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He actually survived. When the vote went through and the X's won Min-Su felt the biggest relief. He could finally get out and get his life back on track without risking his life.
It has been three years since the games. He had gotten a stable job which got him through life. But the memories from what happened are still haunting him. He will never forget the look on Thanos' face when he voted X. It was mixed with anger and disappointment. Even if he hates to admit it, he nearly chose O because he cared what he thought about him. But now he never has to think about him ever again.
Or so he thought…
Min-Su was on his way home after a long day at work, sitting on the bus far back and leaning against the window. The bus slows down at the next bus stop to let people on and off. Only two people get on. In the corner of his eyes he catches something purple. He quickly looks at the people who got on and freezes on the spot. A bit in front of him is Thanos. He looks a bit different from last time he saw him. His hair is still purple but it's washed out, his eyes look really tired and overall he just looks rough. Min-Su feels a shiver run through his body, this was not what he needed today.
The rest of the bus ride is peaceful. They finally pull over at his stop and he gets off. But doesn't get far before someone calls out his name.
“Min-Su”
Min-Su freezes again. Thanos must have recognised him and followed him. He turned around to face him. It feels weird seeing him again after so long. But he is surprised that he doesn't feel scared.
“Thanos… It's been a while” He offers a little smile
“Uh yeah it really has…you look good it seems like you've got it together” It feels weird seeing Thanos like this, he looks nervous.
“Well, as much as I can, I guess. Not to sound rude but can't say the same about you”
And Min-Su is right. The last three years have been rough on him. The money he got from the game did not cover the debt. Though he got a job as a cashier, he hasn't gathered enough yet and it will likely take many more years if he doesn't get a higher paying job.
“No it's okay, it has been three rough years. I'm sorry for approaching you like this” Thanos had seen Min-Su directly when he got on the bus, but he was scared to say anything worried that he would scare the guy.
"Ah, it's okay! It's nice seeing you again” It's true, he thought he would have a nervous breakdown if he ever met Thanos again but now standing here talking to the man he just feels bad for him. “Do you wanna come home with me and catch up?”
“It's okay, I don't wanna intrude” Thanos glances away, biting the inside of his cheek.
“Please” Min-Su's voice softens. “I insist”
“Yeah okay, I guess for a little while” They smile at each other.
On the way to the apartment it's mostly quiet. They don't really know how to act around each other after everything. Thanos feels awkward knowing what happened between them, not knowing how Min-Su feels about it.
They finally arrive. The apartment isn't that big but it is enough for Min-Su.
Thanos looks around, it's very clean. It doesn't even look like he is here alot. “You have an nice apartment”
Min-Su sits down on his couch “Thank you. Please sit down”
Thanos hesitates first but sits down as far as he can from Min-Su.
“Sooo what have you been up to these past three years?”
“I uh not much. Just… working. It's still hard, you know?” He is a bit embarrassed about his debt. Even though he tried to be cool about it in the games, now it's just embarrassing.
“Yeah, I don't really have any free time. Working day in and day out” Min-Su sighs but gives Thanos a sad smile. “At least I'm getting by”
They fall into silence, the air around them awkward. Not knowing how to act around each other.
“Min-Su, I'm sorry for how I acted towards you back then… I- You know It was a weird situation. Ever since I got out it felt like shit knowing what I had done” It has been eating him alive. For some reason the situation with Min-Su had stuck with him. His guess for why is that Min-Su looked so small, scared and innocent. It felt like kicking a puppy.
Min-Su looks a bit taken back at the apology but offers a smile. “It's okay, I mean it wasn't okay but it's in the past and I appreciate that you are apologising. And hey at least we survived”
“I will make up for it. I mean only if you want me in your life”
“Of course I do, I know it's been hard to navigate these past years but let's do it together from now on” Min-Su reaches out and gently takes Thanos hand in his.
Thanos gives Min-Sus hand a small squeeze. He knows he doesn't deserve this kindness but can't help but feel comfort.
“Yeah, together” They smile at each other.
—Five months later—
Min-Su Is sitting at a cafe with his friend Se-Mi catching up. They have both been very busy with life to meet up, it's been around 4 months since last.
“And then she fucking blamed it all on me! So of course I got shit from the boss” Se-Mi was ranting about a colleague of hers. Her hands were flying everywhere, gesturing aggressively.
Min-Su obviously feels bad for her but can't help but laugh. “That's fucked, do something more fucked up and blame it on her”
Se-Mi grumbles a bit. “Hm yeah might as well, fucking bitch. But enough about me, what's new with you?”
He shrugs. “You know, nothing much. Still working at the office. Normal boring life”
“Really? Nothing new? Come on dude, not even office drama? You are so boring” She takes a sip out of her coffee.
“I'm sorry that my life isn't as exciting as yours. I got a new plant” Min-Su gives her a big smile while she just groans in annoyance.
She continues to rant about everything she thinks is wrong in her life and Min-Su just sits and agrees with her. They don't hear the cafe door open, or the person walking right towards them. Only when the person is bending over Min-Su planting a kiss on his lips do they react.
“Oh my god, Thanos you scared me!” Min-Su gives him a glare.
Right maybe there was something new in his life to tell. He turns to Se-Mi who has her mouth open in surprise. “What the fuck”
“Oops, I probably forgot to tell you that I have a boyfriend. And that the boyfriend is Thanos” Min-Su gives her a cheeky smile.
“There is no way that you forgot to tell me! What the hell!”
“Well we should probably leave, can't be late” He stands up from his chair and takes Thanos hand in his.
Se-Mi gives him a glare. “Whatever, but you better talk next time we meet”
”Of course” He gives her one more smile and then walks out of the cafe with Thanos trailing behind him.
“We are not gonna be late for anything?” Thanos asks confused when they get out.
“I know, just didn't feel like getting interrogated today” Min-Su turns so he is facing Thanos.
“Are you embarrassed about me?” He pouts.
“Of course not” Min-Su leans up and kisses him.
He really isn't. He hasn't been this happy in a long time. It had been a bit rocky in the start but they figured it out and have been dating for 3 months now. The reason why he hadn't told Se-Mi yet is because he knows that the last she knew of Thanos was in the games which he acted awfully in. But he will show her that he actually is a sweet and caring person who just folded under the pressure of the game.
“Okay, i believe you” Thanos plants another kiss on his lips.
Min-Su gives him a wide smile. “Let's go home”
“Yes, let's”