ํธ๋์ด๋ ์ ๋งํ๋ฉด ์จ๋ค - Speak of the Devil!
Summary: Five years ago, Mingi had to make a choiceโbetween you and his career. Back then, he chose his career, which soared rapidly afterward. Famous, beloved, celebrated all over the world. You, on the other hand, were left behindโalone, broken, and hurt. And as fate would have it, you meet again, and things take an unexpected turnโฆ
a/n: Everyone, the story is continuing, and weโre making great progress toward the end! There are only one or two chapters left, plus I have a hilarious bonus chapter planned for you! Thank you all so much for your likes, comments, and reblogsโthey mean a lot to me!
โIโm not hiding anything.โ
โYou are absolutely hiding something.โ
โIโm literally not.โ
โYou flinched like your life depended on that coat staying on.โ
He reaches for the coat again. You grab it tightly, holding it closed like your dignity depends on it.(Actually, It does.) Wooyoung gasps dramatically.
โYouโre not wearing anything under there, are you?โ
โI AM WEARING THINGS.โ
โWhat kind of things?โ
โThat was not convincing.โ
You try to move past him again. He sidesteps. Still smiling. Still very entertained.
โWho are you here for?โ he asks knowingly.
โSo you just came here, dressed like a mystery, to see no one.โ
โWow,โ he says, nodding. โMakes total sense.โ
You glare at him. Youโre so fucked.
โI have business here.โ
He laughs. Actually laughs.
โThis is the worst lie Iโve ever heard.โ
โIโm impressed, honestly.โ
โNot until I figure out whatโs under the coat.โ
โYou will not.โ You step back.
He suddenly reaches againโfaster this time. You squeakโactually squeakโand spin away, clutching the coat tighter.
โI KNEW IT,โ he shouts, pointing at you like he just solved a crime. โYou are hiding something!โ
โThis is sexual harassment!โ
โThis is interesting!โ
You back up until you hit the wall. Trapped. He leans in slightly, eyes sparkling with mischief.
โโฆIs this for Mingi?โ he asks, lowering his voice. You freeze.
Thatโs all the confirmation he needs. His grin turns devilish.
โOh, this is definitely for Mingi.โ
Before you can argue furtherโ A door down the hall opens. Speak of the devil. Mingi steps out. Mid-sentence, talking to someone behind him. Mingi stares at you. You stare at Mingi. Wooyoung looks between the two of you like he just hit the jackpot.
โโฆWhy is she here?โ Wooyoung repeats amused. Your brain? Empty. Gone. Evaporated.
โIโuhโโ you start.
โMeeting,โ Mingi cuts in quickly.
You both pause. Wooyoung raises an eyebrow.
โYes,โ Mingi nods, way too fast. โImportant meeting.โโ Withโฆ?โ Wooyoung asks, already smiling. Mingi gestures vaguely in your direction. โHer.โ
Wooyoung looks at you. Then at him. Then back at you.
โโฆThatโs your explanation?โ
โYes,โ Mingi says firmly. โProfessional.โ
You nod. Also too fast. โVery professional.โ
Wooyoung slowly crosses his arms.
Mingi blinks. โโฆWhat outfit?โ
Wooyoung gestures at you dramatically. โThe outfit. The coat. The heels. The fact that sheโs guarding that thing like it holds state secrets.โ
Mingi laughs. Fake. Painfully fake.
โI donโt know what youโre talking about.โ
Wooyoung turns to you immediately. โOpen the coat.โ
Time stops. You choke. โWhat?โ
Mingi steps forward instantly. โAbsolutely not.โ You, at the exact same time: โAre you insane?!โ
The synchronization is suspicious. Very suspicious. Wooyoungโs grin widens like this is the best day of his life.
โOh my god,โ he breathes. โYouโre fucking each other, right?.โ
โYes!โ he fires back.
โSheโs justโcold!โ Mingi adds.
โIn lingerie?โ Wooyoung shoots back without missing a beat. Silence. Mingi freezes. You freeze.
โโฆWhat?โ Mingi says slowly.
Wooyoung points at you. โSheโs definitely wearing something illegal under there.โ
โITโS NOT ILLEGAL,โ you blurt out. Another mistake.
Wooyoung gasps. โSo there is something!โ
You slam your eyes shut for a second. Mingi drags a hand down his face.
โThis is going great,โ he mutters.
โOpen it,โ Wooyoung insists again, stepping closer. You take a step back. Mingi steps forward. You both look at him like he just asked you to jump off a cliff.
โNo,โ Mingi says flatly.
Wooyoung looks between you again, delighted.
โYouโre both reacting like I asked you to cut off your feet.โ
โBecause that would be less embarrassing,โ you snap.
โSpeak for yourself,โ Mingi mutters. Footsteps echo down the hallway. All three of you freeze. Voices getting closer. Mingiโs head snaps toward the sound.
โโฆOh, no,โ he breathes.
Wooyoung turns slightly. โOh, itโs fineโโ
โNo, itโs not fine,โ Mingi cuts in, suddenly moving. Fast. Before either of you can react, he grabs your wristโand Wooyoungโs sleeveโ
โWhat are you doingโโ Wooyoung starts, laughing and drags both of you down the hall.
โHeyโHEYโโ you protest, trying not to lose your balance in heels. A door flies open. A small storage room. Before you can process anythingโ Mingi shoves both of you inside. The door shuts behind you with a quiet click. Dark. Tight. Way too small for three people. You stumble slightlyโstraight into Mingi. Wooyoung bumps into both of you from the other side. Now youโre all pressed together. Very. Very close. Mingi braces a hand against the wall, leaning in slightly, listening to the footsteps pass outside.
โDonโt. Make. A. Sound,โ he whispers sharply. Wooyoung, completely unfazed, leans in closer with a grin.
โWell,โ he murmurs, clearly enjoying himself way too much, โthis is new.โ
You try to move. You canโt. There is nowhere to go. Your coat is still clutched tightly in your hands. Mingi is very aware of that. Wooyoung is even more aware.
โโฆYou know,โ Wooyoung continues casually, glancing between you two in the dim light, โIโve always wondered how this would feel.โ
Mingi turns his head slowly. โDonโt.โ
โBeing trapped in a tiny room with both of you?โ Wooyoung finishes, ignoring him completely. โKinda lived up to the expectation.โ
โWooyoung,โ you warn.
โIf you touch this coat, I will end you.โ
He laughs under his breath. โConfirmed. Definitely something under there.โ
Mingi exhales quietly, forehead almost hitting the wall.
โโฆWe are so screwed,โ he mutters.
Outside, the footsteps fade. Silence returns. Inside the storage roomโ not so silent. Because Wooyoung still smiling Still curious. Still absolutely not letting this go.
โOh, Iโm not done,โ he whispers. Mingi closes his eyes.
The storage room is still chaos. Still too small. Still somehow holding three grown people and a disaster-level secret. Mingi is pressed against the wall like heโs trying to merge with it. You are somewhere in the middle. Wooyoung is enjoying this way too much. He tilts his head at the two of you, completely casual.
โSo,โ he says lightly, like theyโre talking about the weather, โhow long has this been going on?โ
Mingi reacts first. โWhatโnoโโ
You cut in immediately, too fast. โItโs not going on.โ
Wooyoung hums. โRight.โ He looks between you both again, unimpressed.
โYouโre both terrible liars.โ
Mingi exhales sharply. โNothing is going on.โ
Wooyoung nods slowly. โMhm.โ
You try again, weaker this time. โWeโre notโtogether.โ
โSure,โ Wooyoung says instantly. Thatโs what makes it worse. Because he doesnโt sound surprised. He sounds like heโs been waiting for confirmation.
Mingi narrows his eyes. โโฆYou knew.โ
Wooyoung shrugs. โI suspected.โ
โThatโs notโโ you start.
โIt is,โ he cuts in casually. โYou two have been acting weird for weeks. I just didnโt know if I was allowed to say it out loud that you fucking like rabbits โฆagain.โ
Mingi looks like he wants to disappear again. You sigh. Long. Defeated.
โโฆFine,โ you admit quietly.
Mingi turns to you immediately. โWaitโโ
โYes,โ you continue. โItโsโฆ happening.โ
his entire face lights up.
โOh my GOD,โ he says, like he just won something. Before either of you can react, he throws his arms around both of you in the tightest, most chaotic hug imaginable. Mingi immediately chokes. โWOOYOUNGโ!โ
You, on the other hand, freeze for half a secondโ
then let out a breath you didnโt realize you were holding.
โโฆDonโt make this weird,โ you mutter, but you donโt push him away.
Wooyoung ignores Mingi completely and squeezes you tighter.
โI KNEW IT,โ he whispers dramatically. โI KNEW IT.โ
Mingi is suffering. Very visibly. Because he is tall, strong, and currently being used as an unwilling human wall while Wooyoung clings to both of you like a koala with opinions.
โGet. Off,โ Mingi grits out.
โNo,โ Wooyoung says happily.
โโฆHeโs not wrong,โ you say quietly.
Mingi stares at you. Betrayal. Deep betrayal. Wooyoung leans his head slightly against your shoulder now, still smiling like a menace.
โThis is adorable,โ he declares.
โIt is not,โ Mingi snaps.
โIt kind of is,โ Wooyoung insists.
You donโt answer that. Because something about thisโstanding pressed between them, the chaos, the ridiculous secrecyโmakes your chest feel a little too warm for your own rules. So you just sigh again and lean back slightly into the only available space. Which unfortunately is still Mingi. He stiffens. Immediately. Wooyoung notices instantly.
โOh,โ he says slowly, grinning. โWeโre doing this again?โ
Mingi closes his eyes. โPlease stop talking.โ
Wooyoung doesnโt. Of course he doesnโt. Instead, he shifts slightlyโstill glued to your side, still unbotheredโand then casually asks:
โSo what, red or black?โ
โUnderwear,โ he says simply. โIโm just curious now.โ
Mingi makes a sound like his soul is leaving his body.
โNo,โ he says immediately. โNope. Thatโs where we stop. Thatโs the line. Thatโs the end of human civilization.โ
You open your mouth to protestโ
then stop. Look at the situation. The closet. The arms. The chaos. Wooyoung grinning like a disaster. Mingi slowly losing his will to live. You exhale.
โโฆBlack,โ you say finally, defeated.
Wooyoung gasps like youโve given him sacred knowledge. Mingi just stares at the ceiling of the closet. Completely done.
โโฆI hate both of you,โ he mutters.
Wooyoung smiles brightly. โNo you donโt.โ
The moment in the storage room finally shifts from absolute chaos to something slightly more survivable. Mostly because Wooyoung eventually runs out of breath from laughing. He wipes his eyes, still grinning like heโs just won something extremely important.
โOkay,โ he says, exhaling. โOkay, Iโm done. For now.โ
Mingi straightens immediately. โGood. Then weโre leaving.โ
You nod quickly. โYes. Leaving. Right now.โ
Wooyoung leans back against the shelf one last time, clearly enjoying himself far too much.
โYouโre lucky Iโm in a good mood,โ he says.
Mingi mutters, โWe are not lucky.โ
You step toward the door carefully, like the hallway itself might expose you again. When it finally opens, bright light spills in and the three of you practically spill out of the closet. Mingi adjusts his shirt immediately, trying to recover dignity. You fix your coat.
Wooyoung? He looks thrilled. The hallway is empty. For now. You turn to him immediately.
โListen,โ you say quickly, lowering your voice. โYouโre not saying anything. To anyone.โ Mingi nods sharply. โNot a word.โ
Wooyoung tilts his head. โAnd why would I do that?โ
โBecause,โ you say carefully, โthis is private. And we donโt want Sia and Nari getting confused about anything.โ
Mingi adds immediately, โTheyโre too young. They donโt need to know aboutโฆ adult complications.โ
Wooyoung hums, considering that. Then grins.
You both stare at him. He lifts his hands. โRelax. I wonโt say anything.โ
Mingi narrows his eyes. โPromise?โ
Wooyoung places a hand over his chest dramatically. โI swear.โ
Then he leans in slightly.
โI will absolutely not tell anyone that you two are secretly in a โnothing serious, completely physical, definitely not emotionally involvedโ situation.โ
โโฆThat was very specific,โ you say flatly. Wooyoung smiles innocently. โI pay attention.โ Mingi exhales through his nose. โThis is already a mistake.โ
โRelax,โ Wooyoung repeats cheerfully. โYour secret is safe with me.โ
He steps forward. And immediately wraps his arms around Mingi again. Mingi goes rigid. โWhy are you doing this?โ
โEmotional support,โ Wooyoung says proudly.
The problem isโ Wooyoung is significantly smaller than Mingi. So he basically clings around Mingiโs torso like an overly enthusiastic backpack, while Mingi stands there like a very tall, very tired human pole trying to survive it. Mingi looks down at him. โLet go.โ
You let out a quiet laugh despite yourself. Mingi shoots you a look like this is your fault somehow. Wooyoung shifts slightly and immediately grabs your arm too, pulling you in. Now itโs all three of you againโawkwardly stacked together in the hallway. Mingi in the middle, clearly suffering. Wooyoung attached to both of you like a chaotic glue. And you, stuck between trying not to laugh and trying not to think about how warm everything feels.
โThis is humiliating,โ Mingi mutters.
โItโs bonding,โ Wooyoung corrects.
โItโs not bonding,โ Mingi replies.
You shake your head slightly. โWe are never doing this again.โ
Wooyoung grins up at both of you.
Then he finally releases you, stepping back.
โIโll see you later,โ he adds.
The zoo is unusually quiet, the kind of calm that feels almost unreal. No crowds, no whispers, no camerasโjust the soft chatter of children and the distant sounds of animals. Sia and Nari are already a few steps ahead, their laughter echoing as they walk between Yunho and Yeosang, each of them pointing excitedly at something new. You trail behind with Mingi, hands tucked into your jacket pockets, matching his slow pace. Heโs talkingโsomething about a new Fix Off projectโand despite yourself, youโre listening carefully, nodding now and then.
โโฆand weโre thinking of taking it in a slightly different direction this time,โ he says, glancing at you. โSomething moreโโ
Before he can finish, his hand suddenly wraps around your wrist.
โHeyโ!โ you squeak, startled, as he pulls you off the path.
โMingiโwhat are youโ?!โ
You barely have time to react before he drags you into a small photo booth tucked between two vending machines. The curtain falls shut behind you, enclosing you in the familiar, cramped space. You stare at him, wide-eyed. โAre you insane?โ He just grins, that same cocky, infuriating grin you remember far too well. โCome on. Donโt tell me youโve forgotten.โ
Of course you havenโt. Photobooths were always your thing. No matter where you were, if you spotted one, you dragged each other insideโlaughing, squeezing into the tiny space, collecting strips of silly, soft, too-happy pictures. Your expression falters for a second. โThat wasโฆ different.โ
โWas it?โ he tilts his head, already reaching for the button. โFeels pretty similar to me.โ
You hesitate. Because heโs rightโand thatโs exactly the problem. Youโre not a couple anymore. Youโre not supposed to beโฆ this. But then he looks at you like thatโeasy, confident, like he already knows youโll give inโand it annoys you just enough to stay.
โโฆFine,โ you mutter. His grin widens. The screen flashes, counting down.
The first picture snaps with you still slightly stiff, shoulders tense, while Mingi leans casually closer, smiling like this is the most natural thing in the world. The second countdown starts almost immediately. You barely have time to react before you feel itโhis lips, warm and quick, pressing against your cheek. Your eyes widen just as the camera clicks.
โMingiโ!โ you gasp, turning toward him, but heโs already watching you, amused.
โRelax,โ he murmurs. The third countdown begins. You open your mouth to say somethingโto warn him, to remind himโ
But then his hand comes up, gentle but certain, tilting your chin toward him. And before you can stop itโ
He kisses you. Soft. Brief. But unmistakable. The flash goes off. You freeze for half a second before pulling back sharply, staring at him. โAre you serious right now?โ He looks entirely unbothered. Your hand comes up, lightly hitting his arm. โWe had rules, Mingi.โ
โI remember,โ he says easily.
โNo flirting in public. No giving people the wrong idea.โ Your voice lowers, but the edge is still there. โNo acting like weโreโโ
โLike weโre what?โ he interrupts, one brow lifting. You glare at him. He just leans back against the booth wall, completely relaxed, that smug, infuriating charm dialed all the way up.
โRelax,โ he repeats, softer this time, eyes flicking briefly to your lips before meeting your gaze again. โItโs just pictures.โ
โJust pictures,โ you echo, unimpressed. The machine whirs, printing the strip. You grab it the second it drops, glancing down despite yourself.
Oneโฆ something else entirely. Your grip tightens slightly. Mingi leans over your shoulder, close enough that you can feel his presence without even looking.
โSee?โ he murmurs. โStill got it.โ You roll your eyes, pushing past him and stepping out of the booth. โYouโre unbelievable.โ
Behind you, you hear his quiet chuckle. A wink, when you glance back. Arrogant. Charming. Completely insufferable And somehowโฆ exactly the same, that made you fall in love with him.
The apartment is quiet by the time you close the door to the girlsโ room. Sia had insisted on one more story. Nari had already been half asleep, curled into Mingiโs side, her tiny hand clutching his shirt like she didnโt want to let go. It took both of you a while to finally settle them down. Now, the soft glow of the nightlight spills into the hallway. Mingi lingers for a moment, hand still on the doorknob, like heโs not quite ready to leave.
โTheyโre out,โ you murmur quietly.
He nods, glancing back at the door with a small, almost disbelieving smile. โYeah.โ
Thereโs something about the way he looks tonightโsofter around the edges. Less guarded. It does something dangerous to your chest.
โWellโฆโ he clears his throat, straightening slightly. โI should probablyโโ
The word leaves your mouth before you can overthink it. He freezes. Slowly turns his head toward you. Your heart starts racing immediately, but you donโt take it back. Instead, you hold his gaze, even if your voice comes out quieter this time.
Thereโs a flicker in his eyesโsurprise, then something deeper. Something he quickly masks behind a familiar smirk.
โCareful,โ he murmurs, stepping closer. โYouโre the one who made the rules.โ
You swallow. โI know.โ
โIโm breaking them.โ
Later, the world feels smaller. Quieter. Youโre lying tangled together beneath the blankets, your head resting against his chest, his arm draped lazily around you. The steady rhythm of his breathing fills the room. For onceโฆ thereโs no tension. No rules. Just this.
โThey really are different,โ he says after a while, voice low, almost thoughtful. His fingers trace absent patterns along your arm. โSiaโฆ sheโsโโ
โChaos?โ you suggest.
He huffs a quiet laugh. โExactly. But she looks exactly like you.โ
You smile faintly against his skin. โUnfortunately, she got your personality.โ
โHey,โ he protests lightly. โThatโs a blessing.โ
โAnd Nariโฆโ he continues, softer now. โSheโs calmer. Watches everything.โ
โLike you,โ you say. Thereโs a small pause.
โLooks like me,โ he corrects. โBut that attitude?โ His hand tightens slightly around you. โThatโs all you.โ
You shift a little, tilting your head to look up at him. โTheyโve always been like that.โ
He glances down. โWhat do you mean?โ
A small smile tugs at your lips, distant and warm. โEven before they were born. Sia wouldnโt stop movingโkicking, turning, constantly active.โ You let out a soft breath. โAnd Nariโฆ she was always quiet. Calm. Like she was justโฆ there.โ His expression changes. Something more focused. More serious.
โโฆyou went through all that alone,โ he says quietly.
You donโt answer that. Instead, you shift slightly, about to brush it offโbut then he speaks again.
โWhat did you look like?โ
โWhen you were pregnant.โ His voice is softer now. Careful, even. โWith them.โ
The air shifts. For a second, you hesitate. Because that timeโฆ it wasnโt soft. It wasnโt warm. It wasnโt this. It was heavy. Lonely. Painful in ways you donโt usually let yourself revisit.
But then you look at him. Really look at him. At his eyesโdark, steady, and for onceโฆ completely open. And something in your chest loosens. You exhale quietly, slipping out from under his arm.
He watches you without a word as you lean down, reaching under the bed. After a moment, you pull out a worn photo album.
โMina made this,โ you explain, climbing back beside him. โShe documented everything.โ
His brows lift slightly, curiosity immediately taking over as he takes the album from your hands. Carefully, almost reverently, he opens it. The first few pages are softโsmall moments. Smiles. Milestones. You point at one picture, a faint laugh escaping you. โThat was the first time Sia kicked so hard I thought something was wrong.โ
He huffs quietly, eyes scanning every detail like heโs trying to memorize it.
โAnd thatโโ you continue, leaning slightly closer, โโwas when I couldnโt see my own feet anymore.โ
He chuckles under his breath. He stops. Completely. Your gaze follows his. And you immediately groan.
โOh my god,โ you mutter, covering your face briefly. โNot that one.โ The picture isโฆ unmistakable. You, heavily pregnant. Round, swollen, exhaustedโand very aware of it even now. You roll your eyes dramatically. โGo ahead. Laugh. I know I look like a whale.โ
Without missing a beat, you nudge his shoulder. โYour fault, by the way. Youโre huge. Of course the kids would be too.โ
For a split second, he does laugh. A short, surprised sound.
โYeah,โ he mutters, shaking his head. โThat tracks.โ
His eyes linger on the picture longer than expected. Not amused. Not teasing. Focused. Slowly, his thumb brushes over the edge of the page, almost absent-minded.
โYouโre wrong, you know that?โ he says quietly. You blink, lowering your hands slightly. โAbout what?โ
He tilts the album just a little, like heโs studying the photo from a different angle, then glances at you.
โYou didnโt look like a whale.โ
Thenโthere it is. That familiar spark in his eyes, softer now, but still unmistakably Mingi.
โYou lookedโฆโ he hums, like heโs searching for the right word, though the slight smirk says he already has one, โfucking sexy.โ
โFucking sexyโ? Mingiโโ
โIโm serious,โ he cuts in, far too easily. โIf I had seen you like that back thenโฆโ His gaze drifts briefly over you, slow, unapologetic. โI wouldnโt have left the house. Ever.โ
Heat rushes to your face immediately. โYouโre unbelievable, Mingi. My ass was huge and i had a big baby bump.โ
โAnd you were carrying my kids?โ he adds, quieter now, something warmer slipping into his tone. โ โFirst of all, you know Iโve always had a thing for your assโ the rounder, the better. Second, that big baby bump of yours โฆYou looked gorgeous. And thirdโฆโ he smirks, โyour boobs were huge. Yeahโฆ thatโs not exactly a turn-off.โ
You huff, trying to brush it off, but your heart stumbles anyway.
โYour standards are questionable.โ
โMy standards are you,โ he shoots back without missing a beat.
Thatโฆ fucking shuts you up. For a second too long. His smirk softens, just slightly, as he watches your reactionโlike he didnโt fully mean to say it that wayโฆ or maybe he did.
The air between you shifts. The silence lingers for a second longer than it should. You clear your throat lightly, shifting the mood before it gets too heavy.
โI had the worst cravings, by the way,โ you mumble, leaning back slightly against him again, eyes dropping to the album in his hands. His brows lift immediately. โOh?โ
You nod, a small, embarrassed smile tugging at your lips. โLikeโฆ really bad. Chocolate and pickles.โ He freezes. Then slowly turns his head toward you. โIโm sorryโwhat?โ
โDonโt look at me like that,โ you huff, nudging his side. โIt was the only thing that made sense at the time.โ
โThatโs criminal,โ he mutters, shaking his head. โYou were out there committing food crimes while carrying my kids?โ
You roll your eyes, but thereโs a quiet laugh slipping out anyway.
โAnd the mood swingsโฆโ you continue, softer now. โGod. One second I was fine, the next I was crying because I dropped a spoon.โ
He snorts quietly. โI can actually picture that.โ
A small pause followsโcomfortable this time. Then you inhale, hesitating just slightly. โAndโฆ from the second trimester on I was also justโโ You stop. Mingi notices immediately. His head tilts. โYou were what?โ
You shake your head quickly. โNothing.โ
โNo, no,โ he says, closing the album halfway, attention fully on you now. โYou donโt get to start a sentence like that and then bail.โ
โItโs not important.โ
โThat means it definitely is.โ
You look away, suddenly very interested in a random spot on the wall. โMingi.โ
โWhat?โ he presses, nudging you lightly. โTell me.โ
You let out a quiet groan. โWhy are you like this?โ
โBecause youโre hiding something,โ he replies easily. โAnd I donโt like that.โ
You hesitate again. He doesnโt let it go.
โCome on,โ he murmurs, leaning closer, voice dropping just enough to make your stomach flip. โWhat were you about to say?โ
You glare at him briefly. He just smiles. Arrogant. Patient. Completely unrelenting.
โโฆfine,โ you mutter under your breath.
His grin widens. You exhale, already regretting this. โI wasโฆ in the mood. A lot.โ
For a second, he just stares at you. Like youโve completely lost your mind. Your face heats up instantly. โDonโt say anything.โ
โIโm not,โ he says. Still staring. That familiar, dangerous smirk creeps onto his lips.
You immediately regret everything.
โOh,โ he repeats, leaning back slightly, eyes dragging over you in a way that makes your pulse spike. โThatโs interesting.โ
โSecond trimester, huh?โ he continues casually, like heโs analyzing something very serious. โGood to know.โ
You shove his shoulder lightly. โStop it.โ
โWhat?โ he shrugs, completely unapologetic. โIโm just thinking out loud.โ
โThatโs exactly the problem.โ
A low chuckle escapes him, and then he leans in closer again, voice dropping.
โMaybe I shouldโve burned those stupid condoms after all,โ he murmurs. โCouldโve been working on baby number three by now.โ
You blink. Then let out an incredulous laugh. โShut the fuck up. Donโt even think about it!โ
โCโmon you wouldnโt have complained,โ he shoots back instantly.
You hit his chest lightly, still laughing despite yourself. โYouโre such an arrogant idiot.โ
โYeah,โ he agrees easily.
But his arms tighten around you as he says it. Pulling you closer. The laughter fades just a little as the space between you disappears again. His hand slides along your side, slow, familiar. Then his lips brush against your neckโsoft, lingering, just enough to make your breath hitch.
โMingiโฆโ you murmur, your hands instinctively gripping his shirt.
He doesnโt answer. Just presses another gentle kiss just below your ear, slower this time. More intentional. You freeze for a second.
Because the shift is subtleโ
but itโs there. This isnโt just teasing anymore.
โโฆthat was a joke,โ you ask quietly, your voice barely steady. โRight?โ
He hums softly against your skin, like heโs considering it.
โMingi,โ you press, pulling back just enough to look at him. โIt was a jokeโฆ right?โ
โYeah, yeah,โ he murmurs, a little too quickly this time. But something in his expression flickers.
He stops. Actually stops. Like heโs caught himself going a step too far. His hands tighten slightly around you before he exhales and pulls you closer insteadโtucking you against his chest. Grounding himself.
โDonโt overthink it,โ he mutters quietly.
But his voice isnโt as careless as before.
And for the first time tonightโ
it sounds like he might be trying to convince himself just as much as you. And this time, it lingers. The laughter fades. His thumb brushes lightly over the edge of the photo.
And when he turns to youโ
Itโs different. Thereโs no smirk. No teasing. Just something raw.
The words are quiet. But they land heavier than anything heโs said before. You freeze slightly. Because heโs said it before. More than once. But not like this. Not with that look in his eyesโwarm, steadyโฆ and threaded with something that almost hurts to see.
And something deeper he doesnโt name.
โI shouldโve been there,โ he continues, voice low. โFor all of it. For you. For them.โ
Your throat tightens. He holds your gaze, unwavering.
โI canโt change that,โ he says. โI know that.โ
โBut Iโm here now.โ
His hand finds yours, fingers curling around it with quiet certainty.
โAnd Iโm not going anywhere.โ His voice softens, but the conviction stays. โNo matter what. You, Sia, Nariโฆ Iโm here. Always.โ
Silence settles between you. You donโt trust your voice. Not right now.
Because anything more would give you away. And deep downโ
somewhere youโve been trying very hard not to lookโ you already know. This isnโt just history repeating itself.
Itโs worse. Because this timeโฆ
youโre falling for him again.
And youโre not sure youโll be able to stop.
โAnd maybe Mingi junior one day!โ
The apartment is unusually quiet. Outside, the sun is only just beginning to rise, painting soft golden stripes across the hallway floor. Most people are still asleep. Not Sia and Nari.
The twins are awake before anyone else, their messy bed hair sticking up in every direction as they sneak out of their room in matching pajamas.
โIโm hungry,โ Sia whispers dramatically, rubbing her stomach. Nari yawns. โMe tooโฆโ
They tiptoe toward the kitchen. Then Sia suddenly stops.
She points toward the front door. Two large black sneakers sit neatly beside your shoes. Sia blinks. Nari blinks too. The girls slowly look at each other.
โโฆThose arenโt Mommyโs.โ
โAnd theyโre definitely not ours.โ
Another silence. Then Sia gasps.
โTheyโre Daddyโs!โ
Nariโs eyes become huge.
For a moment, both girls simply stare at the shoes as if they have magically appeared overnight. โButโฆโ Nari whispers, โโฆDaddy always goes home. He never spent the night here!โ
โSo why are his shoes here?โ Sia places both hands on her hips, suddenly looking very serious.
โThis,โ she announces, โis a mystery.โ Nari nods immediately.
โWe have to investigate.โ Nari hesitates.
โWhat if heโs hiding?โ
โThen weโll find him.โ
โWhat if heโs playing hide-and-seek?โ
Satisfied with this logic, Sia marches forward while Nari follows a few tiny steps behind. They search the living room first.
โDaddy?โ Nothing. In the kitchen? โDaddyyyy?โ
Still nothing. Behind the couch. Inside the bathroom. Even under the dining table.
โNo Daddy,โ Nari reports. Sia crosses her arms.
Then her eyes slowly wander toward the hallway. Only one door remains. Your bedroom. The twins exchange another look. Very quietly, Sia reaches for the handle.
โMaybe Mommy is sleeping,โ Nari whispers.
โWeโll be quiet.โ Sia carefully pushes the door open just enough to peek inside. The room is peaceful. Morning light filters through the curtains.
And there, in the middle of the bedโฆyou and Mingi are fast asleep. Youโre curled against his chest, one arm tucked beneath the blanket, while his arm is wrapped securely around you, holding you close without even realizing it. Neither of you moves. Neither of you notices the tiny audience standing in the doorway. Sia tilts her head.
โโฆHuh.โ Nari peeks around her shoulder. โโฆOh.โ They both stare. Very seriously. Sia squints.
โWhy is Daddy holding Mommy so tight?โ Nari studies the situation with equal concentration. โI donโt knowโฆ Sia keeps looking.
โโฆMaybe Mommy is cold.โ Nari leans her head farther into the room. โโฆMaybe.โ
โBut theyโre under a blanket.โ
โThatโs true.โ Sia thinks harder. Then another idea appears.
โMaybe Daddy is scared sheโll fall out of bed.โ Nariโs eyes widen.
โโฆThatโs possible.โ
โHe catches her if she rolls away.โ Nari nods thoughtfully. โThatโs very helpful.โ
Sia smiles proudly at their conclusion.Then she quietly tiptoes another step into the room. Immediately, Nari grabs the back of her pajama sleeve.
โIโm just looking.โ
โIโll only look a little.โ
โTheyโre sleeping.โ
Nari shakes her head with absolute certainty.
โYou breathe loudly.โ
โYou do.โ Sia pouts. Then she looks back at the bed. Daddy still hasnโt moved. His arm is still around Mommy. Sia puts one finger against her chin.
โโฆMaybe heโs protecting her.โ Nari blinks. โProtecting her from what?โ Sia doesnโt answer immediately. Instead, she scans the room as if searching for danger. Then she lowers her voice dramatically. โโฆThe bed monsters.โ Nari freezes.
โTheโฆ bed monsters?โ Sia nods. โThey only come when people sleep.โ
โAnd Daddy is stronger than bed monsters.โ
She makes tiny claw motions with her fingers.
โโฆheโll fight it.โ Nari considers this very carefully. Then, after several long seconds, she nods. โโฆThat actually makes sense.โ
โVery safe.โ Satisfied, Nari gently tugs on Siaโs sleeve again.
โWhat if a monster comes later?โ
โDaddy is already here.โ Sia looks back one last time. Mingi unconsciously pulls you just a little closer in his sleep. Sia smiles.
โโฆYeah.โ Then she whispers, โGood job, Daddy.โ Nari smiles too. Hand in hand, the twins quietly retreat from the bedroom, carefully pulling the door closed behind them. Neither of them notices the tiny smile that briefly appears on your sleeping face.
Morning comes quietly. Soft light filters through the curtains, painting everything in that hazy, almost unreal glow where nothing feels quite solid yet. You wake up slowly. Warm. Thatโs the first thing you notice. Not just warmโheld. Thereโs an arm wrapped securely around your waist, heavy and familiar. A steady breath against the back of your neck. The unmistakable weight of someone who clearly has no intention of letting go. For a moment, you donโt move. You justโฆ exist in it. Then reality creeps in. You glance down.
Fuck. Thatโs not just someone. Thatโs Mingi.Your ex.
The father of your children. The man who, last time things got even remotely close to this, nearly lost his life because you almost took his head off after a kiss.
โฆRight. Slowly, carefully, you shift just enough to look over your shoulder. Heโs still asleep. Face relaxed, lips slightly parted, hair a mess. One arm around you, the other tucked under the pillow like he claimed the entire bed sometime during the night. He looksโฆ peaceful. You narrow your eyes a little.
โโฆYouโre brave,โ you murmur under your breath. Big mistake. Mingi stirs.
His arm tightens instinctively for a second before he blinks awakeโslow at first, then all at once. The moment his brain catches up?
Panic. Immediate, visible panic.
He freezes. Then, very carefully, like heโs disarming a bomb, he lifts his arm off you.
โOkay,โ he whispers to himself. โOkay, okay, okayโฆโ
You raise an eyebrow, watching him. He slides back a few centimeters. Then a few more. Like distance alone might save him.
โGood morning to you too,โ you say dryly.
He flinches. Actually flinches.
โI didnโtโโ he starts quickly, holding his hands up like you just caught him committing a crime. โI meanโI didโbut I didnโt mean to fall asleep like thatโโ
โI respect you,โ he blurts out. That makes you snort. He pauses, confused. โThat wasnโt the right thing to say, was it?โ
Then silence settles againโbut itโs different now. Less panic. Moreโฆ awareness. You shift slightly, pulling the blanket up a bit as you sit up halfway. He watches you carefully, like heโs still expecting a delayed reaction.
โYouโre not yelling,โ he says cautiously.
โYouโre not threatening me.โ
You glance at him. Thenโwithout really thinking about itโyou lean back again. Closer. Not fully against him. But not far either. Mingi goes very still.
โI was comfortable,โ you admit, like itโs nothing. He blinks.
โI just want to make sure I didnโt hallucinate that.โ
You roll your eyes, but thereโs a hint of a smile tugging at your lips.
Then, slowlyโcarefullyโhis arm moves again. Not fully around you this time. Just resting lightly against your side. Testing. You donโt stop him. Thatโs all the confirmation he needs.
โโฆOkay,โ he breathes out.
You let the silence stretch for a moment longer before speaking again.
โThis doesnโt change anything.โ
He nods immediately. Too fast. โYes. Absolutely. Nothing.โ
โWe are not getting back together.โ
โThis is not emotional.โ
โNot even a little bit.โ
โI was breathing!โ You give him a look. He exhales. โOkay, fine. Maybe a tiny hesitation. But Iโm back on track now.โ You shake your head slightly.
โThis is physical,โ you say firmly. โThatโs it. No expectations. No complications.โ Mingi nods again, more seriously this time. โNo complications.โ
โAnd most importantlyโโ
You both speak at the same time.
โThe girls canโt know.โ You stop. He stops. Then you both look at each other.
โโฆAbsolutely not,โ he adds quickly. โIf Sia finds out, weโre done for.โ You both fall silent for a second. You consider it. The warmth. The familiarity.The very obvious tension that hasnโt gone anywhere. Neither of you moves away. His hand is still resting against your side. Youโre still closer than you should be.
โThis is already breaking the rules, isnโt it?โ he mutters.
โโฆShould we fix that?โ
You donโt answer immediately. Instead, you shift just slightly closer again. Not enough to be obvious. More than enough to be intentional. Mingi lets out a quiet, defeated breath.
โYeah,โ he says softly. โThis is going to go very badly.โ
โDefinitely,โ you agree. Neither of you moves. And somehow, despite everything you just saidโ it already feels anything but uncomplicated. He nods. You shift. Mingi watches you, confused for half a secondโuntil you suddenly move closer again. This time, thereโs no hesitation. You tuck yourself right back against him, fitting into his side like itโs the most natural thing in the world. Mingi freezes.
โโฆWhat are you doing?โ he asks carefully. You sigh softly, eyes already half closing again. โThis doesnโt mean anything,โ you mumble.
โโฆIt really looks like it means something.โ
โIt doesnโt,โ you insist, already getting comfortable. โYouโre justโฆ warm.โ Thereโs a pause.
โโฆIโm warm,โ he repeats quietly, like heโs trying to process that this is his official role now.
โVery,โ you confirm, pulling the blanket up a little more. He lets out a small breath that almost sounds like a laugh.
โRight. Okay. Good. I can do warm.โ His arm slowly, cautiously, slips around you again. This time, you donโt even acknowledge it. You just settle closer. Like itโs normal. Like itโs easy. Mingi stares at the ceiling for a second.
โโฆThis is already against the rules,โ he murmurs.
โAnd we just agreed on them.โ
โโฆWeโre really bad at this.โ
Neither of you moves. And despite everything you both saidโ this feels way too natural to ever stay โjust physical.โ For exactly twelve seconds, the apartment is peaceful. You and Mingi are still sitting on the bed, wrapped in blankets and denial, both pretending that this situation is somehow manageable. Then reality returns. Your eyes slowly drift toward the bedroom door. โโฆWe have a problem.โ Mingi follows your gaze. โโฆWe do.โ
โThe girls.โ You stare at each other. He blinks.
โSoโฆHow exactly am I supposed to leave this apartment?โ You think for a moment. Then another. Then, with complete seriousness, you point toward the window.
โYou could climb out.โ Mingi slowly turns his head. The window. Then back to you.
โYes.โ He stares. โYou live on the eighth floor.โ
โYou want me to climb out?โ
โI didnโt say it was a good plan.โ He gives you the flattest look imaginable. โIโm brainstorming!โ
โYou are brainstorming homicide.โ You sigh dramatically.
โFine. Do you have a better idea?โ He looks around the room. The wardrobe. Too small. Under the bed. Impossible. The curtains. Ridiculous.
โExactly.โ You quietly slide out of bed and creep toward the door. โStay here.โ He nods.
โIโll distract the girls.โ
โYou sneak out.โ He points at himself. โSneak?โ
He sighs. โThis is humiliating.โ You crack the door open. The apartment is quiet. Giggles. Tiny voices. Coming from the girlsโ room. You smile with relief. Perfect
โTheyโre occupied.โ
You turn back toward him.
โGet dressed.โ He immediately starts pulling on yesterdayโs clothes at lightning speed, somehow managing to put his T-shirt on inside out without noticing. You point a finger at him
โWait for my signal.โ He salutes dramatically. โYes, maโam.โ You roll your eyes and slip into the hallway. The girlsโ bedroom door is open. Sia and Nari are sitting on the floor, surrounded by stuffed animals, arguing over whether a pink rabbit can become a veterinarian. The moment they see youโ
Both girls jump up and run straight into your arms. You crouch down, hugging them tightly.
โGood morning, my babies.โ
โWeโre very hungry!โ
While hugging them, you secretly stretch one foot behind you and awkwardly try to push their bedroom door farther closed, hoping Mingi can quietly sneak through the hallway. The door moves maybe three centimeters. Then stops. You pretend nothing happened. โSoโฆโ you say brightly. โShould we make breakfast?โ But Sia suddenly grabs your hand.
โIs Daddy still here?โ Everything inside your body stops working.
โโฆWhat?โ Sia bounces excitedly. โDid Daddy protect you from the bed monsters?โ Your smile dies instantly. โโฆExcuse me?โ Nari nods very seriously.
โWe saw him.โ Your soul leaves your body. โโฆYou what?โ
โWe saw both of you.โ
โBut we looked.โ You laugh. A very fake laugh.
โHaha! Thatโs silly! Daddy isnโt here!โ
โHe is NOT!โ You can actually feel yourself sweating. โGirls,โ you say much louder than necessary. โCOME ON! LETโS GO MAKE BREAKFAST ! But maybe first go in mommyโs BEDROOM!โ Your eyes briefly dart toward your bedroom. Please hear me. Please understand. Please hide. Inside the bedroom Mingi is having the worst morning of his entire life.
He runs one circle around the room. Closet? Too obvious. Behind the curtain? His feet will stick out.Under the bed? He kneels. โโฆAbsolutely not.โ He stands again. โThere is nowhere to hide!โ He grabs his own hair. โThis is how I die.โ Then he hears tiny footsteps. Fast. Coming closer. His eyes become huge.
โNo, no, no, noโโ He spins around. The window. He walks toward it. Opens it Looks down. Eight floors. He sighs. โโฆWell. He places one hand on the window frame.โFor my dignityโฆโ The bedroom door bursts open. โDADDY!!โ He freezes. Slowly turns around. Two tiny tornadoes launch themselves at him Sia crashes directly into him Nari wraps both arms around his leg . Mingi nearly loses his balance.
โWe knew it!โ He instinctively scoops Sia into his arms while trying not to trip over Nari, who is now attached to his thigh like a tiny koala His hair sticks out in every direction. His shirt is backwards. One sock is missing He looks absolutely ridiculous. Across the room, your eyes meet his. His expression screams: Help me! You bite your lip. Very hard. Because if you donโtโ youโre going to laugh.
โDaddy,โ Sia announces proudly, wrapping her little arms around his neck, โyouโre our hero. He blinks.
โโฆI am?โ Nari nods shyly, still hugging his leg.
โYou protected Mommy from the bed monsters.โ Mingi looks at her. Then at Sia. Then at you. Then back at them.
โโฆThe bed monsters?โ
โThey come at night.โ
โAnd Mommy was sleeping.โ
โSo you protected her.โ For several seconds, Mingi says absolutely nothing. Then the corners of his mouth slowly begin to rise. You know that smile No. Absolutely not. His eyes meet yours. That arrogant, cocky grin appears in full force.
โOh.โ He nods solemnly. โOf course.โ Sia gasps. โWe knew it!โ
โYou hugged Mommy so the monsters couldnโt take her!โ
โI did do that.โ Nari smiles. โCan you protect Mommy every night?โ You immediately point at him. โNo.โ He doesnโt even look away from you. Instead, his grin widens.
โOh,โ he says smoothly. โI can absolutely protect Mommy every night. Iโd be happy to.โ Your eyes narrow. He is such a child.
โIโm simply serving my heroic duties.โ
โMingi.โ He pretends to think. โIn factโฆโ He shifts Sia a little higher on his arm. โโฆI should probably stay permanently.โ
You stare at him. He stares back. Completely shameless. Sia claps excitedly.
โYay!โ Nari nods. โThe bed monsters will be scared.โ You press your lips together so hard they almost disappear. Because the grin threatening to escape is entirely his fault. He catches it anyway. And somehowโ despite the panic, despite the disaster, despite the fact that your carefully constructed secret has just been investigated by two five-year-old detectivesโ he winks. The absolute idiot.
The kitchen is louder than it has been in years. Flour somehow ends up on the counter, the floor, andโdespite all logicโon Mingiโs nose He looks at Sia. Sia looks at him. Without saying a word, they both point at Nari. Nari gasps. โI didnโt do it!โ
โYou definitely did,โ Sia says with complete confidence. โI didnโt! Daddy, tell her.โ Mingi folds his arms dramatically, pretending to think very hard. โHmโฆโ The twins stare at him. Finally, he nods. โI have reached my professional conclusion.โ
โIt wasโฆโ He pauses for effect. โโฆthe waffle fairy.โ
โThe waffle fairy?โ Nari repeats.
โAbsolutely.โ Sia immediately accepts this explanation. โThat makes sense.โ Nari blinks. โIt does?โ โOf course.โ
โThe waffle fairy likes flour.โ
โAnd sometimes she attacks kitchens.โ
Satisfied, both girls nod as if this mystery has officially been solved. You stand at the table, placing plates and glasses down one by one From where you are, you watch the three of them. Mingi stands in the middle of the kitchen wearing an apron that says Kiss the Cook, except he has somehow put that on backwards too. Sia is standing on a chair, proudly stirring batter that no longer needs stirring. Nari carefully counts blueberries. โOneโฆTwoโฆThreeโฆโ Then Mingi suddenly claps his hands. โOkay!โ The twins look up. โTodayโs cooking lesson comes with music.โ Siaโs eyes sparkle. โMusic!โ
He grins. โRap.โ The girls exchange excited looks. He points at the mixing bowl. โReady?โ Both girls bounce up and down. โReady!โ
He starts tapping a rhythm against the counter.
โYoโโ The twins gasp. He continues,
โWe got flour, we got dough, tiny chefs are stealing the show!โ Sia immediately jumps in. โI got blueberries!โ Nari quietly adds, โI got eggsโฆโ Mingi points dramatically. โThatโs my team!โ He keeps the beat going:
โNo crying, No messโโ The bowl slips slightly. Batter splashes onto his sleeve. The twins stare. He looks down. Then back at them. โโฆOkay.โ He clears his throat. โMaybe a little mess.โ Both girls explode into laughter Soon the entire kitchen turns into a ridiculous concert Sia is dancing with a whisk like itโs a microphone Nari is clapping perfectly off beat Mingi somehow turns the recipe into a freestyle about waffles conquering the world. You lean against the table for a moment Just watching Just listening The laughter fills every corner of the apartment. And suddenlyโ your chest aches. Not because youโre sad. Because thisโฆ this is exactly what you always imagined Years ago, before everything fell apart Before heartbreak Before lonely nights. Before doctorโs appointments where you sat by yourself Before learning to be strong because there was no other choice You wanted this Love A family Someone beside you while your children grew up. You wanted Mingi. Then he broke your heart. You promised yourself you would never forgive him. Never love him again. You swore that the name Song Mingi would only remind you of pain. Yet nowโ heโs standing in your kitchen. Rapping about waffles. Your daughters are laughing so hard that Sia nearly falls off her chair. Nari is smiling that quiet little smile she only shows when sheโs completely happy. And Mingiโฆ He looks at them like theyโre the greatest audience heโs ever had Your thoughts become tangled. Could you love him again? Should you? Would he choose differently this time? Would he choose you? A real life A family. Would he stand beside you, despite everything? Maybeโฆ Maybe Nari was right. Maybe sometimes love simply needs time to heal.
Siaโs voice pulls you back instantly. She runs toward you, holding up a slightly crooked waffle with enormous pride.
โLook!โ You kneel down. โOh my goodness.โ
โItโs shaped like a dinosaur!โ You study it carefully.
โโฆI think itโs shaped like Uncle Jongho.โ
โI think youโre right.โ She giggles proudly. Then your eyes lift. Across the kitchen. Straight to Mingi. Heโs watching you His sleeves are rolled up. His hair is even messier now. Thereโs flour on his cheek. He notices you looking. One corner of his mouth lifts into that familiar, impossibly confident grin. The uncomfortable knot in your stomach softens. It turns into something lighter. Warmer A flutter. Because no matter how much you analyze it No matter how many reasons you listโฆ The truth quietly settles inside your heart. Maybeโฆ You never stopped loving him.
After breakfast, the apartment becomes complete chaos. Sia races through the hallway pretending to be an airplane. Nari follows behind her, insisting she is actually a helicopter. Mingi, naturally, declares himself the airport. You stand in the kitchen collecting plates while listening to the constant giggles echoing through the apartment.
โWeโre building a blanket castle!โ The twins disappear into their room The apartment suddenly becomes quiet. For exactly three seconds. You place another plate into the sink. Then you feel someone behind you Strong arms slide gently around your waist. You freeze.
He rests his chin lightly near your shoulder.
โWhat are you doing?โ
โThis is definitely something.โ
โIf the girls see usโโ
โYou donโt know that.โ
โI have excellent instincts.โ
โYou also thought hiding behind the curtain was a good idea.โ
โI was under pressure.โ You try to step away. He doesnโt let go. Instead, he laughs quietly.
โYou worry too much. You always did.โ
โI worry exactly enough.โ
He smiles against your shoulder.
โI like mornings like this.โ
โMhm. The girls laughing. The smell of waffles. You pretending youโre not smiling.โ
โI am not pretending.โ
He sounds unconvinced. For a moment, neither of you says anything. The apartment is peaceful again. Then you decide to tease him.
โSoโฆโ He hums. โAre you sure you wouldnโt miss your idol life?โ The answer comes immediately.
โYou didnโt even think about it.โ
You turn slightly to look at him.
โI already know my answer.โ
He smiles with effortless confidence.
โMy favorite crowd only has three people.โ You stare at him. He continues,
โOne very stubborn, but insanely good looking woman and two tiny critics who think my waffles deserve ten out of ten.โ
โBesidesโฆโ He lowers his voice conspiratorially.
โ..the bed monsters clearly require my professional services.โ
โYouโre never letting that go, are you?โ
He straightens proudly. Then he lifts you up- bridal style. Your arms automatically wrap around his neck.
โWho else is going to protect you every night?โ You canโt help it. You laugh A real laugh. The kind that comes without effort. Mingi watches you for a second. His expression softens. Your heart gives one quiet, unexpected leap. And somewhere beneath all the fear, all the doubt, and all the promises you once made to yourselfโฆ a tiny voice whispers that perhapsโ just perhapsโ this version of Mingi is different and he really wants to be with you.