lost in a maze

hold my hand

[labyrinthsofyou]

the sun, the moon and you

pairing: wong yukhei & female reader

genre: fluff

warnings: suggestive mentions & innuendos

words: 27, 576                            

summary: all yukhei wants to do is to make you happy.

+

happiness.

if someone is to ask wong yukhei what he wishes to bring everyday, happiness would be his answer. 

it can be from seeing him. it can be from talking to him. it can be from listening to the songs he performs on stage. he wants to be able to spread smiles on faces. he hopes to brighten days and outline dreams. 

and tonight, thousands yukhei has made happy. the screams as he had moved on stage told him so. the cheers once he had taken his bow makes him so sure of it. the happiness he wishes to bring everyday has been done. 

except it is not.

there is one person, someone, yukhei hopes to make the happiest before the day ends.

you.

so that is why yukhei currently sits in the backseat of the van with his very exhausted body leaning back into his seat. the heavy promotions mixed with daily practices for different groups have been rewarding yet tiring. and after the performance tonight, yukhei wants to crawl into his bed. he needs to sleep because tomorrow there will be an all day photoshoot. a yawn he lets out as he stares out the window. the traffic isn’t so bad at this time of the night. but another forty minutes this ride is going to be. yukhei taps on his phone he is clutching, checking for a message. 

there is none though. there hasn’t been one since before his performance when you had sent him a message of luck and hearts and he had responded with his excitement for the video call later tonight.

that had been over two hours ago.

yukhei purses his lips. he debates for a moment and unlocks his screen. he taps on the green icon and types out a quick little message that the performance is over, that he should be back at the dorms in a little while. half a dozen happy faces and a heart he attaches at the end. he opens his bag on his lap and takes out his headphones to put on. his head turns to glance at the balloons peeking out from the back of the van before he’s looking out the window again. 

he should sleep really now, even if it is for a little while. but yukhei won’t, can’t because excited jitteriness he feels. so he plays his music and watches the scenery of the highway and the glowing city lights that goes by.

and when forty minutes passes, yukhei sees the upcoming exit. he sits up a little as the driver turns on the signal. the clicking sound overlaps the music quietly playing from his headphones. the lane they cross and soon enough the van is exiting the highway. he can’t stop the calm and giddiness flooding in him. despite the cool temperatures, the streets are filled with people strolling and playing on a friday night. there is a tug in his chest and yukhei lets out a quiet breath. when his schedules ease up a little it will be you and him like everyone else in the streets.

until then, it will be like this.   

the familiar setting of the cafés and stores he and you go to he passes. three right turns and two left turns the driver makes. then through the neighborhood yukhei knows so well now, the bakery you love he sees. he puts his headphones away and notes the time on his phone. about an hour he still has before the bakery closes. the driver pulls up to the front. 

his first destination of the night. 

yukhei unbuckles his seatbelt and tells the driver he should be quick. he exits the car and jogs up to the door. a handful of customers yukhei spots sitting at the quaint tables and cozy benches once he walks in. he stands behind a couple, awaiting his turn. his head he keeps lowered while he looks at his phone. 

a response to his message he has not received and yukhei chews on the inside of his cheeks because it’s unlike you. he lets out a slow exhale and hesitates. he frowns slightly to himself and types out another message to you, hoping everything is okay and to give him a call when you can. 

“excuse me?”

yukhei looks up at the voice, realizing then the worker calling for him. he faintly smiles and bows his head in apology while approaching the counter. the worker grins at him and he wonders if and hopes the dim lighting inside makes him unrecognizable at the moment. “good evening, what can i get for you?” 

he clears his throat. “hi, i’m here to pick up an order.” yukhei looks down at his phone to pull up the information he needs. he shows her the order number and she nods, asking him to wait before she disappears behind the swinging doors. he slips his phone into his bag. his eyes scan over the delicious cakes in the glass display. there are ones with chocolate. there are ones with fruit. some are simple. others a bit more fancy. there's a mocha cake shaped like a large cup and a matcha one dusted with the rich powder. all of them look like perfection and with your sweet tooth, he is certain you would love them all.

yukhei glances up when he hears the sound of the doors. the girl walks back to the counter and the cake she holds is exactly like what he had seen in the pictures on the website. the cream on the sides are smooth. the fruits on the top on glossy. the chocolate curls and macaroons are neatly placed. and the chocolate disc is perfectly round with the fancy script. he smiles and out of habit when he is happy, yukhei claps his hands softly too before nodding his head in approval. 

she smiles and turns around. the cake is boxed up. a red ribbon is tied to the handles of the box. the candles and plastic cake server in a clear cellophane bag is taped to the side of it. she places the wrapped up cake in front of him. 

“is there anything else?” she asks with a grin. 

a hot chrysanthemum tea he orders and swipes his credit card for it. and once the cake and tea are in his hands, yukhei thanks the worker and wishes her a good night. 

he balances the items in one hand to open the van door. yukhei leans in, placing the box on the empty seat next to his and climbs in. once the door closes, he passes the hot tea to the driver with a tiny beam and words of appreciation for driving him out here tonight. a smile in return yukhei receives and the driver takes the tea from his hands in equal appreciation. his seatbelt he puts back on and yukhei brings up the boxed cake, holding it in his hands as the driver starts the van again.

the ride now will be much shorter. just a few minutes more. yukhei turns his head, continuing to soak up the surroundings he has missed. the busy friday night grows a little quieter down the streets lined with homes and apartments. his heart thumps loudly and he thinks he can count the beats of it. 

yukhei hopes this will work. he hopes you will be happy. he hopes everything is okay because still he gets no response from you. 

soon enough the building yukhei has considered his home for the last six months comes into view. 

destination number two.

the van stops and the door yukhei opens. he steps out, careful to not tilt the cake he holds. the driver follows too and walks to the back of the van. yukhei checks to make sure he hasn’t dropped anything. he fixes the strap of his bag across his chest and he twists around, ready to get the balloons. but the driver comes to him with them already in his grasp. yukhei grins, taking ahold of the plastic heart shaped weight tied to the ends of the shiny ribbons. he bows and whispers more words of gratitude and a bid good night. 

then he takes a deep breath and begins to move to the front door. he chuckles when the security guard hurriedly runs over to help him pull open the heavy glass door. it takes a moment, a double take and surprised look before the older man realizes it’s him. one of the tallest and most handsome resident he had commented once to him. yukhei smiles with the last balloon safe through the doorway before he thanks him too for the help.

he makes his way through the empty lobby and towards the elevator. he presses on the up arrow. there's an immediate chime and the doors open. he walks in, making sure all twelve balloons comes with him before the doors close. the ninth floor yukhei presses for. he watches the numbers on the tiny screen increase and just a few seconds it takes. then there’s another chime that sounds and the doors open for him to step out.

it’s quiet in the hallway as yukhei walks. he hears faint sounds of loud laughter. there’s a scent of something delicious from one of the apartments.

his feet soon stop and yukhei stands in front of the door that looks like everyone else’s. but the number on it, what’s behind it, makes him smile and his heart pound like no other door. the balloons and the cake he holds in one hand. he reaches into his bag and pulls out his phone again. 

still no response. 

yukhei pauses his movements and thinks on whether to call you right now. he wants to surprise you and not scare you. so he decides on the latter, hoping to tell you to come open the door. that will work much better. he swipes and taps on his screen. the ringing of his call echoes in the quietness of the hallway. 

perhaps you are in the shower or deep into one of your dramas or maybe you’re finishing the work you have because you don’t pick up. still, yukhei hangs up a little concern and curious. you hadn’t mentioned about going out either. you would’ve he is sure because the video call tonight no matter what had been agreed on. his phone yukhei slips back into the bag and then the familiar code he remembers like the back of his hand he punches in. the beep sounds and the door handle yukhei pushes down.

one step in. then another. 

yukhei is home.

after four weeks, even if it will be just for tonight, it feels good.

and yukhei is sure you are home too upon standing in the entryway. the lights are on. your pair of fuzzy pink slippers are not in the place you always put them in. yukhei thinks he hears familiar voices talking once he shuts the door behind him. any second he really expects you to appear or scream. something, anything, but he gets nothing. the shower yukhei doesn’t hear. the cake and the balloons he gently sets down on the floor. his sneakers he carefully and quietly kicks off. his feet are soon slipped into his pair of fuzzy grey slippers.

“babe?” his voice sounds loud into the space.

yukhei waits momentarily for a response but still he gets nothing.

there’s a skip to his heart. his concern and curiosity are heightened. the cake and balloons he leaves behind in search for you. his steps are big and quicker than usual down the hall. and when yukhei thinks about calling out your name, his feet halt once he reaches the living room. 

he gets his answer for the quietness. he now knows why of the unanswered messages and phone call because asleep he finds you on the couch. the sudden release of a breath stuck in his throat is released. the concern that something had happened to you dissipates. yukhei turns his head to the open television. the breathless chuckle rises up in him because the voices he had heard upon entering are familiar. instead of the dramas you love playing, it’s the anime about the quiet, awkward and protective wolf learning and growing in the world. 

one of his favorites and one yukhei had gotten you into.

you had sat next to him during his viewing marathon one night. he had been so quiet, his attention solely on the television and your curiosity had piqued. “what are you watching?” you had murmured. 

for two episodes then, yukhei had answered your intriguing questions. you had listened to his explanations about the characters, the desires and the dilemmas. 

your lips had pursed. “what episode are we watching again?”

yukhei had chuckled. “nine. why?” a hesitant and slow nod you had responded with. your eyes had shifted between the ending credits and him.

“oh.” the hint of disappointment yukhei had sworn he heard. it had taken a minute for him to understand your reaction. 

you had been hooked. 

he had patted your thigh gingerly to get your attention. “i’ll wait for you to catch up,” yukhei had told you with deep laughter. 

your face had lit up. a wet kiss had been pressed onto his cheek and yukhei had waited, even rewatching the previous episodes with you. the first season you had finished side by side and a pinky promise had been made to watch season two together after the end of his promotions. 

and now, yukhei watches the scene in the cafeteria between the wolf and rabbit unfold. he chuckles to himself at the playfulness of the moment and of the internal dilemmas and difficult decisions happening on screen and in real life. the rabbit fights her instincts to run away from the carnivore. the wolf wonders what has been happening to him in the last few days. yukhei contemplates on how to wake and surprise you without scaring you. 

he turns to look at you and his eyes take in the sight of your curled form underneath the thin throw blanket. one hand is tucked underneath your cheek while the other clutches gently to the pillow beneath your head. in slow movements, he closes the short distance to you in small careful steps. the remote he picks up. the episode he stops and the television he switches off. you make no motions of waking even as he places the remote back down. the mug sitting on the coffee table he peeks into. his brows furrow the slightest at the discovery of the jasmine tea. 

your choice of beverage when you are feeling under the weather.

slowly yukhei kneels beside you. your deep steady breaths he hears. he feels the tugs at his heart because in seconds he will be pulling you out from your slumber and dreams. his hand rises to gently settle on the outline of your legs beneath the blanket. 

“babe...” his voice is barely above a whisper. then little by little, with his other hand holding onto the armrest above your head, yukhei leans down and erases the space between his mouth and your skin. he brushes his pillowy lips on your very warm cheek. your name softly rolls pass his mouth and he hears the faintest whimper coming from you. then one, two and even a third kiss is placed consecutively onto your cheek before he speaks again. “wake up, baby.”

yukhei watches with a faint grin forming on his face as you stir. you let out another tiny whimper and instantly his hand moves to your head, his thumb brushing gently on your temple. his other hand slips behind and rubs at your back and he whispers your name twice more. it takes a moment and soon enough you’re moving a bit more. yukhei leans back enough to see your eyes bit by bit open to the light. you rub softly at them to rid of the sleep and the slight blur. the haziness of your brain you’re trying to clear. but then you register the familiar quiet giggles surrounding you. yukhei stares as your eyes widen expectedly because he’s not supposed to be here.

“surprise!” he quietly and cutely exclaims, both his hands rising up like an excited child.

your heart jumps and immediately the tiny shriek comes from you. your hands quickly move to cover up your face. the pounding in your chest is strong and those quiet giggles you heard from him seconds ago turn into deep laughter. 

“am i hallucinating right now?”

the question yukhei hears so clearly despite it being muffled by the sleeves of his sweatshirt you wear. it only makes him laugh louder. how you have missed hearing that beautiful sound in front of you instead of through a phone and video. you feel the continued fast beats in your chest.

regardless if your face is still shielded, yukhei nods. “even if you are hallucinating, i imagine myself to be quite the dream to appear before you,” he murmurs playfully. yukhei leans down and settles his mouth next to your ear. his breath tickles you. he feels the pulls of his heart. “baby, i’m right here. just look.”

your breath catches in your throat. your chest tightens. you remove your hands and is truly met with the sight of him in the flesh. yukhei smiles so brightly and blindingly. 

he really is here. 

and you think maybe it might be the tiredness. maybe it’s because you have been missing him too much. or perhaps it’s just the combination of both because the soft sobs rises up in you. the warm tears glide down your skin within the next shaky breath you take. yukhei chuckles affectionately through soft shushes and hugs you close to him even if he is still on the floor and you remain curled on the couch. your hands rise again, hiding your face from him. he feels the haziness building in his own eyes and buries his face into your hair. 

“shhh… it’s okay,” he coos softly.

yukhei takes a deep breath and the familiar scent of vanilla he has missed filters up his nose. his hand moves to your back. he rubs it soothingly to calm the light shake of your body. then it takes a minute and more for your tears to stop and your heart to calm. you shift away from him and push yourself up to sit. yukhei moves back just a few inches to allow you to do. his hands go on either side of your sitting position and he watches with a small curve of his mouth while you wipe at your eyes with the sleeve of the sweatshirt. there’s still the glassiness in your gaze and he can still see the faintest stains on your cheeks once you finally look at him. you take a deep breath and softly smile at him. then the curve on his face slowly mirrors yours because yukhei is certain that he has surprised and scared you in the best possible way. your hands stretch forward to gently cup his face and the unexpected tiny whimper slips from you.

as much as you have missed hearing his laugh in the flesh, you have missed simply touching him even more. 

“what are you doing here?” your voice cracks a bit from the waking up and crying but you don’t care.

his hands move to grasp at your hips over the blanket. yukhei shifts forward until he’s able to press his forehead against yours. 

“happy birthday, baby,” he whispers, beaming. “third time’s a charm.”

you feel tears threatening to fall all over again and your heart skips because even after the few years together, your birthday is one event that has been difficult.

the first year together had been just a few months after you had started dating. a schedule yukhei had been on and he had forgotten until the following afternoon. shame and embarrassment had filled him when he had realized. yukhei had apologized profusely while he had clung to you, hugging you tight and wondering just how bad he had messed up. soft chuckles had rolled pass your grinning lips because it had been alright. you hadn’t been, couldn’t be upset. not when he had been so genuinely regretful and upset. so instead you had puckered short sweet pecks onto his pouting mouth when yukhei finally removed his face from the crook of your neck.

“i’m really sorry,” he had apologized again. “i’ll make it up to you.”

yukhei had stared at you scrunching up your nose and giggling lightly. your fingertips had brushed back his falling hair over his wide eyes. 

“yeah? you sure about that?” you had playfully narrowed your gaze at him. the tone of your voice had been teasing. yukhei had felt the slight heaviness lifted off his shoulder as he nodded swiftly and left a kiss on the tip of your nose. 

“just name it,” he had responded back, biting back a grin as you dramatically delved into deep thought.

it hadn’t taken you long to figure out what you wanted. the request had been simple. three kisses and strawberry ice cream, your gaze had sparkled with your words. yukhei had laughed loudly because he could definitely do that.

but he had given you a little more than you had asked for. the three kisses had turned into a hour make out session on your couch. and afterwards then, a trip to the convenience store you and him had taken to with fingers intertwined. yukhei had picked up the pint of strawberry ice cream and a pack of colorful striped birthday candles. insistent he had been for it.

the heat you had felt on your cheeks. “i don’t remember requesting candles,” your words had been playful. 

a tender kiss yukhei had placed on you temple to hide his boyish shy grin. “just a minor adjustment. besides, you have to make a wish for your birthday, babe.”

the items he had paid for. the walk back to your apartment in the cool autumn evening had been picturesque. and once back in your home, the ice cream had soften just enough for him to stick a lone pink candle into the center of the sweet treat. then yukhei had hugged you from behind, his chest pressing against your back as he sung you your birthday song with a happy grin and his sweet giggles. you had clapped once he was done and an adoring kiss he had pressed onto your cheek before his lips had moved to your ear. 

“close your eyes and make your wish.”

you had turned to look at him, finding him staring at you intently with a beam. your hands had reached for his arms hugging you and you had returned to the candle burning away. you had closed your eyes and within seconds, made a wish for health, of happiness and more moments with him. the tiny flame had been blown out. the ice cream had been eaten straight from the pint while he had vowed with a bashful smile and three sweet kisses to remember your birthday for the next year.

and yukhei had.

an event on his phone he had set. but then another country he had to be in for filming. regret again had filled him because how he wished to be with you for your day.

“we will do something when i get back, okay?” through the video call yukhei had pinky promised you. “but until then, i hope this is okay,” he had told you with a laugh because what he meant was the long distance virtual dinner. 

his phone had been propped up with what he could find in his hotel room. you had used a stack of books for yours. and the choice of cuisine had been up to you and he would try to see if there was a delivery possible to the hotel or if room service had it on the menu.

“what are you craving tonight?” yukhei had questioned, adjusting his glasses and running his long fingers through his slightly damp hair from his shower.

your chin had rested against the heel of your hand as you stared at him through the phone screen. all you had truly wanted was to snuggle up against him and feel the softness of his skin and lips. but it had been impossible for the moment. so with a teasing smile and moving your legs to hug to your chest, you had given him your answer. 

“sushi,” your gaze had twinkled. “all i want is sushi.”

it had taken yukhei a moment to register the double meaning, the corny pun he used to tell you. the embarrassed snort had escaped from him. your giggles had followed out. once yukhei had stopped laughing, he remained smiling wide and arched a sculpted brow. “that’s all?”

your head had tilted. you had hummed quietly. “that’s all.” your whispered answer had just been loud enough for him to hear.

his heart had ached and swelled all at once.

then with different time zones and eating cuisine from a country neither of you had currently been in, it had been a memorable birthday dinner. your phones had fallen from their positions throughout the meal with sudden gasps and laughter. you and him had played pretend, trying one another’s orders through the screen. hundreds of miles had separated you and him. yet the appreciation and love you had for him multiplied.

“you think we can do this again?” you had remarked once the plates and containers were cleared of all the delicious food ordered. 

yukhei had grinned, feeling relief for the happy look on your face before he nodded. “is your craving satisfied yet?” there had been a hint of playfulness in his voice. it had taken you hardly a second before your head shook and you sighed dramatically. even through a video, yukhei had noticed the mischief shining in your eyes.

“not yet, babe.”

and the meaning of your response and your words had stuck with him. so when yukhei returned three weeks later, he had hoped to fix that with surprises up his sleeve. 

the first one had been a selfie stick tripod. he had tugged it out of the shopping bag and you had let out an amused laugh.

“i bought one for myself too,” you had turned away from the present in your grasp to look at him. the bashful grin had formed at once on his face. “for future long distance virtual dinners so the phones don’t drop again,” he had whispered with a cute wrinkle to his nose.

the warmth had spread in your cheeks. your arm had slithered around his middle, hugging him tight and pecking him sweetly on his lips. “can’t wait.”

and the second had been the recreation of the birthday dinner weeks prior. 

not many opportunities yukhei had to take you out like how he believed you deserved. so he had done a little research for a restaurant with the best sushi and made a reservation. the various rolls and sliced fish ordered had been served alongside steaming bowls of udon. there had even been a delicious mini cheesecake for dessert with a lone lit candle yukhei had secretly requested because a birthday wish was still necessary he believed. so you had wished for the same from the previous birthday because the past year had been everything and more you could had imagined it to be. 

and stomachs had been as full as hearts when you and him had returned back to your apartment. yukhei had pulled you down to lay with him on the couch. his hug had been warm. his kisses had been ardent.  

yukhei had stared at you as if he was a little it drunk. you had chuckled breathlessly because he hadn’t had a drop of alcohol. the corners of his mouth had twitched faintly up when you had brush back his hair.

“thank you for tonight. i love the tripod, i loved the dinner and i love you,” you had informed him. a gentle kiss you had bestowed on his nose. but then yukhei had puckered his lips, wanting one there instead. his wish you had granted with a soft beam. your fingertip had outlined the curve of his smile once you pull back. 

“i’m glad you enjoyed it.” your touch had stopped on the center of his mouth. yukhei had pressed a kiss to the tip of your fingertip with his wide eyes gleaming. “so… has your sushi craving been satisfied yet?” he questioned teasingly. his large hands had gradually slipped beneath the pastel pink ruffled blouse you wore. 

immediately you had giggled, recalling his question from that first birthday dinner. you had closed the space between your grinning mouths. one then another nip you had given his pillowy lips. his touch had traveled further up. you had mewled, the sound so tantalizing, and shook your head. 

“almost.”

then his low groan had echoed your warm laughter and lips had happily connected once more into the very long night.

and this year, yukhei had a packed schedule. 

it had been back to back albums and promotions for different groups. when he had been given the tentative timeline for the second half of the year, it hadn’t crossed his mind. all yukhei felt had been excitement to be working with people he loved and grateful for continuing opportunities to learn from others. but when the official dates were given, the performances at shows and the events lined up, yukhei had doubled checked his calendar.

the images of a birthday cake and a pink heart had stared back at him.

yukhei had shook his head and quietly laughed in disbelief to himself. he had ran a hand over his face. he had wondered then if the world was playing a trick on him. annoyed he had been and upset he had certain you would be too because seriously it couldn’t be possible again. 

and in the kitchen yukhei had found you when he returned home. too hot from the summer heat and too stressed from the impending interview for a new job, all you had wanted was to eat something delicious. your phone had been in your hand. your fingers had slowly slide across the screen as you debated the menu for the night. a kiss yukhei had pressed onto your smiling mouth when he hugged you, the indescribable happiness you and him felt every time he walked through the front door.

“hmm, what do you want for dinner? are you hungry?”

yukhei had thought about how to tell you. whether he should wait until after dinner or tell you immediately, he had finally decided on the latter. yukhei had taken a deep breath and quietly and regretfully informed you with a frown of the current predicament plaguing his mind.

then yukhei had waited for your disappointing sigh, for you to push away his arms that were holding you close and for you to say to him again. yet you had simply stared him for a few seconds before smiling fondly. your phone you had closed and his embrace you walked out of. yukhei had watched after you as you made the two steps to the counter and pushed yourself up to sit on it. your gaze had found his and your arms had stretched out for him. yukhei hadn’t hesitated, going to you with a frown on his face and a sigh. your legs had wrapped around his waist with your ankles crossing behind his back to push him closer. his hands had settled on your knees, grasping it gently. your arms had circled around his neck and he had leaned into you to place a tender kiss on the faint curve of your lips.

yukhei had sighed once more. “i’m very sorry about this... again. if i could change it, i would.”

so proud of him you had been for everything he was doing and the opportunities he had been given. you had never wanted anything less for him. the twinge of pain had clutched at your heart with how he had felt. 

your head you had shaken before tilting it a bit. “i’m not upset at you. you have to know that, babe.” 

because since the beginning you had understood and accepted his schedules. even if it had meant missing him too much sometimes. even if it had meant having miles, cities and countries separating you and him every now and then.

it had been okay.

in your life you had him. and always he had came back to you with love unwavering. 

“this is your job, your career. you’re not at fault for this. i know you want to celebrate it but it’s okay. you have nothing to feel guilty about.” the space between your mouths you had closed. one then two loving kiss you had given him. yukhei had hummed, his hands sliding up to grip at your thighs. “birthdays happen every year. if not this year, then next year. if not next year, the year after that. we have more birthdays to come.” 

yukhei had hugged you close, burying his face into your neck. you had giggled when a ticklish pucker of his soft lips grazed your skin. you had turned your head with your mouth resting next to his ear. “and you’re stuck with me, remember?” yukhei had laughed, face warming and heart happy. yes, he had remembered what you said to him when you had asked him to move in. 

he had lifted his head away to look at you, a grin slowly appearing on his face

“besides, we can celebrate before or after. it’s the memory that truly counts. and as long as you’re with me, babe, i don’t have any complaints,” you had reassured him. 

the smile on his face had broaden, making you more in love with him than you already were. yukhei had pressed a warm kiss on your lips. you had hummed in content and gently bopped him on the tip of his nose with your fingertip. 

yukhei had chuckled, feeling a little better. “then i will promise to give you a memory that truly counts, baby.” 

and seeing him now in front you, this memory counts. 

this memory is unforgettable.

“you surprised me for my birthday,” yukhei laughs at the quiet whine that slips from your mouth. 

his birthday this year you recall so clearly. the surprise at the gym that had made him grin despite the layer of sweat and his tiredness from his practice and workout. the birthday cake covered with the airy whipped cream and topped with the juicy strawberries that you had held up for him. the birthday wish he had to make before midnight struck. the sweet memory of him happily licking the cream off your supple chest because he had told you somewhere in the world it was still his birthday.

you feel the smile form on your face. your cheeks burn quickly. the sparkle in his eyes rival the sparkle of gold glitter that has been brushed underneath his handsome and neat eyebrows. “so i thought it’ll be only fair to surprise you on yours. are you happy, baby?” yukhei questions. 

he's teasing and you know it. the sight of his face turns a bit blurry again. heartstrings are pulled at. you nod with a warm chuckle, thumbs caressing the apples of his cheeks. 

“yeah, i’m happy,” you whisper. the distance between your mouths are erased and you capture his lips for a little sugary kiss. 

yukhei pulls back reluctantly and licks his lips. “i messaged you and even called before i came in, but you didn’t respond to any of them.” 

your brows furrow. “you did?” you turn your head, eyes searching for your phone you are certain you had with you. the blanket you wiggle and lift before your phone falls out from the folds. you unlock it and see the missed messages and the recent call. you check the tiny tab on the side. silent you had the device on. your eyes return to his while dropping the phone down next to you. “i didn’t realize the ringer was off. i'm sorry,” you murmur your apology, running a hand over your face. “i really didn’t plan on falling asleep here.”   

yukhei chuckles lowly with a nod. “it's okay. you just made me a little worried. i was afraid of scaring you so that was why i called. when i opened the door i was so sure you were going to scream or attack me,” he quietly jokes, watching you slowly and shyly grin. his eyes soften. “but i saw the tea. you’re not feeling well?” the concern is evident in his gaze and his voice. the guilt forms in his heart because yukhei wonders if he had missed the signs in the messages, the phone calls and the video chats. 

you shake your head though. “just been feeling tired. i think it’s just the changing seasons and adjusting to the weather.” the transition from summer to autumn has been going back and forth. the start of the new season it is, but early september it felt like yesterday and the middle of november it feels like today. “and work has been… hectic. there’s been a lot to do and not enough time. i’ve just been sleeping less than usual.” you respond with your eyes dropping from him momentarily. 

a good night’s sleep you have missed recently with the new job you started weeks ago. it had been an early birthday present from the world you had declared. all the exams, the long papers and the years put into school had paid off. and it has been nothing and everything you expected. exciting and rewarding yet completely nerve wracking because constantly you were on your toes. 

you don’t want to mess up. you don’t want doubts of whether you had been the best choice. 

and after this week of too many meetings and too much paperwork and files, the comfy couch had felt like a fluffy cloud after your shower and dinner of a big bowl of spicy tofu soup with rice. you had wondered whether to work a bit to leave the weekend more free. but the remote you had reached for and the television had been turned on for a little noise in the quiet apartment. you had responded to sweet texts of birthday wishes. a message wishing him luck with hearts you had sent for his performance and a decision you had made to rewatch the anime that he had gotten you into. just for an episode or two then a little work before the promised video call you had told yourself.      

you really had no intentions of falling asleep. 

the small nudge from yukhei has you looking back up within seconds. you don’t want him worrying even when his expression tells you he is worried because you haven’t mentioned the lack of sleep to him. a tiny reassuring smile comes out. your arms wrap around his neck again. you want to ease his worry and the guilt you are certain he feels because regardless of his busy schedules and his own lack of sleep, yukhei thinks he should be able to pick up clues. he should be making sure you are alright.  

your fingertips gently stroke the nape of his neck. “i’m fine, babe. please don't worry, okay?”

yukhei playfully scrunches up his nose. “as long as the day ends in ‘y,’ i will always worry about you,” he whispers to you with a faint grin. 

you can’t control the smile ghosting your face. 

lucky and loved. 

you lean forward to place a kiss to his mouth. yukhei clings onto your lips for seconds longer before letting you pull back. he sighs, a little unconvinced because he stares intently at you. “you’re sure that is all?” 

“cross my heart, that’s all. and if i'm really not feeling good, i’ll give you a call. you can come home and play doctor to get me back to health,” you quietly jest, hoping to make him feel better. 

yukhei chuckles lowly then, his eyes taking the sight of you. “just promise to take care of yourself. take a break and get your sleep, hmm?” he finally whispers.

you feel the tugs in your chest. “i promise with all my heart.” you lean in for two more short and sweet kisses that he gladly accepts. the corners of your lips twitch up once you part. your fingers shift to his neck, stroking it tenderly. “how did you manage to get back here?” you ask intrigued. 

in the middle of the first round of promotions he is currently for one group while starting the preparations of videos and photoshoots and everything else for another group. you don’t want him getting in trouble or upsetting anyone because even if tomorrow is saturday and the day of play considered to the world, he has work. the performance tonight and his hectic schedule lined up had been why he couldn’t be here tonight. you feel the clutch to your heart. he should be sleeping, getting the rest you are certain he is not getting enough off either. 

yukhei smiles so easily. “we left immediately after our set.” you study the light shade of brown eyeshadow over his eyelids. his hair is still styled up, each strand still seems to be in place despite his performance. your eyes go over his head to glance at the time hanging on the wall. it’s just before ten in the night. you turn back to look at him and he’s still smiling. “manger got someone to drive me here. he had given me the okay to come back. he said it should be fine as long as i followed two things.” 

a brow of your rises and your fingers stop moving. yukhei clears his throat dramatically as he raises his hand and holds up one finger. 

“first, i better not be late when he comes to pick me up himself tomorrow morning.” you chuckle, imagining his manager who takes care of them, loves them and who yukhei is a full head taller, threatening him. a second finger of his rises. “and number two is to tell you happy birthday. he says he hopes you like your surprise.” yukhei giggles sweetly, warmth covering his cheeks. “he says i’m so whipped for you.”

his words causes the laughter to rise out of you in an instant. 

he will lose a few hours sleep for this. anything he will give to see you happy. everything he will do to make you happy like this.

the teasing mischief yukhei notes in your eyes. “and what are your thoughts about that then? is he wrong?” you inquire curiously.

yukhei tugs you closer, bumping noses together and grazing his plump lips against yours. “you can dollop me on ice cream or cake, baby,” he whispers firmly and unashamed.

you tip forward and give him a kiss that makes yukhei sigh in delight. when you shift back, both your hands move to cup his jawline. “have you eaten yet? are you hungry? we can order something.” your trip to the grocery store will be tomorrow. but some basics and staples you always have in the refrigerator and cabinets. “or if you want home cooked, i’ll try to make something quick,” you suggest. 

he smiles. “they ordered chicken for us before the performance, but i can definitely eat again,” yukhei says with a laugh. "we can just order something. that'll be fine.”  

you nod and make a move to lift off the blanket. “let me go just clean and freshen up first so i don’t feel like a mess.” from waking up to crying, you imagine yourself to be less than presentable.

yukhei shakes his head though. the grin on his face shines bright like the sun. “my baby is gorgeous,” he declares truthfully and proudly. 

you are beautiful, cute, sexy and every synonym in the thesaurus to him.

the embarrassed and bashful laugh rolls out from your lips as his voice turns faintly singsong. “my baby is the most gorgeous.” you give him a playful push, the heat rising in your face because regardless of the years together now, his compliments and his words still get the best of you. 

yukhei laughs and moves away enough to let you pull the blanket off. like the changing temperatures outside, you are dressed for autumn on the top with his thick heather grey sweatshirt pictured with a golden retriever and summer on the bottom with a pair of black shorts. yukhei gives your exposed thighs a gentle squeeze before pushing himself up to stand. he grabs the strap of his bag still slung diagonally across his chest and brings it over his head. he places it on the coffee table and holds his hand out for you to take. yukhei tugs you up and right into his strong arms and warm embrace. your arms slip underneath the open red bomber jacket he wears to hold his waist. 

you bury your face into him. his head turns and yukhei rests his mouth against your warm skin. deep and slow breaths are taken, remembering one another’s familiar scent that has been missed. you and him stay motionless for a moment until he pats your bottom and kisses your temple. “i’ll look up something to eat. is there something you want?”

your eyes find his. “anything is fine. just give me a minute,” you tell him with a shake of your head.

arms drop and you slip your feet into your pink slippers to go to the bathroom. yukhei watches you walk in and the second the door is shut behind you, he quickly shrugs off his jacket and drops it on the coffee table besides his bag. he jogs his way back down the hall to retrieve the cake and balloons that had been left behind in his search for you.

the ribbons yukhei unknots from its weight and in a slow release, the balloons float up into different directions around him. the weight he puts on the table and to the kitchen he makes his way quickly to with the cake. the tape he rips off and the flaps of the box he pulls open. the sweet scent of fresh cream and fruit fill his senses as he carefully tugs the cake out. the cellophane bag he tears from the box for the colorful candles. he sticks all six candles into the cake until the foiled wrapped bottom disappears. he moves right, opening the second drawer for the lighter. soon enough each candle has a flame and the lighter yukhei puts away. 

slowly he picks up the cake and turns bit by bit. each step he takes is careful and his brows wrinkle. perhaps he should have brought the cake out to the table before lighting the candles. yukhei holds his breath in, afraid he might accidentally blow them out. the water he hears running from the bathroom. he gets to the table with a flame still adorning every candle. he centers the cake to the middle and then every light that is on he closes. the kitchen. the living space. the hallway and even the light in the entryway is off. all that is left are the candles and the sliver of light from under the bathroom door.

yukhei looks between the cake and where you are. he hears the water shut. “babe?” he calls, glancing at the candles burning away.

seconds pass and the bathroom door opens. your hair has been fixed. your face has been washed of the sleep and tears. the light you switch off and you are about to ask what he has decided to eat. but then you look up to find darkness. your heart skips and your movements freeze. the words on the tip of your tongue disappears. then slowly you take one step and then another and another until you see the reason for this.

against the soft glow of the candles, you see his face. you don’t miss his smile or the reflection of the flames in his eyes. his arms rise above his head. 

“surprise!” yukhei giggles delightedly.

washing your face and freshening up has been pointless because you feel the hard tugs in your chest and the immediate sting to your eyes and your nose. then in the quietness as your gaze shifts from the cake to him, you hear his murmured three, two, one countdown. yukhei starts clapping to the beat of your birthday song that he sings loud and proud. you chuckle breathlessly and each step to him to has your eyes turning hazier and your world spinning quicker. you are besides him right as he finishes the song. yukhei cheers and kisses you a handful times on your cheek. you blink back the tears welling up more and more. but it’s useless because they slide down your face. you try your best to quickly wipe them away with the sleeve of the sweatshirt before your arms wrap around his middle. he leans forward to press his forehead to yours.

“do you like it?” he teases.  

you sniffle. “i just washed my face,” your voice wavers with a pathetic chuckle because your emotions are seriously getting the best of you tonight. 

yukhei giggles and watches you slightly pull away to wipe your eyes again. “you know, i thought about barging into the bathroom with the cake. but i didn’t think you would like it very much,” he whispers with a playful smile.

your own laugh slips from your mouth, remembering his story of how the six of them had forced their way into the bathroom with a cake for ten’s birthday. how ten had failed miserably to close the door on all of them. how they had sang him his birthday song with him on the toilet. you shake your head with another sniffle and soft laughter. 

“no, babe, i wouldn’t like it,” you tell him, the glow of the flames highlighting the glassiness of your eyes and your smile.

yukhei drops a short kiss your forehead. “make your wish before the candles burn out.” he tries to step away, but you go back to him first and press a slow and deep kiss to his mouth. he grunts, pleased with it before you release his lips. your arms fall from him and his hand you reach to intertwine fingers. you turn around and walk the two steps closer to the table and cake. yukhei follows your steps and stands behind you. then your eyes shut and you wish for what you have had for the last two birthdays with a little something extra. 

you wish for health, happiness and more birthdays and moments with him. you wish for continuing success for him and you with your jobs and the future. 

your eyes open and you take a deep breath. in two tries the tiny flames goes out. yukhei whoops loudly and you laugh breathlessly. 

darkness fills the apartment but you are holding onto the sun. 

yukhei pulls you back to him and despite the lack of lighting, he presses kisses to the center of your forehead, the tip of your nose and finally to your mouth. “happy birthday, babe,” he murmurs, the smile on his face you feel against your skin. 

you lift your intertwined hands and pucker your mouth to the back of his. “thank you.” 

“let me get the lights.” he lets you go and the lights are switched back on. only a second it is for you to see the balloons surrounding you. a tiny gasp you let out and the light clatter of plates in the kitchen you hear. you tug one down, admiring translucent ballon that has colorful and shiny circular confetti dotting all over the inside. you sniffle the slightest again and chew on the inside of your cheeks.

he is something else. 

when yukhei comes out of the kitchen a moment later holding two plates and two forks and the plastic cake server on it, he catches the sight of you pulling down the matte rose gold balloon. you don’t seem to notice him walking towards you until he is right behind you. your head turns to him as he places the items in his hands down on the table. his hand rises to cradle your cheek. you let go of the balloon and press a kiss to the middle of his palm. 

“you’re a romantic,” you whisper with the corners of your mouth turning upwards.

yukhei laughs, warmth covering his cheeks suddenly at your words. but then he shakes his head. "this is nothing, baby,” he tells you truthfully because he has read about romantic gestures and seen them in dramas and movies to know this isn’t much and doesn’t compare to them. yukhei leans forward to kiss you quickly before taking a step back from you to pull out the chair for you to sit. once you do, he tugs the other chair around the table until it is next to you and takes a seat too. 

you bring the cake closer, noting the small rectangular topper with the name of one of your favorite bakeries tucked between the chocolate curls. the strawberries, the shine muscats and the blueberries look fresh and glossy from the sugar syrup. the chocolate disc with ‘happy birthday’ written in calligraphy is so pretty and neat in between the two perfectly round raspberry macarons. you pick up a chocolate curl and put it in your mouth, smiling as it melts smoothly on your tongue. 

yukhei pulls out the candles that have been burned more than halfway and drops them onto table. he reaches for the plastic cake server and hands it to you to make the first cut. you take it with whispered words of gratitude and when that plastic cake server is pushed through layers of vanilla sponge and fresh cream and fruit, yukhei plants a kiss to your cheek. then a second cut you make and it’s a big slice with a piece of every fruit and chocolate curls. you carefully slide the cake server underneath the slice and lift it up, hoping to keep it in tact. a plate yukhei lifts towards you. with a slight flick of your wrist, the piece of cake falls down with a tiny plop. you push the slice to him.

“you’re suppose to get the first piece. it’s your birthday,” yukhei reminds you.

but you shush him with a quick peck on his mouth and turn back to cut yourself a slice that is just as big with all the fruits as well. a fork he hands to you and one keeps for himself. yukhei stares at you with a small grin while you dig the fork into your piece. 

if you don’t take the first slice, yukhei will make sure you at least take the first bite. you lift up the fork and eat the mouthful you have cut. the sponge is soft and light. the cream is just sweet enough. the strawberry you got with it tastes juicy and a little tart for balance. he giggles when you make a sound of happiness. 

you and your sweet tooth are satisfied. 

“good?” yukhei questions, lifting a finger to gently wipe the bit of cream from the corner of your lips. 

your eyes twinkle. “the best,” you say as he puts that bit of it in his mouth. yukhei smiles at the sweetness on his tongue and on your face.

you are worth it all.

and the cake that you have declared the best and that he wholeheartedly agrees with when he takes his first bite is demolished by you and him. more than half of it is gone. the chocolate disc he leaves to you but the macarons are shared with one each. yukhei comes out of the kitchen with two mugs of warm water to wash away the sugar of the cake. he places them on the table before sitting back down in his seat. your legs rises to rest over his thighs and his hands settle on your skin, caressing it seconds later. you pick up the mug and bring it to your lips. the warm water feels good down your throat. yukhei does the same, taking two long sips and placing the mug down. he stares up at the balloons slightly moving and swaying above and after one more sip, you place your mug besides his. your hand covers his and yukhei turns to look at you upon your soft touch.

you smile fondly. “are you sure you don’t want anything else to eat?” the food you and him had mentioned of ordering had been forgotten in place of the birthday celebration.

yukhei laughs and points to the cake still on the table. “look at how much we ate! i’m good right now.” he playfully pats his stomach. 

a little closer you lean into him. “i don’t want you waking up in the middle of the night hungry,” you whisper with a chuckle. 

because even if yukhei says he is full or even after he has had a big meal, his stomach growls in the middle of the night. he doesn’t, can't sleep and has no choice but to get out of bed for something to fill his stomach. most times it’s ramen. sometimes it’s cereal when he wants something a little sweet. he has also ordered burgers, fries and even fried chicken and rice. you have woken up to his empty side of the bed many times. nearly every time this happens, you end up sitting next to him. his food he always share with you with a boyish smile. and even if sometimes you don’t eat with him, you stay up with him to keep him company.  

“my offer stands if you want something else to eat… even if it is a cup of ramen.”

yukhei laughs and nods. “i really am good right now. but if i do get hungry in the middle of the night, i will be sure to wake you up for that cup of ramen.”

a kiss you place on his cheek. “i’ll be all yours,” you whisper with a smile. 

he leans in until his forehead is touching yours. his gaze is warm and the curve of his mouth is shy and teasing. “and here i thought you already were.” he softly scoffs. 

your face heats. your arms shift to encircle his waist, clutching onto the soft material of his shirt. he lifts an arm to settle behind you on the chair. you look up at him, leaning back a little for your head to rest on the crook of his elbow. 

“always.” 

always he has your heart. forever you want with him. 

yukhei chuckles and kisses your slightly puckered lips. he pulls back and nods. “and me for you. always.” 

you hum in affirmation and turn your head, your gaze dancing between the balloons that gently move about. “i really like the balloons,” you gush quietly. “the clear ones are so pretty.” 

“yeah?” you hear the joy in his voice. “i looked up a shop for balloons closest to the dorms. the store i found has a website. it was the first time i’ve seen the clear confetti ones. i thought they were pretty and that you might like them too,” he states proudly.

you nod against him, but your brows furrow in confusion and curiosity. “how did you get the balloons and the cake tonight?” because from the apartment to the dorms is a good thirty minutes away with no traffic. from the performance venue to the apartment is at least an hour away. with the timing of the concert and their set being one of the last ones, you know he can’t fly.  

yukhei chuckles softly. “i ordered everything earlier this week. manager had someone help me pick up the balloons and the driver drove me to the bakery to pick up the cake before bringing me here. a part of me was scared that i was going to be late and they were going to close. but i got there in time.” he scratches his head and grins bashfully. “i would’ve had come back with only balloons if they did.”

you lift your head and he casts his eyes down at you. your arms still around him, you give his middle another tiny squeeze. “even without a cake or the balloons, i would have still been happy.” you smile fondly at him. 

having him here after the time apart is the best birthday he can give you. 

his cheeks heat and yukhei feels the tugs to his heart. “but do you know what this means though?” he questions softly, the playfulness laced in his voice.

you shakes his head. “what?”

he sighs dramatically, but his eyes shine with happiness. “what am i going to do next year?” his laughter immediately fills the cozy apartment. what his schedules will be like he doesn’t have an inkling of. what is lined up for him he isn’t sure. but if he has the opportunity to see you, be with you and give you what you deserve, yukhei will try his best. 

you chuckle and a moment passes before you hold up your index finger. “i have one suggestion.”

yukhei arches an eyebrow in curiosity. you tug him closer and rest you mouth alongside his ear. your smile yukhei feels even if he doesn’t see it. “nothing.” you shift to look at him. there’s a surprised grin on his face. “as long as you’re by my side, i will be happy.”

the smile on his face expands. his heart swells in his chest. yukhei nods faintly, his big eyes filled with love. “romantic,” he declares softly for you to hear. 

always you accuse him of it. 

you giggle and your hand rises to cradle his jaw. “hmm, only for you.”

yukhei bobs his head approvingly at your response, his warm eyes darts between the sparkle in your gaze and the curve of your pretty lips. slowly he tilts forward to graze your mouth. the back of your head settles against his arm again. you whine at the handful of teasing nips he leaves on your lips until you cannot take it anymore and close the gap. yukhei chuckles into the kiss, trapping you between the chair and his body. your hand falls to clutch onto his shirt. the butterflies dance in your stomach and his brain and body tells him he needs more of you. 

it has been too long since he has kissed you like this. 

his hand on your knee rises to your face. the angle yukhei turns your head allows his tongue to slide into your mouth. your whimper in delight and nudge him back the slightest to give you room to sit up. he groans between the heavy breaths and wet sounds of your mouths before doing so. he is hungry for more and you don’t want to let go yet. for a little longer, noses stroke and bump each other. grips on one another are strong. he and you enjoy the perfect fit of your lips together. 

your breathing is rapid and your heart is pounding when you finally part. yukhei chases after your mouth for one more hard kiss before he is chuckling through his own uneven breaths. your hand rests on his chest, feeling the fast beats of his heart. his hand remains cradling your cheek. you hum, watching through dazed eyes at the dreamy smile on his face. you are about to speak, but yukhei comes back for more kisses. your mouth and body instinctively responds, kissing him back with as much fervor. when yukhei shifts away minutes later, you stare as he licks his swollen lips. you fight for air to fill your lungs again and brush the pad of your thumb over his very wet grinning mouth. 

“hi.” 

yukhei laughs breathlessly and hugs you to him. “i’ve missed kissing you.” 

it's an understatement though because he has missed a lot of things with you. 

he lowers his head to tuck it against your neck. faint and short consecutive kisses you feel on your skin. you whimper quietly and let him stay in place. you let him dot those kisses and let him hold you as close as he wants to until your breathing slowly evens out.

“can i make a suggestion?” you ask softly, setting soothing pats on his shoulder. 

one more little kiss and yukhei lifts his head. “on your birthday? you can make as many suggestions as you wish,” he says. 

you brush the sides of his hair. your eyes soften as you stare at him. “how about we can do a little more kissing after you shower? it’s late, babe. and even if you’re going to deny it, i know you are tired,” you whisper lovingly. underneath the makeup he is wearing, you know there is evidence of his exhaustion and lack of sleep. and with his schedule still tomorrow, you want him to have the proper rest. “okay?”

yukhei winks, the expression on his face playful and cute. “i’m superman, baby.” he chuckles and wiggles his brows. 

the corners of your mouth curls. “and i bet even superman gets tired himself, too.” 

a soft smile forms on his face. this is one battle he won’t win against you, yukhei knows. he nods slowly then. “i would still very much like to kiss you later,” he cutely requests. 

and you laugh, giving him a sweet peck to last until that time comes. you move your legs off of him. “i’ll clean everything up here,” you assure him. “you can go shower.” 

yukhei shifts and stands. he reaches for his mug, taking a quick gulp of the water that has cooled. you get up too and the mug down yukhei puts down before he stretches. an unexpected loud yawn comes out. he giggles shyly at being caught with his current undeniable state as his arms drop to his sides. he takes a few steps away from you and walk towards the coffee table. the watch around his wrist he unclasps, placing it next to his bag before turning around. you place the server on the plate and lift up the leftover cake. yukhei gets to where you are. 

“you sure you don’t want help?” 

your head you shake. “i got it, babe,” you assure him. another yawn he lets out and you shoo him towards the bathroom. “i finished the bottle of remover today. but there’s should be another one in the mirror.”

yukhei grins and kisses your cheek. “cool. thanks.”

off to the bathroom you watch him go and towards the kitchen you bring the leftover cake.

the lights yukhei switches on. he runs a hand over his jawline. you are correct. he is tired. but still, he thinks it’s worth it for tonight. his contacts he takes out and discards. glasses he prefers and a relief it is to have them out because he blinks quickly for a brief moment. 

he’s about to reach for the clear green bottle of makeup remover you always keep on counter before he remembers what you said. his hand moves to the mirror, pulling it open to look for what he needs. toners, serums, cleansing waters and other various skincare products there are but yukhei doesn’t see what he currently needs. he double checks it, turning over a few of them in case the design of the product has changed. his brows wrinkle. 

“babe?” 

his voice you hear while the flaps of the cake box you slip into the slit. 

“did you find it?” you call, picking up the box and walking over to the refrigerator to put it inside.

a response you don’t get though and soon enough after the door is shut, you pad across the tiled kitchen floors and wood floors to the bathroom. “did you find it?” you ask again, seeing him lift up the small jar of eye cream when you get to the door.

“are you sure you have it?” yukhei puts the product back and looks at you. “or do i have to sleep with glitter and eyeshadow tonight?” he asks with a tiny laugh.

you chuckle. “i don’t mind, babe. you look good.” the wink you throw his way causes him to playfully clutch his heart and swoon. you walk over to where he stands and your eyes scan over the products. what you thought you had in there you don’t see. “i thought i had it here. let me check the bedroom.” you turn and leave, going to the bedroom and switching on the lights. 

the small sized shopping bag that you have been using for storage of extra beauty products you look through. it takes a second and successful you are, pulling out the clear green bottle. you return to the bathroom with the item he needs in your hand. but once at the doorway, you find yukhei leaning against the wall. his head is lowered. he is yawning again.  

in bed he needs to be. sleeping he should be doing.  

it takes a second until yukhei realizes your presence and pushes himself off the wall with a laugh. but almost instantly, he is yawning once more. this time his hand rises up to cover it. his gaze spots the product in your hand and there’s a faint tired smile ghosting his face when his hand falls. there is also a slight droop to his eyes, a telltale sign that he’s not getting enough rest. 

“thanks,” he states, reaching for what he needs.

but you shake your head. your free hand rises. you pat him on the chest to stop him from getting what he wants. “are you going to make me sleep with all of this on?” yukhei asks amusingly.

the giggle that slips from your lips is sweet. “no, i’m not going to make you wear it to sleep.” 

he chuckles. “then can i have it?”

you take a step to him, kiss him warmly. “can you sit for me?” you answer, the ends of your mouth curling. an eyebrow of his rises and he’s wondering what you are up to. “you don’t trust me, babe?” you tease with your own eyebrow rising.  

his gaze narrows at you because he is certain you are up to something. regardless yukhei glances around. the countertop. the hamper basket. then he takes the few steps to the toilet, putting down the cover before taking a seat. he looks at you as you reach for the little jar of cotton pads and move to stand in front of him between his open legs. the items in your hands are placed by the edge of the counter besides the both of you. his large hands settles on your hips while he stares up at you.

you look down, examining the makeup. “you know, i really do like this look on you tonight. the eyeshadow is subtle but the glitter is so dramatic,” you note approvingly.

yukhei snorts, the light in the bathroom catching the glitter on his skin and the twinkle in his eyes. you are not sure what is currently shining brighter. “i’ll see if i can make a request for this look again. we have another performance next week.”

you smile and take a step backwards, lightly nudging his long legs to close. 

“move back for me,” you instruct him. 

yukhei follows your directions without a word. there’s a delighted curve of his mouth when you take a step forward again and find a seat on his thighs with your legs on either side of him. 

his hands find your hips at once, gently massaging your flesh over your shorts. “what are you up to?” he laughs as he leans to in to leave a peck on your mouth.  

your eyes widen playfully and you lift a finger to your lips. “shhh.”

in the quietness then, yukhei watches with amusement while you pick up the bottle of makeup remover. you tear off the perforated plastic around the cap and throw it into the small wastebasket by your feet between the sink and the toilet. you shake the bottle until the layers of liquid blend. the cap you twist open and place on the counter. the tiny silver seal you pull off and discard too. then the lid on the jar of cotton pads you lift off and place next to the cap. a cotton pad you take out and yukhei stares at you pouring just enough of the remover onto it before putting the bottle down. your attention returns to him.

he has an inkling of what you are about to do now.

“close your eyes for me,” you direct him with a grin.

yukhei smiles bright and boyish and does what you say. the wet cotton pad you lift up and gently, you hold it against his eye. 

“ten, nine…”

he listens to your countdown, his heart tickled with joy. 

“one.”

immediately yukhei makes a quiet sound of a rocket zooming into space. “blast off,” he whispers enthusiastically.

you chuckle and remove the cotton pad. most of the color is gone. “don't open yet.” you put a hand underneath his chin to tilt his head a little. with his eyes remaining close, a smile remain ghosting his face and in silence, you dab away the rest of the pretty eyeshadow off. you carefully sweep of the glitter. you clean the color off his brows as well.

“left eye is done,” you announce.

yukhei opens both eyes. you show him the dirtied cotton pad with a beam. 

“how do i look?” he laughs, imagining the sight of his jekyll and hyde eyes.

you hum. “still the most handsome,” you tell with a wink.

he leans into you for a sweet kiss on your grinning mouth before you toss away the unusable item in your hand. you reach for another cotton pad and yukhei looks on once more as you do what you had previously did. when you put the bottle of remover down and turn to him, yukhei closes his eyes without your instructions. you laugh underneath your breath and in seconds, you hold the wet cotton pad over his right eye. another quiet countdown you begin as you feel his touch rise a bit to sneak beneath his sweatshirt on your body. yukhei chuckles at the tiny yelp you release with the little tickle he gives you.

the cotton pad you remove after one and his head you tilt up a again. you work on the removing the remaining eyeshadow in the continued quietness. once all the brown color is completely off, you fold up the cotton pad slightly. his eyes slowly open when it touches the area of glitter. your fingers freeze, staring at him as he stares at you. there is an unashamed love struck grin on his face. 

“i trust you.” the slight puzzlement appears on your face briefly. “to answer your question from before… i trust you.” his hands softly run up your sides. “with every fiber of my body and every inch of my heart,” yukhei declares quietly and strongly. “hmm, just in case you didn’t know.” 

slowly you nod, feeling the prickling in your eyes and your heart skips. you lick at your lips. you press them together to stop the spread of a smile. but the attempt is a fail. you’re smiling as you go back to the task of getting the glitter off. butterflies dance in your stomach. your face heats and he keeps his eyes open and place you under the microscope of his intent and loving gaze. 

even after all this time, he has the biggest effect on you.

in a minute then the makeup on his eye is removed. “you’re done, babe,” you tell him, showing him the other dirtied cotton pad. 

his touch shifts to your lower back and you throw the cotton pad into the trash. yukhei puckers his mouth. you kiss him sweetly without hesitation. your hands go to his arms, slipping it underneath the short sleeves to caress the hardness of his muscles.

“do you know what i am thinking?” he smiles alongside your own smile. “how would you like a new job?” yukhei questions with his eyebrows rising up.

your eyebrow soon mirrors his. you chuckle breathlessly and your hands stop moving. “and what job would that be?” your hands come out from his sleeves. your arms rise and wrap around his neck, curiosity in your mind.

yukhei laughs. “my personal makeup remover,” yukhei proposes with a laugh and a glint of mischief in his eyes. 

immediately your own laughter echoes his. “and what are the qualifications for this job, babe?” you inquire, playing along with his silliness.

he chews on the corner of his lip for a second while he thinks. then an excited smile comes up. “you must know how to use a cotton pad and get out glitter and eyeshadow.” yukhei leans forward enough for his nose to bump yours and he giggles. “so what do you say, huh? i’ll talk to the company tomorrow. if you get this job, then we can see each other more. and when we travel, you can come with us. how does that sound to you?” he wiggles his eyebrows in a playful manner.

you bring him closer and kiss him once and twice. “i’ll have to think about,” you inform him teasingly. “i have to consider the salary, you know. and the benefits, vacation days and my insurance. so i might have to make myself some sort of a pro and con list just to see what my options are, babe,” you inform him.  

his face brightens. “i can name you a benefit and a pro right now.”

your brow arches. “really? and what would this benefit and pro be?”

yukhei clears his throat loudly and sits up straighter. he flashes you a smile that melts your heart and makes you want to coo and cuddle him. but you feign ignorance and your mouth twists into a slight frown. “i don’t know what you’re trying to get at, yukhei.” 

mischief yukhei sees flicker in your eyes and there’s an immediate pout on his face. “my heart is hurt, baby,” he playfully huffs out. 

a giggle escapes from you and you go to him again. then one kiss after another you bestow onto his mouth until that pout disappears and his handsome and charming smile makes another return. 

“tease,” he murmurs alongside the sweet curve of your lips.

you hum in confirmation and yukhei chuckles, shaking his head. slowly you pull back and examine the other layer of makeup he still has on his face. “you should wash the rest off now and shower,” you quietly tell him. 

he takes a long deep breath and releases it before nodding. his hands stay on you as you stand. he gently grips and strokes your thighs before his touch drops and you move away from him. you place the lid back on the jar of the cotton pads and the cap on the bottle of makeup remover. yukhei stands and you look at him. 

“you need anything else?” you ask.

yukhei stretches, his long arms going up high to touch the ceiling that is still out of reach. his shirt rises and you see the band his boxer briefs peeking out from the edge of his jeans. slowly he lowers his arms and another yawn yukhei lets out before he speaks. “i’m good. thanks.”

you quickly wash your hands and dry them off on the hand towel hanging. “hmm, just call if you do.” 

a final fleeting little kiss he gives you. the ends of his lips twitch up. “go make your pro and con list, baby,” he whispers.

you giggle, taking steps away from him and closing the door behind you.

the water running you hear immediately with your steps to the bathroom closet. the door you open, reaching for the magenta hair dryer in the basket with your curling iron. you shut the door and walk into the living room towards the coffee table to put it down. the throw blanket you fold back up neatly and stack it with the pillow to place at the end of the couch. your phone you bring into the bedroom, putting it on your bedside table.

then you make your way out and to the table. the candles you dump onto the plates and you bring them into the kitchen and put into the sink. you go back out to retrieve the mugs. the water you pour out and the mugs you rinse. the candles your throw away and the plates and utensils are cleaned off with a little dish soap and warm water. you dry them all and put them back into the cabinet and drawer where they belong. the counter and the table you wipe up as well. the chairs are put back in place opposite of one another at the table. and once the balloons are gathered up, tied to the plastic heart shaped weight again and placed at the center of table like a bouquet, you stand in the kitchen in front of the opened freezer door. 

the package of frozen buns with the red bean filling you still have. that could work for the morning you think. or cereal or yogurt when you open the refrigerator to check. fried rice is also possible if he would like that because a bowl of leftover rice sits besides the leftover cake. 

you walk to the cabinet then, pulling it open. ramen you always have in the house. for a snack or midnight emergencies, it is a staple in the apartment. you reach for the last three packages of spicy ramen. one of yours and his favorites and place them on the counter.

just in case he will be hungry in a few hours. 

and if not, this can also work in the morning too.

“what are you doing?” his voice makes you jump back the slightest as your hand immediately goes to your chest, feeling the quick thumping of your heart. you twist around to look at him and yukhei chuckles guiltily. “sorry, i thought you would have heard the bathroom door.”

you stare at the innocent curl of his mouth and how he stands before you with nothing but the fluffy white towel wrapped low around his hips. the irony of this sight. 

“i didn’t,” you emphasize, feeling your face warm. 

yukhei walks the few steps to you. the glare you shoot him causes the giggle to roll pass his lips. his body is damp but he still pulls you close and you let him. your hands run up his sides and over his chest, feeling the suppleness of his flesh. no matter how many times you have seen him, have outlined the muscles and touched his body, he is a work of art. the soft whimper underneath your breath you let out and he hears it so clearly because yukhei moans quietly under his own breath. too long it has been since you have touched him like this. a deep breath you take and the scent of vanilla you recognize. your heartstrings are pulled on for another time of the night.

he sways your bodies slightly. “i didn’t mean to scare you,” yukhei apologizes once more and kisses your forehead. you say nothing though and pucker your mouth instead. another kind of kiss you want and another kiss and more yukhei gives you because he is pressing a dozen very wet kisses to your lips and cheeks until you’re laughing and squirming with happiness. 

“you’re forgiven!” 

yukhei only holds onto you tighter and closer when he finally lifts his head up with a wide smile. “what were you doing anyway?” he asks. you turn your head and he follows, his eyes finding the packets of ramen that are placed on the countertop. he laughs and glances back at you. 

“just so i can be prepared…” you whisper, the embarrassed smile forming. “in case you get hungry later.” 

the warmth spreads in his chest and yukhei slowly tips forward. the brush of his mouth is affectionate and you lift your arms to slither around his naked middle, your short nails grazing his skin. his beam when he releases your mouth is goofy and love drunk. yukhei presses his forehead to yours and stares at you fondly for a moment before closing his eyes. 

how he loves having you in his embrace. how he enjoys your touch on him. how he has really missed this.

and then you and him stay like this until you feel it. 

it's tiny. it’s cold. it plops gently onto your skin. 

“yukhei…” 

he hums lazily. you feel it again and you are certain he doesn’t realize it. yukhei opens his eyes to see you grinning faintly at him. he hums again, waiting patiently for you to speak. 

“baby, you’re dripping,” you finally inform him with giggles.

as if on cue, another water droplet falls from the strands of his wet hair and onto you. your arms move back yet he makes no intention of letting you go. instead there’s a hint of trouble in his gaze as he smirks confidently. yukhei leans into you once more and his mouth rest besides your ear. his warm breath grazes your skin. 

“that’s supposed to be my line.”

his voice is low and his tone is teasing and it takes a good ten seconds before you’re laughing from embarrassment at what he truly means. you swat at his chest with the back of your hand as your face heats. but yukhei finds it too entertaining, recalling in his mind the pretty and desperate sounds you make when you want him. he leaves a nip on your beaming lips and finally lets you go. he winks and turns around, sauntering out of the kitchen in a dance. you close the cabinet door and walk the same path he does. you lean against the doorframe and watch him pull open the second drawer of the right dresser. 

yukhei glances up at you momentarily. “is there something you need, babe?” he asks with a laugh, picking up a pair of boxer briefs.

you hum while you walk to stand next to him. “can i make a request?” he’s looking back at you again, noting the twinkle in your eyes. he clears his throat and takes half a step back. he holds out his hand towards the drawer, inviting you to choose a pair. you glance down at his drawer of underwear and in a few seconds you find the one you are looking for.

the black pair of boxer briefs with the hot pink leopard band you hold up for him.

he tosses the pair in his hand back into the drawer. “and why did you choose this pair?” yukhei grins and takes the item from your hands.

“because…” you erase the distance between your bodies and grip softly to his naked sides. your mouth brushes his. you suckle at his bottom lip seductively and then back away. “then we will be matching.”

now it’s yukhei’s turn to make the connection before he is certain of what you are talking about. the hot pink pair of simple hip huggers that is soft and smooth around the supple curves of your bottom. yukhei grunts and chews on his lower lip, the image of you in just that forming in his brain. he’s about to wrap his arm around you but you move quicker. you throw a wink at him like he had done so to you minutes ago in the kitchen and blow him a kiss. yukhei watches with a light shake of his head and a broad smile on his face. you walk backwards to the door, still eyeing him as his hand goes to the towel.

he wiggles his eyebrows. “you don’t want a show?” he smirks.

you shake your head again and laugh. “come out when you get dressed.”

with that you leave the bedroom and make your way to the couch.

and yukhei emerges in seconds wearing nothing but the pair of boxer briefs you had chosen. for the most part, he likes the freedom from clothes unless it’s too cold. you don’t complain though because each time you get to admire every inch of him. he ruffles his hair with the towel that was around his waist and spots you sitting on the couch, the magenta hair dryer plugged in and in your hand.

he chuckles. “what are we doing?”

you give what you are holding a little wave. “i thought maybe since you were tired, this might be a little faster,” you scrunch up your nose. “so you can sleep.”

onto the arm of the couch you shift back to sit. you pat the spot you had occupied with your foot and yukhei stares at you with an expanding smile before moving across the wood floors to meet you. he plops himself onto the couch and slips his feet from his slippers. he sits between your open legs and moves a bit to get comfortable. his long legs he stretches out and the towel in his hand he puts on the back of the couch. your legs bend and yukhei lifts his arms enough for them to be tucked against his sides. then his arms drop back down and soon enough he covers your knees with his large hands. 

the hair dryer you switch on. the warm air against his head and skin feels nice. his thumbs brush circles over your skin. yukhei closes his eyes with a pleased grin while your fingers run through his hair and softly massage his scalp each time. he feels all his muscles and his entire body relax from the warmth and the closeness. a few minutes it takes before the hair dryer is turned off. yukhei opens his eyes and his thumbs stop their motions. you put the hair dryer on top of the couch, making sure it doesn’t fall as he lifts a hand to go through his heated soft locks. 

“you’re good to sleep now, babe,” you hear his laughter and he looks up at you. 

his hand falls and yukhei hugs your legs to him once more. “thanks.” 

“anytime,” you respond back. 

he makes no movement to let your legs go from his sides so you wrap your arms around his neck. you lean forward and down to hug him tight. you breath in the scent on his skin and a smile forms on your face. 

“you smell nice,” you comment quietly.

yukhei turns his head to find the shy curve on your face. he catches your mouth. the tip of his nose touches yours and he hums, satisfied at your observation. “i smell like you.”

like vanilla. like home. 

you’re giggling soon enough and he gives you an adoring kiss before he leans slightly back into you. he rests his head on your shoulder. a hand of yours descends to gently and affectionately stroke his bare chest and yukhei stares at you with a warm gaze through the ends of his fluffy hair. 

your face heats and you make a little noise in your throat. “what?” 

yukhei licks his lips. his shy grin comes up on his face. he clears his throat quietly. “how is it that today is your birthday and i come back hoping to do something nice for you. but then you end taking care of me,” he says in awe and with an airy chuckle because really, yukhei thinks it should be the other way around.

you look at the adorable puppy look that suddenly appears on his face. you shake your head, hoping whatever he is thinking and he feeling, vanishes. he should not feel bad. never should he have to. you lean in closer. you brush your mouth against him and remember what he had said to you earlier in the evening. 

your sweet beam forms in front of him. stars flicker in your eyes. “because as long as the day ends in ‘y,’ i will always take care of you,” you whisper truthfully to him.  

instantly yukhei recalls his own words. 

they are a different variation, but it means the same.

i love you.   

yukhei chuckles at your cleverness. he tilts his head a little up to press a few more kisses to you before his mouth drops with faint laughs. “hmm, i forgot i have something for you.” he pulls away from you and reaches for his bag on the coffee table. “but you have to close your eyes first,” he instructs.

you hum and an eyebrow rises in amusement. but yukhei waits patiently for you to do so before he will open his bag. so you oblige and immediately upon your closed eyes, you hear him laughing again and feel the slight movements from him. 

his glasses cases yukhei pulls out first for his gold round frames. then his phone he takes out, placing it on the coffee table because his alarms he must remember to set. then lastly, his wallet yukhei tugs out for what he is really looking for. 

“no peeking,” he giggles.

“i'm not, babe,” you assure him with a shake of your head.

yukhei opens his wallet and takes out what he needs before he drops the it back into his bag. he places the bag back on the coffee table again and in a few seconds, you feel him come back to the same position leaning against you. even with your eyes closed, your hands instinctively run over his shoulders and shift down his chest to hold him close again. but then he takes a hand of yours and places something in your palm. 

it’s paper you can feel. but it’s a tiny bit thicker. the corners are a little rounded and your brows furrow.   

he clears his throat. “okay, you can look now,” yukhei announces with a deep low chuckle.

the few stars you blink away when you finally open your eyes. you’re greeted first by the handsome sight of him and his gold round glasses adorning his face. but then you turn your gaze to what he has put in your hand and realize the reason for the paper material and rounded corners. instantly your pretty laughter surrounds him.

“we filmed an unboxing video and i pulled it,” he informs you through the shakes of his shoulders because his laughter follows yours. you bring the photocard closer, studying the handsome picture of him. how he has made millions crazy doesn’t compare to how he has made you crazy, dizzy with his love. “i thought you might like it.” yukhei tells you with a confident beam.

a hand remains on his chest and your gaze turns to him. “i like it, but…” his face is glowing. he is one of a kind. there is no one like him. you tilt towards him, your nose nuzzling his for a moment. he raises his hand to cover yours and squeezes it gently. alongside his mouth your lips slowly curl. “the real thing is better.” 

yukhei makes a sound of approval of your smooth words before he breaks out into shy giggles. 

“romantic,” he accuses you for the second time of the night. 

a soft kiss he presses on your mouth. you pull away and sit up a bit with a chuckle, running your free hand through his still slightly warm locks. his gaze drops and his touch returns to your knees. his caresses are featherlike before his touches travel down your naked legs as yours soon move across his upper back and shoulder blades.

“when is your next scheduled appointment?” you quietly inquire.

yukhei smiles to himself, knowing your fingertips and gaze are focused on the partially inked animal on his skin. the simple outline he had first gotten done in the middle of the summer. details he has been adding to it in multiple sessions. too big and too much it is for him to have it done in one session and for it to be healing properly in between his filming and promotions. 

“i made one for after the end of promotions. but depending on if something changes with the schedule, the guy said he can see me at anytime if i just give him a little bit of notice.”  

you trace the mouth of the animal. so strong and protective it is. just like him. “i’m excited to see how it will look like once it’s finally finished. it feels like a long while ago since you had part of it done,” you comment. 

yukhei hums. “you know what i was thinking about?” you stroke the animal. he shifts in his seat to glance up at you clearly. “about maybe getting another one. maybe something smaller. what do you think?” 

a breathless chuckle comes out from your mouth. he’s not finished with one and already thinking about another. you look down at the exposed lion on his ribs.

he had chosen the animal himself. to the tiniest details on it, carefully he had pondered and made sure everything was perfect before he had made the appointment and surprised you with his choice. then you had asked him about it. you had been curious of the muzzle he was going to put over the lion’s mouth. yukhei had chuckled. his eyes had darted between your face and your hand he was playing with. 

“did you know the lion in all his fierceness wouldn’t hurt anything if wasn’t hungry. the lion in all his fierceness only bites in hunger. that’s why i like them so much.” yukhei had looked at you then. “they are fierce when they need to be.” 

you had hummed, smiling faintly at how low and deep his voice turned. always it had become that way when he wanted to explain something carefully and thoughtfully, hoping to get his message across clearly. 

“and the muzzle?” your free hand had risen to sweep back the strands of hair that had fallen over his eyes. 

a faint grin had formed on his face. “for control. i want a reminder for myself to never hurt anyone and to be kind. to always love and protect the people i am with no matter what. success will mean nothing if i don’t have the people i love besides me.” 

his reasoning and explanation had warmed your heart.

your hand yukhei had clasped tightly. a soft kiss he had pressed to the back of it. he had chuckled quietly and pulled you closer, clinging onto you with his face nuzzled to your cheek like the animal soon to be on his skin. 

and now you meet his gaze. yukhei chews on his lower lip waiting for your response. “i think as long as you are happy with another, i will be too.” you tell him with sincerity and honesty. “besides, i like them on you. like i told you after the first time, you look hot with them.” your cheeks are heated as you bite back your widening smile. 

even after all this time, even if you have kissed and touched the most intimate parts of his body, simply telling him he is attractive still makes your heart flutter. 

yukhei pushes up his glasses, a shine in his wide eyes. “if i am being honest here, babe, i never pegged you for a lover of tattoos.” his comment draws an immediate giggle from you. “i should have been getting them earlier if i knew they were such a turn on for you.” yukhei finishes his words with a wink.

you shift your feet and plant them softly on his thighs. “do you know where you might want it this time?”

his large hand moves to the right side of his chest. the ends of his mouth curls as he pats it gently. “maybe here. what do you think?” yukhei questions you again, his large eyes turning into crescents. . 

your hand slips underneath his, feeling the softness of his chest. you hum and bob your head slowly. “i think wherever and whatever you choose, i'm excited to see.” you turn to look at him, smiling sweetly before both your arms wrap around his neck once more. “but i do have a question about something?” yukhei sees the glow in your eyes. “do i have a front row seat if you get it?” 

yukhei chuckles instantly and quickly places a gentle kiss to your mouth. “it’s already been reserved for you, baby.” 

you coo at his words before quietly giggling and leaning in to kiss him again and again. he tugs gently at the sleeve of your sweatshirt. even if he is sitting in your arms, yukhei wants you closer. noses stroke against one another’s and he swallows your quiet sigh between hungry mouths. yukhei twists around the slightest, legs bending and ready to pull you down to him so he can face you better and kiss you harder. but his movements have the opposite effects because you let his mouth go. immediately yukhei pulls you back to him and captures your slightly swollen lips between his own again. his hand comes up to cradle your cheek and you feel his other gently grip onto your thighs as he tries again to bring you down to him. a little nip you leave on his lower lip and you shift away again.  

there’s a slight dazed look on his face. a deep chuckle comes out from his wet plump lips. “come back,” he begs and playfully pouts.   

never fully satiated he is. always he wants more of you and your kisses.

your gaze sparkles. you lightly shake your head with a little laugh. “you’re going to make me crush the photocard by accident,” you remind him of the item in your hand. 

his eyes dances between the pretty curve of your mouth and the teasing look on your face. he has forgotten about it, distracted by the kisses and you. 

“it's okay. the real thing is better, right?” he recalls your compliment with a boyish grin and a wink.

you chuckle at once. “the best,” you emphasize. your free hand comes up, gently cupping his warm cheek. “and do you know what the real thing needs, hmm?” 

yukhei tilts his head back a bit and hums. “what would that be?” he questions, shifting his touch back to your legs. 

carefully you slide down, finding a seat on him. he beams happily at the closer contact and his arms wrap around you. he watches the faint curve of your lips form.  

“sleep.”

yukhei scrunches up his nose in playful displeasure. “really? because i’m thinking of something else.” his tone is teasing and it makes your cheeks warm because you know what he’s thinking.   

you have missed him in so many ways, too.

the few inches between your faces you erase. foreheads press together. your hand cradles his face again, the pad of your thumb stroking his cheeks. “more than anything, babe.” you give him a soft kiss. “but whether it will be in thirty minutes or in seven hours,” because insatiable you and him are for one another during your reunions. “you and i going to regret it when you fall asleep out of no where tomorrow.” he chuckles softly after your giggle. you don’t want his manager regretting his decision. “so what do you say we leave the proper reunion for next time and you sleep with me in a different way tonight?” you move your hand to place on his chest above the thumps of his heart. 

yukhei shifts, his hands going to hold onto your sides. there's a smile ghosting his face because he knows a part of you is correct, even if all he wants is you. yukhei nods slowly with a deep breath.

“okay. but for your information though, i will sleep with you any way, anytime and anywhere,” he states firmly with a shameless smile.   

your quiet laugh slips out your beaming mouth and your cheeks burn from his words. “then how about you hold me close in the bedroom in our bed in about ten to fifteen minutes,” you suggest innocently with a wink. 

but his brows wrinkle, the slight puzzlement apparent. “why ten to fifteen minutes?”

“because i haven’t washed up yet,” you inform him with the corners of your lips twitching up.

yukhei presses a few kisses to your cheek. “ten to fifteen minutes then.”

your pat his chest softly before you begin to move out of his hold and off of him. your place your bare feet on the wooden floors and stand. yukhei watches from behind as you go to your desk. you reach for the picture frame with the photograph of you and him from your first trip together. you turn it over, removing the backing and the picture inside to place the photocard in the lower left corner of the frame. 

“what are you doing?” he chuckles, staring at your back.

but all you do is hum contently. the photo of you and him is put on top of it and the backing you secure on again. the picture frame in your hand, you turn around to show him. yukhei releases an excited laugh instantly and you set it down besides your computer. you make your way back to him and slip into your slippers before walking to the side of the couch, unplugging the hair dryer to put away. his feet slide into his own pair of slippers. his phone he grabs as you extend your free hand for him to take. 

and yukhei does, standing up and pulling you to him. he looks at you and smiles. “do i still get to kiss you in bed?” 

you giggle. “i’ll be quick.”   

then his hand you let go and to two different directions you and him part towards. you to the bathroom closet to put away the hair dryer before going into the bathroom and him to the kitchen. 

half a glass of water yukhei drinks. then the glass is rinsed and the light he switches off. yukhei walks into the bedroom and his phone is placed on his bedside table. the comforter he pulls back. two pillows he rearranges for the ends of the bed for your and his feet. he gently kicks off his slippers and climbs into the bed. one and then another fluff yukhei gives his pillow before he lays down. the pillow feels like a cloud and his long arms and legs stretch out across the mattress. the bed at the dorms is comfortable, but this bed is a different kind of comfortable. 

it’s another kind of comfort. 

yukhei takes in a deep breath. everything smells of vanilla and florals and the spring fresh detergent. the tension and the tiredness in his body slowly loosens. your pillow he tugs to him to hug. he will give it back when you come. his free arm he folds and tucks underneath his head while a yawn he lets out. he hears the faint sound of the water running in the bathroom. he listens to the glass bottles against the countertops. 

his head turns, catching the clock on your bedside table and notes the numbers glaring in red. in eighteen minutes it will be midnight. yukhei lets out a short and quiet chuckle to himself. the difference between the last few minutes of his birthday and yours makes him wish for a machine to stop time. so you and him can catch up on the rest. so he can love you like only he is able to. so he can stay a little longer with you. another yawn comes out and yukhei reaches for his phone, awaiting for your return.

and when you leave the bathroom a few minutes later with your teeth brushed and your nightly skincare routine down, the lights you turn off too. the bouquet of balloons you take another glance at with a tiny grin and then the living space is in darkness. you pad quietly across the wooden floors towards the bedroom. but at the doorway, you freeze. 

your pillow he holds against his side, reminding you how you have done this on nights when you yourself really missed him too much. his phone he is clutching to the rise and fall of his chest. those round gold frames are still adorning his face over his closed eyes. 

surprised you are not at how he has apparently fallen asleep. 

you stare at him. too peaceful he looks right now and all you want to do is not wake him. so you stand at the door for a moment longer wondering how and hoping you will be able to help him remove those glasses and take the phone from out of his grasp without disruptions. 

“are you going to stand there or come join me, birthday girl?” the sudden question echoes in the bedroom and causes you to let out the quiet curse underneath your breath. yukhei cracks one eye open and then the other before chuckling softly. 

“i was trying to figure out how not to wake you up,” you say, a small smile ghosting your face. “i thought you fell asleep.” 

he shakes his head. “without you? never, babe. especially not today.” his gaze stays on you making your way to the window, tugging the curtains to leave a sliver of it open before turning towards the bed. “i gotta make sure your day ends the way you want,” he says happily with a beam. 

your feet slip out of those fuzzy pink slippers. the bed dips with your added weight when you climb on. you go to him on your knees. your pillow you tug out of his arm with a laugh because you want to take its place. yukhei smiles warmly, putting his phone down on his bedside table and lifting his arm to welcome you. he hums delightedly while you get comfortable against him. legs tangle and his arm hooks around you with his hand settling on your thigh. 

a kiss you press onto his mouth. “you’re here right now with me. my day is ending better than i could have ever imagined today,” you whisper, propping up an elbow to rest your head on your hand. you gaze down at him and observe the softness of his wide eyes and the curve of his lips etched on his face. “so, i'm happy.” 

yukhei hums quietly with a grip to his heart. “all i ever want is to make you happy,” he tells you sincerely. 

a moment passes. a breathless little laugh escapes you. “baby, you make me fly over the moon.”

how he has made you happy these last few years is indescribable. how he has changed your world into something unimaginable is a wonder you are still fascinated with. 

he is real and you are truly lucky to have him in your life.

another kiss you press onto his mouth and sweep across his cheek. then you nuzzle your face into his neck. for a little while it remains as is. it’s quiet. it's comfortable. it's just you and him in the world. your hand rises to rest on his chest. he feels the softness of your skin and you listen to the slow and calm breaths of his. you snuggle closer to him, pressing your body to his a little more. 

“the bed feels warmer with you in it,” you finally whisper into the night. “have i told you that before?” gradually you lift your head to look at him.   

yukhei smiles faintly. “no, you’ve never told me that before.” a tender graze of his pillowy lips is bestowed on your nose. “is that what you’re thinking about right now? that the bed feels warmer with me in it?” he murmurs teasingly with tugs in his chest. 

“hmm. and i am also thinking how tonight i’ll get to hug you instead of the your pillow tonight.” a shy quiet giggle follows your confession. 

he laughs deeply. “i told you we should’ve gotten that lion last time,” he whispers with a snap of his fingers. the trip to the furniture store months ago for his bedside table he recalls. the big and soft lion he had found and suggested to purchase only for you remind him that he had been the only thing you needed.  

you briefly chew on your lower lip with the warmth spreading across your face. “the real thing hugs better and keeps me much warmer,” you inform him, your eyes twinkling. 

at your words, yukhei promptly hugs you tighter. you laugh and the few centimeters between your mouth and his skin you disappear with the sweet puckers to his cheek.  

“what time are you getting picked up tomorrow?” you ask once you pull back.

a few more hours you have with him. 

“manager said he’s going to be here at nine,” yukhei answers, turning slightly to reach back for his phone. you watch in silence as he taps in his password and goes to his clock. then five alarms ten minutes apart he sets up starting at seven forty five to ensure he will be on time like he has promised. 

you stroke his chest affectionately. “i’ll wake up with you. maybe we can have breakfast together.” 

yukhei shakes his head at your words though. the idea of having a meal with you before he leaves sounds like a plan he always welcome. but he also knows it’s the weekend and he much rather you catch up on sleep especially knowing how tired you have been. “it’s okay. you should sleep, babe. we’ll have other breakfasts. i’ll just let you know when i leave, okay?”

you mirror the response he had given you within seconds, shaking your head right back at him. “but i want to though. i’ll go back to sleep afterwards or i can take a nap in the afternoon. or maybe i can do the grocery shopping before i head to the gym earlier.”  

the last words out your mouth has him sighing with a wide grin. “i’ve miss our workout sessions.”

yukhei has missed those colorful tight tops with zippers and crisscrosses and bottoms that outline your curves and leave very little to his imagination. he has missed watching you focus despite the light glisten to your skin. he has missed feeling how your body moves only for him when those tops and bottoms are off your body. he has missed how he gets to cherish all of you for hours on end. 

you hear the low and unmistakable groan from his throat that makes you laugh. 

and as much as he has missed it, you have too. 

you have missed watching the playful shows he puts on. you have missed feeling the dampness of his body against yours. you have missed caressing the strong and hard muscles of his as he shows you all his hard work. you have missed catching his boyish grins as tries and fails at pretending to not stare at you. and when it is too hot and everything comes off, you have missed how he touches you like only he is allowed to.  

yukhei watches you run your tongue over your lower lip. he sees the gleam in your gaze. “how about on your first day back, we will have a workout session.” your pinky you hold out for him to hook on. “and if you are okay with it, we can make it an all day all night workout session.” you shoot him a wink that causes the happy giggle to come out as he nods and hooks onto your pinky with his. 

once he releases it, yukhei pushes up his glasses with his index finger. “you're such a tease, babe, you know that?” he accuses you with a little pout. immediately you laugh, the sound like a melody that warms his soul. you watch the pout in front of you slowly change into wide smile. “but i’ll very much be looking forward to it.” 

you purr teasingly and lean in to peck him quickly. “me too, babe.”

yukhei turns his head and lifts his phone, checking the time. three more minutes left until it is midnight. how the day is ending is not what you had expected. 

“thank you for the birthday surprise.” your words of appreciation are quiet and sweet. yukhei turns his attention back to you, humming softly at your gratitude. “i think this has been one of my favorite birthdays.” a kiss you leave on the tip of his nose and he lets out a breathless giggle. 

“just so you know, i still intend on taking you out for a birthday dinner when i get back.” you nod, feeling the small curve of your mouth form and your cheeks heat. “but until then…” you watch him swipe for the camera. a soft laugh rolls out of your mouth as yukhei turns the camera into a selfie. 

“you're naked, yukhei,” you remind him, connecting your eyes to his through the screen.

he laughs loudly, the smile on his face beautiful. “i have underwear on that apparently matches yours,” he jests, remembering your words from earlier. closer yukhei hugs you then. he angles the camera to get you both clearly and capture the last few moments of the day. your hand settles back on chest. 

“smile, birthday girl.”

and yukhei snaps a series of photos of the breathtaking beam on your face and that undeniable sparkle in your eyes because you are truly happy. he captures images of you lovingly kissing his cheek as he playfully swoons. he gets the pictures of silly faces and tongues sticking out. and right before the clock strikes midnight, yukhei catches the shot of him leaving the very wet kiss on your cheek that has you squealing and him swearing he can hear your giggles through the phone. 

a year older you are, but he still makes your heart flutter like a school girl with her crush.

yukhei passes his phone over for you to swipe through the photos. each picture has you smiling too wide and loving him more. he snuggles his head against yours like a puppy and clings onto you. he takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. he closes his eyes and recalls your comment to him.

even superman is tired himself sometimes.

you chuckle quietly. “you know, we ended your birthday with you licking cream off of my body. we end my birthday taking selfies in bed with you semi naked.”

yukhei laughs. “don't you know, babe? we’re versatile. sexy and sweet. hot and cool. even dark and dangerous sometimes,” he declares with a laugh again, opening his eyes. you grin and click shut his phone. you turn to find his half lidded gaze. 

“and right now we’re…”

“hmm, right now we’re just soft and cuddly,” he proposes with a giggle.

a hand of yours rises, running through his fluffy locks. he hums at your gentle touches and watches as you slightly pucker your mouth. yukhei doesn’t waste a moment, meeting them with his own in a gentle brush. 

the smile on his face is dreamy once he pulls back. “are you ready to sleep?” you ask softly. 

if he sleeps now, he’ll manage almost eight hours of sleep if he really does not wake up hungry in the middle of the night. the phone you hand back to him and yukhei reluctantly moves away to sit up. the phone wire he reaches for to charge it and he checks once more that the alarms are set. you move to your own bedside table, charging your own phone. yukhei takes off his glasses and places them beside his phone. then his long legs are thrown over the side of the bed and he stands. he forgoes his slippers and walks over to the light switch. he watches you fluff your pillow and tug up the comforter before finally laying down, facing where he will be in a few seconds. your gaze he catches and yukhei smiles affectionately at the sight of you waiting for him.

a light pat you give to the empty space beside you. “are you going to stand there or come hold me, superman?” you inquire sweetly. 

yukhei laughs, the deep sound echoing in the bedroom. a little nod he gives you and the lights are off. he finds his way back to the bed. the comforter you shift around to make sure his body is covered enough and he is warm. his arms slips around you, his touch goes underneath the sweatshirt to feel your skin. legs are entwined again. faces are mere inches apart and soon enough your eyes adjust to the little moonlight and city lights from the distance filtering into the darkness. 

you can make out his face. yukhei swears he sees you smiling at him before you lean in to kiss him tenderly once and twice. a deep inhale of vanilla and home yukhei takes. he exhales slowly, feeling so calm and the steady beats of his heart.

“goodnight, birthday girl.”  

you shake your head in the darkness. “my birthday has ended,” you remind him, slipping a hand underneath your cheek.

yukhei hums. “and somewhere in the world it is still your birthday.” those words draw an immediate light giggle from you, remembering them from the night of his birthday. “so until it isn’t your birthday somewhere in the world, goodnight, birthday girl,” he softly says. then one and then two kisses he grazes on the lips.

you don’t argue with him when he pulls back. instead your hand moves to cup his cheek, your thumb caress his skin like how he likes. 

“goodnight, babe.” 

he makes a quiet sound of delight. another deep breath yukhei takes. you are certain he will not be lasting long. his eyes slowly shut. “i like that,” yukhei murmurs with a sigh. 

and within mere seconds, you are correct. it doesn’t take long for you to soon hear his deep and even breaths. he is out. the movement of your thumb gradually stops and your hand drops. carefully you move forward. a final tiny kiss you press on his slightly parted plump lips. then in his arms, listening to his soft snores, you fall into your own slumber.

you dream of him. you dream of a future with more birthdays together. you dream of the dreams you and him have whispered only to one another until there’s a familiar annoying sound that tells you to the sun is rising over the horizon.

the pillow underneath your head you grip onto. your foggy brain registers the tired groan coming from behind you. then comes the soft thuds because yukhei blindingly feels for his phone. it takes three very lethargic tries before he is able to tap on the screen. the alarm stops and his arm falls and hangs off the edge of the bed. he buries his face into the pillow and sighs in annoyance and tiredness. 

until the next alarm yukhei thinks to himself. he will get up with the next one.

but you will yourself to open your eyes, gently rubbing them while you roll over. the space between your bodies underneath the comforter disappears. your arm drapes over his naked waist to hug him from behind. yukhei stirs a little at your touch. he feels your face against his back. legs are tangled once more and your breaths tickle his warm skin. his hand shifts to cover yours, tugging you close.

“ten more minutes,” he mumbles underneath his breath. 

all yukhei wants is just a little more sleep in this warm bed with you. 

but you think ten minutes cannot be wasted. not when he cannot be late. not when you want a simple breakfast with him. so you settle for more five minutes of holding him like how he holds you, cherishing this moment of you shielding him. 

then your lips you pucker. two tender kisses you brush onto the middle of his back. carefully, you untangle yourself from him. yukhei makes a tiny grunt of displeasure in his throat at you parting from him. you sit up, the comforter shifting over him. you turn and press a long and gentle kiss on his shoulder blade. yukhei sighs, seemingly settling back into sleep. you scoot over to your side and sit still momentarily. you wait for your mind to clear a bit more. your feet slide into your slippers and you get up. the door you silently shut behind you as you walk out the bedroom to the bathroom.

more awake you are when you exit minutes later with your face washed and your teeth brushed. you pull open the curtains in the living room. the space fills with the morning light. a little glance you give the bouquet of balloons that sway the slightest in the air when you pass them to the kitchen. you can’t stop the small smile spreading on your face at the ramen that remains on the countertop.

he really wasn’t hungry after all.

a glass of water you drink and you get to work. the large steamer pot you get from the lower cabinets. you fill it a quarter way up with water, eyeballing the exact amount you need because you have done this many times before. the lid you place on it and the air vent hood you switch on before you turn on the burner. a smaller pot you reach for next. just enough water you put in for the three packets of ramen. to the freezer you move to and the bag of frozen buns with the sweet red bean filling you take out. the steamer basket section you quickly rinse. the six buns the sized of his palm you place on it. two bowls and two pairs of chopsticks you clean too before you stop moving. your gaze falls to the two pots of water, drumming your fingers quietly on the countertop.

“it won’t boil faster just because you are staring at it.”

you look up at the sound of his husky morning voice. a pair of sweatpants yukhei has put on, but a shirt he is still without. you get a glimpse of the hot pink leopard print band peeking from the edge of his sweatpants. his bed hair has been combed. his round gold rimmed glasses are on his face and it frames the soft look he’s giving you.  

yukhei chuckles at the way you scrunch up your nose at him. “i have magical powers, don’t you know?” he pads slowly across the tiled floor, his hand reaching out for you when he’s two steps away . a morning greeting kiss he presses onto your mouth. the hint of mint from the toothpaste you taste in the kiss. “i thought you were going to sleep a little longer. i was going to wake you up.”

and then it’s his turn to scrunch up his nose. “i wanted to sleep a little longer with you.”

the quiet chuckle escapes from you and yukhei steps closer, wrapping an arm around you. your hand rises to brush the softness of his locks while he leans in for another kiss. “you hungry? you really didn’t wake up last night.” your comment draws out a boyish laugh from him. 

“i told you i wasn’t going to be hungry. but i’m starving right now.” yukhei shifts back and it doesn’t take long for him to notice the buns in the steamer section and the packets of ramen you had taken out last night sitting beside it. your eyes follow where his have stopped. 

“is this okay? or enough? i’ll make something else if you would like.” 

yukhei laughs and plants a kiss on your forehead. “it’s more than okay and enough. do you need help with anything?” he questions, wanting to do something too.

you shake your head though, the steam from the pots catches your attention. you pat him gently and he moves back a step from you. the tangerine plaid oven mitt you reach for and the lid of the larger pot you remove. yukhei watches you put the steamer section on top of the boiling water before placing the lid back on. fifteen minutes it’ll take and you think after the ramen cooks and have been eaten, it will be ready.  

a bag of ramen yukhei picks up to open. the noodles he drops in as you take off the oven mitt. he opens the other bags of ramen and the rest of noodles are in too. “do you want to add an egg?” you take the soup base packets and rip them all together to pour into the pot. instantly the air is scented with warm spices.

yukhei hums, walking to the refrigerator. one for you and him he gets. but the eggs you take from him and put them on the counter, not allowing him closer to the stove. “you’re going to burn yourself,” you tell him, playfully poking at his chest.

his chuckle is soft and he turns around, jogging out the kitchen. you glance up from breaking up and stirring the noodles when he comes back in less than thirty seconds wearing a t-shirt. the two thumbs up he gives you causes you to laugh. you watch him come back right besides you. a small bowl yukhei takes out and an egg he picks up. then one and the other he cracks into the bowl, examining it for a moment to make sure of shells. a smile he flashes at you and he pours them into the pot of boiling ramen. a quick clean of the bowl he does and he puts it on the counter to dry.

“i’ll bring these out.” the chopsticks he gets and two spoons you have forgotten he brings out. you wait another minute and give the ramen one last stir before the burner is shut off. the noodles you separate, putting a lot more into the bowl for him. yukhei comes back in just as each bowl is topped with an egg and the delicious soup is poured over the top. once you move away, carefully yukhei picks up a bowl. 

“the bigger bowl is yours.”

he nods with a shy chuckle and carefully twist around to bring it out to the table. you wash the pot as he comes back in for the second bowl. a plate and a pair of tongs you take out, leaving it on the counter for the buns continuing to steam away. you follow the footsteps he had taken just moments ago out the kitchen. an immediate smile ghosts your face at what you see. 

side by side the chairs are once again. 

the bouquet of balloons he has put in front of the bowls of noodle. you walk the few steps to the table, pulling out the chair to sit. your gazes move to the clock. a little more than thirty minutes you have with him. yukhei comes out of the bedroom with his phone in his hand. "do you want something to drink?”

you hum. “can i just have water?” 

yukhei puts his phone down and goes back to the kitchen. two glasses of water he comes out with and he puts it down in front of you. he pulls his chair out to sit. his hand reaches out to rest on your thigh. gently you bump your shoulders to his and yukhei looks at you to find the small curve of your smile. 

“you moved the chairs,” you point out sweetly.

an embarrassed giggle rolls pass his beaming lips and his cheeks heat. “i don’t know what you’re talking about.” yukhei wrinkles his brows and feigns innocence. you lean over, planting a soft kiss to his cheek. 

“romantic.”  

yukhei bends forward and plants a fond kiss onto your mouth. “thanks for breakfast.”

you pick up your pair of chopsticks. “it was teamwork,” you remind him.

yukhei nods slowly, staring at the smile you are giving him. “teamwork,” he quietly murmurs with the corners of his mouth twitching up.

he likes, loves that word with you. 

his pair of chopsticks yukhei picks up. a big bite of noodles he gets. he blows on it for a few seconds and then he slurps it. a very satisfied sound of delight he makes as he chews the hot noodles. and once he swallows it, a gratified moan he lets out.

“i think this is the best ramen i’ve had in a long time,” he compliments you.

a quiet chuckle comes from you while you playfully roll your eyes. “and i think you’re just starving.” he laughs and squeezes your thigh gently at your response. he turns back to the noodles to get another mouthful. 

then with soft words spoken, stomachs are filled with spicy ramen while hearts are filled the warmth of having breakfast with each after the weeks apart. yukhei doesn’t remove his touch from you. he lets it remain there on your skin from the first to the last bit he takes because knowing you are next to him brings him a comfort he will be missing soon. 

a happy sigh you hear from him once the last noodle is slurped into his mouth. 

“do you want more?” you push your bowl of noodles to him. but yukhei shakes his head with boyish laughter. you put down your chopsticks and spoon. “the buns should be done though.” yukhei makes a move to get up, but you stop him. “i got it.” 

you pull away from him and stand. yukhei watches you walk into the kitchen. he hears the air hood vent shut off and the metal lid against the countertop. he brings up his glass of water for a sip and he glances at the clock, noting the time left until he is suppose to get picked up. 

soon it will be.

you come out of the kitchen just as yukhei pushes his chair back. “i was going to see if you wanted help or something,” he says with grin. 

“i told you i got it,” you remind him with a smile.

the bowls yukhei moves a little out of the way for you to put down the plate of buns between you and him. he sees the steam rising up and grins wider, feeling hungry all over again as if he hasn’t eaten anything. the tops are smooth. they are perfectly round like a dome and looking really soft. 

your seat you sit back in. a glimpse of the time you take. you chew on your lower lip momentarily before looking at him picking up a bun. yukhei yelps and then giggles at the how hot the food is against his skin. you pick up your chopsticks and spoon again to finish up the last of your noodles. yukhei tears the parchment paper off the bottom of the bun and then carefully rips it in half. the steaming sweet red bean filling comes into view and he wows at the scent and sight of it. 

yukhei lifts his gaze to meet yours. there's a teasing glint in his wide eyes and a tender and warm smile on his face. he holds out one side for you. 

“for my other half.”

his cheesy words brings out the instant laughter from you. your cheeks suddenly burn hotter than the food in his hand and you feel the twinge of ache in your swelling heart. 

breakfast with him, moments like this, you will forever cherish.

you take what yukhei offers and you give him an affectionate kiss in return. he hums happily once you shift back. your body turns a little towards him and you watch him blow on the filling to cool it slightly. then a big bite he takes. the bun is as soft as it looks. the filling is as delicious as he remembers. he pops the rest into his mouth and you chuckle quietly at his stuffed cheeks before blowing on your own half and taking a bite. 

it’s quiet for a moment then and you finish what you have. yukhei swallows everything in his mouth and reaches for another bun. the parchment paper he rips off and like the first one, he rips the bun in half. the other half he offers you again, but you shake your head. you wipe your hands on the napkin besides you and reach for your glass of water. he puts half of the bun into his mouth and you put the glass back and catch the time on the wall.

his manager will be here shortly. you want him to keep his promise. 

you prop your elbow on the back of your chair, resting your chin on the palm of your hand. yukhei turns his head to look at you. despite his full cheeks, he smiles. you lift a finger and lightly bop the tip of his nose. he slowly chews and swallows his food. 

the corners of your mouth briefly twitch up. “you should get ready soon,” you whisper. you feel the sudden prickling in your eyes and nose. “i don’t want you to be late.” 

an immediate ache yukhei feels across his chest. your eyes drop from his and your free hand picks at the invisible lint on your sweatshirt. he finishes the bite in his mouth and settles a hand on your thigh. yukhei moves closer. his face is mere centimeters from yours and he stays like this, motionless with his breath just tickling the edge of your skin until you have no choice to lift your watery gaze back to him. you let out a small embarrassed laugh because too many times to count he has left for his schedules. days, weeks and months apart you and him have endured. 

this is like any other time. he will come back to you. 

you chew on your lower lip for a moment. “i don’t know why i’m crying,” you whisper and chuckle foolishly.  

yukhei grins softly though, his own wide eyes stinging and shining a little too because what you are feeling he feels too. he scrunches up his face playfully to stop the tears building in his own eyes. then he leans in closer and captures your lips to kiss you warmly once. then again. and again and two more times before the pretty smile that he has embedded in his head and heart comes out. 

“hi.”

your hand rises to cup his cheek at his quiet affectionate voice. he gently bumps the tip of your nose with his. you tilt forward to give him a warm kiss. 

“i love you.”

the smile on your and his face gradually expands. 

yukhei pulls back and makes a dramatic scene of plopping the other half of the bun in his mouth and stretches his arms up over his head. you make a quick dab on your eyes and laugh quietly. you reach out to gently rub at his stomach now filled with food. “go get ready. make sure you have what you need. i can clean up, okay?” 

his arms fall back down, his hand settling over yours on his stomach. yukhei picks it up and lifts it to his mouth that is now free of food. he presses a sweet kiss onto your palm. “thanks.”

and it’s you to reluctantly move away first, pulling your hand out of his grasp and standing up. you pick up the utensils used and the your own bowl first. the kitchen you carefully walk to and the items in your hands are gently placed in the sink. you turn around and within two steps you take, yukhei is there. he moves towards you with his bowl in one hand the plate of buns in the other. you hurry and take the bowl from him as he sets the the plate on the countertop.

“didn't i tell you i was going to clean it up?” you ask with a chuckle. “your phone is going to ring any second and yours and my ass are going to get kicked.” 

yukhei giggles. “i wanted to save you the extra trip.” he leans over, plopping a quick little kiss to your forehead and sneaking a hand behind you. there’s a little smirk playing on his lips while he gives your bottom a sudden squeeze that causes you to yelp and laugh in surprise. “and if you have forgotten, babe, in your words too, i'm the only one who can touch.” 

you remember them so fondly. bodies sticky and hearts so full. you had said it to him after a month apart. 

people can look all they want, but he is the only one who can touch you. 

in seconds then, yukhei is holding you close and swaying you back and forth with the sweet sound of your laughter becoming his music. the mischief you see in his eyes because another soft squeeze to your flesh you feel. immediately you lick at your lips and you whimper teasingly. the mischief in your gaze mirrors his and your hand rises to gingerly push up the gold rimmed frames on his face. 

“only you, baby.” you confirm.

one more kiss, short yet loving, is shared. you reach behind him unexpectedly and squeeze his bottom like how he did to yours. yukhei laughs, that sound coming deep from his chest as you beam innocently at him and his eyes shine with love. 

“now go get ready before your ass is going to get kick.” and before yukhei can erase the distance between smirking lips, you gently push him away with a shake of your head.

it will be kiss after kiss after kiss. 

yukhei playfully splays a hand over his heart in pain at being denied. he turns around from you. your pretty laughter he hears behind him while he saunters out the kitchen dramatically towards the bedroom.

you glance at the four buns on the plate before taking a few steps to drawer for what you need. the aluminum foil you take out. quickly you wash your hands and dry them on a towel. a sheet of it you tear off. three buns you place on the aluminum. it's still just the tiniest bit warm. carefully you wrap them up without squishing any of them too bad. the rest of aluminum foil you put back and a small food plastic bag you get. the wrapped food you put inside and you seal it up, letting out as much air as possible. the food you pick up and you tell yourself you will clean and wash everything up after he leaves.

the scent of his cologne is faintly in the air once you step out of the kitchen. yukhei stands by the coffee table, securing his watch on his wrist. a sweater he is wearing now and socks are on his feet too. a glance at the time tells you his manager should be outside right now waiting for him. quietly you walk to him and your presence yukhei feels despite his back to you. he twists around and stares with curiosity at the item in your hand. 

“what is that?” he puts on his jacket and picks up his bag. he throws the strap over his head to rest on this shoulder.  

you chuckle softly and hold out it out for him to take. “the buns… in case you get hungry in the car or something.” even if it will be a thirty minute car ride to the dorms, you know how his stomach can work sometimes. “there’s three in here so you can share if you want. but if it isn’t enough, i’ll wrap up the last one too.” 

yukhei takes what is in your hand with a warm smile and a pull on his heartstrings. “it's more than enough. thanks.” the strap of his bag he adjusts across his jacket and chest. 

a slow breath you take to calm your thumping heart. “are you ready?” 

his phone is in his pocket. his watch is on his wrist. his glasses case is in his bag next to his wallet. he’s wearing his jacket. everything he has with him, but one more thing he still needs to do.

“yeah, i got everything with me,” he reassures.

you nod slowly. “is he here yet?”

yukhei giggles and takes your hand in his, lacing fingers together. “he texted a minute ago. he's been outside apparently for the last fifteen minutes. he wanted to give me until the last second,” he informs you happily. 

your heart is tugged at by the gesture and an airy and quiet chuckle you let out. his hand with yours firms a touch. in silence, you follow after his slower than usual steps to the entryway. yukhei releases your hand and you take back the buns for him to slip his feet out of his slippers and put them back in their spot. you find support with the wall, watching with a sting to your eyes and arms across your chest while he puts his feet into his sneakers. he stands back up straight once they are on comfortably. 

yukhei walks the three steps to you, wrapping his arms around you without a word. you purse your lips firmly together for a minute with eyes avoiding his. he still smiles faintly though, leaning in drop a tiny kiss to your warm cheek. your arms uncross and immediately go around his neck. the buns still in your hands settle against his back. you take a deep breath and let it out slowly with cheeks puffing out slightly before finding his gaze. yukhei sees the glistening in your eyes again and presses his forehead to yours. before he can whisper words of comfort, you speak first though.

“you think you can do me a favor?” the tip of his nose brushes yours. yukhei nods and you give him a faint yet steady smile. “give two messages to your manager for me.”

yukhei lifts his head away almost immediately and laughs in surprise. his eyes widen and his grin is so big. “what would that be?” he questions incredulously.  

through your watery eyes, he sees the tiniest sparkle. you bring a hand between the two of you and hold up a finger. “one, tell him that i really loved my surprise." he giggles and nods. a second finger comes up. "and two, tell him i think he's whipped for you, too, and totally playing favorites." the corners of his eyes crinkle with his deep laughter. yukhei hugs you close and tips forward again, capturing the curve of your mouth in a kiss. he swallows your content sigh and your arm wraps back around his neck as you pour every bit of yourself into him.

how you wish to stop time and kiss him longer. 

once he pulls away with a tender bite on your lips, yukhei stares at the tip of your tongue slowly coming out to lick at the wetness over your mouth. "is that all, then, babe?” yukhei quietly jest, moving his hands to hold onto your hips. 

and you shake head. “you think you can do something for me?” your heart aches. he nods softly, feeling the warmth in his chest when you bestow a chaste peck onto his smile. “don't forget to look into that job for me, okay?” you tease with a sweet grin.

confusion etches across his face for the briefest moment until realization seeps in. the moment in the bathroom from last night comes back into his mind. yukhei hums. “first thing i’ll do when i get in later.” he stares at you, feeling his own chest tighten more because you blink back tears ready to fall. “anything else?”

you nod. “thank you,” you whisper, trying your best to keep your voice steady. "and i love you.”   

his smile grows. "anytime." yukhei leans back forward. his hands rises, caressing your cheeks softly. yukhei kisses you half a dozen times before he parts from you. “and i love you more.” 

you chew on the inside of your cheeks momentarily and bring your arms down. you give him a gentle pat on his chest. “let me know when you get back, okay?”

he nods. “and let me know if you need doctor wong, okay?” his words draw an airy chuckle from you. “remember to take a break when you need it and get as much sleep as you can. text or call me if you need some of my energy,” he says with a quiet laugh. “i'm proud of you, babe.”  

you hum softly. “right back at you, baby,” you murmur. one last pat to his chest, you move away from him and hand him the buns to take. “now go impress the world with your talent.” 

a hand of his holds onto the food while the other fall back to his side. yukhei takes a step back. immediately you wrap your arms around yourself again and sniffle the slightest. another step he takes. the door handle he finds and pushes down. yukhei gives you one more look with eyes shining like stars and smile bright like the sun. 

“i’ll see if i can pull another photocard for you if we do another unboxing,” he teases.

you laugh. “then i’ll have a collection, babe.”   

with a giggle, yukhei opens the door. you take a step forward and hold onto the door behind him. he turns around and leans in for another kiss. it's tender and sweet. “don’t miss me too much,” he murmurs with a boyish beam ghosting his face.

your nose wrinkles. the corners of your mouth twitch upwards. “i won’t.” 

one last pucker of his mouth to your lips, the tip of your nose and finally to your forehead, yukhei twists around and leaves. the door is close after him. the sudden difference in the atmosphere you feel. you make a quick dab at your eyes and go to the kitchen. the clean up is waiting for you. the refrigerator and cabinets need to be filled and stocked. the gym is calling your name.

the day ahead you still have. the several weeks ahead before he comes home you still have. 

and regardless of what you tell him, you miss him like he misses you. 

when the sun is shining, time is found between promotions and performances and meetings and planning for messages. yukhei makes sure you’re okay and sends you encouragements. you tell him you’re proud of him and send him praises. but once the days are over for you and him and the moon and stars come out to play, it’s video calls instead of messages. the picture of you and him yukhei keeps besides his bed isn’t enough when all he wants to do is feel you beside him. you in turn rather hear his words in his voice instead of just reading them. 

so the door to the shared bedroom closes and yukhei is given the privacy without hesitation. the words that are shared in the day turn sweeter in the night because he makes sure you hear all he wants to say to you. then before good nights are murmured and wishes for sweet dreams are whispered, you and him feel the thumps of your hearts for each other and cross out another day in your calendars. 

distance makes the heart grow fonder and reunions even better.

and this continues until it’s friday evening weeks later. 

the sun sets earlier and earlier. winter is going to come soon. promotions have officially ended with the last performance this afternoon. yukhei steps out of the elevator into the familiar hallway for the first time since your birthday. but this time he doesn’t have a cake in his hands. there aren’t a dozen balloons above his head. this time, only excitement bubbles inside of him like it’s the day before summer vacation. except home is where he will be going. with just mostly practices and a few filmings for content and recordings for the end of the year, the schedule yukhei has will allow him to get back to you every night. 

the walk from the elevator to his favorite door ends. 

home.

the familiar code he punches in. the beep sounds. the door is pushed opened and yukhei steps in with a grin.

“babe, i’m home!”

his voice, loud and strong follows with a light giggle because he can’t help himself. it feels good to be home. it feels good to say those words. the door yukhei closes, waiting for your response because he knows you are awake this time. he had just spoken to you minutes ago. he toes off his sneakers and slides his feet into his slippers. and when yukhei opens his mouth, ready to call your name, you appear. 

how happy he is to be home you are equally as happy because you jump on him. you hug him so tight and turn your head, wanting to pucker countless kisses to his cheek. but yukhei turns his head instead. his eyes catch your loving gaze and for a short moment the world pauses. 

home.

then lips connect for the first time in too long. it is a little messy and a lot passionate. noses are crushed. his tongue grazes your teeth and runs over your lips. the way you suckle on his lower lip makes him groan. the undeniable feelings of how much you and him have truly missed one another is unmistakable. he pulls away first with his heart beating rapidly. your slippered feet touch the floor again. yukhei presses his forehead to yours, watching the twinkle in your gaze while you try to catch your breath. 

“babe, i’m home.” 

and this time, yukhei whispers it like it’s a secret and only for your ears. you let out a breathless giggle. your hands come forward to cup his face and your wet lips form a soft grin. “hi. i just-”

but that is all you manage to say before yukhei begins to bestow your smiling mouth with sweet pecks. his strong arms remain around your waist as you begin to take tiny steps backwards. in between the giggles and how he leans into you, you hope you don’t fall but fully knowing he will not ever let you. 

a gentle squeeze you give his face when you make it to the living room. yukhei finally lifts back beaming like the sun. you get a good look at him. there's a light shimmery look over his eyelids and a sweep of bronze eyeshadow. a strand of his styled hair falls in a perfect comma in front of his forehead. he stands up straighter then, his hold of you loosening for you to stand up properly too before he finds your hand to clasp around. yukhei breathes in slowly and lets it out with a satisfied sigh. 

this feels good. he feels great.  

you’re about to ask him if he has eaten yet, but the opened books and computer and the almost finished yogurt bowl yukhei notices on your desk. he turns to look at you. there’s the slightest pout appearing on his face. 

“are you working right now?” he reaches for the strap of his bag across his chest and lifts if over his head. he takes a few steps over to the coffee table and you follow behind him. the bag he sets on the coffee table. 

you hum, shaking your head at him. “i got a lot of the work done when i got home. i was just finishing up an email when you walk through the door. but i can wait to finish the rest later,” you reassure him. you let go of his hand for him to unzip the soft faux fur fuzzy black bomber jacket he is wearing. yukhei throws it on the couch. he will hang it up later. he will put away his bag later. 

his gaze finds yours as a smile gradually forms on his face. “are you sure?” he asks carefully because as much as he wants you all to himself right now, your work is important too.

you nod. “promise. if i remember correctly, i was told to take breaks if i needed them.” yukhei brings an arm up around you and settles a hand on your shoulder. you lean into him and he can’t hide his wide grin despite puckering his mouth onto your forehead. “and i think right now is a perfect time for a break.” the teasing sparkle he sees in your eyes once he shifts back. “you have any idea how i can spend this little break of mine?” you question innocently even if you have something in mind. 

immediately yukhei laughs, pretending to think really hard for a long moment before fully turning to face you. “hmm, just one.”

“yeah? and what would that be, baby?” you quip lowly.

yukhei leans into you, his lips rest beside your ear. “one that involves just you and me.” his voice deep and his tone is devilish.  

his eyes find yours again and before you know it, closer and closer yukhei tilts forward. laughter slips from your mouth when his lips connect to yours once more. his arms encircles you again. this time his hands slip under his hoodie you are wearing. you clutch onto the soft material of his sweatshirt as hungry kisses are shared. yukhei nudges at you for steps to be taken carefully towards the bedroom. the light switch he flicks on when your bodies pass through the doorway. the edge of the bed frame hits the back of your leg and in seconds, you fall back onto the bed with sweet giggles and yukhei on top of you. 

he makes no movement of giving you space, finding absolute satisfaction of laying on top of you. the smile you give him illuminates your entire face and his entire world. your slippers slowly fall off your feet and you bring your legs up to cross them behind his jean clad thighs. within moments, yukhei chuckles. 

you want him as close as he wants you as close. 

your hand comes up to caress his warm cheek. “you didn’t wipe off your makeup again,” you note quietly with a smile, twirling the comma strand of hair. 

yukhei buries his face into you to hide his bashful smile. you feel the gentle brushes of his fingertips on your waist underneath the hoodie. “i just wanted to get back here,” he whispers into your skin. yukhei lifts his head and looks at you with a twinkle in his eyes. “besides, i have my personal makeup remover,” he reminds you with a beam.

your eyebrows rise with a giggle. you have almost forgotten about it. “so i got the job then?” you whisper jokingly.

but yukhei shakes his head with soft laughter. he lets out a loud playful sad sigh. "manager said i’ll never be able to focus on anything. he says i’ll be just staring at you all distracted.” the conversation with his manager he still recalls. the pointed look of ‘you got it so bad’ yukhei had received when he had jokingly mentioned the job. 

you’re chuckling at the faint pout that comes out briefly before he breaks out in another grin because he remembers the conversation after too. “and he told me to tell you you’re welcome and that…” he kisses you softly on the lips with a cute wrinkle of his nose. “that he’s not whipped for me and that he’s not supposed to play favorites,” he says with a wink and a giggle.

instantly you laugh. the sound so infectious and so much better than hearing it through phone calls or video chats yukhei deems. you give his smiling face a playful squish and once your laughter quiets, you brush you mouth onto the boyish curve on his face. “you’re my favorite, did you know that?” you murmur alongside his mouth.

yukhei chuckles, the corners of his eyes crinkling. “really? that’s good to know because you’re my favorite, too.” 

you squee quietly, wrapping your arms around his broad shoulders. yukhei bends down and kisses you half a dozen times. when he parts from you, you whimper softly. you stroke his cheek with the back of your fingers. he rests his forehead on yours and takes a slow deep breath. 

“so you want me to wipe that makeup off of you now? even i quite like it on you,” you tell him with a teasing smile.

the tip of his nose touches yours as he laughs. yukhei shakes his head though and then he shifts the slightest. your legs around him loosen enough for him to roll off of you. immediately he slithers an arm under you and pulls you to him for your head to rest next to his. you snuggle into him, throwing a leg over his thigh. his long legs are still off the bed with his feet just a few inches off the wooden floors. yukhei turns to face you while his other hand covers your hand that lays on his chest over his beating heart.    

he hums. “maybe later.” 

eventually he will have to get up. he will have to clean everything off so his skin can breathe. he will have to put away his jacket and bag too. and later too, you and him can order something to eat because he is certain you and him will be hungry. 

but just not now.

“and why later?” you question amused. 

yukhei tips his head a little forward until lips are a few centimeters apart. his wide loving eyes take in the sight of your sweet and pretty smile and the gleam in your soft gaze on him. his fingers curl over your hand. 

“because for the next five minutes before i take advantage of this little break of yours…” 

the corners of his lips twitch up almost shamelessly. a happy chuckle rolls pass your mouth. a proper reunion will take place last time. 

“i just want to hold you. i just want to look you…” yukhei murmurs almost shyly. the distance between your mouth he erases. a gentle and affectionate pucker of his mouth he presses to yours once, twice and then a third time. when yukhei moves back, that sweet and pretty smile of yours has broaden. “and i just want to kiss you because i’ve really, really missed you.”

the warmth blooms in your chest. your bottom lip catches between your teeth. 

he faintly grins. “is that okay with you, baby?” . 

your cheeks heat. your other hand rises and your fingertips graze his skin. the quiet soft sound of approval and content you hear from him with your touches. 

“yeah, that’s more than okay.” you whisper. 

then in seconds you lean into him again, connecting your beaming lips to his for more soft kisses because kissing him can never be too much or enough. yukhei presses your body closer to his. there’s a fluttering that fills your stomach. you shift a few inches to see him clearly. your eyes form pretty crescents with your grin and the curve on his face is heartwarming and beautiful with the faintest indentation of his dimple appearing. your hand drops and you hug him close and tight like how he does to you. 

for a moment, it’s silent. the world seems to stop. the makeup removing will wait. so will your work. and after this little break, dinner can be figured out later.

yukhei buries his face into the crook of your neck. 

until then, it's just you and him like this.

and it feels wonderful.

he presses a handful of little kisses to your skin. you hear the deep breath he takes. the scent of vanilla filters up his senses. he sighs happily.

“hey, yukhei?” 

your soft spoken words break the silence. yukhei calmly hums and you tilt your head back. he looks so relaxed. eyes are filled with nothing but love for one another. yet in your gaze flickers the playfulness he can’t miss.

“did you ever pull another one of your photocards?” you tease.     

it takes just seconds for a smile brighter than the sun to appear on his face. yukhei rolls over onto you again, peppering wet kisses on your face. your squeals and giggles mix together with his deep laughter. hearts are full. the seams are about to burst. 

everything is good. 

you are happy. he is happy.   

nothing else matters.

[leejenos-archive]

congrats! you’re a cutie

[leejenos-archive]

Lucas - Moonwalk MV Shooting

[joshuasmullet]

xuxi being a jock comedian (keep running s9e13)

[neocatharsis]

LUCAS for Guerlain

[neotechs]

the biggest dork and the cutest nerd ever 🤓

[xiaojun]

I Love You 3M ♡

[junkhei]

LUCAS | Jalapeño MV Teaser

[firetrucks]

Lucas ✧ Jalapeño MV Teaser

[jaemtens]

wayv :: jalapeño m/v teaser

[xiaojun]

LUCAS ☆ ‘Jalapeño’ MV Teaser

[babeseungmin]

Sir, no eating on set 🍩

[babeseungmin]

Lucas & Hendery - Jalapeño MV Teaser 🌶️

[junkhei]

LUCAS&HENDERY | ‘Jalapeño’ (4)

[junkhei]

LUCAS&HENDERY | ‘Jalapeño’ (2)

[junkhei]

LUCAS&HENDERY | ‘Jalapeño’

[lucas-wayv]

[LUCAS Bubble] 210518