Chapter Text
Smoking a cigarette on the balcony of a small one room apartment, Mingi couldn’t help glancing back at Yunho, a beer can in his hand as he smiled at a comedy playing on TV. Yunho could be so majestic, just sitting there, legs spread like he didn’t have a care in the world. Mingi finished his cigarette early, shaking the ashes off before throwing it into the ashtray that wobbled unsteadily outside. It was sitting on the fence of the balcony, always threatening to fall the three floors down on an unsuspecting person's head. Mingi wondered if he would laugh if that happened, or cry.
It was 50-50.
Yunho didn’t mind Mingi smoking in the apartment, but Mingi was always scared that the smoke would fill up the area and push Yunho out. He didn’t want that to happen. He didn’t mind smoking outside anyways. He liked to people watch, particularly the first floor neighbors. They were always arguing, making up, or making out right outside the apartment’s entrance. He hasn’t learned their names, but he didn’t try. He had Yunho. He didn’t need anyone else. Maybe that’s why he was jealous all the time. When Yunho hung out with his other friends.
Mingi liked to believe he was a priority though. He liked to remember the time, two years ago, Mingi had called Yunho asking him to come over. Mingi did know Yunho was visiting his parents that day, the parents that lived hours away. Parents that he rarely visited. He knew because Yunho had told him earlier that same day, with his happy smile, gushing about the homemade meals.
Yeah, maybe it was a dick move. But he pleaded. And Yunho came. Yunho didn’t know Mingi cried himself to sleep that night from guilt though. That was a secret Mingi wanted to keep. He honestly didn’t know why he did that. It’s not like Mingi and Yunho were always attached at the hip, as much as Mingi wished they were. Yunho worked as a waiter, and he worked at a bar with odd hours, so Mingi went to bed alone. Mingi didn’t really have a stable job, his barista job ending bad when he kept having breakdowns in the storage room. So, he did a few odd jobs, deliveries, manual labor, and he sometimes helped Yunho’s friend make tracks for his indie band. To be honest, he didn’t get paid much from that, but enjoyed it the most.
Maybe that’s just how life is, you know? The more you love something, the more you realize it isn’t good for you.
Mingi went back to the couch that Yunho was sprawled on, missing the warmth that Yunho’s presence gave him. Mingi was perpetually cold. Yunho was always so hot. Just being in the same room as him lit the dying match in Mingi’s body. Mingi got comfortable, sitting next to Yunho. It was probably too close to be appropriate, but that was how they always were, ever since they first met. Mingi, although his frame was big, curled himself into Yunho’s side, his legs laying on top of Yunho’s. Mingi smiled to himself when Yunho immediately wrapped an arm around Mingi’s shoulder and placed a hand onto Mingi’s leg, keeping him sturdy. He loved that Yunho was bigger than him.
Maybe Mingi was tired today, because he didn’t even glance at the screen, closing his eyes and resting his head on Yunho’s chest. He felt the small, silent laugh Yunho made as he rubbed Mingi’s shoulder.
“What’s the matter, princess? You cold?” Yunho teased, turning the TV volume down. Mingi loved how Yunho always gave him his full attention. Maybe he was really a princess. Mingi kept his expression neutral though. “Maybe. I’m tired. Can you stay with me tonight?” Mingi didn’t want to look at Yunho because he already knew the answer.
He felt the way Yunho sighed, and Mingi curled into Yunho closer, as if he was trying to mold himself into Yunho’s body, keeping his head low. He really was spoiled. Yunho already gave him so much, but he kept asking for more. “Sorry, Mingi. I really can’t skip work, it's the last day before my weekend, and I do need to be home sometimes.”
Mingi knew this. He had to have by now. They had this conversation at least once a month. Yunho had to have as well. He never got mad though. Sometimes Mingi thought Yunho was an angel brought down from the heavens.
“It’s okay, you have me the rest of the time!” Yunho chirped, and Mingi could feel the smile in his voice. Mingi never knew if he wanted to punch that smile off or kiss it away. Mingi hummed, somewhat wanting to point out the obvious lie in that sentence, but choosing against it.
“Are you coming by tomorrow?” Mingi asked, finally getting off of Yunho to check his phone that was previously thrown on the coffee table in front of them. Yunho sat straighter, the sad puppy look on his face making Mingi know the answer as he pretended to check messages from friends that didn’t exist.
“I would really love to, but the guys are throwing a party for Wooyoung’s birthday. I already promised.” Mingi knew if he begged enough, Yunho might stay with him. He didn’t want to ruin Wooyoung’s party though, whoever that was. Mingi looked up at Yunho when he heard a gasp of happiness that burst from the man.
“How about you come with me? I’m sure the guys won't mind.” Yunho said with excitement, and Mingi cringed at the thought. He wasn’t really a party guy. A stay at home wallowing in sadness guy was more fitting. But, he was missing Yunho more lately. And he didn’t really want to be alone tomorrow. He didn’t have any priorities. There really was no reason to say no.
He never really could say no to Yunho.
“Sure, I guess.” Mingi said in a level tone. Yunho cheered, high-fiving Mingi before grabbing his phone to notify his friends. Mingi stared at the way Yunho’s eyes glistened and shined, his slightly greasy hair stuck to his forehead. Mingi smiled, looked back down at his phone. His only contact. Yunho. Yunho could have everything if he wanted. Mingi would give it to him, just to keep seeing that look in Yunho’s eyes.
Yunho jumped up, stretching, before smiling down at Mingi. “They’d be happy to have you! It’s at 10. They said it’s a “stripper party vibe” clothing wise, but I’m not sure what that means.” He laughed, walking to Mingi’s kitchen. It hardly had anything in there, but Yunho always seemed to find something edible. Mingi snorted, rolling his eyes as Yunho came back over with popcorn that was probably stale and gross. He ate it happily anyways. “God, you have weird friends. I’ll wear something tight then I guess.” Mingi shrugged, setting away his phone. “I love your ass, you know?” Yunho sighed, gazing down at where his butt was seated on the couch.
Mingi smirked. “I know. That’s why I show it off. I’m thick.” Mingi was always proud of his butt and thighs. More so knowing Yunho liked them. Embarrassment was long gone with Mingi and Yunho. “I have better legs though. I’ll wear shorts.” Yunho decided, glancing down at the legs covered by sweatpants. Mingi had to agree. Yunho’s legs were great.
Sighing, Yunho closed the bin of popcorn, shoving it on the coffee table before getting up again. “I should go. I’ll shower and then eat before I go to work, okay?” Mingi thought it was cute how Yunho asked for permission. Mingi agreed, and went to his room to look for Yunho’s clothes. Yunho always had a wardrobe there, because of the mistake a few years back where he got scolded for not wearing the proper attire after staying at Mingi’s. He grabbed a black button down and black slacks, placing them in the bathroom as Yunho grabbed a towel from the closet. They ran into each other as Mingi tried exiting the bathroom while Yunho tried to enter.
The bathroom was ridiculously small, just a skinny shower that could barely fit an adult body and a run down toilet. There was no sink, the only sink in the kitchen. It made it annoying sometimes, but Yunho never complained.
They giggled as they tried to pass each other in the small doorway, and Mingi felt his heart flutter.
He was kind of looking forward to the party.