Chapter Text
Yunho’s eyes fluttered as he opened them, wincing slightly at the bright sunlight flooding in the room. Patting around, he couldn’t help but frown at the empty space beside him, sheets still warm from Mingi’s residual body heat. Pushing himself up, Yunho stretched as he got out of bed, just now noticing the sweet smell of pancakes in the air, a small smile lighting up his face as he made his way to the kitchen. Mingi was humming to himself as he worked on the stove, hair pushed back by some cute clips that Wooyoung had given him. Yunho’s heart fluttered as he just stood there to watch his husband.
Husband.
The word still sent butterflies rampant in Yunho’s stomach. It felt like he had spent a lifetime waiting to be with Mingi this way and now, they had a lifetime to spend together as husbands. Yunho felt giddy at the thought, almost skipping as he made his way to the other, arms wrapping tight around the younger.
“Good morning, husband.” Mingi whispered, voice still honeyed with sleep.
“Good morning, husband.” Yunho mirrored, pressing a kiss on Mingi’s nape. “Why’d you leave the bed without me, princess? You could have woken me up.”
“But you looked cute and you were so tired last night. I don’t mind waking up early for our breakfast.” Mingi replied, turning around to face Yunho properly. “I won’t say no to morning kisses though.” And Yunho had been more than willing to oblige.
Breakfast had been a sweet delightful affair. After burning a single pancake, hands and lips too busy with each other to notice the acrid scent that was rising from the stove. Even when Mingi had pushed Yunho back, panicking slightly as he quickly turned off the stove, Yunho had stayed close, arms still wrapped around the younger, giggling merrily as he continued to press kisses wherever he could. Mingi had to kick him out of the kitchen if they wanted a proper breakfast but Yunho’s puppy eyes had won him some small mercy, banished to stand watch from the kitchen island until Mingi was done cooking. The younger had looked immensely pleased with himself as he served up a fresh batch of pancakes; Yunho had been unable to resist kissing him again. The pancakes were slightly crispy, cooked in the way just how Yunho loved them. Mingi’s eyes were soft and fond as Yunho recounted the program for the kids that he was teaching. It was almost the holidays and they were going to be preparing a dance showcase and while the kids really were adorable, teaching them had proven to be a challenge.
“And then, I had to break up another fight!” Yunho exclaimed excitedly, voice filled with happiness contrasting his complaints. “Yah, Song Mingi, are you even listening?” Yunho huffed when he saw that his husband was just staring at him.
“Yes, I am, baby.” Mingi chuckled, cupping Yunho’s cheek. “And it’s Jeong Mingi. You married me, remember?”
Yunho giggled, heart fluttering in his chest as he leaned in closer, rubbing their noses together. “And you married me, Princess. Married me and made me the happiest man on earth.”
“I think that’s me. You make me so happy, Yun.” Mingi whispered, closing his eyes.
“You make me so happy as well, Princess.” Yunho whispered, voice just as soft as he closed the distance between them.
~
Yunho shot up, heart beating wildly as he woke up from his dream. Gripping the blanket tightly in his hands, he tried to catch his breath, attempting to calm his racing heart. But when the rush had passed, it made way for pain, tears falling unbidden from Yunho’s eyes as he recounted every detail of the memory; he knew how happy he was, how happy they had both been in that moment. It was an instance that he had wanted to keep frozen in time.
For a year, Yunho had made himself forget, had buried the part of him that had been married to Mingi. They were divorced and that was that. Yunho had to move forward. When Wooyoung and San had decidedly chosen Mingi, almost cutting off all communications with him, Yunho had taken it in stride, contenting himself with sharing Hongjoong and Seonghwa and whatever weird dance they had to do for social gatherings. He was already grateful that their hyungs still wanted him in their lives, knowing how much they adored Mingi. Of course, he had missed the company of his other same aged friends; Wooyoung and San had been like two adorable cats showering Yunho with affection and care before the divorce happened. The divorce had stripped him off with everything he had, his husband and best friend, the comfort of their home, the certainty of having a friend group that got him through anything but Yunho had pushed down all the devastation that he had felt, pushed down all the feelings to drag himself through.
Everything seemed to rise and bubble up tonight and another guttural cry ripped out from Yunho as he finally allowed himself to mourn everything that he had lost, allowed himself to remember random weekend, or even weekday, much to Seonghwa’s chagrin, hang outs that the six of them would have, not even getting drunk half the time, just the six of them talking to each other endlessly. He remembered the apartment that he and Mingi had shared, how he had loved how much sunlight it brought in, allowing the space to feel open and free. It had been so cozy and inviting, always making Yunho excited to get home and cuddle his husband. Pulling his knees against his chest, Yunho allowed himself to fully think about Mingi, the man he had been in love with for more than half of his life. They had been that couple, the silly couple that did everything and anything together; the one that people knew was going to be forever. Yunho himself had thought the same.
Where did we go wrong, Min?
--
Mingi fidgeted nervously as he followed Wooyoung into the younger’s apartment. Strange to think that he had been staying here for almost a year just a week ago, had turned this place into a semblance of a home and now, he could feel his heart pound in his chest at the thought of walking inside. He had no idea what Wooyoung had told his husband but San was waiting with take out laid out on the table, tracking their movements as they walked to the kitchen.
“Ooh, food! Thanks, Sannie! Did you get it from our favorite Thai restaurant?” Wooyoung exclaimed, opening the take out boxes. “You should have at least put them on our own dishes you know.”
“I wanted to not do dishes for one night, Woo. We can eat them straight from the box. Min doesn’t mind.” San replied, turning to Mingi. “Right, Min?”
“Y-yeah, it’s fine, Woo.” Mingi said nervously, taking the seat in front of San. “Hi, Sannie.”
San smiled, reaching out to give Mingi’s hand a light squeeze. “Hey, Min. You okay? You look kinda worse for the wear.”
Mingi shot Wooyoung a panicked look, only to be met by Wooyoung’s hard stare, the younger mentally telling him to get on with it. Mingi swallowed nervously, unconsciously gripping San’s hand tighter as he tried to prepare himself to say it. The silent communication didn’t go unnoticed by San if the furrowed brows were any indication, rubbing his thumb on the back of Mingi’s hand as he pulled Mingi’s attention back to him.
“What is it, Min? Just tell me.” San said softly before his frows burrowed even further, a steel to his voice when he next spoke. “Was it Junhong hyung? Was he a prick to you?”
“No! No, no, no, hyung was nice! The date was fine. It was okay.” Mingi stammered out. “Junhong hyung was nice, Sannie. Don’t worry.”
San turned to Wooyoung as if asking for confirmation, only relaxing when Wooyoung nodded back. “Okay, that’s good then.” San said, visibly forcing himself to relax. “If it’s not hyung, then what’s wrong, Mangi? Why do you look so scared?”
Mingi didn’t know if it was in the gentle way that San had asked or his nerves getting the better out of him but tears slowly slipped down his cheeks, making San get up from the chair, wrapping his arms around Mingi.
“Hey, Min, what’s wrong? Come on, tell me.” San coaxed, rubbing his hands on Mingi’s arms.
“S-Sannie… Sannie, I’m sick.” Mingi said wetly.
“Okay? We can fix it, Min. We’ll get you better.”
“I don’t know how to get better.” Mingi replied sadly.
San frowned. “We can ask the doctors. Or look it up online. It shouldn’t be too bad, right?” When Mingi didn’t reply, San pressed on. “Mingi, what is it? Tell me.”
“I… I have the flower disease, Sannie.” Mingi whispered, watching how San had stiffened at the words, eyes widening.
Silence enveloped them and Mingi’s quiet sniffles seemed to echo loudly in the room. Wooyoung had stepped in closer, placing a hand on his husband’s arm as he rubbed it gently. San slowly came back to himself, tipping his head back to lean against Wooyoung, eyes silently communicating as Mingi wiped his eyes. After a shared nod, San and Wooyoung faced Mingi, expressions mirrors of genuine concern and steel determination.
“Then you know what you need to do, Min.” San said, eyes boring on Mingi’s own.
“No.” Mingi said firmly.
Wooyoung huffed. “There is no sure other way to get better other than getting the surgery, Mangi.”
“No.” Mingi repeated.
San grabbed his hand, squeezing it. “Mingi, how else are you going to get better if you don’t get the surgery?”
“It didn’t hurt when I went out with Junhong hyung. I barely coughed the entire day.” Mingi argued.
“Bullshit! I was there when you got home. You were almost throwing up by how hard you were coughing!” Wooyoung retorted.
“Just… he just…” Mingi ran a hand through his hair in frustration. “He called me princess and got me daffodils. I just remembered…”
“Yunho.” San said sadly. “You remembered Yunho.”
Mingi closed his eyes, a fresh batch of tears falling down his cheeks. He hadn’t heard that name in this household since his divorce. San and Wooyoung had been the first to argue with Yunho when he had asked for a divorce without providing any explanation. After weeks of harrowing the other for any reason at all, they were also the ones to cut off Yunho after the divorce was finalized. Ignoring Mingi’s protests, San and Wooyoung had taken it on themselves to block anything off relating to his ex husband, giving Seonghwa and Hongjoong detailed boundaries on what to talk about when they would hang out. Mingi knew the two missed Yunho like he did but their misplaced loyalty always stopped them from reaching out even now.
And now, there was this.
“This isn’t Yunho’s fault.” Mingi said softly. “Please don’t blame him.”
Wooyoung opened his mouth, obviously about to argue but San squeezed his waist, shaking his head. He pulled Wooyoung to his lap, tugging on Mingi to pull him to his lap as well. Mingi protested, cut off by San shushing him. Mingi sighed, trying to find a position where he wouldn’t be resting his full body weight on San instead.
“Mingi, you know that we love you, right?” San started, Wooyoung nodding along. “If going on dates with Junhong hyung is helping you get better, then that’s great. Woo will pick out your outfit every date. But we really want you to consider getting the surgery, Min, please. Yunho is a great guy, I know he is. But he’s not worth dying over. Please.” San said, voice almost pleading.
“And you’re moving back here.” Wooyoung said, his own tears spilling over. “Or we’re moving to your place.”
“Woo…” San reprimanded gently.
“No! If I hadn’t been there, he wouldn’t have told us! He needs to be taken care of!” Wooyoung exclaimed.
Mingi could only cry, pulling on Wooyoung’s arm to pull the other in a hug, San’s arms quickly wrapping around the two of them. Mingi’s heart ached with how much love he’s receiving from his two friends. It pained him that he couldn’t give them this.
To cut out the love that he had felt for Yunho was like killing him itself. Because who was Mingi if he wasn’t in love with Yunho?
–
Yunho couldn’t help but yawn as he looked around for Yugyeom. After crying his heart out, sleep had continued to elude him. He had iced his eyes the best that he could, eyes becoming less puffy tinged with just a slight pink. He had decided to treat it as part of his look, adding pink eyeshadow on his eyes as well. It probably wasn’t the best look for a sportsbar, not that he really knew, still not used to this kind of places but it was where Yugyeom had picked so he had no choice.
Sighing when Yugyeom still made no appearance, Yunho decided to walk around the block first. He shivered in the mesh top that he had picked out, regretting not listening to Seonghwa calling out for him to wear a jacket. Shivering to himself, Yunho had no one to blame but himself.
The neighborhood was familiar. There were a couple of high end restaurants here that Mingi had used to frequent especially with his top clients, occasionally bringing Yunho as his plus one. Yunho mentally sighed as he let himself remember, the beautiful lights from the chandelier, the delicious aroma from the food, the bubbly feeling from the champagne that he and Mingi usually shared, the warmth of Mingi’s gaze as he looked at him. Remembering was such a double edged sword but despite the ache in his chest, Yunho still felt himself going pink at the weight of those phantom eyes raking over his form. Mingi was always so good at making him feel wanted.
But maybe that was just an act.
His mind couldn’t help but supply as he stopped by that dreaded restaurant. He could still see the two of them sitting closely, sharing excited whispers before heading off together. It hurt to think about, even now; the piercing image of Mingi doing that to him still felt like a stab to his heart.
Forcing tears back, Yunho turned away, about to head back when a familiar voice called out.
“Yunho?”
As if conjured up by Yunho’s imagination, Mingi stood there, outside that restaurant’s door, a few wisps of blonde hair blowing in the evening breeze with his eyes locked on Yunho. It felt like time had stood still, Yunho’s mouth falling agape as he took in the familiar features of the younger. There was a gaunt look to him, dark circles under his eyes that weren’t quite hidden by the make up. He really was sick, Yunho was sure.
“Oh, Min…” Yunho whispered, body acting on its own as he took a step closer, hand reaching out for the younger. Mingi’s eyes widened at the action and Yunho could almost feel the other holding his breath for him.
“Mingi, you left your scarf! Your cough is going to get worse if you don’t keep your throat covered.” A loud voice broke the trance that they were in, causing both of them to flinch, Yunho’s hand pulling back against his chest as he watched a taller man wrap the said scarf on Mingi’s neck.
It took a few seconds for Yunho to place a name on the familiar face before a feeling of betrayal gutted him.
Just a friend of mine.
It was what Seonghwa had said when Yunho had asked who he had matchmade with Junhong. Said friend turned out to be Mingi, getting flustered by the attention Junhong was doling out as he made sure the scarf was placed securely, patting it when he seemed satisfied. Yunho finally noticed the bouquet of flowers in Mingi’s hands, bitter thoughts rising when he realized that he had bumped into his ex husband out on a date.
Mingi doesn’t even like roses.
Yunho felt a grim sense of satisfaction when he saw Mingi shrinking in on himself, almost hiding from what he was sure was his glare. As if sensing the weird vibes, Junhong placed himself between Mingi and Yunho, throwing a casual arm around Mingi’s shoulder.
“You’re Yunho-ssi, right? Seonghwa’s friend?” Junhong asked, grin getting wider when Yunho nodded. “Great! Do you also know Mingi? Are you two friends as well?”
“Hyung…” Mingi muttered, obviously avoiding Yunho’s gaze.
“Yeah, I do know Mingi. Actually, we-” Yunho jolted in surprise when someone grabbed him from behind, arms around his waist.
“Babe, there you are! We should go! The match is about to start.” Yugyeom exclaimed excitedly, spinning Yunho around to place a peck on his lips. “You look so sexy, babe.”
Yunho started getting flustered, cheeks heating up as he tried to squirm away from Yugyeom’s hold, skin burning with the knowledge that Mingi was watching him. Yugyeom only laughed, holding onto him tighter, probably thinking that he was blushing because of him. Yunho huffed, weakly hitting Yugyeom’s shoulder, turning to face Mingi.
Oh no.
Mingi’s eyes had filled out, tears nearly escaping as he continued to stare at the two of them, a look of pure pain in his orbs as he met Yunho’s gaze. Yunho felt his stomach drop. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Mingi had replaced him first so why was he looking at Yunho like that?
All of a sudden, a loud cough racked Mingi’s body, the sound so loud that it made Yunho jump. Mingi had cupped both his hands as he continued to cough, an almost wheezing sound coming from him. Pushing Yugyeom’s hands off him, Yunho moved forward, a hand on Mingi’s back as the younger continued to cough.
“Go away.” Mingi muttered weakly, trying to push Yunho away.
“Shut up.” Yunho snapped, rubbing Mingi’s back. “Are you okay? Should we get you to the hospital?”
Mingi shook his head, still trying to push Yunho away, turning away as he continued to cough violently. Mingi heaved, hand against the wall as coughed out something? Yunho froze as he registered the spot of color from Mingi’s mouth, eyes locking with Mingi at that moment. Mingi groaned, twisting away from Yunho’s hold, reaching out for Junhong. Yugyeom pulled Yunho away, Junhong quickly stepping in to pull Mingi away, presumably to his car.
“What the heck was that…?” Yugyeom muttered, absentmindedly rubbing Yunho’s arm. “Did you know that guy?”
“Yeah…” Yunho muttered distractedly, still seeing the flashes of blue from Mingi’s mouth. “He’s my husband.”
–
Yunho stormed in the hyungs’ apartment, knowing that this could be the only chance that he was going to get for some answers. He could hear surprise voices in the kitchen, crossing the apartment in a few hurried strides.
“What’s Mingi sick with?” Yunho demanded, towering over Wooyoung.
“Yunho!” Seonghwa scolded. “What’s going on?”
“Why do you care?” Wooyoung hissed, glaring up at Yunho.
“Wooyoung, I swear to God.” Yunho hissed back. “Just answer me.” He moved closer, about to grab Wooyoung’s collar when he felt a firm grip on his wrist.
“Let my husband go, Yunho.” San said calmly, squeezing Yunho’s wrist slightly as a threat.
“Woah, okay. What is going on?!” Hongjoong exclaimed, stepping in between them. “San, let Yunho go! Yunho, stop threatening Wooyoung!”
Yunho glared harshly at Wooyoung, wincing when San squeezed his wrist tighter. Hongjoong pushed them both away with a slight growl, arms spread wide as he glared at the three of them. Seonghwa hovered nearby, eyes flitting between them nervously.
“Can someone tell me what the fuck is going on?!” Hongjoong yelled. “Why are the three of you acting like a bunch of knuckleheads?”
“Your Golden Boy started it!” Wooyoung screamed.
“Me?! Your husband grabbed my wrist!” Yunho shouted back.
“Because you looked like you were going to kill Wooyoung!” San howled.
“Kids!” Seonghwa screeched, making Yunho wince. “How old are you?! Have Joong and I taught you guys nothing?! Now everyone, shut up. You were all wrong.” The oldest glanced at each one of them meaningfully, as if daring them to try his patience. “Good. Now, what’s wrong, Yunho? You don’t usually barge in like that.”
Yunho huffed, annoyance still bubbling under his skin but the flash of blue forced more important things in his mind. “Yugyeom hyung and I saw Mingi with Junhong hyung earlier.” Ignoring Wooyoung and Seonghwa’s reactions, Yunho pressed on. “Then he started coughing so much. It had to hurt every time he coughed. And I…” Yunho paused, glancing at Wooyoung.
“And you?” Hongjoong prompted. “What is it?”
Yunho turned to Wooyoung, gaze fixed on that guilty face. “What’s Min sick with? It was so bad that you had to ask for some time off for him. What’s going on, Woo?”
“Sannie…” Wooyoung muttered, pulling his husband in front of him.
San sighed, crossing his arms over his chest. “Mingi doesn’t want you guys to know.”
“Even us?” Seonghwa whispered, voice hurt as he stared at the couple.
San winced, nodding his head slowly. “Sorry, hyung.”
Yunho hung his head, Wooyoung and San’s reactions were more than enough confessions that his hunch was right. Why else would Mingi keep it such a secret? A million questions ran through Yunho’s mind, a lot of whys and hows. Of all people, why Mingi?
“Y-Yunho… you… you saw something, didn’t you?” Wooyoung asked, peeking behind San.
It felt like rocks had lodged in his throat as Yunho nodded, watching Wooyoung wince. San shook his head minutely but Yunho felt like Seonghwa and Hongjoong deserved to know. “Petals.” Yunho muttered, swallowing thickly as Seonghwa gasped. “I saw him cough out blue petals.”