf course, Iâll miss you.â
Mingyuâs grin faltered slightly. What was wrong with Wonwoo? He wanted to make a joke. Why did Wonwoo sound so serious? Would he really miss Mingyu? Or did he just say that? Was he lonely right now? It would match with his behavior over the last few days. Maybe he should talk to the others before his vacation.
âWe can make the appointment at my place. Then I can go to sleep straight away and you donât have to feel guilty about it.â He suggested to make Wonwoo feel better.
They worked through until Mingyu was finished with the second wall, the forest. Then Wonwoo went to take care of the cats for a moment (even though Soonyoung was supposed to come? But Mingyu didnât say anything about it) and to take care of lunch. Mingyu stayed and improved Wonwooâs work a bit. He was just a perfectionist.
âIâm not good enough for you, huh?â
Mingyu laughed when he heard Wonwooâs voice. âNo. I wouldnât say that exactly. I just made improvements.â He demonstratively added a green line and only then turned to Wonwoo.
âImprovements, yes? Then youâll understand if I make a few improvements.â Wonwoo spoke in a serious voice, but Mingyu saw the mischief in his eyes. Wonwoo grabbed a brush, dipped it in the purple paint, and walked toward Mingyu.
âWait!â Oh no. Wonwoo didnât mean what Mingyu thought. He quickly walked away from the wall because he didnât want any splashes on it and Wonwoo followed him. Mingyu took the opportunity and dipped his brush into the green paint again and raised the brush threateningly. âDo not come closer!â
His threat didnât work. Wonwoo pressed the brush on his nose.
âAh yes, that looks much better,â Wonwoo now grinned.
Mingyu returned the favor by stroking Wonwooâs cheek with the brush.
And when Wonwoo took revenge again, a color battle broke out. In the middle of the room, because they both still had enough sense that they didnât want to ruin their work.
It ended with Wonwoo slapping Mingyuâs brush away and standing in front of him with his brush raised. Wonwoo had a lot of green (and also purple) spots on his face and glasses. And also in the hair. He was lucky he didnât have blonde hair anymore. Would the color ever come out of blonde hair?
âI think I still need to make a few improvements,â Wonwoo whispered. He took a step closer to Wonwoo and suddenly he became serious again. Mingyu didnât dare to fight back. He looked into Wonwooâs eyes, who was focused intently on his work. Mingyu felt the other making the point on his nose bigger, shaping it. And he gave him...whiskers?
âOf course a cat, huh? Arenât you the kitten here?â Mingyu whispered.
The nickname just slipped out. He didnât want to use it anymore. It would just make things weird between them. Like now, when Wonwoo paused. His gaze sought Mingyuâs.
Before Wonwoo could retreat, Mingyu put an arm around his waist and kept him close. He could see Wonwoo swallowing. His expression became more questioning. And Mingyu didnât want to dwell on it. He lowered his gaze and his eyes automatically locked onto Wonwooâs lips.
âMingyuâ It was just his name, which Wonwoo said softly. Was it a question? An invitation? Shit, what was he doing here? Mingyu tore his gaze from Wonwooâs lips, released his grip on him, and stepped back.
He cleared his throat and turned to the door. âDinnerâs ready, right?â
âWhatâŠare you doing up there?â Soonyoung stared at them as they both went into the main room.
Had he just been upstairs? Had he seen something? But nothing had happened.
âWe probably exaggerated a bit with the color battle,â laughed Wonwoo. He looked at himself in the mirror behind the counter and Mingyu walked up to him and looked at himself. Oh no. He would never be able to go outside like that in his life. He stared unhappily at his reflection. Well, hopefully he could still wash his face here.
âOkay? I thought you were working. The cats are all taken care of. Should I stay and help you?â Soonyoung asked.
Mingyu didnât like the idea at all. Not that there was anything between them. Or that he didnât want any troublemakers there. But Mingyu didnât know Soonyoung enough. What if he had no talent and would destroy his painting? Urgh, definitely not!
âJeonghan wouldnât allow that. Do you want Wonwoo to lose the bet? There canât be anyone else there,â he lied coldly.
Soonyoung turned pale and Mingyu fought back a grin. âOh no. Please excuse me. Iâm not familiar with the bets yet. I go. I wasnât even here, okay? Please Wonwoo, forgive me.â
Soonyoung frantically packed his things. Mingyu dared to turn his gaze towards Wonwoo. Wonwoo looked at him questioningly but didnât stop Soonyoung or explain things to him. They watched as Soonyoung said goodbye and practically ran out of the cafe.
âHeâs panicking about the bets, isnât he?â Mingyu asked, amused.
âJeonghan wonât hold back with him either. I think he has every reason to be.â
Wonwoo grabbed Mingyuâs hand and pulled him into the kitchen. Mingyu was too surprised to say anything against it. Of course, he had done that outside, too. But in here? Where no one else was? Couldnât he have just said that Mingyu should follow him?
âSorry, I set the table in here. Not that someone sees us outside and wants to disturb our togetherness and thus deprives me of my chances of winning.â Wonwoo winked at him.
Mingyu was imagining things. Wonwoo was as usual. Mingyu probably hadnât been able to completely put the thought aside yet. How pathetic of him. To chase after a thought like that.
Because Mingyu had a guilty conscience, he glanced at his phone. As expected, Seokmin had written to him. Mingyu was such a bad person. He thought for a moment and texted Seokmin back that he was helping a friend with the renovation and that they could meet tomorrow evening. Because Mingyu didnât think he wanted to go out tonight.
When Mingyu looked up again, he noticed Wonwoo watching him. âNothing fancy, sorry,â Wonwoo smiled and pointed to the food.
Mingyu shook his head. âTell me how you want to decorate the rooms upstairs.â
As if Wonwoo had to apologize for the food. He would still have dinner today and the other one could cook. While he ate the delicious food, he listened to Wonwoo describe how he wanted to set up the office, what he had planned for the resting room and what should go from the basement to the storage rooms.
And when they were done, Mingyu almost didnât want to go back. His stomach was full, and he was tired. Not just because of the good food, but also because of the stress and excitement of the last few days. But only almost. Because he was interested in getting the project done. And he didnât want to stay here until night. So he stood up and offered a hand to Wonwoo, who also looked so exhausted. Wonwoo accepted it gratefully and let Mingyu help him up. Mingyu watched as Wonwoo stretched. Despite the color on his face, Mingyu could see the exhaustion.
âWhen are you on vacation?â he asked as they went upstairs.
âVacation? Not really. Not a real one. At least nothing is planned.â The other shrugged his shoulders.
Mingyu, who was walking behind him, frowned. No wonder Wonwoo was so exhausted. He needed a break. But Mingyu remained silent. Until the first floor was finished, there would be no point in saying anything.
The last side, the beach, was quick from Mingyuâs side. While Wonwoo was still busy with the first one, Mingyu took the colors and started coloring the beach. He had completely forgotten how much joy such creative work brought him. Mingyu had let his hobbies slide too often lately. This couldnât happen to him again.
They finished their respective walls almost simultaneously. Wonwoo a little earlier, but instead of coloring the next wall, he watched Mingyu.
âI canât thank you as much as you deserve, Mingyu,â Wonwoo said as Mingyu stepped back and critically examined the wall. Mingyu turned to him. âNo. I have to thank you. My blockage is completely gone. I needed a project like this, so thank you, Wonwoo.â
âLetâs get on with it,â Wonwoo said gently.
The mountain wall went faster than the spring meadow, but slower than the beach. And they got in each otherâs way. Every time Mingyu blocked Wonwooâs path, he received a brush stroke. Not just on the face, no also on the arms. And once Wonwoo managed to draw a brush stroke on the back of his neck.
âCanât you just stop doing that?â Mingyu cursed as he tore his own brush and left an ugly gray line behind. âArgh. How do I get rid of this?â
Wonwooâs laughter didnât help him much. It didnât sound mean, but he knew how perfectionist Mingyu was. Mingyu was about to leave to get a cloth and maybe save the situation when Wonwoo hugged him from behind and kept Mingyu in place. He wrapped his arms around Mingyuâs stomach and placed his head on Mingyuâs back. Mingyu froze in his tracks. He held the brush between himself and the wall and felt the paint dripping down. But he couldnât do anything. What was that supposed to mean now?
âYou have to learn to accept imperfect things. Not everything can be perfect.â
âIf I do it, it can,â Mingyu said through gritted teeth. He felt Wonwoo laugh.
âLet some chaos into your life, Mingyu,â Wonwoo whispered and Mingyu felt him tighten his grip on his stomach.
He didnât know whether Wonwoo needed his closeness and didnât dare ask - or whether Wonwoo wanted to annoy him. So he stood there undecided, still frozen in his movements, waiting for a reaction from Wonwoo. Until he felt Wonwoo pushing his shirt up. Before Wonwoo arrived with the brush, Mingyu reacted. Wonwoo wanted chaos? He could have that!
Mingyu moved his left foot, causing Wonwoo to fall. However, he didnât let him go and Wonwoo not only fell roughly to the floor and knocked over the (luckily) small bucket of red paint, no, he also dragged Mingyu with him and he fell on top of Wonwoo.
Mingyu heard him groan in pain. But instead of feeling sorry, Mingyu turned away from his grasp. He crouched down and looked at Wonwoo. âChaos enough?â He grinned at the other. Wonwoo was sprinkled with red paint. Mingyu probably didnât look any better. He could only hope that Wonwoo would let him take a shower here before heading home. He wouldnât be able to get into his car or ride in a taxi like this.
âI give up. Where did you learn that?â Wonwoo stayed there and Mingyu almost felt a little sorry. But only almost.
âToo much energy,â he replied cheerfully. Again, it finally felt like Mingyu had the upper hand. As if he could take a little revenge for Wonwooâs troubles at the beginning. âLetâs get ready. You know you still have to prepare dinner and give me a massage, right?â
âWho just knocked who over here?â Wonwoo sat up with a groan.
âItâs your own fault.â
Mingyu regretted his action. When he turned to face the mountain wall, there was a blue line next to the gray line. Probably from Wonwoo. Urgh. How was he supposed to cover that up? Especially since that was a spot that was supposed to stay white.
âIf you donât behave now, there will be trouble, okay?â he said sternly.
But Wonwoo laughed.
And despite all this, they finished without further incident. He couldnât think of anything else for the two lines, and Wonwoo had forbidden him to paint over them. âLet a little chaos into your life, Mingyu,â Wonwoo repeated the words.
Mingyu gave in, gritting his teeth. After all, Wonwoo needed to relax in this imperfect environment. Mingyu would probably never set foot in here again.
âThen weâre done, right?â Mingyu asked as he started putting the paint buckets together and closing them.
Wonwoo looked around and then nodded. âIn this room, yes. I have another task for you in the hallway.â He picked out a bucket and took it with him. The purple one. Mingyu followed him. Wonwoo hadnât mentioned a word about the hallway. What was he planning to do?
Wonwoo opened the bucket and took Mingyuâs hand. âTrust me, Mingyu,â he said softly, and Mingyu let him do it. Wonwoo led Mingyuâs hand to the bucket and dipped it so that the palm of his hand was full of paint. He wanted a handprint of Mingyu. It could have been a lot cleaner if they had painted Mingyuâs hand with a brush. But he didnât want to mess with Wonwoo anymore, so he didnât say anything when the other raised his hand and pushed Mingyuâs hand against the wall. Mingyu saw a few smaller drops of paint dripping onto the wall next to his hand. He wouldnât have to go back to this chaos. It was fine like that.
Wonwoo withdrew his hand. âNow weâre done. What do you think if we put you in the shower and I order us something to eat?â
âAbsolutely!â He just wanted to get out of those clothes. And his skin also felt tight from the dried paint. It had never been so dirty after a renovation.
âJust please be careful not to come into contact with any cats. If we have to wash them...youâll have to be treated afterward.â Wonwoo warned him as they left the first floor and Wonwoo tried to lock the door without getting much paint anywhere. Mingyu only now saw that the cat flap had been locked in, because it didnât move.
Wonwoo led him upstairs to his apartment. He probably didnât notice that he left red stains on the floor. Mingyu smiled. âYou should wipe around here later,â he remarked, amused. Wonwoo turned around, spotted the red drops and sighed. âThis is your fault, you know that?â
âShouldnât I let chaos into my life?â
Now that Mingyuâs artwork was no longer in danger of walls, he could joke about it.
Wonwoo didnât reply and Mingyu only found it more amusing.
Wonwoo maneuvered Mingyu into the bathroom and washed his hands there himself. âIâll bring you some clothes that you can wear after the shower.â
While Wonwoo cleaned himself a little, Mingyu examined himself in the mirror. He looked...wild. What had Wonwoo done to him? You could almost think he wanted to disfigure Mingyu and keep him here longer. His face was not only purple and green, no, there were also blue, gray, white and red areas on it. And only in his face. He saw color on his neck, even in his hair, and who knew what his arms looked like.
Mingyu turned his attention to Wonwoo, who was just then taking off his shirt over his head and then taking off his pants. Mingyu couldnât wait to do the same and finally wash the paint off.
âTowels are in here. If you need anything, let me know, okay?â
Mingyu nodded. Wonwoo turned to leave and Mingyu allowed himself to tear himself away from his eyes (anything else would have been inappropriate) and let his gaze slide over the otherâs body. You could definitely tell that Wonwoo wasnât just taking care of the cats.
But as soon as he was outside, Mingyu got rid of his clothes. He threw them with Wonwooâs paint-smeared clothes and got in the shower. Mingyu first let the hot water rain down on him and closed his eyes. Only after a few minutes did he reach for the shower gel he saw and lather himself up. The water turned all sorts of colors. Mingyu scrubbed his face, his arms, and his neck, and even found a colored fingerprint on his hip.
âIâll put these things on the shelf here, okay? Take your time.â
Mingyu only turned his head slightly when he heard Wonwooâs voice. âOkay, thanks,â he replied. He heard Wonwoo close the door and continued trying to rid himself of paint.
When the water was mostly clean, he grabbed the shampoo and washed his hair. And then scrubbed again over every spot where there was paint. And finally, the water came clear at the bottom.
Mingyu turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. He grabbed a towel from the closet Wonwoo had shown him earlier and dried himself off. He just rubbed his hair a little dry. Then he got dressed. He finally felt a bit cleaner again. Mingyu looked at himself in the mirror again and felt confirmed.
He stepped out of the bathroom. âWonwoo?â he called, but there was no answer. Since the colored things were still in the bathroom, he closed the door so that no cat could come in and went downstairs. He didnât find Wonwoo in the hallway and when Mingyu briefly opened the door on the first floor, he didnât hear anything. He only found him in the cat cafe. Wonwoo had gotten dressed but still looked wild after their color battle.
âHey,â the other said gently as Mingyu came to him. He looked at him as Mingyu approached him. What kind of picture did they have to give? Mingyu, freshly showered and wrapped in a warm, cozy sweater and Wonwoo in an old, worn shirt and his skin covered in paint. Was he thinking the same thing because he looked at him like that? Mingyu averted his gaze and let it wander across the room. The cats seemed calm and prepared for their evening nap. Had Wonwoo already fed them? Or had Soonyoung been here again?
Mingyu sat down opposite Wonwoo (he had chosen Mingyuâs regular table and Mingyu could only hope that the other didnât leave any stains) and looked at him again. Wonwoo looked at him (still?).
âIsnât the food here yet? Go take a shower. Iâll wait here and then bring it up.â
âOkay. Thank you, Mingyu.â Wonwoo smiled at him. He sat there for a moment before getting up and disappearing into the catsâ rest room.
Mingyu leaned back. Luckily, no cat came to him because he didnât want to deal with them at the moment. He enjoyed sitting quietly. If only his mother could see this.
And then there was a knock on the window. That had to be the food. Mingyu got up and walked to the entrance, making sure there was no cat at the door, and accepted the food. As he entered Wonwooâs apartment again, he heard the shower. Mingyu went to the kitchen, got everything they would need and then went to Wonwooâs living room, where he set the table.
He didnât have to wait much longer until Wonwoo came into the living room with damp hair. And new clothes again. But the other things were probably full of paint again.
âI put your clothes in the washing machine. If it gets too much for you before your vacation, just bring them over to me unwashed and weâll swap them, okay?â
Mingyu glanced at the clock. It was just 5 p.m. âI have my laptop with me. If you want, we can look at your card? Then maybe my things are ready too?â he suggested.
âYou still want to stay?â
Mingyu snorted in amusement. âHello? You owe me a massage. And we wanted to finish the card. Do you have anything else planned?â
Wonwoo came over and sat down. âNo. Letâs do it.â
The other looked happy. So much happier than last week. And Mingyu felt a little proud that it was his achievement.
They decided to get to work after dinner. Wonwoo sat at his desk with his PC and Mingyu sat next to him with his laptop. They had to move a little closer together so they could both fit on it, but it was okay. Wonwoo sent him the picture of him (without cat ears!) and Mingyu showed Wonwoo different fonts that he thought fit. Here, Wonwoo was much nicer. But he no longer had a brush with paint within reach. They worked with concentration and Wonwoo repeatedly praised Mingyuâs drawings and after 3 hours they were so far finished that only Wonwooâs pictures had to be used. To annoy him, Mingyu had taken the picture with the cat ears.
âMingyu, how can we ever thank you? Itâs way too much youâre doing for us,â Wonwoo began. When Mingyu tried to defend himself, Wonwoo shook his head. âNo really. I want to give you something. From the cat cafe.â
âTake my picture out of the card.â Mingyu suggested jokingly but became serious when he saw Wonwooâs look. âI canât think of anything. Itâs okay, really.â
âNo, itâs not that,â Wonwoo insisted. âIâll think of something.â
Mingyu stood up and stretched. âGood. Then lie down on the sofa for the massage. If you want one too, Iâd rather start and then enjoy it at the end.â He didnât agree directly yesterday, but he was a man of his word.
Wonwoo went to get some massage oil. Mingyu looked at him with a raised eyebrow. âDo you do something like that often?â
âNo. I just bought it yesterday.â
Mingyu grinned. But he didnât comment on it. He saw Wonwooâs red ears and, since he avoided Mingyuâs gaze, Mingyu knew exactly how uncomfortable he was. Why did Wonwoo want to please him even more when he was already like that to him?
Mingyu walked up to him and took the massage oil from him. âLie down,â he tried to make his voice sound gentle.
Wonwoo took off his shirt and lay on his stomach on the sofa. He crossed his arms and Mingyu opened the massage oil and poured some into his right hand. He set the bottle aside and rubbed the oil between his hands to warm it up. Yes, he also once took a couplesâ massage course with one of his exes. Mingyu was eager for knowledge, too. He still knew how to proceed. He walked over to Wonwoo and started the massage. Mingyu felt Wonwoo tense up under his grip.
âSo youâre training?â Mingyu teased to lighten the atmosphere a bit.
He heard Wonwoo sigh. âIâm going to the gym in your office building, Mingyu.â
Oh? Really? He had never seen Wonwoo before. Maybe he left at a time when Mingyu wasnât-
âWeâve met a few times. But as I realize now, you didnât recognize me. If it wasnât for Jeonghan, you wouldnât even know I existed.â
Crap, that had gone wrong. Wonwoo slowly relaxed under Mingyuâs massage, but Mingyu wasnât sure if he had hurt Wonwooâs feelings. He couldnât deny it either, because he didnât think he would have ever paid attention to Wonwoo unless something had happened.
âDonât tell him Iâm grateful for that.â
At some point, Wonwoo stirred and Mingyu stopped the massage. Wonwoo sat up. âYou can really do anything, can you?â
âYou canât avoid it,â Mingyu replied.
âI wanted to give you a compliment,â Wonwoo defended himself. Mingyu laughed and they swapped places. Mingyu took off his sweater and made himself comfortable on the sofa. And then he felt Wonwooâs hands spreading the massage oil on him and massaging him. And as Mingyu closed his eyes and tried to relax. He felt how tiring the day had been today. Wonwoo did well and Mingyu forced himself not to think about anything. Not bad things and not good things either. He just didnât want to think about anything and enjoy the moment. And he probably dozed off.
Because he suddenly woke up.
âAwake again?â Wonwoo asked gently. Mingyu could still feel his hands massaging his shoulders. How long had he been dozing?
âSorry. I think Iâm more ready for a vacation than I thought.â
âI think I read that itâs the biggest compliment for a masseur. Besides, itâs already late. And youâll definitely want to go to work early tomorrow.â
Mingyu sighed and finally sat up. âYeah, youâre right. The last week will be tough. I should go.â
Wonwoo sat down next to him. âIf you want, you can sleep here. Then you donât have to go home anymore.â
Mingyu just shook his head. âNo, thanks.â
âYou could go straight to the office from here tomorrow.â
Why didnât Wonwoo let go of this? Mingyu wasnât so tired that he wouldnât make it home. And the distance wasnât that far. He drove it every day, often late at night when he was working. âI donât sleep well the first night in strange places,â he explained.
âAll right. Iâll bring you your things.â
Wonwoo got up and disappeared into the bathroom while Mingyu waited bare-chested. He resisted the urge to get dressed again because it wouldnât help. But he got up and packed up his laptop and folded the sweater until Wonwoo returned. When Wonwoo gave him his freshly washed clothes, Mingyu changed his clothes. Of course, the wash didnât completely remove the paint, but he could put it back on without getting the paint all over himself again. And he had expected it and put on old clothes.
Mingyu folded the pants that Wonwoo had lent him and put them on top of the sweater.
âLeave the things here, Iâll wash them,â Wonwoo said before he could say anything.
Mingyu hadnât planned on offering to wash the clothes since Wonwoo had said so earlier. But he didnât want to point this out to the other person, so he just said âThank you.â
Wonwoo took him downstairs to the cat cafe and they stood in the space between them.
âThank you again, Mingyu. I donât know how long it would have taken me without you. And the others will be very happy.â Wonwoo stood between him and the door and looked at him. And stopped Mingyu from leaving as he didnât want to move.
âIt was hard for me to say no to a project like this, so donât thank me too much.â
âMaybe next time youâll take me up on my offer to stay the night here.â Wonwoo still didnât make any move to move away so Mingyu could leave. Was he waiting for something? But on what?
âThe next time? I donât think weâll be busy all day again. Today was the last replacement date. And the appointments listed donât last that long.â Oh, Mingyu wasnât so naive that he didnât know what Wonwoo was getting at. But why should he make it easy for him?
He watched in amusement as Wonwooâs expression darkened slightly. Mingyu looked over his shoulder at the night sky. Wonwoo should believe that Mingyu would only do something with him for the appointments written into his calendar. Although he should have realized long ago that it wasnât the case.
And then he saw it. A shooting star. Mingyuâs mood lifted. He had seen it and not Wonwoo, like last time.
âNow I saw a shooting star too,â he said, pointing outside. âSo you can let me go now.â
âHuh? Oh yeahâŠsorry. Congratulations on the shooting star. Drive home safe Mingyu, okay? Let me know when you get home.â And finally, Wonwoo stepped aside and Mingyu could leave.
It didnât take long for him to drive home at that time. It was a nice evening and Mingyu didnât regret coming back that day. As he parked at home, he texted Wonwoo. When he felt the fresh, wintry evening air, he took a deep breath. Mingyu looked at the sky. Despite it being a tiring day, he felt ready for the week ahead. And then he would finally have a vacation.
Monday Mingyu got a call from Joshua. During work. He almost considered not going. He had too much to do and didnât like having private conversations during his work hours (especially today he planned to spend his break at the cat cafe and check on Wonwoo). But he could guess what it was about. So he took the call after all.
âHello.â
âHey Mingyu. Everything okay with you?â
Good. Joshua wanted to make a little small talk first. But Mingyu didnât necessarily have time for that.
âGood. I guess youâve heard about me and Seokmin.â Seokmin...Mingyu probably needed some time to get used to this one. He was affectionate. He showed up on Saturday night because he âmissed Mingyu so much.â And Mingyu couldnât get rid of him until Sunday afternoon when he wanted to go to the office.
Mingyu also knew that he shouldnât think like that. Just because it happened too quickly didnât mean anything bad. He would get used to Seokmin. He hadnât had to get used to a person and get involved with them in years. It was just difficult to suddenly no longer be able to organize your time alone.
âYes. Thatâs why Iâm calling, if Iâm being honest. Mingyu, you are both my friends. But Iâve known Seokmin a little longer than you have known him. He is very sensitive. Please donât hurt him. He doesnât deserve that,â Joshua said in a tone that didnât match his words.
Mingyu had suspected it. Joshua threatened him. That too.
Mingyu rubbed his forehead in annoyance. Did this all have to happen right before his vacation?
âI wonât,â he said shortly.
Since Joshua probably still had a bad conscience towards him (Mingyu could have easily done without it), he asked about Mingyuâs well-being and made more small talk. And Mingyu couldnât get rid of him. Mingyu shouldnât take a break from work. But he was still worried about Wonwoo. Which is why he went over to the cat cafe without a laptop and at 12 p.m. sharp. He sat down in his usual spot and waited.
âHello Mingyu. âOh, youâre not working today?â Jeonghan greeted him in surprise.
âI wanted to check on Wonwoo.â He didnât have time to play games. He probably wouldnât be able to do a full hour lunch.
âWonwoo wonât come down today. Donât worry. Heâs doing better. Whatever you said or did, thank you, Mingyu. He just needs a little more time to get back on track.â
Jeonghan didnât really convince him. But Mingyu couldnât force them to bring Wonwoo downstairs. He just wanted to make sure with his own eyes that the other was okay.
But Mingyu had no luck on Tuesday either. He didnât manage to go over during his lunch break (a client was late and didnât arrive until just before his lunch break), so Mingyu went to the cat cafe in the evening, just before it closed.
Soonyoung gave him a questioning look. Mingyu didnât have to look around to see that there were no more guests.
âIs Wonwoo here?â he asked, but Soonyoung shook his head.
âHe went shopping a few minutes ago. Sorry.â
âItâs fine. Thanks.â
Mingyu turned to leave. Did Wonwoo avoid him? He hadnât done anything wrong. Or was it really a coincidence that he missed him?
Mingyu took out his phone. He brought up the chat with Wonwoo. The last time they had written to each other had been some time ago. There had never been a reason for it. But now?
We still have an alternative date left. Would you like to catch up on our visit to the aquarium this week?
It took a while before he got an answer. Only after he had exercised in the gym and taken a shower did Wonwoo answer him. Shortly.
Not this week, Mingyu. But thanks.
And he shouldnât worry about that?
Wednesday didnât go any better. Mingyu was about to leave to go to the cat cafe when Seokmin stood in his office.
âHey, darling.â He came up to him and kissed him.
If there was one thing Mingyu liked even less than having private conversations at work, it was showing displays of affection in the office. Although the relationship with Vernon and Seungcheol had loosened up, that was something that Mingyu thought had gone too far. This was his personal life and he wouldnât mix it with business. At least no more than it was already the case.
âWhat are you doing here?â he asked, a little harsher than he intended.
âI wanted to pick you up for lunch. You work so much. I donât even see you anymore.â It came across as accusatory. Not seriously accusing, more like pouting, but Mingyu knew from experience that the other was blaming him. Whether he covered it or not. Mingyu was a bad boyfriend. Even though his vacation was less than a week and a half away, he should take the time to do something with his boyfriend, right?
âIâm sorry. Itâs a lot going on,â he apologized. He offered Seokmin his arm, which the other willingly hooked himself into.
âDo you have time this weekend? I read about an exhibition that is supposed to be open on Saturday.â
âSorry, I donât have time on Saturday. I...I have a date every Saturday this year. Theyâre not real dates. But they are meetings that I cannot cancel or postpone.â It would sound weird to a stranger. How was Mingyu supposed to explain the meetings without telling about Wonwoo, the bet, or the others? But these were exactly the issues that were of no concern to Seokmin. It didnât matter if he was Mingyuâs boyfriend or not. It was a thing of the cat cafe.
âEvery Saturday this year? Oh...okay. Well, we still have six other days in the week, donât we?â
It reassured Mingyu that Seokmin wasnât angry with him about it.
And it reassured him even more that Wonwoo wasnât in sight.
Mingyu knew that eventually the time would come and Wonwoo and Seokmin would see each other. At some point, this statement about the meetings would no longer be enough for Seokmin. He would have to tell him. But today wasnât the day. As long as it was after his vacation, Mingyu didnât care. Jihoon assured him that Wonwoo was fine (and Mingyu was glad that Seokmin didnât bring that up - maybe he also assumed that Wonwoo was a cat?).
He didnât see Wonwoo on Thursday either. Mingyu didnât even come to the cat cafe. Seokmin stood in his office again at 12 oâclock sharp (did the other person postpone his lunch break just to be with him?). The other brought him food and they ate together in the kitchen with Seungcheol. Mingyu should be happy that someone cared about him. But he was still worried about Wonwoo.
Mingyu worked through Friday lunchtime. He wanted to go home and finally embrace his weekend and go to bed and sleep. But it wasnât until late in the evening when he was going through his appointments for the weekend (Mingyu wasnât quite as up to speed as usual) that he realized what tomorrowâs appointment was.
9:00 a.m. Renovate apartment with Mr. Beanie
Urgh. He really didnât feel like going to an appointment like that. Why was Jeonghan using him as cheap labor? Should he stay away from the appointment? After all, Wonwoo had allowed him to do it. But it would be his chance to finally see Wonwoo again. He had last seen the other one a week ago. And even though the others assured him that he was fine, Mingyu wanted to see for himself.
However, since Mingyu didnât know if he needed to bring anything with him, he called Wonwoo on the way home. But he didnât reach him.
At home, Mingyu wrote him a message. And even though he wanted to go to sleep straight away, he couldnât fall asleep before Wonwoo texted him. Which is why he sat down in his hobby room and sat down at the cat cafe menu. He had put off this task long enough.
Wonwoo stopped texting him. Mingyu got no text on Friday and not on Saturday either.
Mingyu was so worried about the other. He would have to get Jeonghan, Jihoon, or Soonyoungâs number. What if something had happened? He put on old clothes that could get dirty and drove to the cat cafe early.
âWhat are you doing here? The appointment doesnât start for another hour?â Wonwoo greeted him critically.
When Mingyu went into the cat cafe, he just came out of the kitchen. And wow. Mingyuâs concern for the other instantly faded. âYou know what? I will come again later.â
But Wonwooâs laughter stopped him. âSorry Mingyu. You looked so serious. I heard from the others that you asked about me every day. That youâre so worried about me. Just be careful that people donât think youâre interested in me.â
Mingyu let out an annoyed breath. He wanted Wonwoo to get better. But that he fell back into his old pattern? He didnât want that.
âLetâs get the appointment over with, shall we?â
Wonwoo stepped aside so Mingyu could enter. The other didnât say anything else but led the way into the catsâ rest room. Mingyu greeted the others briefly and didnât say anything either as he followed Wonwoo. They went to the catsâ quarantine rooms. Thatâs right. Wonwoo said it was the first floor.
âArenât the others helping?â Mingyu asked as they stepped into the hallway.
âJeonghan said since I have you, theyâll take care of the cat cafe. Sorry.â
Of course, it came from Jeonghan. Mingyu looked around the hallway and counted the doors again. 6 doors. Would they really do the entire first floor today? Ugh.
âMingyu?â
He almost froze when he heard Wonwooâs soft voice. But Mingyu hadnât thought about the other anymore. He no longer thought about what could have been between them. Mingyu was simply surprised at how the other person had suddenly changed. Wonwoo downstairs was like he was in the early days. And now suddenly he was the Wonwoo he had last met? The real Wonwoo?
âHm?â
âThanks again for last week.â And suddenly he was serious.
âHow are you?â Mingyu asked, trying to imitate Wonwooâs gentle voice.
The other smiled slightly. âIt gets better. The time for renovation has probably come at just the right time. We actually planned to relocate the cats. But I took a break. For now, there are no more emergencies coming here. I just...I just need a little more time.â Wonwoo looked away from him, but Mingyu continued to watch him as Wonwoo started speaking again: âI just wanted to thank you again. Last week was good for me. Now letâs please forget about that. I need to distract myself, okay?â
Mingyu nodded. Okay. If Wonwoo didnât want to talk about it anymore and instead wanted to distract himself, Mingyu would accept that. If it was easier for him that way, Mingyu wouldnât force him to do anything.
He cleared his throat. âWhat do we start with? What is planned?â
Wonwoo sighed and pointed his hand everywhere. âAll rooms except the bathroom need to be wallpapered and painted. We can take it easy and you can leave as soon as the appointment ends. Or earlier. As you wish. It is a lot. Yesterday I watched a video on how to do it. I hope we can get this right. I thought weâd start with the largest room. So that things go faster afterward.â
Wait. Couldnât Wonwoo do that? And the others didnât help (anymore)? What were they actually planning? âYouâre lucky Iâve done this before. Do you already have the materials? Is the room taped off?â Leave early? Pah! If Wonwoo secretly told him that he had no idea about anything, Mingyu wouldnât be able to leave him alone. Not now that they were friends.
âI emptied the rooms. And bought the materials.â Wonwoo looked at him uncertainly. âNothing else?â
âOkay, then letâs get started.â
Mingyu let Wonwoo go first because he knew where the largest room was. Neatly laid out in the middle were tarpaulins, wallpaper, paint and, luckily, also a wallpapering table, brush and buckets.
âItâs best we tape off all the rooms so that it goes faster,â Mingyu thought. He took a tarp and tape and showed Wonwoo what he needed to cover and how best to stick it on. Luckily, this was the easiest job and was done quickly. He left Wonwoo to tape off the other rooms and set about setting up the wallpapering table, measuring the wall and marking the required length on the table. He then mixed the paste and checked on Wonwoo.
âWhat would you have done without me?â he asked, leaning against the doorframe and watching Wonwoo struggle.
âWe could have done it quite well without you,â replied the other and gave him a quick look. âBut Iâm glad youâre here,â he added quickly. As if he was afraid that Mingyu would abandon the work. But Mingyu just laughed.
âYou owe me a massage after today for that.â
âA massage?â Wonwoo stood up and stretched. âIf you give me a massage afterward, Iâm happy.â
âThat contradicts the point a little.â Mingyu wanted to be rewarded for his hard work.
But it was pleasant. There wasnât anything strange between them, which reassured Mingyu immensely.
Since Wonwoo was finished, they went back to the large room. Mingyu tested the paste. âGood, the consistency looks right. Letâs get started.â
âHow can you do that? Have you ever done something like this before?â
âWhen Minghao bought his apartment, we renovated everything ourselves.â
âI needed you two years ago when we moved here. I paid so much to have everything professionally prepared downstairs. I didnât really want to try it myself if it was the main room.â
Mingyu smiled. âYou donât even know if Iâm good yet. Just wait and see.â But of course he was. Mingyu was a perfectionist. Before he and Minghao renovated his apartment, he had taken a few courses so that he could do it well.
âMingyu, I know you well enough to know that you can do this beautifully.â
Mingyu showed him how to lay down the wallpaper, how to cut it off and put paste on it. How he put the wallpaper on the wall and made sure it was straight and smooth. It wasnât that bad. Mingyu liked physical work. Now and then. He preferred mental work, but physical work took more energy. They also had a pleasant chat. Really pleasant. It wasnât like before, but it wasnât any worse. Mingyu was no longer worried.
And Wonwoo learned quickly. If it had been Mingyuâs apartment or property, he wouldnât have let the other put up the wallpaper alone (perfectionist), but since Mingyu wouldnât be here anymore, he let it pass. Since they took turns, they also made quick progress. While Mingyu was putting up the wallpaper, Wonwoo was preparing the next layer and while Wonwoo was putting it up, Mingyu was preparing the next layer of wallpaper. And even the little things that bothered Mingyu in the first room became smaller in the next room and in the third, Wonwoo was close to Mingyuâs standards.
âIf you keep it up, youâll soon be able to do this on your own,â Mingyu praised him as he watched as Wonwoo put wallpaper on the wall and carefully loosened the lower, folded layer and stuck it to the wall.
âYou are a good teacher. Iâm sure you could teach someone anything if you were interested.â
When was the last time Wonwoo praised him like that? âYou still canât avoid the massage.â
âI didnât mean to either. I am serious!â
It really was different between them. And somehow not. It was more normal than the last meetings.
When they were finished with the wallpaper, Wonwoo announced a break (luckily the walls still had to dry before they could start painting, otherwise Mingyu would probably have gone through without one) and they went downstairs to the cat cafe. Everything was still normal here.
Until they went back upstairs and started painting. They worked in silence. At least until Wonwoo started speaking.
âIs your offer from last week still standing?â
Mingyu didnât stop what he was doing. He had no idea what exactly the other was talking about, but Mingyu didnât promise anything he wouldnât stick to. âOf course.â
âItâs hard for me to talk about it. And I canât talk to Jeonghan and Jihoon about it anymore because they are too set in their opinions. ItâŠIâŠâ Wonwoo interrupted himself and Mingyuâs heart sank a little. He could guess what Wonwoo wanted to talk to him about. But they were friends so that wouldnât be a problem, right?
âThere was someone in my life. My last relationship. It wasâŠcomplicated.â Wonwoo sighed.
Mingyu was a little surprised that the other spoke like it was a long time ago. He had seen the two of them together two weeks ago.
âI have the feeling he canât understand me about the cats. I thought he would understand. He...heâs a veterinarian. But he kept blaming me as to why I didnât have time.â
Mingyu glanced at the other. But since they were working on different walls, he couldnât see anything of Wonwoo except his back. He remembered Wonwoo saying something about an ex like that. But it had been too long for him to remember.
âLike I said, itâs complicated. Heâs trying to change me. But I canât put the cats behind. Even if itâs not just about emergencies or rescuing cats, the cats here in the cafe come first. They are my family. And also my primary income.â
âThatâs not right.â Mingyu lowered the brush and turned around. This time, Wonwoo turned to him too. âYou donât have to change yourself for others. Especially not when itâs about something thatâs important to you.â Heâd seen it happen too many times. Not because of cats, but because of his work. Which was also why he thought he and Wonwoo would be a good match. Well, that turned out to be a total mistake, but Mingyu stuck to his guns.
âYes. So you think so too. I...Iâm actually sure thatâs right. But he sometimes makes me feel like Iâm wrong.â
Sorry, what?
âYou should break it off with him urgently. I donât know him and donât know what heâs like, but that doesnât sound right. You deserve someone who will treat you well. Who loves you the way you are. I find the fact that you care so devotedly for the cats a very pleasant trait. Maybe your best. At least itâs better than this betting story. And he doesnât exactly sound like it.â
Wonwoo turned back and remained silent. Mingyu waited a moment, but when he didnât say anything, he added: âYou deserve someone better, Wonwoo.â He also turned back and dipped the brush into the paint again.
âThank you, Mingyu.â It took a while for Wonwoo to speak again. âI ended it with him. A few days earlier. I donât knowâŠI needed reassurance that it was the right decision.â
Luckily, Mingyu had declared the topic of them together over himself. If he got his hopes up (and he didnât), it wouldnât be the time. As he had said himself, Wonwoo deserved someone better. And that someone wasnât Mingyu.
The rest of the day passed uneventfully. They got through well and after a short break, Wonwoo joked around again. Wonwoo explained to him that they wanted to set up the lounge and break room in the largest room, a storage room was added in the room next door, three quarantine rooms should remain and the last room should be an office. Mingyu was reassured to hear this. He still remembered with horror the stacks of papers lying haphazardly on Wonwooâs desk.
âI would say we take another break. Or do you want to go? The appointment is long over, Mingyu.â
âWhat else do you have planned?â
They had wallpapered and painted everything. And Mingyu slowly needed a break. But he wouldnât leave Wonwoo alone here if Jeonghan, Jihoon, and Soonyoung had already abandoned him.
âI donât know exactly yet. But I was thinking about making the break room a little colorful.â
Oh, Wonwoo. How could you approach something like that? âAnd you were planning on doing that now? You have to wait for the white paint to dry. Itâs best we continue tomorrow.â
Wonwoo looked at him in surprise. âTomorrow? We?â
âI thought we clarified that friends donât let each other down. What do you have planned?â
Mingyu should have felt bad when he saw the grin that crept onto Wonwooâs lips. But it felt good when the other asked him teasingly, âSo weâre not almost friends anymore, yeah?â Because it showed that the other was really doing better.
Mingyu stayed for a while until Wonwoo explained what he was doing. He was a little vague. âDo you trust me? Iâll think of something, okay?â Wonwoo just wanted to create a place to rest. With a spring meadow, a beach and a forest. Places where the cat cafe employees felt comfortable. Mingyu made a note of a night sky in his head. He knew Wonwoo found something like this relaxing. It involved a lot of work, but it was also important that he had something that promised him relaxation.
âMingyu, I feel guilty.â
âWe still have an alternative date open. Iâll come tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. You take care of the food and weâll get this done, okay? Donât complain. I have to go home now. I have a vague idea, but Iâd like to work it out.â
And he did. Mingyu went home and immediately started working on it. Ever since Wonwoo explained his idea to him, the inspiration never left him. He couldnât wait to get started tomorrow. Before Mingyu went to bed at 2 a.m. (it took him that long to finish), he wrote to Seokmin. He had almost forgotten about him. Mingyu was a terrible boyfriend. Starting next week he would have to change that.
He was feeling so bad. Much, much worse than last time. Mingyu should stop drinking. He was too old for something like that. Mingyu groaned as he tried to sit up. He could hardly open his eyes, which wasnât a bad thing, because as soon as he opened them for a moment he felt his headache start. He wouldnât drink again any time soon.
It took a while before Mingyu could bring himself to open his eyes again. He whimpered as it was way too bright in the room. He must have forgotten to close the shutters yesterday. Mingyu ran his hands through his hair and yawned. Should he just stay in bed today? Lie down and go back to sleep? He could allow himself to do that, right? He didnât even know what happened yesterday. How did he get home? As soon as he thought about it, the headache got worse. Mingyu sank back into his bed. No, today wasnât a day he would get up. He wanted to roll over from his back onto his stomach until he noticed someone lying next to him. Huh?
Mingyu half sat up again and suppressed the feeling of dizziness that hit him. Who did he take with him? As he looked at the shock of black hair, memories came flooding back to Mingyu.
Wonwoo, who was preparing the cat food in the basement. Wonwoo with black hair. Wonwoo making out with Seungkwan. Mingyu, who went to the dance floor and kissed him.
But after that? Nothing more. What had they done? He hardly believed they had sex. Mingyu had been too drunk for that. Had they spoken about everything? Had Mingyu confessed that he had been jealous? In any case, Wonwoo was here. Here, with him. And not with Seungkwan. Despite feeling bad, Mingyu felt a triumphant feeling. He sank into bed again, this time lying directly behind Wonwoo. He put an arm around him and pulled Wonwoo close to him. Whatever had happened between them yesterday could wait until later. Now he wanted to enjoy lying in bed with the other. Even though he was feeling incredibly bad. Mingyuâs hand began to gently stroke Wonwooâs stomach. He wanted to feel him. Savor his triumph. When he started to move, Mingyu snuggled up to the other man from behind. He placed soft kisses on Wonwooâs shoulder, moving from his shoulder to Wonwooâs ear. âGood morning, Princess,â he breathed.
Mingyu allowed Wonwoo to stir and turn to him. He wanted nothing more than to look at him and- fuck.
Mingyu turned ice cold as the other turned around. It wasnât Wonwoo. But Seokmin. Fuck, what had he done?
âGood morning,â the other beamed at him, while Mingyu tried to hide his horror.
Seokmin didnât notice his feelings because he put his arms around Mingyu and snuggled up to him.
Mingyu didnât know what to say. He didnât know what had happened. He had kissed WonwooâŠright? Or was that a dream? What happened after that? Had Wonwoo rejected him? Was that why he consoled himself with Seokmin?
âWhat happened yesterday?â he asked almost tonelessly. Mingyu felt completely out of place. Not only did he feel bad physically, no, his feeling of triumph had completely disappeared and he now felt as bad mentally as he did physically.
He heard Seokmin laugh. âYou drank too much, huh? I had already feared that. How are you, Darling?â
DarâŠdarling?
Mingyu closed his eyes. Something was very wrong here.
He just felt Seokmin move away from him a little. âShould I order us something to eat?â
He didnât feel like eating at all. He just wanted to go back to bed and escape the nightmare.
âPlease, just tell me what happened?â Well, he sounded a little harsher than he intended. Seokmin couldnât help it â maybe.
Mingyu broke away from him completely and he didnât have the strength to open his eyes. He didnât know what the other person was like. They didnât know each other well enough. What if he blamed him now?
âWhat else can you remember?â Seokmin asked cautiously and Mingyu felt confirmed. He hold it against Mingyu. Great.
âI was drinking at the bar and wanted to go back to the dance floor.â And he had kissed Wonwoo. Maybe.
âOh.â Seokmin sounded a little sad and Mingyu opened his eyes. âYou came to the dance floor and kissed me. You told me you didnât want to lose me. And I was so happy, Mingyu! I only moved here because of you. I took you home in a taxi because I noticed how drunk you were. We didnât do anything else, donât worry. We can make up for it all now.â Seokmin gave him a shy smile.
But Mingyu felt sick. So bad.
It wasnât Wonwoo he kissed? He had confessed to Seokmin that he didnât want to lose him? Well, at least he didnât embarrass himself in front of Wonwoo. He didnât turn him down. But what should he do with Seokmin now?
âOh, I can see that youâre not feeling well. Stay in bed, okay? Iâll get you something to make you feel better.â
âOkay, thanks.â
Seokmin took care of him and Mingyu felt too bad to think much about anything. It wasnât until he was feeling better that he felt able to properly process the Halloween party.
He must have confused the two with each other. He was too drunk to think clearly. And he had made a big mistake. Seokmin seemed to think they were in a relationship. A relationship! How long did they know each other?
But then againâŠWonwoo had someone. And didnât everyone tell him that he needed someone to take care of him? The feelings would develop over time. And thatâs why he offered Seokmin to sleep over one more night.
It was different. To be in a relationship.
Maybe everyone had been right after all. It had been ages since his last relationship. Mingyu was lonelier than he thought.
He was still stressed at work. He introduced Seungcheol more to the appointments and clients so that Mingyu could (more or less) go on his vacation with peace of mind. But during his lunch break? Except for the two days when he went out to eat with Seungcheol and his clients (not at the cat cafe, as they were appointments at the clientâs office), Seokmin was with him. He brought him food. And even though Mingyu couldnât afford it, he took a break with him.
It happened that he hadnât seen Wonwoo for the week. But it was also a good thing. Mingyu wasnât one to cheat. Neither when it came to his own relationships nor those of others. It wasnât like he had feelings for Wonwoo, either. He had let himself be seduced by Jeonghan and Minghaoâs words. Imagining a what-if. The time out was good to get away from these ridiculous thoughts. Just because Wonwoo cared for him and Mingyu cared for Wonwoo didnât mean there was anything between them. They were friends. Not more.
And this week the visit to the aquarium was scheduled. Mingyu was really looking forward to it. He hadnât been to an aquarium often. But it was something completely different from his everyday life. He would be able to really unwind and lose himself in the depths of the water.
Luckily, Seokmin went out to dinner with his colleagues on Saturday to celebrate his arrival. Mingyu didnât know how to explain the appointment thing. So he had at least another week. And in two weeks, the time had finally come and his vacation would begin.
Mingyu stood in front of the âCoral Kingdomâ aquarium at 3 p.m. punctual. Well, he was 15 minutes early. He had been in the office earlier and since he was really looking forward to the appointment, he left on time. And was now too early. The weather was sunny, but there was an icy wind and Mingyu pulled his coat a little tighter. He definitely didnât want to get sick now. But Wonwoo would show up soon. He was always there a few minutes before.
Would things get weird between them? Mingyu didnât want it to get in the way of them being friends. Maybe the teasing would lessen. Definitely the flirting. The nicknamesâŠMingyu wouldnât use them anymore. They were too intimate. But he liked Wonwooâs company. Before Jeonghan and Minghao confused him with the comments. It was their fault!
To distract himself, Mingyu went to the aquariumâs website and scrolled through the information. There was a livestream that he clicked on while he waited. And waited.
As he started to feel cold, he stopped the livestream and looked at the clock. It was already 3:30 p.m. Huh. How quickly did time pass? And why wasnât Wonwoo here yet? Had something happened? Then he would have let Mingyu know. He opened the chat with Wonwoo. Mingyu hesitated before writing him a message:
Did something happen? Where are you?
After he stared at the chat for two minutes without Wonwoo coming online, he closed it again and dialed Wonwooâs number. Nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Well, Mingyu would wait a little longer. Maybe the other was on his way here.
But even after another half hour, Wonwoo didnât show up. He didnât answer his texts or his phone. And Mingyu was starting to get really worried. He went into the aquarium and asked about Wonwoo, but no one had seen him. He left a message for him in case he showed up and drove to the cat cafe.
Mingyu rushed over to the cat cafe from his underground parking lot. He didnât wait until he could take a proper breath, but went straight in. Jihoon looked surprised when he saw Mingyu.
âIs everything okay with Wonwoo?â
âMingyu?â Jeonghan asked in surprise when he heard his voice and came over. The two looked at each other before Jeonghan spoke again. âHeâs upstairs.â
âHe wanted to be left alone.â
âMaybe Mingyu can get through to him. Heâs not feeling very well.â Jeonghan explained and didnât explain anything.
Mingyuâs heart stopped for a moment.
Wonwoo wasnât feeling well.
Was he sick? No, it didnât sound like that. Was heâŠsad? Had he seen Mingyu and Seokmin together and realized that he didnât want to lose Mingyu either? Had he finally broken things off with Seungkwan?
Mingyu nodded and walked to the catsâ rest room without hesitation.
If that was true, he would end things with Seokmin immediately.
Mingyu went upstairs and knocked on Wonwooâs apartment door. When no one answered him, Mingyu carefully opened the door. Jeonghan and Jihoon had allowed him to do so. And if Wonwoo was feeling bad, he might not answer either. And if it was really because of him and it cleared up, then Wonwoo would definitely be happy if he just went in.
The door to Wonwooâs bedroom was half open again. Mingyu pushed aside thoughts of last week and slowly walked towards it. He cleared his throat before knocking. âWonwoo?â
It was pitch black in his bedroom. The shutters were all the way down and there were no lights on. Mingyu tried to see something in the dark. But all he could see was something moving. Was that Wonwoo or a cat? Mingyu pushed the door open a little more, allowing the light from the hallway to enter the room.
âMingyu?â Wonwooâs voiceâŠit didnât sound good. He immediately understood what Jeonghan had meant. The other sounded...broken? Was it really because of Mingyu?
âYou didnât show up. I was worried.â
âIs it Saturday already?â He could finally see Wonwooâs outline as he sat up. âYou can leave. Itâs fine.â
What?
That...that wasnât Wonwoo. Wonwoo, who wanted to win the bet at any cost. What happened? Something bad must have happened if he suddenly didnât care about the bet. Mingyu walked into the room and sat on the edge of Wonwooâs bed.
âWhat happened?â he asked seriously, trying to read something on Wonwooâs face.
But Wonwoo just shook his head. As if Mingyu would believe him! Mingyu took out his phone to check the time. Then an idea came to him. He opened the livestream of the aquarium and placed it on the bed so that both of them could look at it if they wanted. But Mingyu looked at Wonwoo, whose face was now dimly lit by the livestream.
âThe appointment is still scheduled for 2.5 hours. Youâll have to put up with me for that long.â
Mingyu expected a comment, but Wonwoo just nodded. He may have said, âOkay,â quietly, but Mingyu wasnât sure. It bothered him. Why didnât Wonwoo trust him?
Mingyu got up and sat next to Wonwoo in his bed. He placed his phone again so they could see it.
Wonwoo remained silent. Was he going to let him wait here in silence for the next 2.5 hours?
âYou know you can talk to me? Weâre friends, Wonwoo.â He almost considered keeping up the play with the almost friends. But Mingyu decided otherwise. Although it might have elicited a smile from Wonwoo, even if only a weak one.
âLife is just really difficult right now.â Wonwoo sounded so incredibly sad. âItâll definitely get better soon,â he added, but from the sound of his voice, he didnât believe it himself.
Something had happened. Something bad. He wanted Wonwoo to talk to him about it. He didnât want to just sit next to him and be silent. Mingyu didnât want to be pushed away and excluded from Wonwooâs life. He wanted to know what was bothering the other person. They were friends, werenât they? You help your friends when they werenât doing well.
âI know youâre not the most outgoing person. But Iâll still hold you now, okay? Allow someone to be with you who wants to help you. Everyone needs a hug every now and then.â
He didnât know if there was a reason Wonwoo didnât like being touched as much as Mingyu. Maybe there wasnât one and Mingyu was just exaggerating (something heâd heard before, but he was a very sociable person). Thatâs why he wanted to warn the other.
But Wonwoo remained silent as Mingyu wrapped one arm around him and gently pulled the other towards him while wrapping his second arm around him. He just felt the other person put a hand on his chest. Mingyu almost expected Wonwoo to try to push him away. But he didnât do that. Wonwoo held on to his sweater. When Mingyu noticed this, he squeezed the other harder. He wanted to be there for him. Maybe he wouldnât be able to take away his pain or suffering, but he could be there for him. Give him support.
The live stream was running quietly and only gentle piano music could be heard, so Mingyu could clearly hear the other person when he finally raised his voice:
âThe kittens died.â
His heart clenched. Not only that everything made sense now. No, he felt so bad. So pathetic. How could he have thought that Wonwoo would be jealous and act like that? Of course, this one had far bigger problems.
âWonwoo, Iâm so sorry.â
âIt happens. For rescue animals. But everything is just going wrong right now.â
No, Mingyu definitely wouldnât worry about it anymore. This wasnât about him.
âIâm here if you want to talk. In case you need anything. Be it a hug or support. Just tell me, okay? Do you want to hold a funeral for them?â
He had no idea what to do when an animal died. He had never had a pet.
âWeâve already held that. Thanks.â
They were silent and Mingyu started to rub the otherâs back. He didnât know what to say. This was a topic he was unfamiliar with. How did you get over the death of your fosterlings? Was Wonwoo blaming himself? Could he have done something different?
âItâs enough if we just lie here a little longer,â Wonwoo whispered. Mingyu felt much better. Good thing the other guy told him how he could help him. Finally.
And, because he couldnât completely push the thoughts away, he let his thoughts wander to the topic that had been haunting him for a week. He should give up the idea that anything would ever happen between him and Wonwoo. If he concentrated on his feelings right now, lying in bed with Wonwoo tightly wrapped in his arms...Mingyu felt nothing. No feelings for the other person. And the ideas would stop if he stopped imagining something. He would just destroy everything between them. Friends. They were friends. No more and no less. No more almost friends, oh no.
The live stream changed and showed a new image. Turtles could now be seen. And Mingyu felt that the music sounded much sadder.
âAre you blaming yourself?â he asked quietly.
He heard Wonwoo sigh. âYes. No. Perhaps. It really is more common than you think. But we havenât lost one in so long. And now all three. And I pushed you to give them names. I am so sorry.â
Wonwoo worried about him? Even though he had taken care of the three of them? Had looked after and cared for them? WhyâŠwas he worried about Mingyu? Did he really think Mingyu would form a bond with them just because he gave them names?
âIf it werenât for you, they would have died on the streets long ago. You gave them a chance, Wonwoo.â He didnât know if that was true. Would someone else have saved them? Would they have had a chance? But he wanted to believe that.
Suddenly, something jumped onto the bed. One cat came over and tried to lie down between them. And finally he heard Wonwoo laugh.
âI think someone is getting jealous. Thank you, Mingyu.â
He felt Wonwoo let go of him, and Mingyu released his hug. Wonwoo moved away a little and Mingyu could now see Byeol, who cuddled up to Wonwoo, meowed and then began to purr. So even the cats thought it would be better if he stopped trying to imagine things with Wonwoo.
Mingyu wanted to ask why Seungkwan wasnât there for him. But he didnât know if he had been here all week. And it was none of his business. If Wonwoo didnât tell him about Seungkwan, it wasnât his business. And Wonwoo didnât need that kind of drama right now.
Mingyu looked up as something heavy leaned on his shoulder. Wonwoo leaned his head on Mingyuâs shoulder while his hand slid through Byeolâs fur. As if he was still looking to be close to him. Mingyu looked back at his phone, where the live stream was still playing.
Time passed as the three of them lay in bed watching the live stream and no one spoke. Until a message came. From Seokmin.
I miss you, Darling
Mingyu froze. They could see it. He picked up his phone and turned it on do not disturb mode before putting it back and pretending to continue watching the live stream. Why was Seokmin so clingy? Just because they hadnât seen each other today? Urgh.
âYou donât have to come to the appointments anymore, Mingyu.â
Mingyu looked away. He couldnât concentrate on the livestream anymore, anyway. âWhat?â
âIf you have other things to do, you donât have to come anymore. I can manage the appointments on my own.â
Was it because of Seokmin? Or because of Wonwooâs depression? Or had he lost the bet today? But otherwise, he wouldnât have mentioned the rest of the meetings.
âForget it. I canât let you sit through this alone. For this year, you will have to put up with me every Saturday. Even if itâs just via video chat.â
Since Mingyu was still looking at Wonwoo, he could see him turning and looking at him. Mingyu couldnât read the expression on his face. Wonwoo seemed as closed and inscrutable as at the beginning. âCanât you just take me with you and leave me there?â Wonwoo finally asked.
Mingyu was extremely worried about him. If he had Jeonghan or Jihoonâs number, he would ask them if Wonwoo often had thoughts like that. It seemed depressive. There was no way he could leave him alone in such a mood.
âWho else is going to take care of Byeol and the others?â Mingyu asked to cover up his concern. He hoped Wonwoo would agree. But he remained silent again and turned to the live stream. And Mingyu thought about how he could get in touch with the others.
When the time turned to 6 p.m., Wonwoo sat up. âYou should go now.â
Leave? He couldnât leave now. Not when he felt like Wonwoo shouldnât be left alone. Not if he-
âYour boyfriend is certainly waiting for you.â
Hearing these words from Wonwoo...it was as if a piece of his sadness passed on to Mingyu. It made the maybe final. That the maybe would never become more. And even though Mingyu had told himself not to think about it anymore...hearing those words from Wonwoo made it worse. Or better? Maybe he really should go. To get distance. To give himself the opportunity to think more clearly again.
âOkay.â Mingyu slid off the bed and grabbed his phone. He would send Jeonghan upstairs so Wonwoo wouldnât be alone. It was better that way. If they both wanted to remain friends, he should leave now. Before anything else broke.
Mingyu walked towards the door when he heard Wonwoo following him. He turned around in front of his apartment door. A part of him hoped Wonwoo was holding him back.
Wonwoo took a step towards him and gave him a quick hug. âThank you Mingyu. Youâre a good friend. Itâs good that you found someone. You need someone to take care of you.â
Wasnât it Wonwoo who needed someone? But Mingyuâs mouth was so dry, he couldnât say anything. Instead, he nodded.
âSee you next week, Mingyu,â Wonwoo said goodbye.
Mingyu didnât turn around. He went downstairs and looked around for Jeonghan. The cat cafe was almost empty and Mingyuâs path led him to the kitchen. There he found Jeonghan and Jihoon.
âPlease donât leave him alone,â he said seriously.
âHe didnât send you away? Thatâs good. Iâll go up and bring him food.â Mingyu had never seen Jeonghan so serious and worried. He watched him pack up a dayâs lunch, put one of the sandwiches on a tray and take a piece of cake and walk out of the kitchen. Good.
âMingyu wait.â
Mingyu looked at Jihoon questioningly.
âThat last week-â the other started, but Mingyu shook his head.
âItâs not my business. Wonwoo and I are friends. What he does or doesnât do in his free time is his business. And I think he has just enough other problems to worry about me talking to his friends about his personal business. I should go. I still have something to do. Please take care of him.â
Mingyu didnât want to let Jihoon speak. He had made up his mind. As soon as he walked out of the cat cafe, he wouldnât give a single thought to a relationship with Wonwoo.
And when he actually stepped out of the cat cafe, he turned off the do not disturb mode on his phone and texted Seokmin back. He was lonely. Wasnât that everyone at some point? It had nothing to do with the other. They were friends. Friends only.
Even though it was Wonwooâs turn last time, Mingyu took a closer look at the cat cafeâs latest vlog entry. Soonyoung was in front of the camera for the first time. And he talked about the kittens. Mingyu thought back to Wonwooâs sadness. He wanted to help him. He was worried about Wonwoo. Because thatâs what friends did when the other person wasnât feeling well, right?
Mingyu found it easy not to think about Wonwoo. At least until he finally fell asleep (he really needed a little more sleep.) Luckily, Minghao called him on Sunday and wanted to spontaneously meet up with him. And not only did Mingyu need this extra bit of distraction, no, he was happy to finally meet up with his best friend again. Because Jun was still taking too much time from Minghao. And, because Mingyu wasnât completely distracted yet, he thought on the drive to Minghao that maybe things would change soon. Maybe Mingyu would be also busy with someone soon. At this meeting, he also made sure that Minghao was coming to the Halloween party with Jun. He didnât really want to go alone with Seokmin. Even though Wonwoo had to work, he would surely have a break? Why else would the appointment be entered? The picnic where Wonwoo ignored him was unplanned.
Mingyu had decided against telling Minghao about Wonwoo and whatever was between them. It didnât feel right yet. It was too early. If they had spoken to each other, he and Wonwoo, then he could tell Minghao about it. Furthermore, he had not yet been able to take ârevengeâ because of the appointments that Minghao had forced him to attend. He didnât have to find out everything straight away.
After Minghao left, Mingyu opened the cat cafeâs homepage and looked at the latest vlog entry (yes, he had already written the publications into his calendar). This time it was Wonwooâs turn and Mingyu was glued to the screen. He watched as Wonwoo played with the little kittens and kept looking at the camera as he told what was new at the cat cafe. During these 15 minutes of the vlog, Mingyu allowed himself to think about the other.
He had two seminars on Monday and Tuesday. Latest news from Value Added Tax as well as changes in the area of ââincome tax and payroll. It was a little annoying that he couldnât get a place nearby this year and had to drive to another part of the city. Mingyu remembered to text Wonwoo briefly in the morning (they still only had very sporadic contact with each other - why should they, if they saw each other regularly?).
Before you miss me today: Iâll be traveling to another part of the city for the next two days
When he looked at his phone during the short break, he found Wonwooâs answer. I hope you donât find a better cafe and come back again.
It put a grin on his face and made him walk around during his lunch break looking for a cafe. Just to annoy Wonwoo.
Instead, he found a store that sold clothes. Various Halloween costumes were offered in the window and Mingyu remembered his bet with Jeonghan. He didnât really trust him. What if he had robbed every costume shop in the area? What if there wasnât a single prince costume left near the cat cafe? Urgh. He definitely didnât want to be shown on the card with cat ears. Actually, he still didnât want to be pictured at all, but Mingyu knew that he didnât have to bother with the three of them. They seemed incorrigible in this regard.
Mingyu entered the store and looked around. He noticed that the Halloween costumes were all set up in one area, so he strolled over there.
âOh hey, Mingyu. What are you doing here?â
He knew the voice but couldnât place it at first. Mingyu turned around and looked at Seokminâs beaming face.
âI need a Halloween costume. What brings you to this area?â
Seokmin looked caught. He looked around cautiously and then came a little closer. âThis is the shop Iâm starting at next week. I wanted to spy a little,â he whispered.
Spy? What would that do if he had already signed? Wouldnât that have been better before? But well, if the other perhaps needed it and felt safer that way, Mingyu wouldnât say anything about it.
âDo you need help?â
Or was the other person bored? Mingyu vaguely remembered the call when Seokmin asked him to do something with him. He didnât know anyone here except Mingyu. It was definitely lonely.
So he nodded. âI need a prince costume.â
âYouâre going as a prince? Do you have a princess youâre taking with you?â
Maybe it was Jeonghanâs costume idea that was meant to be a little âembarrassing.â Couldnât you appear alone in a prince costume? Mingyu didnât think there was anything wrong with it. Or would WonwooâŠ? No. He didnât even want to finish the thought. Even if that was the more likely solution. After all, he didnât yet know how the employees of the cat cafe would dress up. Wouldnât it be more appropriate to dress up as cats? Even if you canât do it every year.
âNo. Iâm going alone.â Whatever Jeonghanâs motive behind the costume, Mingyu would find out sooner than he would have liked.
With Seokminâs help, he quickly found a prince costume. It was even enough time for him to go out for something to eat with Seokmin (no cafe, so he forgot to text Wonwoo again).
And when he came back to the office on Wednesday...well, it wasnât Seungcheolâs or Vernonâs fault. But it was chaos and Mingyu wished he hadnât taken the time out of those two days to go to training. One client had a special audit coming up, another had received a visit from customs due to undeclared work (which Mingyu had not known about) and another urgently needed information for a loan refinancing. Very urgent. A lot of information. And then there was the daily business, the appointments made and the preparation for his vacation.
Mingyu was so happy when everything was finished (more or less) on Friday and he could call it a day. He had only left the office to sleep for the last three days. At least thatâs how it seemed to him. He hadnât even managed to go over to the cat cafe.
And then it was Friday night again, and Mingyu just wanted to go to bed. He was so done. He longed for his vacation. As he lay in bed, he managed to look at his phone and answer the few messages that came in this week and check tomorrowâs appointment. At least he could sleep in tomorrow. Which he would need since the Halloween party didnât start until 8 p.m. and was scheduled until midnight. He urgently needed a vacation.
Mingyu couldnât sleep in. Which made him realize he was under too much stress. But instead of tossing and turning in bed for a few more hours, he went to the gym in the morning. If he was already awake, he could catch up on what he hadnât had time for this week.
Minghao came to see him in the afternoon. Without Jun!
âI donât have to be stuck with him all the time, Mingyu! I thought we were both getting ready together. Well, what does it look like? Do you have a costume?â
Aha? Was there someone finally out of the honeymoon phase? Minghao has been constantly glued to Jun for the past few months.
âOf course, I have a costume. Itâs a Halloween party. And what about you? You two have a partner costume, right?â
âNo, we donât have a partner costume. Jun goes as a pirate. Iâve thought about it, but you donât necessarily have to have a partner costume. What is yours? I almost thought that I would have to force you. Thatâs why I brought a vampire costume with me. But you seem to have really made friends with the dates.â
âTheyâre not dates,â Mingyu said automatically. Even if he now saw the appointments as dates himself. They were meant to be that way. They were date ideas. He would just continue to lie to himself if he thought about them as âappointmentsâ. âIâm going as a prince.â
Minghao raised his eyebrows in surprise. âPrince?â
What was so weird about this costume idea?
âI have a bet with Jeonghan. I had no choice.â
âNot really suitable for Halloween, Mingyu.â Ah. Maybe he was now too sensitive to any kind of criticism. Especially from his best friend.
Mingyu went to his bedroom and got the prince costume. It seemed prettyâŠclean. He would have chosen something else, but he wouldnât lose the bet (maybe Wonwooâs ambition rubbed off on him here - or it was the cat ears). But had Jeonghan mentioned what kind of prince costume it had to be?
He looked at Minghao, who was looking critically at the costume. âWhich character do you represent?â
âJack Skellington. This is a real Halloween costume.â
Mingyu sighed. âAlright, letâs go to my hobby room. I just have to wear a prince costume. That is the condition.â He went ahead and thought about what could be done with this idea. âWhat do you think of a prince who couldnât save his princess?â
Thatâs why Minghao was his best friend. Not just because he (sometimes) had good advice and ideas, no, also because they were both creative and could pursue their hobbies together. It was fun to âdestroyâ the costume so that it looked like he was fighting dragons, thorny hedges, or evil stepmothers. And lost. It made the costume so much more enjoyable and no one could make fun of him. Minghao helped him with his makeup (But Mingyu didnât want to overdo it here. After all, it would be the first time he saw Wonwoo again after their goodbye kiss) and Mingyu helped him with his. And even though they brought up the topic of Wonwoo and the appointments/dates a few times (more from Minghaoâs side), Mingyu didnât mention anything about the latest development. He could always do that later.
Time passed and when the time came, Jun picked them up from Mingyuâs home. Mingyu was persuaded to drive with Jun and Minghao. He had to give up alcohol the last few times and even though it was too much for him last week; he didnât have to go overboard. Mingyu would meet Seokmin beforehand (according to the text, he was already on his way). He thought about whether he should write to Wonwoo. But Mingyu decided against it. He couldnât think of anything. The other one was definitely already preparing the event and Mingyu would just disturb him. On the way out, Mingyu took another look in the mirror. Despite his ragged appearance, he still looked good. And he was excited to see what the evening would bring.
Mingyu allowed Jun to park in his underground parking space in his office and gave him the spare key so that he could get out of the garage again. Even though Jun offered to take him home, something in Mingyu told him that he might not necessarily go home. The next moment, he was annoyed with himself. What was that? He wanted to take it slow? But he had already given Jun the key.
Weâre almost there
He texted Seokmin as they walked out of the parking garage and then put his phone in the pocket of the prince costume. You could see from afar that the cat cafeâs shop windows were covered. Mingyu expected it after the picnic. The music was booming dully outside and a few people went inside.
âArenât we going in?â Minghao asked as Mingyu stopped and looked around.
âIâm still waiting for someone?â
âSurely Wonwoo will be in there?â
âHello Mingyu!â Seokmin shouted at that moment. Mingyu turned around and raised his hand in greeting when he recognized Seokmin. This one came in a princess costume? If he remembered correctly (Mingyu wasnât really that into princesses and all that stuff) this one was Sleeping Beauty. Seokmin hugged him exuberantly. âYou are looking good. Just what did you do with the poor costume?â Seokmin asked while looking at Mingyu.
Mingyu shrugged. He wasnât going to explain or tell anything now. He just wanted to have fun. Besides, the appointment had started 5 minutes ago. And he didnât want to show up later.
âSorry, it took me a while. Have you waited long?â Seokmin asked and then greeted Minghao and Jun, a little more reservedly. And when Mingyu turned to them, he was getting a bad feeling about the way Minghao looked at him. What was that supposed to mean now?
âLetâs go inside,â Mingyu said while giving Minghao a questioning look.
âOh, do you think the cats run around freely too?â Seokmin asked, trying to see something in the shop window.
âNo, probably not. That will be too loud for them. And if they serve food, theyâre probably not allowed to let them in again,â Jun replied, sounding regretful.
But Mingyu couldnât fully listen to the two because Minghao stood next to him. âWhat are you doing? You canât just bring someone along on your date,â he hissed at Mingyu.
Huh? âIâm bringing you to the meeting too? Wonwoo wonât mind. Heâs going to work, anyway. And now come on. Weâre already late, anyway.â
Mingyu didnât want to think about Minghaoâs strange behavior anymore, so he quickened his pace and entered the cafe right after Jun and Seokmin. As expected, the four of them had done a good job. The cafe had already been well decorated at the picnic, but here? There was a spooky atmosphere. Cobwebs were hanging on the walls and from the ceiling. The tables and chairs were no longer in the room. Instead, there were individual bar tables covered with black tablecloths. Here, too, there were real-looking cobwebs hanging over it. He realized there were decorations on the tables, but since the lights were dim, he couldnât really see what was on them. What you couldnât see from outside through the curtained shop windows was the highlight for Mingyu. They probably used a projector to project cat ghosts onto the curtained cloth and into the room. Sometimes the cat spirits would get lost in the crowd, but when they fell on the cloth, they would jump and play. Did they use the cats from the cafe as a template for this? It was crazy. Mingyu let his gaze wander further. The walls were covered with sheets (probably so they could redecorate better and clean everything up the following day) and dead trees, bats, owls and spiders were attached to the sheets. A few people gathered at the back where the counter was â was there a bar there?
Music was playing. It wasnât too loud (probably because of the cats) and would be easy to have a conversation with, but it wasnât too quiet either and would be easy to dance to.
âWow,â Minghao said. Mingyu tore himself away from the decorations and looked at his companions. They seemed to feel the same way as him. Especially if you knew the cat cafe as it normally looked. It was crazy how much they had changed and how they had decorated it. Did Jeonghan plan and organize all of this? He was responsible for the events. He had a knack for it, after all. But Mingyu wouldnât tell him that. Not that the other was imagining anything about it.
âHave you paid for your tickets yet?â came Jeonghanâs voice. Mingyu turned to him. And only then did Jeonghan seem to recognize him.
âWow. Mingyu. Thatâs even better than what I had in my head. Have you spoken to each other?â
Mingyu would be amused - if only Jeonghanâs costume didnât distract him. Jeonghanâs costume was...he had on a dress. AâŠprincess dress. A pink one. Mingyu had no idea which princess the other wanted to portray. But that wasnât his biggest problem. Jeonghan was wearing a princess dress. He...that...what? Did the bet...? What?
âDonât worry, Iâm not the only princess here,â Jeonghan laughed and reassured Mingyu a little. The other person wouldnât go that far...right? He cleared his throat and couldnât help but feel annoyed that he had fallen for Jeonghanâs trick. Regardless of whether that was intentional or not. Mingyu felt several eyes on him. The others were waiting for them to finally finish their conversation.
âWhat do you get for the tickets?â
âWould you like to help us today? Then you wouldnât have to pay anything.â Jeonghan wiggled his eyebrows expectantly.
Help? Oh no. Definitely not. âNo thanks. This wonât happen again. And you can see that I won the bet.â
âOh yeah, I can see that.â Jeonghan grinned widely before running his gaze up and down Mingyu. He nodded approvingly.
Iâm not the only princess here.
Had...he had suspected it. There was a reason. Wonwoo was wearing a princess costume. For whatever reason. But that was the reason why Mingyu should put on a prince costume. Did he know about Mingyuâs bet by now? Did he know how Mingyu would show up here?
Jeonghan continued to eye him as he told him the price and paid. Mingyu didnât know if he was reading Jeonghanâs reaction correctly. Had he chosen the right prince costume? He didnât know anything about it.
âCan you please stop whatever youâre doing? We would like to enjoy the evening.â Luckily, Minghao didnât sound annoyed. More amused? Mingyu glanced at him. It was hard to see his facial expressions through his makeup and the dim lighting, but apparently, he had forgiven Mingyu for whatever had happened before. Good.
âForgive me. I didnât mean to stop you. Mix with people and have a lot of fun. If you need anything, please feel free to contact us. Mingyu, maybe you would like to go down to the basement and say hello to someone first,â Jeonghan said without an undertone, but Mingyu knew who was waiting downstairs based on his look. Wonwoo.
âYou guys go to the bar. Iâll come right after you,â Mingyu said and looked at Minghao and then Seokmin. âPlease excuse me for a moment.â
There werenât that many people further back and Mingyu was able to walk unhindered through the door that led to the toilets and the basement. He felt bad as he ignored the âStaff Onlyâ sign and went down the stairs. He could guess where Wonwoo was and knocked on the door where the cat food was stored.
âYes?â came Wonwooâs deep voice.
For some reason, Mingyu was now feeling a little uneasy. But he didnât give himself time to let the feeling sink in. Instead, he stepped inside.
Wonwoo stood at the table and weighed out cat food. He was wearing a princess dress, but the first thing that caught Mingyuâs eye was his hair. Black. It was black.
âOh hey, Mingyu.â Wonwoo looked up and his expression softened.
âYour hair.â Mingyu wasnât obsessed with hair. Not even hair colors. But WonwooâŠwith black hair. The other one seemed much softer with black hair...much softer. Mingyu stepped closer as Wonwoo focused on the cat food again.
Wonwoo laughed softly. âSnow White has black hair. I thought it would be a good opportunity to get away from the blonde.â
Snow White? Mingyu took a moment to recover from the sight. Oh yes, right. The costume. Mingyu lowered his gaze. Wonwoo was wearing a dress that was blue on the top and yellow on the bottom. Was that Snow White? But why was his dress so torn and dirty? It almost looked like-
âIâm Snow White, whose prince didnât come to save her.â Wonwoo explained, looking up again as he put the next bowl away. âAnd you are a prince.â His voice sounded different.
âI am a prince who couldnât save his princess,â Mingyu explained calmly. Thatâs what Jeonghan meant. Without having spoken to each otherâŠthey were a perfect match. Mingyu didnât believe in fate or any kind of predestination, but this was a sign for them.
âIt was Jeonghanâs bet. I mean the prince costume.â
The situation between them was strange. Mingyu expected something different. But he couldnât shake himself out of the strange calm that had taken hold of him. Somehow, the conversation didnât seem real.
âJeonghanâs bet? Why would he- oh.â Wonwoo interrupted himself and as he turned to the next bowl of food, Mingyu could see that his ears were turning red.
That. That was more normal. He had expected that. Was Wonwoo thinking about their kiss?
âYou have to work, right?â Mingyu asked to ease the situation.
âYes. Iâm sorry. We have organized some help, but the cats are all upstairs and I have to check on them more often. Jeonghan didnât think much about it when he planned that da- the appointment.â
The date. Had Wonwoo always been so gentle and sweet, or was it because of the black hair? Mingyu grinned.
âAt least itâs not difficult for you today, is it?â
Wonwoo looked up again. His ears were back to normal color, and he laughed quietly. âExactly. If it gets too much for me, I can just disappear to the cats. Great excuse, huh?â Then his expression became serious. âLetâs dance together later, shall we? That he has nothing to complain about.â
Mingyuâs grin widened. Oh, he saw right through Wonwoo. That Jeonghan had nothing to complain about, huh? As if those were his motives for doing so. And not the fact that they were standing here in matching partner costumes and had kissed a week ago. And Wonwoo liked Mingyu.
âThen Iâll let my princess get on with her work so she can go to the ball later.â Mingyu felt inspired by the turn their conversation had taken. He stepped closer to Wonwoo and grabbed a strand of Wonwooâs hair with one hand. He let these slide through his fingers before lightly stroking Wonwooâs hair. Just like on the roof. The first time he had called him kitten. âDonât keep your prince waiting too long, kitten,â Mingyu whispered. He then moved away from Wonwoo and turned around.
He didnât want to stop the other from doing his work. Wonwoo was too dutiful for that.
Mingyu went back to the others. He found them at the bar, where he ordered a bright green witch cocktail from a blonde-haired Jihoon in a blue dress. Mingyu didnât want to guess what kind of princess this one was. He also left his blonde hair uncommented. Unlike Wonwoo, Jihoon seemed much softer with blonde hair. Was it a rule here that someone always had to be blonde? But he really didnât want to think about any of the pointless rules of the cat cafe. He was here today to have fun.
And oh, he had that. Mingyu tried the cocktails, danced with Minghao, Jun, and Seokmin (and a few strangers too) and enjoyed the party to the fullest. Towards later, the waiters (all in princess costumes, which led to a funny situation in which Seokmin was asked about something and he was completely overwhelmed until Mingyu saved him and answered the question about the toilets) brought appetizers. Those were creepy, too. They really had everything planned out well.
Only one didnât show up.
Wonwoo.
It was late. Some people had already left, new people had arrived, and this one hadnât shown up. Was it too much for him? Was something with the cats?
Mingyu apologized to Minghao, whom he was dancing with, and pushed through the crowd to find Jeonghan, Jihoon, or Wonwoo himself. He found Jeonghan.
âHave you seen Wonwoo?â Mingyu shouted louder to beat the music. As the evening progressed, the volume had gotten louder.
âWonwoo?â Jeonghan repeated questioningly. âHeâs probably upstairs with the cats. You know the way, just go up, Mingyu.â
Mingyu nodded and went to the catsâ rest room. As soon as he closed the door, it became quieter. The music wasnât completely blocked out, but it was quieter.
Mingyu continued on his way and went up the stairs. He was careful with the doors in case a cat sat behind them so that it couldnât get through. The atmosphere in the cat cafe would definitely scare them away. He went up to the quarantine rooms, not knowing exactly where Wonwoo was. Mingyu looked in every room, but he didnât find Wonwoo there. And not all cats either (he thought). Was this one in his apartment? Mingyu continued upstairs. Luckily, the door wasnât locked. Still, Mingyu knocked before entering. Before he could call out, he heard a noise. It sounded like it was coming from Wonwooâs bedroom. Mingyu walked towards it. The door was half open. So he had a good view of what was going on there.
Mingyu froze. On the opposite side, Wonwoo was pushed against the wall by another man. It looked like they were kissing. Wonwooâs dress was open and hanging halfway over his shoulder.
No.
Jeonghan loves drama
Wonwoo had warned him. This was definitely some kind of trick from Jeonghan. He wanted to lure Mingyu out of his reserve. The whole thing would soon be revealed as a joke.
But when it seemed like both of them were going to pull away from each other and the man turned to Wonwooâs exposed shoulder and a deep groan came from Wonwoo, a hand came over his mouth.
Mingyu didnât want to peep. He just couldnât tell his body to move as he looked at the two people making out wild with each other.
âShit. Be quiet and come with me,â Jeonghanâs voice hissed in his ear. Then the hand left Mingyuâs mouth.
Good, Mingyu wanted to get out of here.
âAh~ Seungkwan,â Wonwooâs lust-drenched voice sounded as Mingyu turned around and followed Jeonghan out of the apartment. Mingyuâs mind was blank. He felt numb as he followed Jeonghan to the quarantine rooms, where the catsâ meowing was pleasantly quiet.
âI didnât know Seungkwan was with him. If I had known that I wouldnât have sent you up. Shit.â
Mingyu looked at Jeonghan and said nothing. He thought about the scene he had just witnessed in Wonwooâs apartment, in his bedroom. Jeonghan hadnât lured him into a trap. It was real. Wonwoo was making out with someone at that very moment. âWho is Seungkwan?â He had heard the name before. He just couldnât place it.
Jeonghan sighed. âI shouldnât tell you this. Shit, I was really hoping that it would work out for you two. That he finally forgets him. Seungkwan is WonwooâsâŠthey have a complicated on/off relationship.â
Relationship. Wonwoo was in a relationship. God, Mingyu felt bad. He had gotten too caught up in these thoughts in the last few weeks. In the thoughts that he and Wonwoo could become something. How could he have been so wrong? Shit, he had kissed Wonwoo. While he was in a relationship. Mingyu didnât do anything like that. The interest he had sensed in WonwooâŠhow could he have been so wrong?
âMingyu, are you okay?â
âWhy shouldnât I be okay?â he asked, deliberately making his voice sound cold. He couldnât show how it affected him. It was bad to lose a relationship or a love. But a maybe? A maybe was even more painful. You had nothing to remember. You didnât know if it would really have been as you had imagined. It would torment you for months. What if they had tried it with each other? âHe can do whatever he wants. You messed up todayâs appointment and put one in that he has to work on. Whether he makes out with someone there or not is his decision.â He had to quickly forget about the other. Forget the maybe. The what if with Wonwoo. With Wonwoo, who was in a relationship.
He saw Jeonghan open his mouth, but he didnât want to hear anything. âI have to go to my friends. Please excuse me.â
The last thing Mingyu needed was for anyone to know what he was thinking. What he had felt. Shit and on the last dates...no. Appointments. He had revealed too much in recent appointments. He had kissed Wonwoo. Shit. Had he interpreted the grabbing differently than it was? Did Wonwoo not wanted that at all? Did Mingyu force him to do this? Shit. Shit. Shit.
The music grew louder as he reentered the cat cafe and closed the door to the catsâ rest room. Mingyu headed for the bar, where he sat down on a bar stool. Luckily, it wasnât Jihoon who took his order, but one of the strange waiters. Because Mingyu didnât want anyone around him. He felt humiliated. He knew Wonwoo couldnât help it. In the beginning he only teased Mingyu. Later, everything came from Mingyu. The goodbye kisses. The flirts. The nickname. Shit.
Wonwoo only cared about the bet. He had made that clear from the start. And Mingyu had still made a huge mistake.
âMingyu. Donât you think thatâs enough?â
Mingyu looked up from his glass, which had one eye looking back at him, and saw that Jihoon was back at the bar. Great.
Mingyu raised the glass and emptied it in one go. He was drunk. Maybe he should stop. But he had enough of maybes. âNo. I wanted to have a good time.â
âListen, Jeonghan told me what happened. Wonwoo isnât dating Seungkwan. He-â
He didnât want to hear about it. âDo we have to talk about it? Iâm here to have fun,â he repeated. âI donât care what Wonwoo does or doesnât do. Itâs his bet. Iâm only here because I promised him Iâd be there too.â
He turned away pointedly, but had to hold on to the counter because the world was spinning too fast. When it stopped again, Mingyu could just see the rest room door opening and Wonwoo and probably Seungkwan coming through. He should just leave. But he couldnât look away. Especially not when Seungkwan pulled Wonwoo close and kissed him.
Mingyu swallowed hard. He didnât want to, but a bitter feeling of jealousy welled up within him. That was his maybe. How dare the other person just intrude? Mingyu turned away and reached for his glass. He wanted to empty it, but only realized when he put it to his lips that it was already empty. When did he finish drinking it? Mingyu put the glass back and stood up. He turned around and scanned the room.
If he had been sober, Mingyu would have done the only right thing. He would have gone home. But he had had far too many cocktails and was far too drunk. So he walked towards his princess on the dance floor with an unsteady step. He grabbed him by the waist, pulled him closer, and kissed his princess.
Friday was hard. Not only did he feel the after-effects of the work swap (he actually had a little sore muscles in his legs. But Mingyu was fit, so he didnât think he would), the work he had left behind caught up with him a little. And then there was the afternoon appointment with one of his oldest clients. He was a good acquaintance of Mingyuâs and when they finally talked everything through, it was already evening. His client suggested going out to dinner together (Mingyu had given him a big tax savings) and it didnât stop there.
He had exaggerated. Mingyu realized this when he woke up on Saturday and felt absolutely miserable. Mingyu sat up and ran his hands through his hair. He only vaguely remembered yesterday. But he didnât want to think about it too much at the moment. His head hurt. Mingyu scooted to the edge of the bed just as the doorbell rang. Oof. The sound went straight into his head. Who was bothering him so early?
Yawning, he got up and made his way to the door. The doorbell rang again just before he reached his apartment door. Mingyu sighed. Whoever it was, he definitely wouldnât leave him alone. With a final sigh, he opened the door. Mingyu squeezed his eyes shut as it suddenly became bright.
âThere you are! Do you know how worried I was!â
Who snapped at him so early in the morn- Wonwoo?
Mingyu slowly opened his eyes. Right. Wonwoo stood in front of his door. Packed with two large bags. âWhat are you doing here?â Mingyu asked and had to clear his throat because his voice didnât want to sound the way he wanted to.
âYou didnât come to our appointment? I thought something had happened to you. Minghao said I should try your house before I call the hospital.â
Mingyuâs receptiveness was not yet so good that he understood everything straight away. Only gradually did the words seep through to him. And then it occurred to him. Shit. It was Saturday. He hadnât looked to see what time their date was listed for today. Had he overslept? âSorry,â he managed. âI was gone too long yesterday.â
âI can see that.â When he saw Wonwooâs eyes drop and look at him, Mingyu looked down at himself. He cleared his throat again when he realized he had opened the door in only his boxers. He took a step to the side so that at least he wasnât standing in the open door. âCome in. What did we have planned?â A yawn underlined his tiredness.
Wonwoo walked into his apartment and put the bags down. âBreakfast. Well, more of a brunch now. What do you think if you take a headache pill, take a shower, and Iâll get started?â
âOkay.â He nodded. That sounded good. Although he would rather go back to bed and continue sleeping, he knew what was at stake for Wonwoo. He had experienced it himself. He definitely didnât want to repeat the cat ears thing. âYou know where the kitchen is.â Mingyu went to his bedroom and did exactly as Wonwoo suggested.
He looked for a painkiller, took it and then picked out some fresh clothes. Then he went to the bathroom. The water helped him feel a little better and even though Wonwoo was in his kitchen preparing food (and Mingyu wasnât really hungry), he enjoyed it a little too much. As he stepped out of the shower, the smell of food wafted to him. Shit, how long had he been showering? In any case, the painkillers had some effect, but he still felt bad. He put on a pair of loose black pants and his comfortable pink sweater and dried his hair a bit with the towel before going into the kitchen.
âGood morning,â smiled Wonwoo, who was still cooking. âThere is something on the table that will help you. Drink it.â
Whatever it was, Mingyu trusted Wonwoo enough that he took the glass and downed the contents in one go. âDo I need to help you?â he asked, deliberately making his voice sound whiny. He was rewarded with Wonwooâs laughter. âSit down. Iâll be almost done, anyway.â
âYouâre the best,â Mingyu uttered before sitting down at the table in the kitchen, folding his hands on the tabletop and resting his head on them. âI was out with a client yesterday. First, we just wanted to go out to eat. Then just toast once. And then it kind of went on all night,â he explained his behavior.
âAre you so happy about not working at the cat cafe anymore?â Wonwoo teased him. But Mingyu didnât feel fit enough to counter. âIâve simply gotten too old.â In the past, he would have been able to put up with it without a problem.
He heard Wonwoo laugh again. Pah, the other had a good time talking. Wait! How old was Wonwoo? They never brought it up. âHow old-â
âIâm a year older than you,â Wonwoo replied cheerfully, as if he knew what Mingyu wanted to ask. Wonwoo was older? Based on his behavior at the beginning, he thought he was much younger.
âJeonghan told me he made a bet with you. I donât know what the bet is, but watch out Mingyu. If you donât win it honestly, heâll find out. Whatâs your bet?â
Huh? They hadnât told Wonwoo about the bet? Mingyu raised his head slightly. Then he wouldnât say anything. âIf I lose, my picture with cat ears will be printed in the card,â he said shortly. Right. The bet. His day at work at the cat cafe. The situations between him and Wonwoo.
Mingyu hadnât had time to think about it yet. What they meant. And now he didnât have the head for it either. Especially not when Wonwoo started setting the table. Mingyu gave another suffering look, whereupon Wonwoo looked at him with a smile. âStay seated.â Mingyu sat up happily. It was nice the way things were going between them. Should he really do something about it?
âCan I help you with your bet?â Wonwoo started the topic again when he had set the table alone (Mingyu didnât have a guilty conscience in the slightest. If it werenât for Wonwooâs bet, he could have slept in) and they ate together.
âNo, that wonât be a problem. I think he just meant it as a joke. I donât know how to lose it.â Unless Jeonghan had bought up all the prince costumes in the area. But he wouldnât do thatâŠwould he?
No. Mingyu felt more like it had to do with Wonwoo. That whatever was between them, Jeonghan had noticed. Mingyu looked at Wonwoo. Was Jeonghan planning something for next week? Did Wonwoo know about this? But this one didnât look like he had any idea. If anything, he looked a littleâŠdispleased that Mingyu wouldnât tell him what the bet was. Did it bother him not to know? Was...was Wonwoo interested in him? This question kept running through his mind.
âDid they show you the plans with the card?â he asked, trying to get the thought out of his mind again. Wonwoo looked up and nodded.
âDo you want to see the designs later? I sat on it for a bit on Thursday.â
Yes, his muse was completely back. Although he had been exhausted from working at the cat cafe, after he sat in his hobby room after a fresh shower, the thought had stuck with him.
âTz tz tz Mingyu. Then what was the point of me sending you home early if you still worked?â Like now. Was Wonwoo teasing him? Or was he genuinely worried about him? As a friend? As aâŠlover?
âI pursued my hobby. As I recall, you initially criticized it. Shouldnât you be happy about that?â Mingyu deliberately fell into his arrogant tone.
Wonwoo smiled. Since he was finished eating, he stood up and Mingyu expected the matter to be over. But then he leaned over and ruffled his hair before patting him gently again. What?
âYou really need someone to look after you, Mingyu.â
Wonwoo pulled away and Mingyu could see a slight blush on his ears.
âFor what?â he replied without really thinking about it. âI have you and the cafe for food.â
Wonwoo turned away from him and put away the first things.
Mingyu didnât want to let it go, so he got up, grabbed some dirty dishes and followed him. He acted like nothing was wrong while he put the things in his dishwasher. But when he took a look at Wonwooâs face, he saw a blush there too. Wonwoo liked him.
What did Mingyu have to lose here if things didnât work out between them? The atmosphere in his regular cafe would become strange. Maybe Jeonghan and Jihoon would treat him more derogatory. But he didnât go to the cat cafe because of the good customer service. And if something developed between them and it worked (and Mingyu really believed that they could work things out well - they understood each otherâs point of view), then he would gain so much.
When Mingyu went to his table again and cleared it, he knew what had to be done. He would wait. As long as he didnât have any burning feelings for the other, it was best. And maybe he could get back at Wonwoo for the trouble from the beginning. Since he already knew how their date would end today, he cleared the table in a good mood.
Wonwoo completely ignored the topic. He didnât make another comment. Had he fallen that hard? Mingyu tried to suppress a grin. He wondered when Wonwoo had developed feelings for him. It couldnât have been from the beginning, right? Even if he had made innuendos back then, they were only made to annoy Mingyu.
And when they looked at Mingyuâs designs and Wonwoo gave his comments, he seemed professional. Just like always. There was nothing to see. But Mingyu knew he wasnât imagining anything.
âI still have to send you the picture I took of you,â said Wonwoo when he reached the last page. Mingyu hadnât prepared that much yet. He had mainly started the drawings of the cats and picked out a few fonts that would suit the cat cafe.
âI could come to your place next week in the evening and we continue working there?â Mingyu offered. It didnât matter to him whether he did it at Wonwooâs house or at home.
âReally? Mingyu, you donât have to overwork yourself because of this. You donât even get paid for it.â
âBut I donât have to see your chaotic card every day. Accept my offer, Wonwoo. And if I seem to you like Iâm working too much, then you just have to take care of me.â He alluded to the situation before again.
And Wonwoo looked away again. âIf you really want to, come over when you want. I should go now too. Helping the two of them close.â
Mingyu wasnât feeling so bad that Wonwoo wanted to escape. He was still not completely fit and would go to bed again for another hour or two when the other one was gone. But he still had his plan, which is why he followed Wonwoo into the kitchen and carried his bags to the door.
Wonwoo walked through his apartment door and turned to accept the bags.
âDo you still want a goodbye kiss?â Mingyu asked without handing him the bags. Instead, he let them slide to the floor.
Wonwooâs eyes, which had been following the bags, shot up. Mingyu could see the uncertainty in the otherâs eyes. He could no longer assess Mingyu. Oh, that was really pleasant. Mingyu finally felt like he had the upper hand here.
Finally, Wonwoo nodded. âAfter all, this is our how many date?â
Before any cats got in the way again, this time Mingyu wasted no time and took a step forward so that he was standing in front of Wonwoo. At least he wanted it this time too. Mingyu cupped Wonwooâs face and leaned in to kiss him without hesitation.
It wasnât a sweet goodbye kiss. Oh no, it wasnât. Mingyu kissed the other wildly and passionately, as if he wanted to give him a taste of what it would be like with him. As if Mingyu wanted to make up for all the past meetings. He felt Wonwooâs hands curling into his sweater.
But he didnât want to go too far.
Mingyu opened his eyes and pulled back slightly. He saw Wonwoo following him, as if he didnât want the kiss to end.
But they shouldnât rush anything.
Mingyu took a step back and licked his lips. âSee you next week, kitten.â
They had to take it easy.
Mingyu grabbed the two bags and handed them to Wonwoo. He had been watching Mingyu the whole time and only slowly realized that Mingyu was holding the bags out to him. But as he took it, Mingyu took another step back into his apartment and closed the door.
And even though he repeatedly told himself not to rush into it, he longed to open the door and take Wonwoo to his bedroom. Especially when it took a while before he heard the otherâs retreating footsteps.
He wanted to let it happen naturally. To not rush it. Take it easy. After all, they still had so much time to spend together this year.
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