Chapter Text
He couldn’t believe he’d managed to sneak out. He’d been dreaming of this for months and now he was here… Paris, at dawn.
They’d been given a whole day to settle before their concert, a luxurious 24 hours to recover from the 14-hour flight. Still, he somehow wanted to make it last longer, so he snuck out at dawn to explore.
He would’ve liked to take one of the kids with him, to share the excitement and wonder, but there were moments when the thoughts in his head were enough company. The small, selfish part of him wanted a memory just for himself, no cameras, vlogs or bubble updates. He knew Han would understand, if he even noticed him gone. They’d all been given individual rooms, spaced out across different floors.
Minho wanted to find a boulangerie and get a fresh croissant, baguette, anything really, and sit down on the Seine riverbank and eat it while looking at the Eiffel Tower. He didn’t want to go up the Eiffel Tower, he could appreciate the sight from the ground.
What he really wanted was to visit the Gustave Moreau Museum, but that wasn’t open yet and they’d probably throw him out if he started to eat while staring at paintings… not that he’d do that… maybe. He smiled to himself, knowing that his thoughts were going wild with the possibilities Paris offered. 24 hours was not enough… and he had maybe 2 hours before the staff noticed him gone and his phone started beeping with frantic messages.
He wore non-descript, baggy clothes that were meant to make him blend in and forgettable. He didn’t want to attract a second glance or trigger a spark of recognition. He pulled the hood over his cap and wore a face mask as he left the hotel. The more distance he put in between himself and the Four Seasons, the more comfortable he felt… and hotter. The few people who passed by were wearing short sleeves, it was summer after all and even though the sun was only just rising, it felt warm.
He took off his hood but kept his cap on, it shaded his eyes. He glanced around, looking for street names to make sure he hadn’t passed Rue de Longchamp. He needed to turn right into that road, pass a sushi place that wouldn’t be open yet but maybe he could visit later. He felt hungry, his mouth salivated at the thought of coffee and food. He’d order something sweet. He wanted something sweet.
Boulangerie Coudrier Geffroy did not disappoint. Minho saw the seats outside and considered changing his plans, after all people watching from a café was a valid Paris experience. He could give it 30 minutes and enjoy a proper coffee in a proper cup.
He’d made the waiter smile when he recited the phrase he’d learnt in advance: ‘un café, s'il vous plaît’ and pointed to a strawberry topped tart. He’d taken off his face mask and couldn’t guarantee he wasn’t drooling. He’d barely plopped himself on a seat outside when his order arrived. He did stop himself from taking out his phone to take a photo. This moment didn’t need to be recorded; he’d have no problem recalling it.
This was for him and… ‘Han!’
He couldn’t supress the shock that permeated his voice when he saw his friend stroll up the street. He drank in the sight of him. He could clearly recall the moment he’d fallen in love with Han but this was now his second favourite memory. The man was enveloped in light, confidence and happiness radiating from him. If he wasn’t drooling before, he was sure some escaped his lips now. Han looked scrumptious in his torn black jeans and white t-shirt, even with the ever-present bucket hat covering his blond-dyed hair.
Han pointedly stared at Minho with an expression the other couldn’t quite read.
‘I can’t believe you left without me!’ was his greeting as he sat down, casually stroking Minho’s hand. It was his wordless way of communicating, ‘I’m not upset with you, even if I sound like I’m scolding.’
He immediately ordered his own coffee and cake as the waiter appeared beside them. It was a sure sign that Minho was no longer alone on his unsanctioned Paris adventure.