#first dates

[ravencp86]

Ghost - Jegulus - @into-the-jeggyverse - Word count: 842

Part 1, Part 2

James was slouched down on the sofa in the living room, flicking through the TV channels without really paying attention when Sirius got home.

“Alright, mate?” Sirius asked as he dropped on to the sofa next to him.

“Yeah,” James replied, somewhat distracted.

“You sure? Cause you look sad as fuck.” Sirius chuckled.

James heaved a heavy sigh.

“Yeah, it's fine, just-” James didn't finish his sentence, but glanced at his phone sitting on the table.

“Oh,” Sirius said. “Again?”

“Yup. That's the third one in as many weeks. I don't know what I'm doing wrong.”

James had been desperately trying to get back in the dating game. Desperate was probably a bad word, but it sometimes felt like he was. Everyone he knew was in some kind of relationship and he was ready to be too.

James just sighed again. “Whatever, it's fine. Do you want a cuppa?” James asked, as he got up and walked into the kitchen.

“Yeah, please.” Sirius called after him.

Later that night, James was starting to get annoyed with Sirius, who hadn't put his phone down in over an hour.

“Mate, you know I love Remus, I do, but you spent most of the day together and now I'm trying to infiltrate this camp of ghouls and you're supposed to be helping!”

“Oh, shit, soz.” Sirius half apologised.

“You know what, never mind.” James quit the game and walked off down the hallway towards his bedroom.

He didn't mean to snap at Sirius, but he just wanted to be someone's focus for a second. James knew he wouldn't be in this mood tomorrow, it was purely circumstantial, so right now he reserved the right to be a bit pissy.

He crashed down on his bed and grabbed his book.

He had only been reading about 5 minutes when Sirius knocked and walked straight in.

“You're supposed to wait for an invitation,” James huffed, not looking up from his book.

Sirius plopped down on the bed next to him. “Listen up, sad sack. Don't say I don't do anything nice for you.”

James squinted at Sirius and waited for him to elaborate.

“I've got you a date.” Sirius announced.

“You what?” James blanched.

“A date. With a real, human man and I can personally guarantee this one will not ghost you like the others.”

James scoffed. “And how, pray tell, can you guarantee that?”

“Cause I happen to know this bloke is fucking nuts about you and actually, has been asking me to set you both up for ages now.” Sirius looked put out by his own statement.

“Why haven't you then?” James was worried what the answer was going to be.

“Cause,” Sirius took a deep breath. “It's Reggie and the thought of you and my little brother together makes me wanna heave.”

James sat bolt upright. “Wait! Regulus Black wants to go out with me?” James was stunned. He had never even entertained the idea of Regulus liking him back.

“Please don't full name him.” Sirirus grimaced.

James swiftly punched Sirius in the arm. “Why the hell didn't you set us up earlier?”

“Firstly, ow!” Sirius punched James back. “Secondly, I told you!” Sirius retorted as he rubbed his arm. “He's my little brother. It feels like incest!”

“Eww, gross, Sirius. It's nothing like that at all!” James exclaimed.

“Well, yeah, I know that, but still. Anyway, Remus told me to stop being an arse and just make this happen. Apparently, he's just as bored of listening to Regulus complain about his shitty dates, as I am listening about yours.” Sirius explained.

James was pacing. “So, Regulus really wants to go out? With me? This isn't some elaborate prank?”

“I swear on your life, James.” Sirius proclaimed. “Remus said he was sure he would say yes. So, I've actually been speaking to Reggie for the last hour trying to sort it and make him also believe me that this isn't a joke. Sooooo,” Sirius drew out. “Here.” Sirius held out a slip of paper.

“What is it?” James asked, not sure this was real.

“It's Reggie's number. He's expecting your call.” Sirius got up, handed the paper to James and started to leave the room.

“Wait!” James called out and Sirius turned back around. “Where are you going?” James asked, slightly panicked.

“Oh, if you think I'm going to sit here and listen to you gush down the phone, you've got another thing coming.” Sirius turned and left the room, shutting the door behind him.

James stared at the piece of paper in his hands and before he could talk himself out of it, he picked up his phone and dialled the number.

It rang and rang and just as James was starting to feel deflated and was about to hang up, there was a click and a quiet voice spoke.

“Hello?”

“Erm, hi, Regulus, it's erm, James. James Potter?” Fuck sake, James cursed himself for his ineloquence.

However, instead of the line going dead, James heard a quiet laugh. “Hello, James.”

James beamed.

[lunastera]

First Date ✨

[manicmanuscription]

P.3. Hopefully Charming?

Part Three

Pairings: Mafia!Bat Boys / Clueless!Reader

Summary: Reader finally goes on her first date with the batboys!

Word Count: 1.7K+

Tags: first dates, flirting, skirting around heavy topics of convo, author lowkey hates this chapter and might rewrite it.

Acotar Masterlist | Series Masterlist

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I looked at myself in the mirror with a small smile. I had the dress stuffed in the back of my closet for a while, it had been a good night for tips when I bought it and I'd had my eye on the gorgeous black piece in the window for awhile. I justified it pretty well but truth be told this was the first time I'd worn it since that night a few months ago. 

The sparkly black fabric hugged all my curves in all the perfect places, accentating just right in the areas of my body I sometimes felt insecure in. I had my hair curled and in a bun framing my face and I felt beautiful. I had kept the jewelry light but worn some of my favorites.

They hadn't told me where we would be going just yet, only to be ready by 7 and to look nice. My stomach flipped at the memory of who I was going out with- my bosses. plural. 

I shuddered in excitment, leaving my bedroom with my matching black heels in hand. A quick glance at my phone told me it was 6:54 and after slipping my shoes on and grabbing my purse I headed to lobby. 

My mind whirled the whole elevator ride down. I'd been working there for a almost a year and hadn't noticed any signs they found me interesting. I shouldn't be going out with my bosses, what would my coworkers say? what if this went horrible wrong and I was out of a job?

The elevator doors dinged open and there I saw Rhysand entering the lobby all my worries draining as my heart fluttered at the smile he gave me. Even though it was stupid as all hell. I couldn't help the shiver that ran down my spine whenever any three of them looked at me like that. 

I started walking towards him and once he was in earshot he spoke first. "I would've come up and retrieved you." 

"Well what kinda girl would I be to let you see my place before the first date even started?" 

"I don't think it says anything about you, but certainly about what kind of man I am for not even walking all the way to your front door." I just rolled my eyes and as soon as I reached him he pressed a kiss to my hand, those almost violet eyes roving over me appreciatively. "You look absolutely stunning darling." 

"You clean up pretty well yourself." 

He smiled, offering me his arm and I took it. "Thank you, I don't have to try all that hard."

I couldn't help but chuckle, the cool wind brushing against my neck as we stepped outside and making goosebumps run up my arm, certainly not because of his close proximity. "I revoke my earlier compliment then, seeing as your ego is certainly big enough without my help." 

He placed his free hand where his heart was, feigning hurt. "Ouch. And here I thought I was making progress." 

I didn't get a chance to respond as he opened the car door for me, making sure I was seated before closing it and heading to the driver's side. I couldn't appreciate the leather seats and nice interior when I noticed Cassian and Azriel weren't in the car. 

"Don't worry darling they were elected to set up the resturant while I get to be your personal chauffeur." 

I blushed slightly, embarassed he could read my disappointment so easily but quickly changed the topic. "So it's a resturant then?"

He didn't say anything just as I exepected, they'd been infuriating quiet the entire week. He just roared the engine to life and headed down the streets of Velaris. "I hope it's not Sevanda's I've heard that place sucks." 

Even though I was slightly joking I truly hoped he didn't take me to his own resturant I'd already spent enough time there as is, taking me on a date there seemed a bit egotistical.

He chuckled and I couldn't help but notice how good he looks behind the wheel of a fast car, his strong hands gripping the leather confidently as if he'd done this a thousand times or more. Leaning back in the seat to get comfortable. "I've heard the owner's are especially wicked."

"I've met them, they're not that bad."

"No?"

"Nah, except they totally hijacked my date, very rude to be butting in their employees personal lives." 

"You should go to the National Resturant Association. That's very unprofessional." 

I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of me. "Well it's a good thing I think they're cute."

"Don't let Cassian hear you say that. I don't think any of us will ever live it down." 

I turned to smile at him, only to realize his eyes were on mine before returning to the road. His hand quietly fell off the steering wheel and settled on my thigh just slightly above my thigh, his body tensed as if waiting for a rejection.

The touch sent electricty through my skin and I my heart started beating faster. In reality we didn't know each other all that well even if there had been..moments. 

I however didn't make a move to remove it, content to let this feeling last however long it would. Wishing he would move those hands further up.

── °ꨄ︎｡ /̵͇̿̿/’̿’̿ ̿ ̿̿ ̿̿ ̿̿ ｡ꨄ︎° ──

I couldn't help but gasp in awe when we arrived, Rhysand had his eyes covering mine during the elevator ride and after a few steps he finally removed them. It was a rooftop resturant, with dim lights and expensive seating. I could see the whole city for miles. "Where are we?" 

"Le cœur"

I whirled around to face him. "You're joking."

He cocked his head to the side. "No."

"It's friday night and this place is completely empty. Le cœur is always busy, my friend works here."

He just shrugged his shoulders. "I have friends here too."

"Are you trying to intimidate me with your money?" I joked. 

"We were trying to show off." A familiar voice said from behind me and I turned to face Cassian and Azriel. Grateful to see them. "Is it working?" Rhys asked, leading me to a the closest table with the best view. Velaris spread out below us the Sidra glinting in the setting sun.

"Write me a check then we'll see." 

Cassian laughed, claiming the spot right next to me while Azriel and Rhysand took the seats across. "I'm kidding obviously, this is so beautiful thank you so much." I added sincerely. Hoping they werent thinking I was trying to take advantage of them. 

Azriel brushed it off but Rhysand locked eyes with me for a few moments "You're welcome." A waiter appeared with a bottle of wine and a few glasses keeping his eyes glued to the floor. He silently slipped away after that and I didn't even get a chance to thank him. 

"Did you already order?" I asked when I realized there was no menus. "Trust me, Alice cooks what you will enjoy." Cassian said appreciatively patting his stomach. 

I laughed and Azriel silently poured me a glass of wine. "Do you usually go all out with the women you date?"

"Only the extremely beauitful ones." Cassian spoke, his eyes on me and I flushed under his attention.

"We also don't date together…wanted to make it special."

"Wait what?" I turned to face Azriel, Rhys leaned back in his seat his fingers drumming against his wine glass. "Your a unique case." 

"I…don't know what to say to that." I admitted, of course I preened under their attention, who wouldn't? and the fact that they all wanted me enough to share me was a sobering reality, even if it had my heart flipping inside out. 

"You don't have to say anything. It's just important that you know it." Rhys was obviously the smooth talker of the three and I was grateful for his charm easing the tension. I didn't realize how they felt and it made me.…giddy. 

"I don't know how to be on a date with three people." It's my first time being shared too. I silently said and Azriel nodded in quiet understanding yet the man to my side spoke first. "That's alright princess just let us take the lead."

Cassian's smile was infectious and I found myself relaxing with his light charm. "Well what do you like to do for fun?"

"Oh none of those icebreaker questions that's so awkward." I hid a mishevious smile behind my glass. "What do you suggest we talk about then love?" Azriel murmured, leaning forward in his chair to further capture my attention. 

"What's the dumbest thing you've all ever done?"

"Oof went straight for it huh?” Cassian chuckled.

"I'll show you mine if you show me yours."

"Alright alright. The dumbest thing I've ever done was sneak into Rhys's dad's whiskey cabinent. I was 16 and when he found out about it he was not happy. I ran laps at five am for a whole year rain or shine."

"Wait wait, I thought you were all brothers?" I asked, Cassian had said rhys dad, not ours. 

"Not biologically but we grew up just as close." Rhys said sharing a heavy look with the two other males, spinning a ring on his finger as if in thought. I decided not to push it ay further as it seemed there was a big story there for another time. "And you Azriel, what's the dumbest thing you've ever done?"

"Drive without a sealtbelt." He shrugged and I raised my eyebrows at him. "Driving without a seatbealt? Come on, that's such a lie."

The edges of his lips barely lifted but I noticed and it felt like a small victory from the stoic male. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." He repeated my words from earlier and I crossed my arms over my chest. "That's how it's going to be?" 

He didn't say anything just waited for me to contiune and I huffed, taking a pause to think. "The dumbest thing I've ever done was…take seven shots of tequila the night before a big test at med school. They kinda kicked me out.”

"I didn't know you were in school." "Yep." I popped the p before taking a sip of my wine. "I was going to drop out sooner or later so it doesn't matter." I waved the conversation off, hoping to avoid talking about it further. 

Azriel nodded again. "The dumbest thing I've ever done is steal a car."

"You did what?!" I asked and just like that the night kicked off. 

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[creativepromptsforwriting]

First Date Prompts

It was their first official date and despite both of them already knowing each other, they were both incredibly nervous.

He was not one to kiss on the first date. But he had done a lot on this date that he normally didn't imagine himself to do.

Their first date was an absolute disaster. And everyone was shocked to find out that they were already planning the second one.

As far as first dates go, this one was special.

Having their first date in front of cameras was less than ideal.

They couldn't remember what their first date was, so they plan the perfect first date, even though they've been together for some time now.

A date is not supposed to last more than a few hours, much less more than a day. Especially not a first date.

This first date was a perfect example of Murphy's law. Nothing worked out how they had expected it to, and every time they thought it couldn't get worse, it did.

Having been in an online relationship for a while, it was weird and exciting to have their first date in person months after saying I love you the first time.

Their friends had arranged a blind date for them, and because their friends know them best, they were already planning a second date after this.

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[24heuresdumax]

Hi Nina!! Have you ever written about WAG Charles and Max's first date? ​I’d love to see them initially drawn to each other’s looks—thinking the other is pretty or handsome—but as they talk, they realize how sweet and kind they truly are. I really want to see them instinctively realizing that they’ve met their destiny. ​Thank you so much for always writing such amazing drabbles!!

Hi Anon 💘

I can't believe I've never written a drabble on WAG!Charles and Max's first date 😭 what I find adorable is that Max would absolutely want to give Charles the finest of everything so it's ultra exclusive restaurants, red carpet treatment, Max picking him up in his Aston Martin Valkyrie. He wants Charles to know that this isn't a fling—Max is fully invested, 100%, because he can feel the connection that ties him to the Omega.

I imagine that after their meet-cute at the Hermès store, Max reappears three days later with an enormous stack of boxes. When Charles asks what's in them, Max simply replies: "Your outfit for our date night, schat."

And Charles is stunned. Because they've been texting nonstop since their first meeting and Max sometimes sent Charles links to various dresses and shoes, asking if it's something he liked. Charles just thought it was a fun game—a chance to pretend like he could actually wear these bespoke gowns and designer shoes—and he always replied enthusiastically, often making Max laugh so hard the Alpha ends up calling him because he needs to hear Charles's voice, needs to listen as his pretty boy regales him with tales about fashion disasters, workplace debacles, and everything in between.

And now Max is standing here, holding out enormous gift boxes holding all the beautiful clothes and jewels Charles had admired, never thinking he'd one day get the chance to wear them.

He lets out a little sniffle, he can't believe Max went through all this effort just so Charles could have something pretty to wear on their date.

Max panics—thinking he's overstepped—but before he can apologize, Charles orders him to put the boxes on the nearest table right before the Alpha gets an armful of Charles Leclerc, the Omega hugging him as tightly as he can before he presses a tentative kiss to the Alpha jawline. "Thank you, Maxie." He whispers before pulling back.

But Max won't let go—

The Alpha only holds him closer, inhaling lungfuls of that sweet vanilla-and-orange scent. "My pretty Charles," he murmurs, "I can't wait to see you all dressed up for me."

❤️💙❤️💙

And on the night of their dinner date? After Max pulls up at Charles's apartment complex and sees a literal goddess in Chanel walking towards him? The Alpha is still struck by Charles's beauty but more than that, he wants to continue their conversation on TV shows, workplace drama, Arthur's new haircut and Victoria's new boyfriend. He wants to listen to that lilting Monegasque accent he's heard so many times over the phone but now gets to hear in person, across the dinner table, just the two of them.

And Charles, as he slips into Max's Aston Martin Valkyrie, is still starstruck by the effortless glamour but he doesn't feel awkward or out of place. How could he after finally getting to see Max? His passionate, nerdy, opinionated Alpha who can be so competitive and so sweet? Who eagerly engages in debates about MotoGP and pouts when Charles says Marc Márquez is rather handsome but now, Charles can just lean over and kiss that pout off the Dutchman's lips.

❤️💙❤️💙

And at the dinner (private dining area high up in a skyscraper that overlooks the whole of Monaco), they eat and laugh and neither of them try to filter their conversation:

It's pure stream of consciousness. They're not afraid of the other person judging them—they can tease and debate and disagree because the trust is there.

Max and Charles are each other's safe space.

When Charles sticks his tongue out after Max teases him for not eating the grilled eggplant, the Omega doesn't feel like he's being chided or looked down on. And when Max begins to vehemently disagree with the latest character arc in Peaky Blinders, Charles just giggles and eggs him on—and Max knows he isn't being mocked or made fun of.

They each order different desserts that they don't normally get (Charles gets the pistachio panna cotta and Max gets baba au rhum) and steal bites from the other person's plate. And when Charles shyly admits he'd like to get some sfogliatella at the small bakery he's loved since he was a child, Max immediately agrees with a wide smile.

They push their fancy desserts away, Max pays the bill, and they walk hand in hand to the little mom and pop bakery Charles promises is like no other. They buy their pastries and they walk around Monaco, illuminated by the light of the moon, feeding one another sweet pastries and kissing the powdered sugar off each other's lips.

They walk and talk all night, eventually settling at a little park where Max spreads his blazer on the ground and Charles cuddles up against him as the two watch the sun rise.

[billspaid]

First Dates

Kingdon Drabble | 2.3k words | I have not proofread this!

Frank was walking back to their table with a smile, already directed towards Mel's when she flagged him down to come quickly. He frowned lightly and slipped into his chair, leaning forward to mirror her stance.

"I think the couple next to us are on their first date." She whispered, leaning her whole body as far as it would go. Frank could see the little specks of gold in her eyes and the wrinkles in the corners of her eyes from excitement.

"Oh. Really?" He said, looking over his shoulder at the two-seater table located parallel to them. Mel grabbed his wrist before he could set eyes on the two and pulled his attention back.

"Don't look! It'll be too obvious." She winced.

"Mel, I don't think you have the upper hand on being subtle right now." He said, tilting his head towards the couple. Her lips parted, and she considered it before nodding and slipping back into her chair, slapping on a neutral expression.

Frank waited a second before slowly trailing his eyes to the table over. The girl was in his eyeline, sitting a few feet away from Mel. She looked nervous as the man opposite spoke - the kind of nervous where her eyes were wide, and her smile sat just on the tip of her lips to ensure she was being an active listener. Her hair was curled, and she was wearing a dress made out of denim and cowboy boots. She then made an offhand comment about having a cousin who went to college in Arizona and how she hated the heat.

"They're definitely on a first date." Frank agreed, rolling his lips into his mouth as Mel nodded excitedly.

"It's the body language." She said, keeping her voice in a gentle whisper. The couple next to them were still deep in conversation, so Frank doubted they'd pick up on their conversation anyway. "I didn't realise until I got up to the bathroom. She was giggling in a very first date kind of way. And he's been going on about his bouldering for the last 10 minutes. I think he's trying to impress her."

Frank stifled a laugh and waited a moment to hear what the man was asking his date. Something about whether she's been to Europe. Frank hadn't been on a first date in so long that he couldn't even figure out if it was going smoothly.

Their food arrived, and the waiter turned to take the other couple's order. He ordered a nicoise salad, and she ordered the lobster roll. Frank shared a look with Mel at their choices. Maybe a bit unconventional, but admirable all the same.

They knew they couldn't stay silent throughout their whole dinner, so Frank dropped some information about the kids - Their soccer games, which were three hours apart on a Saturday morning. He tried not to complain, but it was hard to get up at 6:30am on a Saturday when he didn't have work.

Mel updated him on Becca's new schedule at Forest Hills, they shared their favourite cases from the week in a very vague, HIPPA acceptable conversation and made plans to go see the new exhibition at the Fort Pitt Museum just in time for Frank's birthday. He didn't like anyone making a big fuss, especially with a number like 36.

They took big bouts of silence when they were eating, just to catch themselves up with the other couple's conversation. They seemed to be getting along - both working in outdoor sports - she in marketing for a sports clothing company and him in poduct testing for equipment. Frank had a better view of the girl, and she seemed all rosy-cheeked and giggly. She had loosened up over the course of the dinner, leaning closer as their own food arrived.

Frank saw them share a high five when he was finishing up his own sandwich, but he unfornately didn't know what it was for - Mel was talking about some podcast she found about Renaissance medicine and healthcare in 16th century medicine. She always got all rosy-cheeked and giggly when she'd go off on tangents about apothecaries and midwives.

Frank had asked for the cheque when the guy excused himself from the table. He made the journey to the back of the restaurant, where the bathroom was, and Frank looked around, accidentally making eye contact with the girl diagonal to him.

"First date?" He asked, keeping a light, approachable expression so as not to scare her.

"Is it that obvious?" She sighed, laughing a little as she looked between Frank and Mel.

"No, no, you're doing great! We just had a hunch." Mel said.

"I think it's going well." She said, baring her teeth awkwardly. "What do you guys think?"

Frank and Mel shared a hesitant look.

"Oh, we, uh..." Mel started, looking guilty, "We didn't catch much. But, you know, from where I'm sitting, he seems very interested in what you have to say. He's been smiling the whole time."

The girl rolled her lips into her mouth to stop herself from grinning. "He has? That's good. That's...nice. I don't know, I don't want to get ahead of myself, but he seems really sweet. I haven't been on a good first date in ages, I just hope he's not secretly an asshole or anything."

"Here's to hoping." Mel laughed a little and glanced at Frank with a cautious smile. "He was a blushing a bit when you compared him to Milo Ventimiglia."

"Yeah, I caught that. But it wasn't meant to be flirty! Not entirely. Oh, maybe it was! I like his goatee!" She grinned and then sank back into her chair with a sigh before turning back to face them. "You guys are probably so lucky you don't have to do this again. What was your first date like?"

The question struck the both of them like an ice-cold shower. Frank froze in place, staring at the girl. He quickly shifted his gaze over to Mel, who was sitting in a similar position. And like she'd always done, she looked over, as if his eyes were calling out to hers. She looked a bit panicked, as if she was asking for help as to what to say.

"Uh, well, erm, we," Frank inhaled and then pulled his gaze from Mel's and looked at the girl with a little smile.

"I just heard you guys talking about your kids' soccer schedule, and I agree, they should just hold the matches right after each other, rather than making you wait 3 hours in between." She nodded, flashing a knowing look to Mel.

Mel smiled tightly and opened her mouth as if she was about to answer. She closed it shut and looked around the restaurant as if the answer to the girl's question existed in the lighting fixtures.

She didn't know them, she didn't need to know the awkward 3 year dance that they'd been doing. She didn't need to know about the stolen looks or the jealously over Mel's dates (thank you Mohan for setting up her hinge profile); she didn't need to know about the near kiss a few months ago at Javadi's birthday party, or the dream he had last week that was just flashes of heavy breathing and blonde hair and skin on skin and the innapropriate way he dealt with the aftermath when he woke up.

"We, er, didn't really go on a first date." He said, plainly. The girl looked between them, a little confused. "We were friends for a long time and then one day," He tried a glance at Mel and found her staring with a little hopeful look on her face. At least, he hoped it was hopeful.

"One day, He just kissed me," She continued, looking at him pointedly.

Frank's entire body shuddered with hope. "I kissed her because I had been thinking about it for a long time - "

"And I kissed him back." She said, finishing his sentence.

"And that was that. We didn't go about it very traditionally. I already liked everything about her - she was - is, my best friend, so it was like everything fell into place after that."

"Oh, that's so nice! You guys are so lucky! Being friends is definitely the way to go. Unfortunately, Hinge doesn't have a friends to lovers option. Oh God, he's coming back. Wish me luck!" She said, rushing to wipe her teeth clean as she fluffed her hair up.

Frank flashed her a smile whilst he avoided looking at Mel. It was like fate when the waiter brought over the card reader and they were walking out of the restaurant into the brisk cold September air a few minutes later.

"She was nice." Mel started in a sort of strained voice.

"Yeah. Yeah, I hope she's right. I hope he's not an asshole." Frank replied, suppressing the urge to slap himself in the face.

"I didn't get that vibe from him. He liked her. I could tell." She said, pausing for a second. "Sometimes it's easier to see something when you're the objective party. Means you can see the things they can't, you know."

Frank nodded even though he had no idea what the fuck she was talking about. He was trying to reverse the assholery he had just thrown at Mel during dinner. He also really wanted to kiss her. Asshole.

They walked in silence for a couple of seconds, Frank taking the time to analyse every stupid thing he had ever said to see if it measured up to what he just said - or confessed, more like. They reached the corner of the street, and his car was just a block over when he felt her hand on his wrist.

He was ready to apologise - he knew he had made it weird. He knew that there was a chance Mel went along with it because he was always doing shit like that; he was always putting on accents at random Diners on the I-76 and making up stories about the ducks at the pond when they went with the kids. He made it weird and he needed to apologise. He also really wanted to kiss her!

When he looked up at her, her nose was a little red from the cold and her hair, half pulled back in a claw clip, was threatening to slip out of her big pink puffer coat that made her look like a marshmallow. He loved that coat. God, he was so screwed.

He was ready to apologise, until he saw the sort of hopeful look on her face again. And that just made him want to kiss her even more than he already wanted to.

She looked at him for a moment and then came out with it. "I think you should kiss me."

Frank's body jerked so violently he could've sworn he was about to be the first person to trip up from standing still. He didn't even have it in him to question her properly. "Yeah?"

She nodded, stifling a little laugh. "Yes. And you should do it now. I want everything to fall into place."

Frank gulped and tentatively took her face in his hands before leaning down to kiss her. She held onto his wrists and angled her face up. It was slow and soft, like they were testing the cold water of a pool. She parted her lips the tiniest bit and Frank inhaled her in. He pulled away after a few seconds and found her smiling, with her pink lips and teeth out on show. She slowly blinked her eyes open and did a bad job at hiding her grin. Frank didn't bother hiding his excitement, although he was sure it was showing up as anxiety on his face.

Her face cycled through a few happy microexpressions before her teeth sank into her bottom lip. She leaned up and wiped some of her lip balm from the corner of his lips. "You should take me home so we can do that again."

Frank stumbled on his feet. For real, this time. It was like his body was rushing towards the car before his mind could catch up. Mel barked out a laugh and shook her head.

"Sorry - I got excited. But yes, we can, I mean, we should...sorry, it seems as if i've forgotten how to speak." He said, running his hand through his hair with a stuttered laugh.

"It's okay. It was a long time coming, I think. And to think, all it took was a first date. Not even ours, mind you, but a random couple's first date, for us to figure ourselves out." She said, pulling him gently towards the direction of the car. Frank's body went willingly.

"We should find out who they were and send them flowers. I should've paid for their dinner. Let's go back! No, wait - stupid idea, we're going home. I was supposed to kiss you at home. We have a plan. The universe will thank them, I'm sure." He said, quickly pulling the keys from his coat pocket.

Mel hummed, holding onto his bicep as he unlocked the car. Frank almost fell for the third time. He opened the car door and watched her get in. "So, was this technically our first date?" She asked.

Frank considered it, shaking his head from side to side slowly. "Yeah, maybe. We could also count the other hundred we've been on in the past three years."

"I like this one. Good story for the grandkids." She said and helped him pull the car door closed. Frank stood on the curb, staring at her through the window like he was paralysed. She looked back and then nodded her head to the driver's seat. He then remembered the plan and nodded like an oaf before rushing to his side of the car.

They barely pulled into his driveway when Mel leaned over to kiss him again. He had never been so excited and worried about seatbelt safety before. It was an incredible feeling.

[lyrastrangeart]

GLEEKTOBER DAY 4 !!!!!!!!! FIRST DATES !

Did brittana again I cannot stop myself from drawing them they are just so so great !

Tho I may do another ship tomorrow :))))

TYSM again for all the supports and repost and everyone that is participating even a tiny bit !

I'm so happy I could help to do such a nice event.

[thehandmaidenofcreativity]

Caught on the Kiss Cam

WC: 12,128; Non-explicit

Hyunjin goes on a date to a baseball game that ends rather abruptly after a kiss with a stranger. Following the game, he just can't stop thinking about the man who kissed him. Being the wonderful friend that he is, Felix takes matters into his own hands to find him so Hyunjin can see there could really be something there.

*I was inspired by this tweet :)*

⚾︎❀⚾︎❀⚾︎❀⚾︎❀⚾︎

❀Hyunjin❀

“A baseball game?” Felix asks, skepticism written all over his face.

“I don’t think it’ll be that bad?” Hyunjin meant to say it confidently, but it definitely comes out as a question. He shakes his head and tells Felix what he’s been telling himself since he agreed to go. “He’s really hot, Lix. Plus, he said if I go, I can make him go to the gallery opening in a couple weeks.”

Felix still doesn’t look convinced. “You can make him go? I’m guessing that’s how he phrased it, yeah? Wouldn’t you rather go with someone who’s happy to go just because you want him to?”

“I mean,” Hyunjin trails off. “Isn’t it worth giving him a chance? He did try really hard to get a date with me, and our first dinner was fine.”

“Lots of people try really hard for you to notice them, Hyuni.”

“And! You know I like seeing people in their element before making big decisions,” Hyunjin finishes as if Felix didn’t interrupt him. “Honestly, Lix, I’m surprised you’re so against him.”

Felix looks away, pink ears giving him away. He sighs heavily and admits, “I know. I just… get a weird vibe from him.”

“You only met him once for like three minutes.”

“Yeah, but so did Soonie, and he clearly agreed,” Felix offers as if one of Minho’s cats’ opinions is all he needs to be right.

Hyunjin counters, “Okay, but Dori was charmed by him. Plus, you know it all comes down to how Doongie feels anyway.”

“Fine, fine.” Felix throws his hands up in defeat. “But you should get him to pick you up from our place again, so we can have Doongie meet him then. Oh, and hyung!” 

Hyunjin starts giggling at the implication that Minho is the least important of his roommates to meet, cats included. Soon enough, Felix is laughing, too, and they move on to talking about what he’ll wear. 

When the day of the game comes around, Hyunjin is sporting a Lotte Giants jersey that they found at a thrift store for Felix to cut into a crop top. He has these red shorts that match the text on the shirt perfectly, and he goes for a mostly natural makeup look. Pretty darn cute, if he does say so himself. His jewelry is simple as well, just a couple rings, his besties lock necklace, and his usual earrings.

There’s a knock on the door when he’s putting on his finishing touches, so he lets one of his roommates answer the door. Felix and Yujin’s voices drift down the hall to him, and he wonders if Minho is nearby. On his way to the living room, he scoops Doongie off the cat tree in his bedroom.

“Hyunjin, are you ready to go?” Yujin asks in lieu of a proper greeting. 

“Yeah, totally,” Hyunjin replies brightly anyway. He nods at Minho, who’s leaning against the wall, just watching. “Just thought you should meet the rest of the gang before we head out. I see you’ve met Minho, and this is Doongie.”

Yujin doesn’t appear to be amused by the way Hyunjin makes the cat wave with his paw. When they get close, he does pet Doongie’s head, or try to - he scrambles away from him almost as soon as he makes contact. 

“That’s okay, Doong,” Felix murmurs before looking pointedly at Hyunjin. “Have a good time, guys. His curfew is 10:30, mister.” 

He says that last part directly to Yujin, who once again doesn’t seem amused. Maybe Felix and the cats have a point. Dori must’ve just been having an off day, or was taken by his looks like Hyunjin was. Still, he’s here, and Hyunjin already decided to give him a chance, so he will.

“I’ll see you guys later!” Hyunjin calls as Yujin walks back out the door, counting on him to follow. Kind of rude, but he sees that they are cutting it close if they want to see the first pitch. Apparently some MMA fighter is throwing it, and Yujin insists that they see him. Luckily, their place isn’t far from the stadium, so they hop on a couple of those rentable scooters and make it there in record time.

They have pretty decent seats, and the concessions aren’t quite as expensive as Hyunjin thought they’d be. He goes to grab them a couple hot dogs and beers so Yujin doesn’t miss the pitch. 

“I can get them, Bin,” says the guy in front of him in line. “You don’t want to miss the first pitch.”

“You sure, man?” His friend asks. The man is built. Hyunjin’s not surprised he’s excited for the MMA fighter, too. “Take my card, alright.”

“Yeah, of course.” He takes the card and pockets it. 

The friend claps him on the shoulder with a smile and heads back toward the stands. Then Hyunjin notices that when he orders, he pulls out his own wallet. The exchange is nice and not particularly special, just a friend being nice. But it highlights the fact that Yujin expected Hyunjin to go on his own and didn’t even pretend he planned to offer to pay. Hyunjin wouldn’t have let him, of course, because he paid for the tickets, but it would’ve been nice to have the chance to turn him down. 

After ordering himself, Hyunjin steps off to the side. His gaze drifts to the man who was in front of him, and he finally really looks, not just at the broad shoulders he’d noticed before, but at him. The backwards baseball cap pins his bangs down against his forehead, a few strands swooping down low enough that Hyunjin wants to brush them aside. And his eyes. They seem to radiate kindness and his apparent joy at being here, bright despite how dark they are. Hyunjin’s gaze traces the gentle slope of his nose to a pair of plush, pink lips just in time to see them curve into a devastating smile. 

The concessions worker calls out that hotdogs are up, so they both move toward the counter. He’s holding out two, and the man gestures for Hyunjin to take them.

“Oh no,” Hyunjin blurts, embarrassed by how flustered he sounds. He scolds himself internally for getting soft over a man he doesn’t know when he’s actively on a date. “You ordered first. Go for it.”

The smile he gets back now is a little mischievous, like he realizes that it was his first one that got Hyunjin flustered in the first place. He inclines his head and takes the hotdogs. By the time Hyunjin gets his food, the man is walking back toward the field. 

When he gets back to Yujin and his seat, he sees that the men from the concession stand are in the seats behind theirs. In fact, the buff one is actually talking to Yujin as if he knows him. 

“There you are,” Yujin says, not too kindly. “Get lost in there?”

Hyunjin laughs with him, even though the joke isn’t very funny. He smiles up at the men behind them, getting a wink from the one who stayed and a raised cup from the buff one. He turns to Yujin, “You gonna introduce me to your friends?”

He waves his hand as if brushing the question off. “We were just talking about Choo Sung-hoon’s pitch. You missed it; he almost threw a strike.”

“Oh, bummer,” Hyunjin says, not entirely sure what Yujin is hoping his reaction will be. He chose wrong.

“Actually,” Yujin explains like he’s talking to a toddler, “it’s really uncommon for celebrity first pitches to be strikes.”

“My b,” Hyunjin murmurs. “Good for him, then.”

Then he’s reminded of why he agreed to go out with Yujin in the first place. He grins and pats Hyunjin’s leg. “Sorry, I know you don’t really know this stuff. I just wanted you to know that he did a good job.”

Hyunjin brightens but reminds himself not to give him too much credit for the apology. Soonie, Doongie, and Felix didn’t like him. Gotta trust the cats unless he really proves himself. 

The game truly begins and Hyunjin actually starts to enjoy himself. He likes the atmosphere of the crowd, the cheers, and especially the way Yujin gets animated during good plays. 

Then the Giants have a bad inning. And another one after that.

Yujin’s mood sours notably. He ends up chugging the rest of his beer and going to get another. When he notices that Hyunjin’s is still half full, he decides to drink both. He still cheers and makes comments when something good happens, but otherwise his tone is decidedly shitty. He all but orders Hyunjin to go get him a fourth drink, since he ‘doesn’t get the game anyway.’ He does go get another round, though, because he wants another, and Yujin’s mood is rubbing him the wrong way. 

When he gets back, Yujin is smiling again. The Giants are up, and apparently they have a big enough lead now that he’s perked up. The charm that earned him this date is shining through again, and Hyunjin is starting to enjoy himself again. During the seventh inning stretch, the kiss cam comes up on the big screen.

“Ooh, I love when they do this!” Hyunjin exclaims. “It’s so romantic and cute!”

Yujin scoffs, “Corny is what it is. Kissing for the whole stadium and all the people watching at home just ‘cause they pointed a camera at you? It’s – oh for fuck’s sake.”

Hyunjin turns to him with a smile as soon as they appear on the screen. “Come on, it’ll be fun.”

Yujin laughs and makes an ‘X’ with his hands. “Oh, absolutely not. It’s stupid.” 

Hyunjin pouts, but he’s still saying no and waving off the camera. Then he feels hands on either side of his face. They gently turn his face to the other side and tilt it up a bit so that the man behind him, the pretty one in the hat, can kiss him. His lips are as soft as they look, and one of his large hands drops to Hyunjin’s shoulder to give it a soft squeeze. 

It’s like everything else fades away. The noise of the stadium is gone; the only thing he can hear is the pounding of his own heart in his ears. Hyunjin feels his tongue swipe across the seam of his lips and is about to grant him access when the man pulls back. 

Hyunjin blinks up at him, dazed. Then his head snaps forward, eyes going wide as he looks to the screen to see Yujin’s reaction. Unfortunately, he’s leaning out of the frame, then the camera is moving on to another couple, who look shocked and amused at what they just witnessed. He can’t blame them. He feels the same way. 

“Guess it’s true what they say.” Yujin’s voice cuts through the fog of his mind. Hyunjin looks at him to see a vaguely disgusted look on his face. 

Hyunjin prickles in indignation. “What was that?” he asks.

“Nothing,” Yujin shrugs. Despite his blase attitude, he makes sure to be loud and clear this time. “Pretty boys like you are always ready to hop on whoever’s offering. Just figured you’d finish with me before bouncing on to the next.”

“Yah, what did you just say to him?” The buff guy behind them is standing over Yujin, looking pissed on Hyunjin’s behalf. His friend, the one who kissed him, stands at the same time that Yujin does.

“Doesn’t matter, ‘cause I wasn’t talking to you,” he says into the man’s face. “Mind your business and try to reign your twink in or you’re gonna lose him to the next pretty hole that walks by.”

Outrage is clear on both their faces, but Hyunjin almost misses it, too busy turning his own fury on him. “What the fuck is wrong with you, Yujin? You can’t talk to people like that!”

“Oh shut up and sit down, Hyunjin.”

Hyunjin is mortified. He can’t believe that Yujin is acting this way over silly kiss cam antics. His stomach is in knots, a tangle of embarrassment, anger, and shame. He turns on his heel and starts making his way to the aisle. Yujin is yelling something after him, but at this point he doesn’t care to listen. 

He doesn’t stop walking until he gets home to his apartment. Minho and Felix must’ve gone out for dinner or something, because he’s met with silence and snoozing kitties. They must sense something is wrong, though. After he burrows into his bed, door open so his roommates know to come talk to him when he gets home, all three cats come in and cuddle up with him. They begin purring against him, offering comfort in the way only they can.

When Felix and Minho get home, they’re met with the sight of Hyunjin surrounded by kitties and sleeping peacefully. 

“Jinnie?”

Hyunjin drags himself back into consciousness, already forgetting the feeling of gentle hands and soft lips in his dream. He blinks up at his roommates groggily. “Whasgoinon?”

“That’s what we were wondering,” Felix says as he climbs into the bed, curling around Dori at Hyunjin’s side. Minho sits on the other side, pulling Soonie into his lap. “Why are you back so early?”

Oh, Hyunjin remembers what led to him taking a nap on Friday evening when he’d left for a date only a couple hours ago. He tries to keep the shame out of his voice. “You were right, Lix-ah. Yujin kinda sucks, so I ditched him.”

He knows he tried too hard to sound like it was no big deal, and Minho’s unimpressed stare gives him away. “Okay, what actually happened?” 

Hyunjin sighs. “Okay, so you guys know how at sporting events they sometimes do a, like, kiss cam?”

“Does it look like I watch sports?” Minho deadpans.

“Oh, I gotchu, babe,” Felix says as he whips out his phone. His eyes go wide just before a huge smile breaks across his face. He stares down at his phone, ignoring the questioning sounds coming from his roommates. Then he turns to Hyunjin and giggles, “What did you wanna tell us about the kiss cam, Hyunjin-ah?”

Hyunjin’s cheeks flame. He’s sure Felix must’ve found a video of what happened at the game today. God, what if it goes viral? He chews on his lip and tries to snatch the phone away from Felix so he can see just how embarrassed he needs to be right now. Unfortunately, he’s not quick enough.

Felix holds the phone out of his reach, toward Minho. “Ah, ah. Nope. Hyung needs to see an example of a kiss cam.” 

Minho smacks his hand when Hyunjin nearly reaches the phone. Once Minho has it, he flops back in defeat, draping an arm over his eyes to avoid the inevitable teasing coming his way. 

“Hyunjin.”

“Yes, hyung?”

“Wanna tell us what happened at the game?

“No,” Hyunjin mumbles. He can feel Felix shaking his arm, and he definitely noticed the lack of humor in Minho’s tone. It’s Minho’s unexpected calm that encourages him to speak up. “Fine. I assume you saw that Yujin refused to kiss me on the kiss cam, and so the hot guy sitting behind me did it instead.”

Felix squeals, but Minho waves him off. “Yeah, I saw as much. What happened after?”

Hyunjin grimaces. “Yujin kinda said some shitty stuff about me, so I left. No big deal. When I got here, the boys came to cuddle, so I figured it was time for a cat nap.”

“Oh, babe,” Felix’s voice has lost its mirth, his hand caressing rather than shaking. “What did he say to you? I’ll hit a bitch.”

Hyunjin laughs and removes his arm to look at them. This is why he left his door open, after all. Time to accept their support. He tries not to let his emotions get the better of him when he speaks again. “Basically, he said it confirmed that I’m a slut. Not in those words exactly, but that’s clearly what he was saying. The guy behind him, the kiss guy’s friend, actually tried to stand up for me, and Yujin insulted them, too…” 

Hyunjin sighs and adds, “I tried to tell him he can’t talk to people like that, so he told me to sit down and shut up.” He hears a sharp intake of breath from Felix. “I didn’t want to hear any more, so I just walked out. He didn’t try to come after me or anything, so I just kept going until I got home.”

Felix takes a deep breath and grabs Hyunjin’s hand, running his thumb over his knuckles. “Did I say hit?” He asks, but continues immediately. “I meant cut. Do we have his address?”

“Calm down, Lix,” Minho surprises Hyunjin by being the voice of reason. Only momentarily, of course; the set of his jaw speaks to the anger that must be boiling beneath the surface. “I peeped his license plate, we’ll just go key his car when he’s at work tomorrow.”

Hyunjin loves his friends. 

“Come on, guys,” he laughs. “That’s not necessary. He’s not the first guy to be shitty to me, and he probably won’t be the last. He hurt my feelings a bit, but it’s over, and now we can just have a great roomie weekend.”

Minho and Felix share a look. These silent conversations are only comprehensible to Hyunjin about 50% of the time, and right now he’s not sure if they’re figuring out a way to gently remind him that they have other plans or just trying to decide on first steps of their new ones.

“Before anything else,” Felix narrows his eyes at him. “You were way too casual about a random man kissing you! Spill!”

Hyunjin’s ears burn and he can feel the blush spreading across his cheeks again. There isn’t really much to tell them, certainly not enough for this giddy feeling to be bubbling up in him as he pictures that strong jaw and pouty lips. 

“I mean,” Hyunjin hedges, wondering if it’s finally time for the mocking portion of the night. “He was hot. And, like, pretty? His smile was gorgeous. He seemed really kind, too. Well, as kind as you can seem when you’re in line ahead of someone in the concession stand line.” He hesitates for a beat before adding, “He was nicer about getting food for his friend than Yujin had been when he had me go get stuff.”

Minho hums, and Felix smiles, looking back at his phone. “God he’s got that, like, hot, smug look after the kiss. Like, he knows it was good, and it’s not arrogance if it’s true kinda vibe.”

Hyunjin is nodding along, despite not having seen it yet. He reaches for the phone again, pleased when Felix actually lets him have it this time.

“Was it?” Minho asks.

“Huh?” Hyunjin looks up from trying to burn the post kiss image of the guy into his brain.

“The kiss,” Minho explains, speaking slowly as if to a child. “Was it a good kiss or was that actually arrogance coming through?”

“Oh!” Hyunjin blushes, again, his mind drifting back to the stadium. “Um, yeah. Yeah, it was really good. Something about the way he touched me was just, like… yum. I was literally about to let him slip his tongue in, but it turned out he was just teasing.”

Felix whistles, and Minho actually nods approvingly. They talk a little more about him, talking through all the details of his appearance Hyunjin can remember. Then they’re moving on, picking out snacks and a drama to turn on, and taking their favorite positions on the couch. 

Hours later, when Felix is sleeping across his lap and Minho is snoring softly, Hyunjin still hasn’t been able to fully forget the man from the game. He wishes he’d at least learned his name so he didn’t have to keep thinking of him as ‘the man.’ Not that he should still be thinking of him, anyway. 

It’s not like I’m ever going to see him again, Hyunjin thinks as he settles in for a semi-uncomfortable night on the couch. What a shame.

⚾︎Seungmin⚾︎

“Kim Seungmin, you dog,” Jisung says with a much too big smile painted across his face. 

He’s flashing that video from the Giants game, and Seungmin can’t help the way his lips quirk up in a self-satisfied grin. “I don’t know what you mean, Han Jisung.”

“Mini, I can’t believe you just kissed a rando like that!” Chan’s blushing and cheesing like he’s the one who did it. “On camera! I know you can be impulsive sometimes, but not when it comes to things like this. Wow.”

“It seemed like the right thing to do in the moment,” Seungmin shrugs, knowing it’s not what his friends are expecting him to say.

Except maybe Jisung. He nods and says, “He looks pretty hot. How was it?”

Changbin smacks him on the back of the neck. He turns to Chan. “I mean, the guy’s date was a total douche,” he offers as an explanation. “Honestly, I’m glad he did it. He was better off leaving that P.O.S. the way he did, and I’m not sure he would’ve if Seungmin-ah hadn’t given him a reason.”

“Yeah, if I hadn’t, Changbini hyung might’ve decked him,” Seungmin smirks as Chan’s eyes go wide.

“Changbin-ah?” Chan nearly shouts it, looking at their friend in confusion.

Jeongin plops down beside him. “Yah, hyung, what are you yelling about?”

“Sorry, but Min said Bini almost got in a fight at that game!”

It’s Jeongin’s turn to look shocked. His gaze flits between Changbin and Seungmin. “What, you kissed a guy then he or his boyfriend tried to beat you up, so you hid behind Bin hyung?”

Everyone but Seungmin starts laughing. He, on the other hand, flips Jeongin off and tells him, “First of all, fuck you, Innie. Second, the guys I kiss don’t wanna hit me; they just want me to hit it.” 

That earns him a smack and a few scolding ‘Seungmins,’ but he goes on as if he wasn’t interrupted.

“And third, if someone wanted to fight me, I wouldn’t need to hide behind hyung. I might not be big like him, but I could hold my own.”

“Yeah, he’s scrappy!” Jisung adds, and Seungmin high fives him on instinct. He can always count on Jisung to have his back for something vaguely ridiculous. 

Jeongin rolls his eyes. “Okay, badass-ssi. Why did hyung almost get in a fight then?”

“Well,” Changbin clears his throat. “Like I said, the guy was a douche. We chatted a little before the game started about Choo Sung-hoon’s pitch. He made some shitty innuendos about his date while he and Mini were getting concessions.”

Seungmin picks up as soon as he stops talking. “Throughout the game, we couldn’t help but overhear how he was talking to him. He clearly didn’t care much for his feelings. When the kiss cam came up, the guy was saying how cute he thinks it is and everything, and his date was bagging on it.” 

He pauses, not sure exactly how to express what came over him when the guy refused to kiss him. Seungmin knows it’s time to actually explain his actions, but that would require understanding them himself. So instead, he adds, “Then it landed on them, and I couldn’t help myself?”

“I wasn’t sure what the fallout was going to be, but I didn’t expect the douche to ignore Min and slut shame his date,” Changbin goes on. He shakes his head at the memory, and Seungmin can see he’s still mad. “Then I might’ve lost my temper a bit and had to say something.”

“You lost your temper?” Chan looks incredulous. They all do. Changbin is without a doubt the most level headed of their group. When it’s just them, he’s quick to yell or throw Seungmin in a headlock, but with anyone outside of their friends, he’s always cool as a cucumber.

Changbin’s ears are glowing with how pink they are. “Yah, I’m not proud of it, but I couldn’t not say something.”

“Also,” Seungmin adds. “As far as ‘losing his temper’ goes, he really didn’t say anything rude. Hyung literally just asked him what he’d just said. If he stood over him while he did, that’s neither here nor there.”

Jisung and Jeongin nod in appreciation. Changbin keeps his eyes on Chan when he says the next part. “I really might’ve taken a swing at him for what he said after that, but the date yelled at him for talking to us that way and walked away. He stormed off after that, and luckily didn’t come back.”

Chan’s hand found its way to Changbin’s while he’d been talking. Unfortunately, Chan catches Seungmin’s eye before he can look away. “It was nothing, hyung. Changbin hyung’s exaggerating.”

“It wasn’t nothing, Min,” Changbin says sharply. “But yeah, that guy definitely wasn’t worth getting arrested for. I’m glad he took himself out of my line of sight.”

Seungmin frowns. He can feel Chan looking at him worriedly, so he turns to Jisung. He gives him a look that he hopes conveys his desire to talk about anything else now. 

As expected, Jisung has his back.

“Okay, so I think we need to arrange another takeout competition night,” Jisung says with a wide gesture. “I know we said we’d do japchae on the next one, but honestly, I think we should do tteokbokki.”

“Sungie, no,” Chan sighs. “I told you I don’t wanna do that to myself.”

Jeongin snorts. “Says the man who regularly challenges himself to eating the spiciest Buldak you can find.”

The conversation snowballs from there, culminating in a set plan for each of them to pick up an order of tteokbokki from two different restaurants then meet the following weekend.

By the time that night rolls around, the jokes about the kiss cam have stopped. So when Changbin brings it up as soon as he gets to their house, he’s a little surprised. “Hey Min, would you be interested in talking to that guy from the baseball game if the opportunity arises?” 

Seungmin cocks his head to the side and squints at him. “Why?”

Jisung pops up out of nowhere to answer for him. “He wants to give him your number.”

Confusion washes over him. “How would you give him my number?”

Changbin smiles shyly. “This guy found me on insta. He’s that dude from the game’s roommate. I guess he was hoping to get in touch with you.”

“His roommate found you to ask about me for him?” Seungmin asks skeptically. 

“Is it really that surprising?” Chan asks, laying out the last of the takeout boxes on the table. “You’re like chronically offline. It’s not like he was going to be able to find you.”

“Also, I’ll deny having said this if it leaves this room.” Jeongin glares at each of them in turn. “But if you kissed and defended me like that, I’d wanna find you, too.”

A round of oohing and awwing begins, and Jeongin starts fake swinging at Jisung and Changbin. Seungmin swoops in to pinch his cheeks and say, “Aw, I can kiss you now if you want, Innie.” He narrowly avoids getting kneed in the balls. 

“You know,” Jeongin huffs as he flops down into his chair. “You all act like you want me to be nicer and more supportive or whatever the hell. Then the second I say something nice, you make fun. I’m over it.”

“Oh I’m sorry, Iyen-ah,” Chan coos as he drapes himself around Jeongin’s neck, earning himself a soft slap in the face. 

“Can we get back to my thing,” Changbin asks, waving his phone at them. A mistake on his part as Jisung snags it the second it gets close to him. 

“Bro, is this really him?” Jisung flashes a picture of one of the prettiest men Seungmin’s ever seen. He scrolls to the next picture, and there he is beside the prettiest man he’s ever kissed. 

“Must be,” Seungmin murmurs, taking the phone from Jisung now. He’s tagged in the photo, so Seungmin is able to check out Hyunjin’s profile. When he almost likes one of the pictures, he realizes what he’s doing and hands the phone back to Changbin, despite Jisung’s protests.

“Anyway!” Changbin intones. “I’m giving Felix your number to give to him, unless you have a good reason not to.”

For some reason, Seungmin can’t think of any. So he just shrugs, setting off another round of nonsense, but he finds he doesn’t really mind.

❀Hyunjin❀

“What are the chances I run into that guy again?” Hyunjin asks for the umpteenth time. He sorts through the blue hydrangeas to find the best blooms. He’s not really expecting an answer at this point, but he can’t help voicing it. 

“Jinnie,” Felix drawls. “Baby. What are you gonna do? Start hanging out by the baseball stadium on game days in hopes of seeing him? Or, god forbid, going to baseball games?”

“I’m not going to more baseball games, Lix,” Hyunjin scoffs, though if he’s honest with himself, the thought did cross his mind. “I’m not desperate."

Felix levels a stare at him. 

“Okay, I’m not that desperate,” Hyunjin amends. He throws a cutoff stem at Felix’s responding laugh. 

Felix rounds the corner to tuck the stem behind Hyunjin’s ear as if the flower is still attached. He looks him dead in the eye, seeming to be trying to read Hyunjin’s mind, before tucking a couple pink speedwells into the bouquet as well. 

“I feel like you’ve said something about him every day since that game, babe.” When Felix looks at him again, his expression is softer. “Was the kiss really that good?”

“Yes,” Hyunjin sighs dramatically. 

And it’s the truth, kind of.

“Okay, then I guess we’ll have to find him,” Felix shrugs. He whips his phone out, and starts scrolling before turning and pointing at Hyunjin. “But if I find him, I get to kiss him, too. See what all the excitement’s about, y’know?”

They both laugh at that, but Hyunjin knows Felix understands that it goes beyond the kiss. It’s something about the way he carried himself. The way he smiled. The regard he showed his friend. The look on his face and the way his entire being tensed when Yujin told Hyunjin to ‘sit down and shut up.’

But it is also about the kiss. The gentle way he moved Hyunjin. The light squeeze of his hand on Hyunjin’s shoulders. And the sweet softness of his lips, so sure in what he was doing, promising pleasure and… safety? 

Hyunjin could still barely explain it to himself, let alone someone else. All he knew was that his mind replayed that kiss about ten times before he could fall asleep at night. Whenever he finds himself with too much idle time on his hands, he’s sketching the man’s face. He doesn’t even mean to. 

He can’t help but wonder, is this what people mean when they talk about love at first sight? He shakes his head as if he could shake the thought right out of it. 

Felix has already drifted away to another part of the shop, leaving Hyunjin to his thoughts. The day is only about halfway over, so he decides to get back into it. The bouquets aren’t going to arrange themselves after all.

It’s a few days later when Felix comes bounding into the living room, the triumphant expression on his face lighting up the space. 

“Come now, Yongbok-ah,” Minho deadpans from his spot on the couch. “You really shouldn’t mope around like this. Really brings the mood down.”

Felix sticks his tongue out at him and focuses in on Hyunjin. “Okay, what is my thank you prize?” He looks at him expectantly, but Hyunjin is at a loss.

“Your prize?”

Felix blinks big, bright eyes at him. “Yeah. Like, a reward?” 

“Baby, I am not picking up what you’re putting down.” Hyunjin tries to come up with some idea of what he’s talking about. Then it hits him. “Wait. Did you actually find him?”

“Find him?” Minho’s tone says that he doesn’t care, but he wouldn’t have asked if that were the case. He hums. “Ah, the baseball boy.”

Hyunjin has to hold himself back from yelling, “How did you find him?”

“Bitch, you know that video of you kissing was all over the internet,” Felix says it like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “Even though your man barely exists online, it’s statistically unlikely that all his friends are, like, hermits. I actually managed to find his hot friend that was with him at the game. We’ve been dming, and he agreed to give you Seungmin’s phone number if we can, like,  prove that you’re you.”

“Seungmin?” It’s perfectly him.

“Yes! That’s his name!” Felix jumps up to go rummage around the craft bin. “And mine’s name is Changbin.”

Minho laughs. “You’re already claiming this rando as yours?”

“Um, yes, hyung. Look at his arms.” Felix comes back to sit between them and pulls up Changbin’s instagram. He has plenty of pictures and clips of himself working out or in the gym, showing off his many assets. “And his thighs, and back, and arms, and face, and arms, hello?”

“You know you just said arms three times, right?”

“Hyung, you have eyes, right? I wanna sink my teeth into those biceps.”

Hyunjin knows he needs to reign him back in if he ever wants to be able to talk to Seungmin. He snaps in front of Felix’s face to drag his gaze away from the screen before he starts drooling. “Lixie. Honey. Seungmin?”

“Oh right!” He notices the ribbon in Felix’s hand. Suddenly his dark locks are being pulled up into two little pigtails that make him look like Cindy Lou Who. “Changbin seems super normal and nice, and he says that Seungmin is a great guy.” 

Felix snaps a picture of Hyunjin, not bothering to make sure that he’s ready. Before he can ask what he’s doing, Felix is sending it off to Changbin, presumably. 

“Now all we have to do is wait for his number,” Felix smiles brightly. 

Minho snatches his phone to peruse Changbin’s instagram, and the two of them start talking about him and Felix’s ability to determine how ‘normal’ a person might be. All the while, Hyunjin’s mind is back in that baseball stadium. He thinks about the first good look he had at him. 

Seungmin.

He can hardly believe he has a name to put to the face. To those hands and those lips. He’s spent so much time thinking about him, but they really barely interacted. Hyunjin would be delusional if he couldn’t acknowledge that he’s been romanticizing Seungmin, but to what extent? 

He did kiss me, without knowing me, seeing that I was on a date, Hyunijn tries to put it into appropriate perspective. Granted he might not have realized it was a date, with how Yujin was treating me. Or maybe he just saw that it was a shitty one and wanted to help give me the push I needed to end it. 

It helps that Minho hasn’t shot down the idea of getting in touch with him or truly said anything negative about Hyunjin obsessing over him for the last week and change. As much as he acts like the only reason he lives with him and Felix is because he wants live-in cat sitters and a partial rent, he’s secretly like a mother hen, always taking care of his dongsaengs. 

Hyunjin is brought out of his thoughts by a squeal, followed by a ping on his phone. “And now you have your soon-to-be new boyfriend’s phone number!” Felix giggles. 

“Oh my god, what do I do?” Hyunjin asks, staring down at the message. 

Minho takes his phone this time. “You guys are helpless,” he drawls. “What would you do without me?”

When he hands it back, there’s a new message thread with a single message: ‘Hi. This is Hyunjin, the guy from the kiss cam.’

‘This is fine’ is playing on a loop in Hyunjin’s mind for the next hour and a half while they continue to watch the drama he’d been watching with Minho before Felix showed up. He sees that Felix has been steadily messaging Changbin the whole time, so he knows that if something came up, he’d say something. There are plenty of reasons not to text back right away aside from thinking I’m a freak for searching him out.

He’s on the verge of sending a ‘lol just messing with you’ text when his phone vibrates. He almost knocks his drink off the arm of the couch in his haste to grab it.

“This is why we use tables,” Minho says without sparing him a glance. “You spill on my couch, I throw you in the air fryer, Hwang.”

Hyunjin can’t even be bothered to be concerned or respond. He’s too busy texting back.

😍Seungmin😍:

Hey, yeah, Bin hyung told me he was giving you my number. 

So… I’m sorry I sprung that kiss on you. I should’ve asked you first, or at least talked to you after.

Hyunjin:

Omg hi! I hope it’s not super weird that I got ur number

And no need to apologize! U acted in the moment and I can totally respect that. Plus you didn’t really have the chance to talk to me after… I’m sorry about what Yujin said btw. He was being an ass

😍Seungmin😍:

If I don’t need to apologize, you definitely don’t. You’re not responsible for him regardless of your relationship. Speaking of… can I ask what happened with him after you guys left?

Hyunijn: 

Oh uhhhh not a lot lol I basically just walked home, sent him a vn telling him what a jerk he is, and blocked him

😍Seungmin😍:

Oh good.

I mean. Not good that you had to do that, but based on what I saw you’re better off

Hyunijn:

Ur so right. I should’ve just listened to my roommates after the first date. Guess not everyone is worth getting the benefit of the doubt lol I guess I kinda have you to thank for getting him out of my life. Who knows if he would’ve convinced me to give him another shot if you hadn’t kissed me so thanks 😀

😍Seungmin😍:

I guess I really do wanna take my apology back then lol You’re welcome. So is that why you wanted to reach out?

“Guys,” Hyunjin whines. “He asked why I reached out! What do I say?”

“Simple.” Felix takes Hyunjin’s phone this time. Thankfully he doesn’t immediately hit send on the message he types out, unlike Minho.

‘Yeah I want you to come blow my back out’

“Oh my god, Lix! You cannot send that to him!” Hyunjin scrambles for the phone amidst Felix and Minho’s cackling. He manages to get it back and delete the words without sending it. “God, if I didn’t love you, I’d do a murder. Both of you.”

He moves away from the two menaces, carefully guarding his phone now. He really wants to text Seungmin back, and clearly they’re going to be of no help. He knows that he wants to see him again, but is that too much too quick? If he says yes, what if the intense feelings he’s been having just disappear, and it’s super awkward? What if they don’t, and he isn’t interested?

“Jinnie, we can hear you thinking from over here,” Minho calls as if it’s the most annoying thing he’s ever had to put up with. “Just ask him to meet you for coffee. Offer to bring Yongbok-ah and make it a double date with his muscle man.”

“Ohmigod yes, let’s do that!” Felix shouts. Minho looks disgruntled enough that Hyunjin thinks he might actually murder Felix for yelling in his face. 

It is a good idea, though. Definitely lowers the stakes a bit, knowing he has Felix to fall back on. He decides to follow Minho’s advice.

Hyunijn: 

Kinda! I’d love to thank u and Changbin for sticking up for me too. Would u guys be open to getting a coffee or something? My friend Felix would like to meet Changbin in person too now that they’ve talked

😍Seungmin😍:

I’ll have to check in with hyung, but that sounds nice. Have a place in mind?

Hyunjin:

Have u heard of the cover me cafe and bookstore?

We could meet this sat around 11 if that works for u?

😍Seungmin😍:

Yeah, I think so. I’ll talk to him and let you know? 

“Ahh! Lix, clear your schedule! We have a date on Saturday!”

Felix cheers with him and they immediately start planning what to wear. Minho grumbles something that sounds suspiciously like ‘better find me a hunk to date, too.’ But insists he didn’t say anything when pressed.

⚾︎Seungmin⚾︎

“If you don’t chill, I’m bringing Chan instead.”

Changbin pouts at him. “You can’t do that. I’m driving, plus, I’ve talked to Felix way more than you’ve even thought about Hyunjin. If anyone is getting replaced, it’s you, ‘cause I am 100% going on this date.”

Seungmin rolls his eyes. “I don’t even know if we should be calling this a date. I think he just appreciated that we got him away from that douchebag.”

“Okay, you might not be going on a date, but I am,” Changbin says, pushing him toward the door. “Get a move on, dude.”

They arrive at the cafe a bit early, but as soon as they walk in, Seungmin locks eyes with him. Hyunjin. 

He is so pretty, Seungmin thinks. Kissing someone random at a baseball game was not necessarily on his bucket list, but between that douche acting like it would be a chore and those lips, he kind of couldn’t help himself. Still, he’s not sure if he would’ve done it if he’d realized that this man had the potential to become a regular feature in his life, which is entirely likely based on how Changbin seems to have instantly fallen for his friend. 

He watches as Hyunjin slaps the arm of the man on his left without taking his eyes off of Seungmin. He can’t decide if the prolonged eye contact is a good sign or not considering he’s only just remembered to smile at him. Still. He’s not going to be the one to break it. 

“Hyung,” Seungmin nudges Changbin now. “They’re here already.”

Changbin follows his gaze, big, warm smile on his lips. He waves, and the ethereal blond man beside Hyunjin waves back. “I assumed he uses filters all the time, but is it possible he’s even prettier than his pictures?” 

“Yeah, he’s beautiful,” Seungmin murmurs. He’s pretty sure Hyunjin must’ve read his lips, because he’s turning away, a lovely pink blush popping up on his cheeks, not unlike when he kissed him. He likes having this effect on the man. 

When they get to the table they’re at, both Hyunjin and his friend, Felix, stand. As expected, Changbin kicks things off. He holds out a hand to Hyunjin first. “Hyunjin, nice to officially meet you; I’m Changbin.” Somehow his smile gets bigger as he turns to Felix, who clearly has just as much chill as Changbin does. Felix’s arms fly around his shoulders as they hug like they’re lovers reunited after a long absence. 

“Well, aren’t they getting along like a house on fire,” Hyunjin chuckles before adding sweetly, “Nice to see you again.”

Seungmin offers his own hand. “Yeah, you too.”

“No kiss? Thought you were already at that stage?” Felix giggles.

Hyunjin hisses, “Felix!” and slaps his arm again. 

“Sorry, sorry, kidding.” Felix does not look sorry in the least. He shakes Seungmin’s hand after pretending to go in for a hug with him, too. “I’m Felix, by the way.” 

He kind of reminds Seungmin of Jisung. Chaotic and bright. He’s definitely going to be seeing much more of him. 

“Have you guys ordered yet?” Changbin tips his head back toward the counter.

Felix tells him that they waited for them and heads over to the cashier with Changbin in tow. He must know what Hyunjin wants already, because the taller man sits and gestures to the seat across from him for Seungmin. That or he doesn’t plan on staying long, and this whole thing was meant to be a more comfortable set up for their friends that he planned to leave once they got settled. 

“So Felix is,” Seungmin hesitates for just a second, but it’s enough.

“He can be a lot when he’s excited like this, but he’s like the best friend a guy could ask for,” Hyunjin interjects. “He’s really been looking forward to meeting Changbin.”

Seungmin can’t help but smile at the automatic defense of his friend. “I believe it. I think energetic is the word I wanted to use there. He seems great and not unlike a friend of ours.” He looks back at the counter. “Changbin’s been looking forward to this, too. I’m glad they seem to be on the same wavelength.”

Hyunjin looks relieved. Then his expression turns a little shy again. “I’ve been looking forward to it, too. You guys seemed really nice at the game. Not just because of what you did, but I saw you in line for concessions, too. So when Felix found Changbin on Insta, and he really did seem nice, it felt like a great idea to get together.”

The whole I’m-super-handsome-but-also-clearly-very-nervous thing is really working for him. 

“Yeah, it was,” Seungmin agrees easily. “I’ll admit, it felt a little weird at first, but I think that was my fault. Glad it didn’t keep you from reaching out.” 

A hand claps down on his shoulder, then Changbin sets an iced americano in front of him. “Yep, that’s our Seungminnie. Setting things in motion by making things weird.”

Seungmin’s deadpanned, “You’re so funny, hyung,” is definitely undercut by Felix’s rumbling laugh and Hyunjin’s tinkly giggle. 

“Hey, we appreciate it, though.” Felix’s deep voice is no less shocking the more times Seungmin hears him speak. “‘Cause you also set in motion a break up.”

“A break up is a little bit of an exaggeration, Lix,” Hyunjin pouts. “We weren’t, like, dating dating.” 

“Since you brought it up,” Changbin starts, but Seungmin elbows him. They agreed not to ask about the date. It was already an awkward enough situation. 

“I know, I know,” Hyunjin sighs. “He was a jerk. It’s wild that I was on that date with him to start. From now on, I will listen to the cats when I invite someone in to introduce them, and they don’t like him.”

“You know, I didn’t like him either.”

“I know, Lix,” Hyunjin rolls his eyes. “Honestly, I was including you in ‘the cats.’”

Changbin and Seungmin eye each other for a moment. Changbin is allergic to cats.

Seungmin asks, “How many cats do you have?”

Hyunjin says, “five” as Felix says “three.” They cock their heads at one another then say “three” and “well none, actually,” respectively.

More silent looks pass between the four of them before they all start laughing. 

“Jinnie, you can’t say five when they don’t know us like that,” Felix giggles. 

“Okay, but saying none isn’t really true either,” Hyunjin counters. Luckily, he takes pity on them and explains. “They’re our roommate’s cats. He has three, but I usually joke about how Lix and Minho hyung are cats, too.”

They all laugh again, and Hyunjin goes on to explain why it makes sense enough to warrant him saying he lives with five cats. Felix doesn’t try to deny it, rather professing he’s the best kind of cat anyone could have. He doubles down when Changbin tells them of his allergy. 

The conversation flows from there. Seungmin learns that Hyunjin and Felix work in a flower shop together, owned by Hyunjin’s family. He tells them about his job at the shelter, and Changbin about his work as an accountant. All the while, Seungmin keeps finding himself staring at Hyunjin. He can see when the nervousness gives way to comfortability. Seeing Hyunjin laugh fills him with such warmth that Seungmin finds himself making jokes whenever he sees the opportunity. 

Hyunjin eats it up.

When their drinks and pastries are gone, Seungmin offers to get another round of beverages, and Hyunjin goes up to the counter with him. 

“Changbin seems great,” he says, looking back at their table. Felix has moved around to take Seungmin’s seat. His hand is on Changbin’s arm as he laughs at something he says. Then Changbin is flexing for him, and his expression is a bit more awed. “I think he and Lix are gonna make a good pair.”

Seungmin takes in the fondness on Hyunjin’s face, and nearly forgets to respond until he turns those dark, lovely eyes back on Seungmin. “Yeah, I think they will, too. And he is. A great guy, that is. You don’t have to worry at all, he’ll treat Felix like a prince.” 

Seungmin pays for their drinks and decides to take another chance, albeit a much less risky one than he’d taken at the game that day. “I imagine we’ll be seeing a lot of each other because of them. Though, hopefully because you want to see me again, too.”

The smile he gets in response is dazzling. 

“Yeah, I’d like that.”

They get back to the table just as Changbin and Felix are standing up. They hand off their drinks as Felix tells them, “We’re gonna go for a walk. Do you guys wanna come?” 

Seungmin looks at them, then back at Hyunjin. “I actually had a book I wanted to look for, if you wanna check out the bookstore with me?”

The two of them make their way out of the café side of the building into the fiction shelves. Hyunjin tells him of his admiration for Han Kang’s works, lamenting that he hasn’t read her latest yet. They don’t see it on the shelf, but Seungmin is convinced to pick up a copy of Vegetarian for himself. 

“Oh, I can reread it, and we can talk about it!” Hyunjin says excitedly when he takes it off the shelf. “I haven’t done a buddy read with anyone in a while, but it can be so fun!”

From there they move to the children’s/young adult section. Seungmin starts to explain, “My coworker is married to an American woman, and their daughter was telling me about how much she likes to read when I came over for a session.”

“A session?” Hyunjin interrupts, but he doesn’t mind. 

Seungmin smiles. “Yeah, I do some dog training on the side. I don’t always charge for it, especially if the dog isn’t at the shelter long before they’re adopted, so I’m not sure I’d call it a second job. I just wanna be sure that the dogs will be able to live good lives with their new families.” He can’t help the blush creeping up the back of his neck at the way Hyunjin looks at him then. 

“That is really so sweet, Seungminnie.” 

His ears are burning at the nickname, and he is glad for the excuse to look away as he scans the shelves. Seungmin clears his throat. “Anyway, I thought of this book I read about a Korean American girl based on healing witches from the Gom Clan. I thought she might like it.” He finds what he’s looking for then pauses. “Though there’s another one like this, using Korean mythology. The Dragon Pearl’s protagonist is a fox spirit.”

“Oh, that sounds really fun, too,” Hyunjin nods. He reads the jacket of The Last Fallen Star while Seungmin peeks over in the Y’s to see if the store carries the other book. They do. “This one seems so cute! How are you going to choose?”

Seungmin considers the book in his hand for a moment. “I’ll just get both. Can’t have too many books, right?”

“Right,” Hyunjin grins. 

They walk around the shop a bit longer, talking more about favorite authors and books as well as those they don’t care for for one reason or another. After making his purchases, they agree to walk in the direction of their friends. Hyunjin opts to use the restroom before they go, and while he waits, Seungmin’s eye catches on a book in the ‘new releases’ section. At this point ‘new’ is pushing it, but at least he understands why they didn’t find the title on the regular shelf. 

By the time Hyunjin returns, Seungmin’s already bought it and added it to his bag with the others. They don’t walk for long before they come upon Changbin and Felix. The former has apparently invited them and their roommate to watch the fight at his place tonight. 

Before they part ways, Seungmin pulls Hyunjin aside, pulling We Do Not Part by Han Kang out of the bag. Hyunjin’s eyes go wide as a smile breaks across his face. 

“I saw it just before we left and figured you might want it.” Seungmin shrugs as if it were no big deal, but even before Hyunjin can voice his gratitude, he’s feeling pride at having surprised him with something that clearly has made him very happy. 

Rather than just thanking him, Seungmin jolts as Hyunjin throws his arms around his neck, his body gently pressing against his. “Thank you, Seungminnie! You really didn’t have to do this.”

“I wanted to,” Seungmin murmurs into his hair. Yeah, it was the right choice. Hyunjin steps back, looking a bit bashful now. They say their goodbyes and repeated ‘thank yous’ – for the invite, the drinks, the walk, the book – until they finally part ways.

He already can’t wait to see Hyunjin again tonight.

❀Hyunjin❀

“I’m telling you, hyung, they don’t even need to meet the cats yet for us to know they’re good dudes,” Felix is saying as they pull up to Changbin’s house. “Also, Binnie is allergic to them, but don’t worry, we’ll give him the Hyunjin treatment until he barely ever needs allergy meds when he’s with them.”

“Lix, I’m pretty sure I only acclimated because I literally live with them and my allergy wasn’t too severe to start,” Hyunjin points out, but Felix is undeterred. 

Minho, on the other hand, looks a bit skeptical. He opts to ignore the allergy issue entirely, bringing them back to the matter at hand. “I still say the boys should meet potential boyfriends as soon as possible. I know you have good instincts, Lix-ah, but you’re biased right now.”

“Which is exactly why you had to come with us,” Felix insists, bringing the entire conversation full circle. “You’re no Doongie, but I trust you to give us the go ahead.” 

With a pout, Minho knocks on the door. The man who opens the door is neither Changbin nor Seungmin. He’s taller than Minho and Felix, maybe even taller than Hyunjin is. His zip up hoodie is open to show off his lovely collarbones and impressive pecs. That coupled with the clearly muscular shoulders, wide smile only made more charming by the deep dimples adorning it, and cheekbones that would make Michaelanglo cry, he’s staggeringly beautiful. 

And Minho clearly agrees. Instead of greeting him, he just kind of stands there, slack jawed, for a moment. So Felix steps in, “Hey, Changbin invited us to come watch the fight?”

“Oh, duh,” the beautiful man laughs. “Come on in, you must be Felix and Hyunjin. I’m sorry, but I can’t remember what hyung said your friend’s name is.” He nods to the two of them as he says their names then holds out his hand to Minho, sly smile giving him a striking resemblance to a fox. “I’m Jeongin.”

Luckily, Minho snaps out of his stupor almost immediately and takes his hand. “Minho. Are you one of Changbin’s roommates?”

“Minho,” Jeongin repeats. He shifts to let them inside, takes the case of beer from Minho’s other hand, and waits as they remove their shoes. “Nah, Chan and Jisung hyungs live here. I’m actually Seungmin’s roommate.”

Jeongin leads the way to the living room where the muffled sounds of the television and the other men’s voices become clearer, louder. Someone whose preferred fighter just went down yells, and Changbin is bellowing back in response. Just seeing Felix’s expression when he hears him is enough to make Hyunjin feel like reaching out to them is going to turn out to be one of the best things they ever could’ve done. 

“Changbin hyung!” is the first thing out of Felix’s mouth the second the man in question is in sight. He’s wrapped in a bear hug almost immediately, and Hyunjin grabs the container of brownies out of his hand so he can reciprocate fully. Though, almost as soon as he has it, Seungmin is taking it from him, passing it back to another muscular man standing on his other side. 

It feels natural to hug him hello, granted he doesn’t do it as passionately as Felix does with Changbin. Their hellos are quieter, but no less electrifying. 

“I’m really happy you were able to come,” Seungmin says as they part. Unlike before, he doesn’t move fully out of Hyunjin’s space, and he lets his hand drift down Hyunjin’s arm to hold his hand. With the other, he indicates the man now holding the brownies. “This is Chan, one of Changbin hyung’s roommates. Chan hyung this Hyunjin. Jisung is the one acting like losing a bet to Bin hyung is the end of the world.”

“It is!” Jisung wails, flopping back on the couch. “Have you ever tried to do his workout? Each fight I lose is another week I have to follow it!” 

After his exaggerated sigh, Hyunjin can’t help but let out a little giggle. 

Jisung seems to realize that he has an audience aside from his friends and bolts upright again. “I mean, I’m Jisung. Sorry about that. Nice to meet you.”

They finish up introductions and everyone settles in around the living room, drinks in hand and snacks spread around the table. Before the next fight starts, Changbin gives Hyunjin and Felix a quick run down so they feel like they can participate right away. 

“We’ll keep it simple,” he tells them. “If they land a clean hit, you cheer. If someone falls over, you gasp dramatically.”

“Oh, Hyunjin is a natural at dramatic gasping,” Felix inserts, earning a swat on the thigh. 

Jisung joins in with a final instruction. “Most importantly, if they submit, we scream. Like, feral scream.”

“Well, Lix is all over that,” Hyunjin snorts. “Feral is his middle name.”

“And I wear it like a badge of honor, thank you.”

As the fights go on, Seungmin, his friends, and surprisingly, Minho tell them all about the rules and the fighters. He’d honestly worried that it was going to be kind of like the baseball game where he doesn’t quite understand what’s going on, but they do so well that he and Felix keep up and have a great time. 

Seungmin basically describes the fighters like they’re Pokemon types. Chan, Minho, and Changbin are all giving different variations of gym teacher. Then Jeongin is full of random facts, possibly Hyunjin’s favorite part, while Jisung’s commentary is completely unhinged, but it seems entirely accurate. 

When he tells them, “Homedawg is a blood knight, my dudes. I’m sayin’ he only gets stronger when he’s losing,” Felix starts yelling about “the red mist of anger” and the “sheer bloodlust.” 

Chuckling, Seungmin leans over to say, “Told you I had a friend like Felix.” 

He doesn’t lean away afterward, so Hyunjin keeps his voice low to make sure he stays close. “They could be twins,” he giggles. 

“I know MMA isn’t really your thing, but I hope you’re enjoying tonight so far.” 

Hyunjin is happy that he’s being completely honest when he says, “I’m actually having so much fun tonight. This is what I hoped a sports event date would be like.”

“Jinnie, you sound incredibly lame when you say things like ‘sports event date,’” Minho snarks. He might have a point, but Hyunjin doesn’t appreciate it.

Before he can retort, Felix is up and saying, “To round this out, I think we need to recreate your first sports event date.” He holds up his hands in the shape of a heart.

“Kiss cam!” Jisung yells and basically shoves Felix down into Changbin’s lap. “I got this. Channie, back me up!” 

Hyunjin can’t decide if he’s surprised or not when Chan immediately jumps up to film behind his heart-hands. He starts with them on Changbin and Felix; the former’s ears almost instantly turn bright red as he shouts, “yah, Han Jisung, I swear–” He’s cut off by the latter smacking a kiss on his cheek.

“Lame!” Jisung whips around, nearly hitting himself in the face with Chan’s phone as the older man wasn’t prepared to move so much. Jeongin and Minho are now in ‘frame.’

“Ji, they literally just met,” Chan chastises. 

Jisung just shrugs. “Seungmin hadn’t even met Hyunjin when he kissed him. Kiss cam! Let’s go!”

“You’re not gonna get hyung to do something like that by yelling at him,” Hyunjin laughs. 

Possibly to spite him, Minho shrugs, too, then grabs and kisses Jeongin. The younger man’s face goes beet red amid the hoots and hollers, but he’s definitely smiling. Hyunjin can’t help but grin. I know exactly how you feel.

Then Jisung is turning to Hyunjin and Seungmin. This time, there’s no hesitation. Hyunjin is the one to cup Seungmin’s cheeks, drawing him in to press his lips firmly to his. When he feels Seungmin’s tongue requesting access, he’s quick to deepen the kiss. There’s a mix of cheering and jeering the longer the kiss goes on. When they separate, he thinks that Seungmin looks the way he feels, and he loves it. 

Then Changbin is holding up his own hands in a heart, capturing his roommates now. Jisung puckers up on the spot but starts backtracking when Chan doesn’t move to avoid him. He scrambles to get away, yelling about how you’re not supposed to turn on your camera man. Chan doesn’t let him get far, though, and manages to plant one on him while the rest cheer. Jisung definitely looks flustered afterward, and Hyunjin hears Seungmin giggling beside him. 

By the end of the night, Jisung is pouting over the five weeks he’ll need to follow Changbin’s workout, and Hyunjin has a favorite fighter. On their way out, Seungmin pulls him into the kitchen for a moment.

“I’m really happy you came over tonight,” he’s looking a little more nervous than Hyunjin would expect based on how confident he seems.

“Me too,” Hyunjin decides that if it’s Seungmin’s turn to look nervous, it’s his turn to be bold. He steps in closer, lacing his fingers through Seungmin’s. The smile he gets in return sets off butterflies in his stomach. “I really liked getting to know you and your friends.”

“Same here, but I’m hoping that next time it can be just us.”

Hyunjin’s ears start to feel a little warm as he moves even closer. There’s just a breath between them now. He asks, “Next time?”

“Yeah,” Seungmin nods with a slight squeeze of his hand. Whatever nervousness Hyunjin noticed before is gone, replaced by an easy grin and bright eyes. “I’d like to take you on a real date, just the two of us. Maybe we could go out for dinner, or do something more in your wheelhouse so you can teach me about it?”

“I’d like that a lot.” Hyunjin might say more, but he’s interrupted by Minho and Felix calling for him. “I better get going.” 

He starts to pull away, but Seungmin stops him with a hand on his waist. It floats up to cup his cheek as he says, “I’ll walk you out, but first…” Then Seungmin is kissing him again. It’s short and sweet and perfect. 

They walk back to the entryway hand in hand. After a round of quick goodbyes and another kiss, on the cheek this time, the three of them head home. Felix talks dreamily about Changbin for the majority of the ride, and Minho tells them he ended up getting Jeongin’s number. When pressed, he just shrugs and tells them it was a good kiss. Hyunjin tells them about Seungmin asking him out, and Felix squeals while Minho nods in approval. 

⚾︎Seungmin⚾︎

When the day of their date comes, Seungmin ends up picking Hyunjin up from the flower shop. He walks in holding a bouquet of jelly candies. Felix gives him an amused and confused look from behind the counter. 

“Well it seems like you guys are set on flowers, so I figured sweets might be a better gift,” Seungmin explains with a shrug.

“Stop, you’re so cute.” Felix reaches for the bunch. “Let me wrap the ‘stems’ for you before Hyuni comes out.”

The tissue paper definitely does add to the bouquet look, so Seungmin is grateful for it. When Hyunjin emerges from the back of the house, Seungmin has to take a beat just to look at him. When he notices him, Hyunjin’s smile amplifies. 

Breathtaking. Seungmin clears his throat and extends his bouquet toward him. “Hi Hyunjin. You ready for our date, or do you need to finish anything up first?”

“Oh my gosh, thank you! This is my favorite brand!” Hyunjin looks truly pleased, and Seungmin fights the urge to puff out his chest in pride. He picks out a strawberry one and turns back to Felix. “Lix-ah, can you take these home for me? I’m heading out now.” Hyunjin comes around the counter and takes Seungmin’s hand with a coy “Shall we?”

The Pureun Arboretum ends up being the perfect choice for their date. They wander through several of the different gardens, and Hyunjin points out different flowers to tell him their meanings and sometimes how to tell them apart from similar looking ones. Seungmin never guessed how much he’d learn going through the rose garden, not realizing that each color has a different meaning as well. In the wildflower garden, Seungmin picks flowers that he’d put in a bouquet while Hyunjin tells him what works together and doesn’t.

It’s actually a lot of fun. 

As is their dinner afterwards. When Seungmin pulls up to Hyunjin’s apartment building, he only plans to walk him to his door, but Hyunjin has other plans.

“If you have time, I’d love for you to come in for a bit. A night cap, if you will,” Hyunjin chuckles, his nervousness showing again. 

A light bulb goes off, and Seungmin remembers their conversation at the café the previous Saturday. He bites his lip in a smile and says, “Of course. Gotta let Purrberus make their judgement, yeah?”

Hyunijn guffaws, repeating ‘Purrberus’ under his breath as he nods and opens the door. Almost immediately a tabby cat comes skittering into the entryway. He’s sniffing Seungmin’s shoes the second he toes them off. Hyunjin scoops him up and introduces him as Dori. 

“Hi there, Dori,” Seungmin coos as he lifts his hand for the cat to smell him. Two sniffs and he’s bunting his little head against Seungmin’s knuckles, demanding pets. He grins at Hyunjin. “One down, two to go?”

“You got it,” Hyunjin giggles. He leads the way to the living room where they’re met by the sight of Felix and Minho on either end of a sectional coach, an orange and white cat on each of their laps. 

“Welcome home,” Felix says as he waves with one of his cat’s paws.

At the same time, Minho greets them with a simple, “Gentlemen, how was dinner?”

Hyunjin pulls Seungmin to sit in the center of the sectional. He keeps Dori on his own lap as they talk about their date. Hyunjin talks about the gardens like they went to the KBO Korean Series. It’s adorable. Seungmin reaches over to pet Dori a few times before catching Hyunjin’s hand in his own. 

 After watching videos and chatting with his roommates for a bit, Seungmin decides to untangle their fingers so he can slide his arm around Hyunjin’s shoulders. Eventually the cat in Felix’s lap, Doongie, makes his way over. After a slightly more thorough sniff down, he crawls into Seungmin’s lap. Felix and Hyunjin cheer; Minho smirks. 

“Well, now that I’ve been released, I think I’m heading to bed,” Felix says with a stretch. He winks over at them. “I decided to take someone’s opening shift tomorrow, so I need my beauty sleep. Lovely to see you again, Seungmin. Hope to see you again soon.”

Minho ends up staying for a bit longer when they start a movie, but Seungmin notices him yawning several times. Hyunjin must, too. “Hyung, do you need me to grab Soonie so you can get up and go to bed?”

“I don’t need to wait for a cat to get up; I’m not weak like Felix,” Minho snarks. 

Hyunjin’s eyebrows shoot up. He eyes the cat, Soonie, and asks, “Then why didn’t you go to bed half an hour ago?”

Minho just blinks at him for a minute before saying, “I may suffer from Furalysis from time to time, but who can blame me? Look at this perfect boy! He needs his sleep, too.”

Hyunjin and Seungmin both laugh at that. “I’m not sure that makes you any better than Felix, Minho hyung,” Seungmin points out. 

He’s met with a deadeye stare, unwavering as the older man slowly tucks his hands under his cat and lifts him, still sleeping, off his lap. He places him back down in his newly vacated seat. 

“Careful, Seungmin-ah,” Hyunjin stage whispers. “It’s important to keep both human cats on your side as well.”

Minho fake hisses at him, waking the cat he’d tried so hard to avoid bothering. He tilts his head up with a roll of his eyes. Seungmin almost feels bad about joining Hyunjin in his giggling. “You know what? Go over to him, Soonie. If you feel like you need to scratch or bite him, I support you, aegi,” he says as he shoos Soonie towards them. Minho heads toward his room, and Doognie gets up to follow him, giving Soonie the opportunity to take his spot in Seungmin’s lap.

“I’m three for three,” Seungmin calls out with a cocky smile. Minho throws a middle finger up in the air just before he turns out of sight. Seungmin hadn’t been particularly worried about passing the test; animals typically like him. Still, having the confirmation from the three of them, in the face of Minho’s faux anger, is particularly satisfying. He turns to Hyunjin. “Do I win a prize?” 

Almost as if he read his mind, Hyunjin leans in to whisper, “How’s this?” Before his lips are on Seungmin’s. There’s a new passion behind the kiss, though with the cats in their laps, it can’t go too far.

Hyunjin pulls back, moving the cats with much less hesitance than Minho or Felix. He replaces Soonie, settling himself in Seungmin’s lap and wrapping his arms around his neck. 

If Seungmin were a cat, he’s pretty sure he’d be purring. “This is perfect,” he murmurs as he gently cups Hyunjin’s cheek to draw him in for another kiss. It’s soft at first, but soon turns heated. They explore each other’s bodies with light caresses, and when Hyunjin shifts to straddle him, Seungmin’s hands start to slip beneath Hyunjin’s shirt. 

“Yah!” Minho’s shout startles them apart. “Knock it off or get a room. All this PDA is scaring the cats.”

Hyunjin looks around them, confused. “The cats aren’t even in here anymore, hyung.”

Minho glares at them for a second. “It’s me; I’m the cats, and I’m afraid you’re about to defile my couch.”

Seungmin laughs, “Sorry Minho, hyung.” He glances over at the clock, then gives Hyunjin’s waist a squeeze. “I should actually probably head out, Hyuni.”

Hyunjin’s pout is so cute, Seungmin reconsiders. With a shake of his head, he remembers that he agreed to help Jeongin first thing in the morning. He presses a kiss to his jaw and asks, “To be continued? Soon?”

Hyunjin agrees and walks him to the door. After a few goodnight kisses, Seungmin is on his way home and already planning their second date.