Archive of Our Own

From the moment Jeong Yunho first saw Song Mingi sitting alone in the school cafeteria back in Grade 9, he knew there was something different about the boy. Mingi sat all by himself, slowly picking at his rice and meat while everyone else around him had already finished their meals and hurried off to their next class. He ate with such deliberate care, savouring every single bite as if he were afraid the food would vanish the second he tried to rush through it. His old group of friends had grown tired of waiting and walked ahead without him, leaving him sitting quietly in his seat. He looked a little lost, but at the same time, he seemed completely content just to focus on his food and take his time.

Without stopping to think twice, Yunho walked straight over, pulled out the empty chair across from him, and set his own tray down with a warm, easy smile. “Mind if I join you? Everyone else is rushing around like their food is going to run away if they don’t finish in five minutes. I think it tastes a whole lot better when you actually take the time to enjoy it.”

Mingi lifted his head, his eyes going wide and startled, and there was even a little bit of rice still stuck to the corner of his mouth. He blinked a few times in surprise before nodding quickly, his cheeks flushing a soft, faint pink. “Oh, uh no, not at all. Please, sit down.”

That was the start of everything between them. Yunho learned early on that Mingi did not eat slowly just to be difficult or to waste time. It was simply how he was. He focused entirely on the meal in front of him, paying attention to every flavour and texture, and in doing so, he easily lost track of how much time was passing. By the time the final bell rang and the cafeteria emptied out almost completely, Mingi looked around and realised he was the only one left except for Yunho, who had stayed right there beside him. A look of embarrassment washed over his face, and he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

“Sorry about that,” he muttered, his voice quiet. “I guess I took way longer than I should have.”

Yunho just smiled and stood up, slinging his school bag over one shoulder like it was no trouble at all. “It is fine. I do not mind eating and walking with you. Besides, if I did not stay here and wait, you would probably get left behind every single day from now on.”

From that day forward, the two of them were never seen apart. Lunchtime quickly became their fixed, unchanging routine, and before long, they also started walking home together, studying side by side, and sharing every small detail of their daily lives. Years went by, and as they grew older and moved through different stages of life, their bond only grew deeper and stronger. Even when their interests and goals started to take them in different directions, nothing between them ever felt like it changed.

Yunho studied hard through college and eventually built a career as a civil engineer. His days were always busy and demanding, filled with drawing up blueprints, visiting construction sites, sitting through long meetings with contractors, and working through complex calculations that left his mind feeling heavy and tired by the time he finally got home. Mingi, on the other hand, followed his own passion and went into design and fashion. He worked in a busy creative studio, spending his days sketching new ideas, selecting fabrics and materials, and coordinating photoshoots. He often came home late with smudges of paint or ink on his fingers and pockets stuffed full of fabric swatches and rough sketches.

Even though their work lives were completely different, they never once thought about living in separate places. Instead, they rented a comfortable two bedroom apartment, chosen carefully so it was an easy commute for both of them. To anyone who visited their home, there was no doubt about what they were to each other. They moved through the space with such ease and familiarity that it went far beyond what ordinary friends shared. 

It was also completely natural by now that they shared the same bed. It had started years before during stormy nights when the power would go out, leaving the house cold and dark, and they would huddle close together just to stay warm. Then it happened on nights when one of them had a bad dream or felt lonely and wanted comfort. Eventually, it stopped being something they had to think about and just became the way things were. The spare room that was meant to be a second bedroom slowly turned into storage space and a small private studio for Mingi to work on his projects. Their main bed was large enough for two people to have plenty of room, but no matter how much space there was, they always woke up tangled together in the sheets every morning. Even while they slept, their bodies naturally found one another. Yunho was always the first to reach out. His arm would rest heavy and warm around Mingi’s waist, pulling him close until Mingi’s back pressed firmly against Yunho’s chest. He would press soft, slow kisses along the back of Mingi’s neck, his lips brushing gently over sensitive skin, while his hand rested low and steady on Mingi’s stomach. Sometimes his fingers would trace slow, careful patterns up and down, movements that were gentle but deliberate, and they always made Mingi shiver softly and hum with quiet satisfaction.

“Did you sleep well, princess?” Yunho would murmur, his voice rough and deep from just waking up, his breath warm against Mingi’s ear.

Mingi would turn around in his hold, wrapping both arms tightly around Yunho’s broad shoulders and hooking his legs naturally around Yunho’s hips to pull their bodies even closer together. “I always sleep best when you are right here,” he would reply, his voice soft and warm. Then he would lean in to kiss Yunho properly, slow and open mouthed, letting their tongues brush together in a familiar, heated rhythm that made Yunho groan low in his throat.

Throughout the rest of the day, their connection stayed just as visible. Yunho would come up behind Mingi while he sat at his desk sketching, rest his chin on Mingi’s shoulder, and let his hands wander over Mingi’s chest and sides, squeezing gently and feeling the firm muscle beneath his soft shirts. When they cooked meals together in the kitchen, Yunho would press his body flush against Mingi’s back, his hips rolling slowly just to feel the way Mingi reacted. It was enough to make Mingi gasp softly and sometimes drop whatever he was holding in surprise.

“You are so distracting,” Mingi would say, though there was no real annoyance in his tone at all, only amusement and deep affection. He would tilt his head back to rest against Yunho’s shoulder, exposing the length of his throat, and Yunho would always take that silent invitation. He would kiss and suck gently at the skin there until soft, dark marks bloomed, claiming every inch of Mingi as his own.

When night fell and they moved into the privacy of their bedroom, their closeness deepened even further. They would take their time removing each other’s clothes, piece by piece, until there was nothing left between them. Yunho never rushed. He knew exactly how to touch Mingi, exactly where to kiss, lick, and suck to draw out those sweet, breathless sounds that only he could bring out. His hands were large and firm, gripping Mingi’s hips to hold him steady while guiding him exactly how he wanted.

“Look at me,” Yunho would say, his voice growing deeper and rougher, filled with a quiet confidence and warmth that made Mingi’s head spin. “Keep your eyes on me, princess. Only me.”

Mingi would obey right away, his cheeks flushed bright red, his lips swollen and parted, and his eyes looking glassy and dark with desire. His fingers would dig gently into Yunho’s back, leaving faint red marks in their wake, while his hips rolled back to meet every movement, desperate for more. He would whisper Yunho’s name over and over again, his voice breaking into soft cries and gasps as his body arched off the mattress, pleasure coiling tight and sweet in his stomach. Yunho would hold him firmly through every wave of feeling, keeping his pace steady and sure, his own quiet groans mixing with Mingi’s sounds until they finally fell apart together, spent and breathless, tangled in the sheets and each other’s arms.

To Yunho, this was proof enough of everything they shared. They had been together since that first afternoon in the Grade 9 cafeteria, and every year they marked the anniversary of the day they met. They always celebrated it with a nice dinner, thoughtful gifts, and quiet, intimate nights just the two of them. He loved Mingi more than anything else in the world, and he was completely sure that Mingi felt exactly the same way.

Their group of friends had also long accepted them as a settled, loving pair. Hongjoong, Seonghwa, San, Yeosang, Wooyoung, and Jongho saw them as the kind of couple who did not need grand speeches or fancy words to prove how much they belonged to one another. They saw the way Yunho looked at Mingi like he was the only thing in the whole world that truly mattered, and how Mingi leaned into every touch as if he could not feel safe or happy without it. The friends often teased them, calling them the most domestic and comfortable pair they knew, and they never questioned the life they built together sharing a home, a bed, and every part of their days.

That was why, two months before their upcoming anniversary, the date that marked the first time they spoke in that school cafeteria, Yunho started acting a little differently. He became quieter than usual, often lost deep in thought, checking his savings more often than before, and turning his phone screen away whenever Mingi walked into the room. He had made up his mind about what he wanted to do, and he knew it was time to take the next big step in their relationship.

One evening, as they were getting ready for bed, Mingi stood in front of the mirror brushing his hair. His loose shirt slipped slightly down one shoulder, exposing soft skin, and Yunho sat on the edge of the mattress watching him closely. His gaze was heavy and warm, but his fingers tapped nervously against his knee, a habit he only had when he was thinking about something important.

“You have been a little distracted lately,” Mingi said, turning around and walking over to stand between Yunho’s knees. He placed both hands gently on Yunho’s shoulders, his voice soft and caring. “Is there something going on at work that is stressing you out?”

Yunho looked up at him, his throat bobbing as he swallowed hard. “No, nothing like that. Work is fine. I have just been thinking about something really important, something that matters more than anything else.”

Mingi leaned down to press a gentle kiss to his forehead, then his cheek, and finally his lips. It was a slow, familiar kiss, just like the hundreds they had shared before. Yunho’s arms wrapped around Mingi’s waist right away, pulling him closer until their bodies were pressed together. The kiss deepened naturally, Yunho’s tongue sliding gently against Mingi’s, tasting him like he was something rare and precious. Mingi sighed softly, his fingers tangling through Yunho’s hair, his whole body relaxing completely in his hold.

“Whatever it is,” Mingi murmured against his lips, “you can tell me whenever you are ready. You know that, right? There is nothing you cannot share with me.”

“I will,” Yunho promised, his hands sliding lower to rest firmly on Mingi’s hips, squeezing lightly. “Soon enough. I promise.”

Later that same night, after the lights were turned off and Mingi had fallen into a deep, peaceful sleep, Yunho lay awake staring up at the ceiling. He had made up his mind completely. They had been through so much together already. They supported each other through failures and successes, knew each other’s worst habits and best qualities, and loved every part of who the other was. This year, their anniversary would not just be another dinner or another quiet night. After all these years, after sharing every part of their lives, and after loving Mingi more than he could ever put into simple words, it was finally time to take that next step. 

He was going to ask Mingi to marry him.

That was why, a few days later while Mingi was away attending a design workshop, Yunho called all their closest friends together for a meeting at their apartment. He gathered everyone around the dining table, and as they settled into their seats, curious expressions showed clearly on all their faces.

“Okay, so I really need your help with something,” Yunho said. He tried to keep his voice steady and confident, but there was still a slight shake to it that gave away how nervous he felt. “In exactly two months, it will mark another anniversary of the day we first met. And this time… I am going to ask Mingi to marry me.”

A loud, happy cheer went around the room the moment the words left his mouth. Wooyoung clapped his hands together loudly and jumped up to throw his arms around Yunho’s arm, grinning from ear to ear. “Finally! We have all been waiting for you to work up the courage to do this! Honestly, you two already act like you are married anyway, so it is about time you made it official!”

Yeosang nodded slowly, a warm and approving smile tugging at his lips. “That is a great decision. He deserves every bit of happiness you can give him, and the two of you really are perfect for each other in every way.”

“Alright then, let us plan this properly and make sure nothing goes wrong,” Hongjoong said, stepping in to take charge just like he always did. “We have to be very careful so Mingi does not suspect anything ahead of time. He may seem laid back and easygoing on the surface, but he pays attention to details more than most people realise.”

“You’re exactly right,” Yunho replied, running a hand through his hair as a flutter of nervous excitement started to build up in his stomach. “I want this moment to be absolutely perfect. That is why I need all of you to help me pull it off. I do not want him to have even the smallest hint of what is coming until it actually happens.”

“Just tell us what you need and we will take care of it,” Seonghwa said gently. “We all promise we will do everything we can to help make your plan work out just right.”

“Maybe we should split up the work so no one gets overwhelmed and every part gets done correctly,” Jongho suggested. “We can assign specific tasks to each person so nothing falls through the cracks.” 

Everyone agreed right away that this was the best way to handle it. Yunho went around the table and decided on the assignments clearly, making sure everyone knew exactly what they were responsible for.

He looked first at Hongjoong and Jongho. “You two will be in charge of finding and preparing the venue. I want to reserve the whole place for that evening. It should be decorated nicely, but nothing too flashy or over the top. Just something warm, comfortable, and beautiful. It needs to feel quiet and private enough for the moment, but still special enough that it feels like a proper celebration.”

“Consider it done,” Jongho said immediately, already pulling out his phone to start making notes. “We will find somewhere with soft lighting and a nice view, probably somewhere that looks out over the city at night. It will have just the right atmosphere.”

“Seonghwa hyung and Wooyoung,” Yunho continued, turning to the next two. “You are in charge of the menu and drinks. Make sure every single dish served is something Mingi absolutely loves. Do not try anything new or surprising that might not sit well with him. Just put together everything that we all know makes him happy.”

“We know exactly what he likes better than anyone,” Seonghwa said with a soft, knowing smile. “We will include his favorite appetizers, the main dish he always orders whenever we go out to eat, and that cold watermelon dessert he talks about every single time we finish a meal. We will make sure every course is prepared exactly how he prefers it.”

“And I will go through the wine list too,” Wooyoung added, already thinking ahead. “I will pick something smooth and slightly sweet, not too strong or heavy, so it goes well with the food and does not make anyone feel unwell.”

San was given the trickiest but most important job of all. His task was to find out Mingi’s exact ring size without raising any suspicion. He thought it over for just a moment before coming up with a convincing story that would work perfectly. “I have got this figured out already,” he said with a grin. “I will tell Mingi that I am planning to propose to Wooyoung soon, and I need his help picking out the right ring. I will ask him to come along to the jewelry shop and give his opinion. While we are looking around, I can casually ask him to try a few bands on just to see how they look on someone else’s hand. He will never guess what we are actually doing.”

Wooyoung snickered and shook his head. “That is brilliant. Just make sure you do not make it sound too real, or I am going to have to pretend I know nothing about it when he asks me later.”

Yeosang, who had stayed quiet while everyone else spoke, raised one eyebrow and looked at Yunho. “And what would you like me to do?”

“You have been assigned the most delicate part of the whole plan,” Yunho told him. “You are in charge of making sure Mingi gets there at the right time. Tell him we are all just having a regular group dinner or something like that, nothing out of the ordinary. Make sure he dresses nicely, but keep it casual and elegant enough so he does not feel like he is going to some fancy formal event. I need him to walk into that place without having any idea what is waiting for him.”

Yeosang gave a small, confident nod. “I can handle that easily. He trusts me completely, so he will not ask too many questions or think twice about coming along.”

Over the next two months, every part of the plan slowly fell into place one step at a time. San carried out his part first. One afternoon when Yunho was supposedly still at work, he showed up at their apartment and found Mingi sitting at the dining table, busy sketching out new design ideas. He asked if Mingi would be free to go out with him to a high end jewelry shop downtown.

“Hey Mingi,” San said, leaning casually against the doorframe so he did not look too eager. “Do you have a minute? I really need your help with something important.”

Mingi looked up from his drawing and pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. “Of course I do. What is going on?”

“I need your honest opinion on something,” San said, putting on his most innocent face. “I have been thinking about getting a ring for Wooyoung. I want something simple but meaningful, something that fits him well. I want to surprise him, but I honestly do not know much about rings or what looks good. If I pick something ugly, Wooyoung will never let me hear the end of it. Since you have such a good eye for design and details, you are the perfect person to help me choose. Come along to the jewelry shop with me? We can look around, and maybe you can even try a few styles on too just so I can compare how they look on different hands.”

Mingi smiled and set his pencil down gently. “Sure, I do not mind helping you out at all. But just so you know, you owe me a good dinner later for taking time away from my work.”

“Deal,” San said right away, already moving to pull him toward the front door.

Once they arrived at the shop, San spent a long time pretending to browse through different rings, asking Mingi’s thoughts on the thickness of the bands, the shape of the stones, and the type of metal that looked best. After a while, he casually picked up a few plain silver bands and held them out toward Mingi. “Try these on for me, will you? I want to see how a simple band looks on someone’s hand. It will help me picture it better.”

Mingi did exactly as he was asked, slipping one ring after another onto his finger. San watched closely, making a mental note of which size fit snugly but comfortably without feeling too tight. While Mingi was distracted looking at a display of necklaces, San quietly asked the jeweler to confirm the exact measurement. By the time they left the shop, San had the correct size written down in his phone, and he sent the number straight to Yunho. Mingi had no idea that he had just given the exact size of his own future engagement ring.

‘Got it. Size 9. Perfect fit,’ San messaged quickly.

When Yunho read the message, he let out a long breath that felt like he had been holding it for weeks. He went back to the shop himself a few days later and finally picked out the ring he had been thinking about and saving up for months. It was simple but elegant, with a small but clear diamond set right in the center that caught the light beautifully no matter which way it turned. When he got home, he hid the ring box carefully at the very back of his closet, underneath some old sweaters and out of sight. Every few days he would check to make sure it was still safe, and as the date got closer, his nerves and excitement grew stronger and stronger.

Meanwhile, Hongjoong and Jongho spent their evenings visiting different restaurants and venues all over the city. They checked each one carefully, looking at the layout, the lighting, and the overall atmosphere. Eventually they found the perfect place. It had large windows that looked out over the twinkling city lights after dark, soft golden lamps hanging from the ceiling, and tables arranged in a way that felt private and cozy without being closed off. They booked the entire space for the evening, arranged for fresh flowers to be placed along the walkway and around the main table, and confirmed every single detail until everything was set and ready.

Seonghwa and Wooyoung worked closely with the chef to plan every part of the meal. They went over the menu multiple times to make sure nothing was missed. They remembered that Mingi liked his food well seasoned but never too spicy, that he preferred creamy soups and tender chicken dishes, and that no meal was ever complete for him without that cold, sweet watermelon dessert he loved so much. They even asked for the wine to be chilled to exactly the right temperature, knowing exactly how long it needed to sit to reach the coolness Mingi enjoyed.

Back at home, Yunho found it harder than anyone else to stay calm. With Mingi right there beside him all the time, sharing the same space and sleeping in the same bed, it was difficult to keep his excitement and nerves under control. He often had to bite his tongue to stop himself from accidentally saying something that would give away the surprise. There were moments when he almost slipped up, like when he caught himself staring at Mingi’s hands over breakfast and trying to imagine how the ring would look wrapped around his finger. There were times when he mumbled something about their future together and had to quickly change the subject before Mingi asked questions. Once, when he was putting the ring box back in its hiding spot, Mingi walked into the room looking for a jacket. Yunho had to quickly stand in front of the closet and make up a silly excuse to block his view. Mingi raised an eyebrow at him but did not press the matter further.

Even their usual quiet and intimate moments felt different during these weeks. When they made love, Yunho found himself holding Mingi tighter than he ever had before, kissing him deeper and slower, as if trying to pour all his love and his anticipation for what was coming into every single touch. He was always gentle but firm, guiding Mingi’s body exactly how he knew he liked it, remembering every sensitive spot and every soft sound Mingi made when he felt good. He wanted to show him, even before saying the words, just how much he meant and how much he wanted to spend the rest of their lives together.

One night, the tension that always seemed to hum between them built up slowly and steadily, just like it often did. They had finished eating dinner and were sitting side by side on the couch, half watching a movie playing on the screen, when Yunho’s hand began to wander. He rested it lightly on Mingi’s thigh, then started rubbing slow, gentle circles through the soft fabric of his sweatpants, pressing his thumb just enough against the sensitive inner part of his leg to send a quiet spark of heat through Mingi’s body. Mingi shifted closer to him right away, turning his head to look over, and Yunho could already see the way his eyes were growing darker and heavier with desire.

“You seem to be in quite a mood tonight,” Mingi whispered, his voice already sounding softer and a little breathless, as if he could feel exactly where this was going.

Yunho leaned in closer until his lips brushed lightly against Mingi’s ear, his breath warm and steady against his skin. “I cannot help it. You look so comfortable and so good just sitting there next to me, it is hard to keep my hands to myself.”

Without waiting for another word, he pulled Mingi up and guided him to turn around so he could straddle his thighs, bringing their bodies fully pressed together from chest to hips. Yunho’s hands slid smoothly up under the hem of Mingi’s shirt, his warm palms gliding over the smooth skin of his sides and back, tracing the natural lines of his waist and spine in slow, careful strokes. Mingi melted into the touch immediately, his own hands coming up to grip firmly onto Yunho’s shoulders, while his hips rolled forward in a slow, searching motion, looking for the friction and closeness he craved.

Their kisses grew deeper and more heated by the second, turning hungry and messy in the best way possible. Yunho’s tongue explored every part of Mingi’s mouth thoroughly, swallowing every soft moan and quiet sigh that escaped past his lips. He pushed Mingi’s shirt up and over his head, tossing it aside onto the floor, and then pulled his own shirt off just as quickly so they could press their bare chests together. Mingi’s skin felt warm and soft beneath his hands, and Yunho ran his palms all over him, squeezing gently at his hips, his waist, and his back, pulling him as close as physically possible so there was barely any space left between them.

Yunho trailed his kisses slowly down along Mingi’s neck, nipping gently at the sensitive skin there, leaving faint pink marks that would only be visible to the two of them in the days ahead. Mingi tilted his head further back to give him better access, letting out a long, shaky sigh of pleasure, his fingers tangling tightly into the hair at the back of Yunho’s head. 

“Yunho… please,” he murmured, his voice already thick with need.

Yunho stood up from the couch easily, lifting Mingi right up into his arms as if he weighed nothing at all, and carried him down the short hallway into their bedroom. He laid him down gently across the mattress, kneeling between his spread legs so he could look down at the body he knew so well, admiring every curve and line that he had memorized over all their years together. He pulled Mingi’s pants and underwear down in one smooth, easy motion, tossing them away, leaving him completely exposed and open beneath his gaze.

Leaning forward again, Yunho kissed his way slowly down Mingi’s chest, licking and sucking lightly at his nipples until they hardened into tight, sensitive peaks. Mingi writhed and shifted restlessly beneath him, his hands gripping the sheets on either side of his body while his hips lifted off the bed in a silent plea for more. Yunho kept going lower, his mouth trailing warm, wet kisses over his stomach and down along the soft skin of his inner thighs, nipping just lightly enough to make Mingi gasp before he finally took his cock fully into his mouth.

Mingi cried out loudly, his back arching sharply up off the mattress, his fingers twisting tightly into Yunho’s hair to hold him in place. “Ah Yunho! Fuck that feels so good…”

Yunho hummed softly around him, and the vibration sent warm shivers rolling through every part of Mingi’s body. He used his tongue with all the skill and care he had learned over time, stroking and swirling in just the right ways, while his hands held Mingi’s hips firmly in place so he could feel every bit of the pleasure being given to him. When he felt Mingi starting to tremble and get close to the edge, Yunho pulled back slowly, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, his own eyes dark and burning with equal parts love and longing.

He immediately removed his pants and underwear and shifted himself properly between Mingi’s legs, guiding his own cock inside slowly and carefully, giving Mingi all the time he needed to adjust even though they had done this a thousand times before. Mingi gasped softly at the feeling, his hands reaching out to grip tightly onto Yunho’s arms, while his legs wrapped naturally around Yunho’s waist to pull him in even deeper.

“Yunho… more,” Mingi whispered, his eyes half lidded and heavy, his face flushed a warm and beautiful shade of pink. “Do not hold back, please… nghhh… so big.”

Yunho obeyed right away, setting a steady, deep rhythm, each thrust hitting exactly the right spot that he knew would make Mingi see stars. The room filled with the soft sounds of their breathing, quiet moans, and the faint, steady sound of skin meeting skin. Yunho leaned down again to capture Mingi’s lips, swallowing every cry that fell from them, his hips moving with a controlled strength that made Mingi’s vision blur at the edges.

“You feel so perfect and tight around me,” Yunho groaned against his mouth, his voice thick and rough with pleasure. He picked up the pace little by little, his movements becoming faster and harder, driven not just by desire but by all the love he felt and the thought that very soon he would make Mingi his forever. He held Mingi close and secure, one hand supporting his lower back while the other tangled gently in his hair, looking down at him with nothing but pure devotion shining in his eyes.

Mingi’s face was a picture of complete bliss. His eyes were rolled slightly back, his lips parted in soft, breathless gasps, his cheeks flushed bright pink, and a thin sheen of sweat glistened across his skin. In that moment, he felt so full, so completely loved, and so entirely owned in the best possible way. When the pleasure finally reached its peak, he cried out Yunho’s name loudly, his whole body trembling violently as his release washed over him. Yunho followed right after, burying himself deep and holding Mingi as tightly as he could while they rode out the waves together.

For a long time afterward, they just lay there tangled in each other’s arms, breathing heavily as their hearts slowed back down to a normal rhythm. Yunho brushed the damp strands of hair away from Mingi’s forehead, pressing soft, gentle kisses all over his face and cheeks.

“I love you,” Yunho whispered, holding him close against his chest. “More than anything else in this whole world.”

Mingi smiled sleepily, his eyes already starting to droop shut again as he snuggled deeper into the warmth of Yunho’s hold. “I love you too. Always and forever.”

As Yunho held him there in the dark, he felt more sure than ever that his plan was the right one. Everything was going to work out exactly as he hoped, and it would be perfect.

As the final days counted down toward their anniversary, Yunho’s nervousness only seemed to grow stronger. He checked and rechecked every single detail a dozen times over. He kept the ring safe and looked at it every day, just to make sure it was still there. He called Hongjoong twice a day just to confirm everything was ready at the restaurant, asked Seonghwa again and again if the menu was all set, and reminded Yeosang constantly to make sure he did not raise any suspicion in Mingi’s mind.

Finally, the day itself arrived.

Yunho woke up much earlier than usual, his heart already pounding hard and fast against his ribs. He moved very carefully so he would not wake Mingi, who was still sleeping soundly, his face half buried in the pillow and one arm thrown across the empty space where Yunho had been lying. He looked so peaceful and beautiful, just like he always did, that Yunho felt another strong surge of love and excitement mix together in his chest.

He took a quick shower and dressed in the suit he had bought especially for this night. It was a dark, well fitted piece that made him look sharp and neat, with a crisp white shirt underneath. He patted the inner pocket of his jacket to feel the small box resting there, took a few deep breaths, and tried to steady his shaking hands.

By the time Mingi finally woke up, Yunho was already in the kitchen getting breakfast ready. Mingi stumbled out of the bedroom looking half asleep, rubbing his eyes and wearing only an old loose t-shirt and sweatpants, his hair sticking up in messy tufts from sleep. He walked straight over to Yunho and wrapped his arms around him from behind, pressing his face into the warm space between Yunho’s shoulder and neck.

“Good morning,” he mumbled in a sleepy, rough voice.

Yunho turned around in his hold, cupped both sides of Mingi’s face gently in his hands, and leaned down to kiss him slowly and softly. “Good morning to you too. Did you sleep well?”

“Mhm,” Mingi hummed happily, leaning into the touch. “You are all dressed up so early. Do you have a big meeting today or something?”

“Something like that,” Yunho replied with a soft smile, brushing the messy hair back from Mingi’s forehead.

“Wait, we were supposed to go out tonight, remember?” Mingi asked, looking up at him with just a little pout on his lips.

“I know, I remember,” Yunho said, his eyes warm and full of affection. “I will just send you a message later to update you on everything, okay?”

Mingi nodded slowly, still half asleep. “All right. I will wait for your text then.”

Yunho left the apartment a short while later. He went to his work site first to put in a few hours, but he took an early leave so he could get everything ready for the proposal. From there, he headed straight to the restaurant. When he walked in, the private dining room looked exactly as he had imagined. Soft golden lights glowed from every corner, fresh flowers were arranged neatly along the table and around the edges of the room, tall candles sat in clear glass holders, and through the large windows, the whole city spread out below them, glowing softly in the distance. All of their friends were already there except for Yeosang, and they were busy checking over the last few small details.

“Everything is completely ready,” Hongjoong said, stepping over to pat him gently on the shoulder. “Just take a few deep breaths, Yunho. He is definitely going to say yes.”

Yunho nodded, though he could still feel his hands trembling just a little bit. “I know he will, but I still cannot help feeling so nervous about it all.”

Now there was nothing left to do but wait for Yeosang and Mingi to arrive.

Meanwhile, across the city, Yeosang reached their apartment around four in the afternoon. He was dressed neatly but casually, trying not to look too formal or out of place. When he walked in, he found Mingi spread out across the living room table, sorting through stacks of fabric swatches and sketching ideas in his notebook.

“Got any plans for tonight?” Yeosang asked as he stepped inside, keeping his expression calm and natural.

Mingi looked up. “Yeah, I was just going to finish up these designs here, and then Yunho and I were supposed to head out later.”

“Plans have changed a little,” Yeosang said smoothly, keeping his tone light and easy. “The rest of the group decided they wanted to gather for a nice meal tonight. San and Wooyoung have been arguing back and forth about this new restaurant downtown, and they dragged everyone else along to try it and settle the argument. Hongjoong said we should all come along so no one gets left out. Even Yunho agreed to it.”

Mingi frowned slightly, looking confused. “Why did Yunho not mention this to me earlier?”

“His phone died before he could tell you,” Yeosang replied, sticking to the story they had agreed on. “He already went ahead early just to help sort out the seating and make sure everything is fine. That is why he sent me here to pick you up instead. Come on, you cannot show up there wearing those sweatpants covered in paint stains. Let me help you pick out something decent to wear.”

Before Mingi could ask any more questions or protest, Yeosang was already guiding him toward the bedroom. He opened the wardrobe and picked out a soft button-down shirt in a deep navy blue shade, paired it with a set of well fitted dark trousers. The fabric fell gently over Mingi’s shoulders and waist, highlighting his lean frame and the long lines of his legs perfectly. Yeosang even helped fix his hair, running a little styling wax through it so it fell neatly across his forehead, and suggested he wear a thin silver chain he kept in his jewelry box to finish the look.

The drive to the restaurant was quiet and relaxed. Yeosang kept the conversation light, talking about upcoming projects at the studio and other small events they had heard about recently, carefully steering the topic away from anything that might make Mingi grow suspicious. When they finally pulled up in front of the building, Mingi noticed right away that the outside looked nicer than he had expected. Warm lights glowed all around the entrance, soft strings of lights hung above the doorway, and fresh flower arrangements lined the walkway leading to the doors.

“This place looks much fancier and nicer than I thought it would be,” Mingi commented as they stepped out of the car and looked around.

“Wooyoung insisted they go somewhere with a good atmosphere,” Yeosang said with a small smile, leading him forward through the doors and into the warm, welcoming space inside.

As soon as the heavy wooden doors swung open, the noise and chatter of the busy city outside faded away completely, replaced by soft, gentle instrumental music and warm, dim golden lighting that filled the whole room. The main dining area was entirely empty of other guests. Only one table stood in the center of the space, covered with a crisp white cloth and decorated all around with small bouquets made up of Mingi’s favorite flowers. At the far end of the room, Yunho was standing there waiting for them, holding a small, neat bouquet of red roses in one hand. His heart was pounding so hard that he could almost hear the steady thumping in his own ears, and his palms felt slightly damp from the nervous excitement building up inside him.

Hidden behind tall decorative screens and near the entrance to the kitchen, the rest of their friends were watching everything closely. Hongjoong and Jongho peeked out from one side, giving Yunho encouraging thumbs up and soft nods to keep him calm. San and Wooyoung stood next to each other, exchanging wide, excited grins, while Seonghwa kept a careful, watchful eye on the whole scene, ready to step in and help if anything went wrong.

Mingi stopped walking for a moment right inside the doorway, his eyes widening as he took in the whole setting around him. He looked from the empty room to the table, then toward Yunho, his expression shifting from slight confusion to soft, pleasant surprise. “Wait, where is everyone else? I thought this was supposed to be a group dinner with all of us.”

Yeosang patted his shoulder gently and gave him a little push forward. “Don’t worry about looking for them right now. Just go ahead.” Then he stepped back and quietly made his way over to join the others behind the screens, leaving Yunho and Mingi completely alone in the middle of the room.

Yunho began to walk toward him slowly, and it felt as though his legs were heavier than usual. When he finally stopped right in front of Mingi, he held out the bouquet of roses with a smile that was warm but still just a little shaky.

“Happy anniversary,” Yunho said softly, his voice clear and steady in the quiet room. “Thirteen years to the day since I first sat down across from you in that crowded school cafeteria.”

Mingi’s face lit up instantly with that familiar, bright grin that Yunho loved so much. He took the flowers carefully, brought them close to his nose to breathe in their sweet scent, then leaned in to press a quick, soft kiss right to Yunho’s lips, just like he did every single year on this date. “You really went all out this time, didn’t you? I was just expecting us to go out and have a regular dinner like we always do.”

“I wanted this one to be different,” Yunho replied gently, then turned to lead him toward the table and pulled out his chair so he could sit down comfortably. “I wanted it to feel much more special than any other year.”

As they settled into their seats, Mingi looked around the room again, taking in every little detail and arrangement, and a warm, soft feeling spread slowly through his chest. The whole place looked beautiful, but what made it even better was knowing that Yunho had planned and organized every single part of it just for him. Soon enough, the first course was brought out from the kitchen. It was Mingi’s favorite creamy soup, rich and smooth just the way he liked it, followed by tender chicken seasoned exactly how he preferred, along with roasted vegetables and warm, buttery garlic bread. Every single bite tasted like something he had been craving, and he smiled happily between mouthfuls, feeling completely relaxed and content.

They talked easily throughout the meal, chatting about how their days had gone, about projects at work, and even laughing over silly little things that had happened over the past month. Yunho reached across the table often, resting his hand gently over Mingi’s, and his thumb brushed slowly back and forth over his knuckles in a gesture that felt so natural and right. At one point, he lifted Mingi’s hand all the way to his lips and pressed a soft kiss to his fingers, his eyes filled with such deep and warm love that it felt almost like something you could touch and hold.

All the while, hidden behind the large decorative screens, their friends were watching and listening closely, holding their breath so they would not make a single sound. Wooyoung gripped tightly onto San’s arm, whispering that everything was going perfectly and just as planned. Hongjoong and Seonghwa exchanged proud, soft smiles, while Yeosang could not help but let out a tiny, quiet giggle now and then from the excitement. Jongho just stood there with his arms crossed over his chest, looking ready to cheer and clap the moment the right words were finally spoken.

The meal continued smoothly, the soft glow of candlelight wrapping around them like a warm, gentle blanket. Every dish was exactly what Mingi loved best, and every bite brought a pleased hum from his throat. Yunho watched him closely the whole time, feeling his heart hammering harder and harder against his ribs with every passing minute, and his hand would occasionally tighten just a little around Mingi’s where it rested on the table. He kept telling himself over and over that everything was perfect, that this was exactly the moment he had been waiting and planning for all these months.

When the last of the main plates were cleared away and only the dessert and a bottle of chilled wine remained on the table, Yunho took one long, deep breath to steady himself. He let go of Mingi’s hand just long enough to reach into the inner pocket of his jacket, and his fingers closed firmly around the small velvet box he had kept hidden away for weeks. His palms felt a little damp, but his expression was soft and full of determination as he pushed his chair back and slowly stood up from the table.

Mingi blinked in surprise and tilted his head slightly to the side, looking at him with curiosity. “Yunho? What are you doing? Is everything alright?”

Instead of answering him right away, Yunho walked slowly around the table until he was standing directly in front of Mingi, then lowered himself carefully down onto one knee. From behind the screens, their friends all leaned forward at once, their eyes going wide and grins already starting to spread across their faces.

“Mingi,” Yunho began, his voice warm and deep, carrying clearly through the quiet room. “For thirteen whole years now, you have been the most important part of my entire life. From that very first day when I sat across from you while you ate your lunch slowly and carefully, all the way to now where we share every single morning and every single night, every moment of joy and every tired, difficult day. You are the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last person I hold close before I fall asleep. Together, we have built something so beautiful, something that feels more like home to me than any house or place in this world ever could.”

He opened the small velvet box then, revealing the simple but elegant ring inside. It caught the soft light from the candles and glowed brightly, shining right between them.

“I love you more than any words I know could ever fully explain. I want to walk right beside you for the rest of our lives, to keep making new memories, to grow old together, and to never have to be apart even for a single moment,” Yunho said, and there was a soft, bright shine of emotion in his eyes. “Song Mingi, my princess… will you marry me?”

A sudden, heavy silence fell over the whole room. Even the soft background music seemed to fade away completely, leaving only the sound of their breathing. Behind the screens, their friends leaned forward even more, eyes wide and waiting eagerly for Mingi’s answer. For a few long seconds, nothing happened at all. Mingi just stared down at the ring, then lifted his gaze to look at Yunho’s earnest, hopeful face, and then looked back at the ring again. His expression shifted quickly from surprise to complete and utter confusion. His mouth opened and closed a few times, but no sound came out at first. He blinked rapidly, as if trying to make sure he was hearing and seeing things correctly.

“Wait a minute,” Mingi said softly, his voice sounding confused and a little lost. “Marry you? Yunho, I… I do not understand what you mean.”

Yunho felt a tight, uncomfortable feeling in his chest, but he told himself Mingi was just overwhelmed and needed a moment to process everything. He smiled gently and reached out to rest his hand lightly on Mingi’s knee. “I know it might feel sudden, but I wanted today to be the day we made it official. We have been together for such a long time already, and this is just the next natural step for us.”

That was when the look of confusion deepened into something much more obvious and genuine. Mingi leaned forward slightly in his chair, his eyebrows furrowing together as he tried to make sense of what was being said. “Been together? What do you mean when you say we have been together?”

Now it was Yunho’s turn to freeze in place. His smile slowly faded away, replaced by a look of growing confusion of his own. He stood up slowly, still holding the ring box open in his hand, while his mind raced to try and catch up. “Mingi, what are you talking about? We have been a couple from the very start. We live together in the same apartment, we sleep in the same bed every night, we touch and kiss and make love to each other every single day. We celebrate our anniversary every year without fail. How can you possibly ask what I mean?”

The words hung in the air between them, heavy and thick. Mingi’s eyes went even wider, and his face turned a shade of pink that had nothing to do with embarrassment alone but was pure shock. He raised his hands slightly in a small gesture of disbelief, shaking his head slowly back and forth.

“I honestly thought that was just how very close friends act,” Mingi said openly and honestly, his voice sounding apologetic but completely sincere. “I thought you were just someone who is naturally very affectionate and open. I thought sharing a bed and touching each other and being so physically close was just because we are closer than anyone else in the world. And the anniversaries, I just thought you liked to treat me to a nice dinner once a year just to mark the day we first met. I never thought… I never actually realized that we were dating or in a romantic relationship at all.”

Yunho could barely believe what he was hearing come out of Mingi’s mouth. He just stared at him, his mouth slightly open, unable to fully process or understand what was being said. All those years, all those moments, all the nights spent tangled in each other’s arms, every kiss, every gentle caress, every whispered word of love.

Mingi had truly thought it was nothing more than friendship?

“You really thought all of that was just normal friendship?” Yunho repeated, and his voice came out a little higher than usual, full of disbelief. “Mingi, we have done every single thing that couples do. We wake up holding each other tight. I kiss your neck and your lips every chance I get. I hold you close and make you tremble and shake until you can barely speak or think straight. You call my name in ways no one else ever does. Are you really telling me you thought all of that is what friends do?”

Mingi’s face turned bright red all the way up to his ears, which felt hot and burning. He looked away for a moment, then turned back to face Yunho, his expression equal parts flustered and still confused. “I did not know any better! I have never had anyone else in my life who was that close to me. You never actually said the words out loud. You never said ‘I am asking you to be my boyfriend’ or ‘we are in a relationship together’. I just assumed this was how things worked between best friends who trusted each other completely. I liked every single part of it so much that I never wanted to ask questions or ruin it. I just figured you were more comfortable showing affection differently than other people I knew.”

Behind the screens, their friends exchanged horrified and shocked looks. Wooyoung quickly clapped a hand over his mouth to stop himself from making any loud sound. San’s eyes went huge and round. Hongjoong ran a hand over his face, looking like he could not believe what he was hearing, while Seonghwa stood there looking like he might faint right on the spot. Yeosang just stared wide eyed at the scene unfolding, and Jongho let out a long, deep sigh, realizing very quickly just how badly this whole plan had gone off track.

Yunho felt a whole mix of emotions crash over him all at once. Embarrassment, shock, a sharp twinge of hurt, and a deep, heavy awkwardness settling into his bones. He slowly closed the lid of the ring box, his fingers tightening around it. He could feel heat rising up his own neck and face, and the realization hit him hard. He had always assumed that actions spoke louder than words, but apparently to Mingi, all those actions had only ever meant a very intense and close friendship.

“So after all this time,” Yunho said quietly, his voice sounding strained and tight, “you honestly thought I was just a very touchy feely best friend who happens to have sex with you every other night?”

Mingi winced visibly and nodded his head slowly, looking down at his hands resting in his lap. “I mean… yes? I loved every minute of it more than anything else in the world. I wanted it to keep happening and never stop. I just thought you were comfortable enough with me to do all that and did not see it as anything more. I was actually waiting for you to say something if it was more than that, but since you never did, I stayed quiet too because I was scared I would ruin what we had.”

The silence that followed was thick and heavy, filled with awkwardness and all the unspoken words hanging between them. Yunho felt a dull ache starting to build in his chest. He had planned this moment for months and imagined it so many times, picturing Mingi crying happy tears and saying yes without a second thought. Instead, he was standing there realizing that he had been living inside a relationship that only ever truly existed in his own head.

“I…” Yunho started to speak, then stopped, because he did not know what else to say. He felt exposed and foolish, and all the confidence he had built up drained away completely. “I just need a minute to myself.”

Before Mingi could reach out to stop him or call his name, Yunho turned around quickly and walked straight toward the exit, his head hanging low so he did not have to look at anyone. The heavy door clicked shut softly behind him, leaving Mingi sitting alone at the table, completely stunned and confused, his heart suddenly feeling heavy and hollow in his chest.

“What just happened here?” Jongho asked, looking back and forth between the empty table and the door where Yunho had just walked out. “We all thought this was something that was guaranteed to go perfectly.”

Mingi jumped slightly in surprise, his head snapping toward the sound of the voice as their friends stepped out from their hiding spots. He had been so caught up in his own shock and confusion that he had not even noticed they were there all along. “You guys were here the whole time? Did you see everything?” he asked, his eyes going wide again.

Almost all of them nodded at the same time, looking just as unsure as he felt.

Mingi immediately looked away and swallowed hard, a deep flush rising up his neck and cheeks. He felt so embarrassed knowing that every single one of their closest friends had witnessed the whole awkward scene play out right in front of them. “Wait… did all of you know about this? Did you know he was planning to propose?”

“Of course we did,” Wooyoung said, stepping a little closer with a soft, apologetic look on his face.

San scratched the back of his head, looking sheepish and guilty for his part in it. “I asked you to try on those rings, remember? I told you it was for Wooyoung, but really we just needed to get your size right. Every single one of us helped Yunho plan all of this down to the smallest detail.”

A heavy feeling of guilt settled in Mingi’s chest as he listened, realizing just how much effort and thought everyone had put into making this night special.

Seonghwa moved over to sit down beside him, placing a comforting hand on his arm. “Mingi, listen to me. We all honestly thought you two were already together. Every single one of us did. Because you act exactly like people who belong only to each other. The way you look at each other, the way you touch and care for one another, it was obvious to everyone else.”

Hongjoong nodded slowly, his expression showing a mix of concern and genuine confusion. “That is exactly why we never questioned it. So why would you say you were just friends? To us, that never made any sense at all.”

Mingi ran a hand roughly through his hair, looking completely flustered and at a loss for how to explain it properly. “I swear, I truly thought that was all it was! Yunho never said anything directly to me. He never spoke the words out loud. I just assumed he was someone who was naturally very affectionate and open with the people he cared about. I had absolutely no clue that he looked at our relationship as something romantic. And then tonight, when he suddenly asked me to marry him, I just froze completely because I did not understand where it was coming from or what was really happening.”

“Let me make sure I get this straight,” Jongho said slowly, trying to wrap his head around the situation. “You two live in the same apartment, share the same bed every night, kiss each other all the time, have sex, and do every single other thing that a couple does. But in your head, you honestly believed you were nothing more than best friends?”

Mingi’s cheeks burned so bright red they felt like they were on fire. He dropped his face into his hands for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts, before lifting his head again to look at all of them with a mix of embarrassment and complete honesty. “What else was I supposed to think? Yunho never once called me his boyfriend. He never sat me down and said clearly that he had feelings for me that went beyond friendship. He never used the word relationship or told me exactly what we were. I just assumed that because we had been so close for such a long time, our boundaries were different from other people’s. I thought this was just how things worked between us. I believed he was comfortable enough with me to be that open and physical only because he trusted me more than anyone else in the world.”

Wooyoung let out a soft groan and shook his head in disbelief. “This has got to be the most ridiculous misunderstanding I have ever heard in my entire life. You two practically invented the definition of being a happy, settled couple. You even mark the exact day you first met as your special anniversary every single year. How did you not connect all those dots and see what was right in front of you?”

“I thought it was just a tradition we had,” Mingi replied, and his voice grew quieter as he spoke. “I thought it was just his way of saying thank you for sticking by his side through everything all these years. And honestly…” He paused, swallowing hard as his expression softened into something much more vulnerable and true. “I did not want to ask. I was too scared to say anything at all. I have liked him as more than just a friend for years now. Ever since we were teenagers, actually. But I always told myself that if Yunho wanted something more than friendship, he would be the one to say it first. If he was touching me or being so close and gentle, I thought it was just his way of showing he cared. I was terrified that if I tried to put a label on things or asked what we actually were, I might end up ruining the only thing that ever really mattered to me. I would rather stay close to him as his best friend than risk saying the wrong thing and losing him completely.”

A short silence fell over the room after he finished speaking. Then Seonghwa reached out and placed his hand gently over Mingi’s to give him reassurance.

“You see now what happened?” Seonghwa said softly and kindly. “You were both just waiting for the other person to speak up first. Yunho honestly believed his actions were enough to show you how he felt. He thought there was no need to say it out loud because it was so obvious to him. And you thought that if he wanted something more, he would tell you clearly and directly. So you both ended up living in your own separate versions of reality, completely unaware that the other person was feeling exactly the same deep feelings you were.”

Hongjoong nodded, already starting to think of what they should do next. “Right now, Yunho feels like he has made a huge mistake. He probably thinks he forced a label and a commitment on you that you never agreed to or wanted. He is feeling embarrassed, confused, and likely a little hurt deep down. And you are sitting here realizing you missed the chance to say what you truly feel because you were too afraid to ask questions.”

San stretched his arms over his head and sighed. “Well sitting around here talking about it is not going to fix anything. We need to find Yunho first. He is probably walking around somewhere out there feeling sorry for himself and thinking everything is ruined.”

“I will go find him,” Mingi said quickly, pushing his chair back and standing up at once. “This is my mess just as much as it is his. I let things stay unclear and unspoken for far too long, and I need to be the one to talk to him and set everything right.”

Yeosang stepped over and patted his shoulder firmly. “We will all come with you to help look, but once we find him, we will give you two space to talk alone. You need to sort this out face to face without anyone else around.”

The whole group left the restaurant quickly, splitting off in different directions to cover more ground and find him faster. It did not take very long to spot Yunho’s tall figure standing near the curb a little way down the street. He had both hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his trousers, and his shoulders were hunched forward as if he was carrying something heavy and painful on his back. He looked smaller and more unsure than Mingi had ever seen him before, and just the sight of him made Mingi’s chest ache sharply with regret.

“Yunho!” Mingi called out, raising his voice loud enough to cut through the quiet hum of the street.

Yunho flinched slightly at the sound of his name but did not turn around right away. He stayed exactly where he was, staring down at the pavement beneath his feet with his jaw set tight. When Mingi caught up to him and reached out to touch his arm, Yunho pulled away gently, not out of anger but out of pure embarrassment and the confusion swirling in his head.

“Just give me a minute,” Yunho said quietly, his voice sounding rough and strained. “I feel like I have made a complete fool of myself tonight. I was so sure we were on the exact same page about everything. Turns out I was just imagining this whole relationship all by myself.”

Mingi stepped closer again, refusing to let any distance stay between them. He reached out once more, and this time he wrapped both of his hands firmly around Yunho’s forearm and held on tight so he could not pull away again. “You did not imagine anything. Not even the smallest part of it. But you have to listen to me properly, please. I need to explain everything so you can understand exactly how I ended up thinking the way I did.”

Yunho finally lifted his head to look at him. His dark eyes glistened faintly under the glow of the streetlights, and there was still a mix of hurt and frustration lingering in his gaze. “Explain what exactly? How sleeping together every night and touching each other like we belong only to one another is just something that friends do? Because I still cannot wrap my head around how you could see it that way.”

Mingi let out a long, steadying breath. His face was still flushed and warm, but he forced himself to stay calm and speak only the complete truth. “Look, I never had anyone in my life who was as close to me as you are. Before Grade 9, I was always just the quiet kid who ate too slowly and got left behind by everyone else. I never really learned what normal friendship even looked like because no one ever stuck around long enough to show me. Then you came along. You sat down right across from me, you stayed there, and you treated me better than anyone else in the whole world ever had. When you started touching me more than other people did, when you kissed my neck or held me so tight or let us share the same bed every single night, I honestly thought this was just how deep and special our relationship was. I thought you were just naturally someone who was very affectionate and comfortable enough with me to do all of that.”

He paused for a moment, feeling his throat grow tight, and looked straight into Yunho’s eyes so there would be no doubt about what he was saying. “And I liked it. I loved every single second of it. I wanted you to keep doing it forever because I was already falling in love with you, but I was so scared to say anything. I thought if I spoke up or asked what it all meant, you might pull back from me and I would lose the best thing that ever happened to me. So I just kept quiet. I told myself that even if it was only friendship, it was still more than enough for me. I never guessed that in your mind, we were already a couple long before tonight.”

Yunho stared at him as he listened, and the tight, hard look on his face slowly began to soften and relax. The initial shock was starting to fade away, replaced by a slow, dawning realization. He had never stopped to think that Mingi might not have the same way of looking at things or the same frame of reference. He had always assumed his actions were clear enough to speak for themselves, but he had never actually put his feelings into plain words.

“So what you are saying,” Yunho said slowly, trying to make sure he understood correctly, “is that you did not mind any of it. You wanted it all to keep happening. You just never realized that all of that was supposed to mean we were boyfriends and in a relationship together.”

“Exactly,” Mingi replied quickly, nodding earnestly to make his point clear. “And I love you. I have loved you for years now. I just truly thought you did not see me that way. When you knelt down and asked me to marry you tonight, I was shocked not because I did not want it, but because I had no idea we were already dating. I honestly thought we were still standing right at the starting line.”

A long silence settled between them, but this time it felt completely different from the heavy, awkward quiet inside the restaurant. There was no confusion or embarrassment anymore, just the slow clearing away of all the misunderstandings they had carried for so long. Yunho let out a shaky breath and ran a hand back through his hair, and a small, incredulous laugh finally escaped him.

“I cannot believe this,” Yunho muttered, shaking his head slowly in disbelief. “I spent two whole months planning this entire proposal. I asked all our friends for help, I searched for the perfect ring and place, and I worried over every little detail. And all along, I completely forgot the simplest and most important step of all. I never actually said the words out loud. I never told you clearly that I am in love with you and that I want you to be my boyfriend.”

Mingi gave him a faint, relieved smile, feeling all the tension finally ease away from his shoulders. “Well neither did I. I was just too busy being happy just to be near you to say anything either. We really are a pair of hopeless idiots, aren’t we?”

That was enough to make Yunho smile properly since the whole confusion started, and even though it still held a faint edge of relief, it reached all the way to his eyes now. He reached out right away and pulled Mingi close to him, wrapping his arms firmly around Mingi’s waist and pressing their bodies fully together. It felt just as right and natural as it always had, but now there was no uncertainty hanging over it at all.

Yunho did not wait even a second longer. He leaned down and captured Mingi’s lips in a firm, deep kiss, pouring every bit of the love and relief he felt straight into it. It was the same kind of kiss they had shared a thousand times before, but now it carried a whole new weight and a new sense of clarity. Mingi responded instantly, his own arms wrapping tight around Yunho’s neck, opening his mouth willingly to let their tongues meet in that familiar, heated rhythm they both knew so well. All the doubt and confusion melted away completely, replaced by the overwhelming feeling of being exactly where they belonged.

Behind them, their friends let out quiet cheers and sighs of relief, though they stayed back at a respectful distance to give the two of them their private moment.

“That is more like it!” San called out loudly, looking absolutely thrilled for his two friends.

“Finally! Looks like they have finally understood each other properly!” Wooyoung shouted back, clapping his hands so hard they made a sharp sound through the quiet street.

“Just a reminder, you two are still in public!” Jongho teased them, making the rest of the group burst out laughing right away.

Seonghwa let out a happy little squeal of delight, while Yeosang and Hongjoong could not help but join in and tease them as well. The noise was enough to make a few people walking by turn their heads toward them, but even those strangers ended up smiling warmly when they saw the happy scene unfolding.

When they finally pulled apart just enough to catch their breath, they could not stop themselves from laughing either, hearing all the noise and feeling the full support of their friends around them. Yunho rested his forehead gently against Mingi’s, his hands still holding him securely so there was no space left between them.

“So,” Yunho said, his voice sounding much lighter now but still thick with deep emotion. “Does this mean I can go back inside the restaurant, get down on one knee again, and ask you properly this time?”

Mingi laughed softly and nodded his head eagerly. “Yes. A thousand times yes.”

They walked back toward the restaurant side by side, their hands finding each other naturally and lacing their fingers together, holding on tight as if they were afraid this perfect moment might slip away if they let go. The others fell into step behind them, keeping a comfortable distance so they could still talk freely, their earlier worry completely replaced by amusement and relief. San, Wooyoung, Jongho, and Yeosang were already whispering and joking about how ridiculous the whole situation had turned out to be, while Seonghwa and Hongjoong exchanged looks that clearly said they should have seen this misunderstanding coming a long time ago.

Back inside the private dining room, the candles were still burning softly, and the air still carried that sweet, gentle scent of flowers all around them. Yunho led Mingi straight back to the same chair, helped him sit down comfortably, and then stepped back to stand right in front of him. His expression was calm and sure now that all the confusion had finally been cleared away. He pulled the small velvet box from his inner pocket once more, ran his fingers lightly over the lid for just a moment, and then opened it again.

This time, there was no hesitation at all in his eyes.

“Mingi,” Yunho began, his voice clear and steady, meant only for the man sitting right in front of him. “Let me start over properly, so there is no room left for any misunderstanding at all. I love you. I have loved you for more than half of my life now. From the very first day I sat down across from you in that crowded school cafeteria, I knew you were going to be someone important to me. But as the years went by, that feeling grew and changed into something much deeper. It became love, pure and simple. I saw every moment we shared, every laugh and every quiet night, as proof that we belonged together. I thought you felt exactly the same way and understood what we were to each other, but I was wrong to just assume it. I should have spoken the words out loud a long time before now.”

He lowered himself down onto one knee again, just as he had done only a few minutes before, but this time the heavy tension in the room was completely gone. In its place was nothing but warmth, love, and quiet anticipation.

“We have lived our lives like partners, we have cared for each other like partners, and we have loved each other like partners, even if we never put a clear label on it or said it out loud. So today, I am asking you properly, with no confusion left between us at all. Will you be my boyfriend first, officially and openly, and then will you do me the great honor of becoming my husband? Will you let me take care of you, love you, and stand right by your side through everything for the rest of our lives?”

Mingi’s eyes glistened with happy tears as he listened, every single word sinking in and settling deep into his heart. He leaned forward slightly, resting his free hand gently on Yunho’s shoulder, and his smile grew wide and bright enough to light up the whole room.

“Yes,” he said firmly, his voice thick with emotion but clear and sure. “Yes to being your boyfriend, and yes to marrying you. I want all of it, Yunho. I have waited so long just to hear you say it exactly like this.”

Yunho’s face broke into the brightest, happiest smile he had worn all night. He lifted the ring from its soft cushion, took Mingi’s hand, brought it to his lips for one soft, lingering kiss, and then slid the band gently onto his finger. It fit perfectly, just as San had promised it would. When he looked up again, Mingi pulled him right up from the floor and into a tight, warm embrace, pressing their lips together in another kiss that held all the years of hidden feelings and the huge relief of finally being on the exact same page.

Behind them, their friends erupted once again into loud cheers and applause. They clapped so hard their palms turned pink, shouting and laughing happily at the sight.

“Congratulations!” Yeosang called out, grinning from ear to ear. “We honestly thought we were going to have to lock you two in a room together until you finally figured out what was going on.”

Hongjoong shook his head slowly, still smiling as he wrapped an arm around Seonghwa’s waist and pulled him close. “This has got to be the most dramatic love story I have ever witnessed. Two people who speak the same language and live in the same house, but somehow never truly understood each other until today.”

Meanwhile, Jongho poured out glasses of chilled wine for everyone and lifted his own glass high in a toast. “To the happy couple!”

They stayed there for another hour, finishing the dessert and sharing more wine, laughing as they went back over all the little misunderstandings and realized just how much time they had spent living in their own separate realities without knowing it. Yunho kept glancing over at Mingi’s hand, turning it gently every so often just to watch the candlelight glint off the silver band, and a quiet, warm feeling of pride settled deep inside him. Mingi never pulled his hand away, resting it easily on Yunho’s thigh under the table, feeling the steady warmth of his skin through the fabric of his trousers.

By the time they finally decided to leave, the city outside was starting to quiet down for the night. The others walked them all the way to the front door, offering hugs and more congratulations before heading off in their own directions, leaving Yunho and Mingi to take a taxi back to their apartment.

The ride home was quiet, but it felt charged with a whole new kind of energy between them. They sat pressed close together on the back seat, Yunho’s arm wrapped securely around Mingi’s shoulders, his fingers tracing slow, idle patterns over the skin of Mingi’s upper arm. Every touch felt different now, open and fully acknowledged, no longer hidden behind assumptions or unspoken questions. When they reached their building and stepped inside their familiar hallway, the air between them grew heavier and warmer, thick with the kind of tension that only came from wanting something you had already known so well but were now free to claim fully and openly.

As soon as the front door clicked shut behind them, Yunho turned and gently pressed Mingi back against it, caging him in place between his arms. He leaned down until his face was only inches from Mingi’s, his dark eyes burning with a mix of desire and a clear sense of possession.

“Now that everything is finally clear between us,” Yunho murmured, his voice dropping an octave, sounding rougher and deeper than usual. “I can be as open and honest as I want to be. You are mine, Mingi. Completely and fully mine.”

Mingi’s breath hitched in his throat, his hands resting flat against Yunho’s chest so he could feel the steady, strong heartbeat beneath the fabric of his shirt. “I have always been yours, even when I did not know how to say it out loud.”

Yunho did not waste another second. He captured Mingi’s mouth in a kiss that was far deeper and more demanding than any they had shared before. It was hungry and thorough, his lips moving firmly and confidently against Mingi’s, his tongue slipping past parted lips to explore every inch of warmth and taste, claiming him openly and without any hesitation. Mingi melted into it instantly, his whole body arching forward into Yunho’s, his fingers curling tight into the fabric of Yunho’s shirt to pull him even closer.

Yunho’s hands roamed freely over him, sliding down from Mingi’s shoulders to his waist, gripping firmly before moving lower to squeeze his hips and pull him tight against his own body so Mingi could feel exactly how much he was wanted. He broke the kiss only to trail his mouth slowly down along Mingi’s jawline, nipping gently at the sensitive skin there before moving lower to his neck, sucking and biting just enough to leave faint, warm marks that would remind Mingi in the morning exactly who he belonged to. His hands moved up to undo the buttons of Mingi’s shirt one by one, his warm fingers brushing lightly against the skin underneath every time, making Mingi shiver all over.

Mingi gasped softly and arched further into the touch, his own hands tangling into Yunho’s hair, his head falling back against the door with a soft thud.

“Yunho…” he breathed out, his voice already sounding thick and shaky with rising pleasure.

Yunho lifted Mingi easily into his arms, carrying him straight down the hallway and into their bedroom before laying him down gently right in the center of the mattress. He stood at the edge of the bed and looked down at him for a moment, his expression shifting into something that was both gentle and deeply possessive. He removed his own clothes slowly, letting Mingi watch the way his muscles shifted and moved under his skin, before climbing over him and settling firmly between his legs.

He leaned down and kissed his way slowly across Mingi’s chest, nipping lightly at his nipples until they hardened into tight, sensitive peaks. He swirled his tongue around one and sucked gently, while his other hand reached over to pinch and roll the other between his fingers, drawing out every little reaction he loved so much.

Mingi let out a broken, breathless moan that escaped from his throat, his fingers clutching tightly at the sheets beneath him as his hips lifted slightly off the mattress, chasing more of that feeling. “Yunho… nghhh…”

Yunho moved his mouth lower, leaving a slow, wet trail of kisses all the way down Mingi’s stomach, and the sensation made Mingi’s breathing grow deeper and more ragged. His hands moved to push Mingi’s trousers and underwear down his legs, tossing them aside before doing the same with his own clothes, until both of them were completely bare and exposed to each other. Yunho ran his palms slowly up the length of Mingi’s legs, pushing them gently wider apart so he could settle comfortably between them, his own body pressing heavy and warm against Mingi’s. He could feel Mingi’s cock already hard and hot against his own, and when he rolled his hips forward just once in a slow, teasing motion, it drew a sharp, gasping cry from Mingi’s parted lips.

“You are always so responsive for me, princess,” Yunho praised, his voice coming out thick and rough with growing desire.

He reached down between their bodies, wrapping his hand firmly around both of their cocks at once, stroking them together in slow, firm, rhythmic motions. Mingi’s mouth fell open even further, his eyes fluttering shut as wave after wave of intense pleasure washed over him, and his legs instinctively wrapped tighter around Yunho’s waist to pull him even closer.

“Eyes open,” Yunho ordered again, his grip tightening just enough to make Mingi gasp louder. “Look right at me. I want you to see exactly what you do to me. See just how much I need you.”

Mingi forced his heavy eyelids to stay open, even as his vision blurred slightly from the overwhelming feeling building up inside him. He kept his gaze locked firmly on Yunho’s face, watching the way his jaw tightened, the way his breathing grew heavier and more uneven, and the way beads of sweat began to glisten across his skin. It only made everything feel more intense, knowing fully now that this was more than just physical comfort, that this was love, and that this was exactly what they were to each other.

Yunho shifted his weight slightly to reach over to the nightstand, grabbing the bottle of lubricant they always kept close by, though neither of them had ever spoken openly about why they made sure it was always within easy reach. He squeezed a generous amount onto his fingers and rubbed them together to warm it up before sliding his hand down lower, pressing gently against Mingi’s entrance. He leaned down to kiss Mingi deeply again, swallowing the soft, shaky sounds he made as he pushed one finger inside, moving it slowly and carefully to stretch and prepare him.

“You are still so tight,” Yunho whispered against his lips, before adding a second finger and moving them in a gentle scissoring motion to widen him just enough. “Even after all the times we have done this, it still feels like you want to squeeze my fingers right off from how tight you are.”

“Y-Yunho…” Mingi whimpered, his hands gripping hard onto Yunho’s shoulders, pressing in deep enough to leave faint marks that would stay visible later. “Please… I… I need you. I need more… fuck…”

Yunho added a third finger slowly, watching closely as Mingi’s back arched high off the mattress, his fingers clutching and tangling in the sheets beneath him while his mouth fell open in silent, breathless pleasure. When Yunho’s mouth found the most sensitive spots along his skin, Mingi cried out loud, his hips bucking uncontrollably upward, his eyes squeezing shut tight from the overwhelming sensation.

“Ah… fuck… nghhh… right there…” he whimpered, his voice breaking into soft, gasping little sounds.

Yunho took his time, working slowly and thoroughly, showing Mingi exactly how well he knew and loved every single part of his body. When he felt Mingi getting closer and closer to the edge, his inner muscles tightening and clenching hard around his fingers, Yunho pulled them out slowly and carefully, and the sudden empty feeling made Mingi react immediately, letting out a small, disappointed sound. Yunho lined himself up then, his dark eyes burning with a mix of deep love and clear dominance, and held Mingi’s hips firmly in place so he stayed exactly where he wanted him.

He pushed forward in one smooth, deep motion, filling Mingi completely all at once. Both of them gasped loudly, Mingi’s head falling back against the pillows with a long, throaty cry, his hands flying to Yunho’s back where his nails dug into the skin there as he let out a long, trembling moan while adjusting to the size and the stretch. Once he was fully settled inside, Yunho paused for a moment to let Mingi get used to the feeling, his hands stroking soothingly over Mingi’s waist and thighs even as his grip remained firm and controlling. He leaned down to press soft kisses along Mingi’s forehead and cheeks before he began to move.

Each thrust was deep and thorough, hitting every spot that made Mingi’s entire body jolt and tremble beneath him. Yunho set a steady, unhurried rhythm, but one that was heavy and strong enough to make the headboard tap softly and rhythmically against the wall with every motion. He kept his weight resting partially on his forearms so he could lean in close, his mouth hovering just above Mingi’s ear, letting every word he spoke vibrate through Mingi’s skin and sink straight into his bones.

“Shit… you feel so perfect wrapped around me, princess,” Yunho growled, his voice rough and thick with desire.

Mingi could only respond with soft whimpers, his fingers digging deeper into Yunho’s back, leaving faint red trails that would last well into the next day. He lifted his hips to meet every thrust, trying to take even more of Yunho inside him, his legs locking tighter around Yunho’s waist to pull him deeper still. Pleasure built steadily, spreading from his core out to every single nerve ending, making his skin feel overly sensitive and burning hot all over.

“Yunho… ahhh… it feels like too much…” Mingi gasped, his head tossing from side to side against the pillows, his eyes squeezing shut for just a moment before he forced them open again, remembering the command to look at him. “It feels so good… please do not stop…”

“Too much?” Yunho repeated, and a low, dark chuckle rumbled deep in his chest. He shifted his angle slightly, driving even deeper and hitting that exact spot that made Mingi cry out loud, his back arching sharply off the mattress. “You can take it. I know you can. You have always taken everything I give you so well, princess.”

Mingi could not even form a proper reply anymore. He sobbed softly, tears pricking at the corners of his eyes from how overwhelming the sensation was. Meanwhile, Yunho’s pace became more forceful now, his hips snapping forward with firm, determined thrusts. One hand moved from Mingi’s hip up to rest lightly but firmly against the side of his neck, holding him in place and making Mingi feel completely held and claimed.

“Look at me. Watch how I make you fall apart. I want to see every single expression on your face when you come undone for me.”

Mingi obeyed, even though his vision was blurring with tears and pleasure, keeping his gaze locked steadily on Yunho’s face. He watched the way Yunho’s jaw tightened, the way his brow furrowed in concentration and pleasure, and the way his lips were parted as he breathed heavily in and out. The sight only added more heat to the coil of pleasure tightening deep in his stomach, making him feel like he was being pulled apart and put back together all at once. His own hands moved to grip Yunho’s biceps, feeling the flex of muscle under his palms every time Yunho drove into him.

Yunho lowered his head again to take one of Mingi’s nipples into his mouth, sucking hard while swirling his tongue around the sensitive peak. At the same time, his other hand slid down between their bodies, wrapping his fingers firmly around Mingi’s cock and stroking him in perfect time with the rhythm of his hips. The double sensation was far too much to bear, and Mingi’s whole body began to shake violently, his legs trembling uncontrollably around Yunho’s waist.

“Please… Yunho… I am so close…” Mingi babbled, his voice breaking into soft, breathless cries. “I cannot hold it back anymore…”

Yunho did not answer with words, but his thrusts became faster and harder, while his hand moved quicker and tighter around his cock. It pushed Mingi right over the edge instantly. His back arched high off the bed, his mouth falling open in a silent cry before a loud, broken moan tore from his throat. His whole body convulsed as pleasure exploded through him, his release spilling over Yunho’s hand and onto both of their stomachs. His inner muscles tightened and pulsed hard around Yunho, squeezing him in wave after wave that made Yunho groan and lose his steady rhythm for a second.

Yunho did not stop moving even as Mingi rode out the last of his high. His thrusts grew deeper and more erratic as he chased his own release. He leaned down, pressing his face into the soft crook of Mingi’s neck, biting gently at the warm skin there as he pushed in one final time, as deep as he could possibly go, and spilled himself inside Mingi with a long, guttural sound. He stayed buried there for a moment, riding out the last waves of pleasure, his own body trembling slightly before he collapsed forward, catching his weight on his elbows so he did not crush Mingi completely beneath him.

For a long time, neither of them moved. They just lay tangled together, their breathing slowly returning to normal, their hearts beating fast and steady in sync against each other’s chests. Sweat coated both their skin, making them stick together, and the air in the room was thick and warm, filled with the scent of them. Mingi’s limbs felt heavy and loose, his mind completely blank and relaxed, wrapped in a soft, satisfied haze.

After a while, Yunho lifted his head and brushed the damp strands of hair back from Mingi’s forehead, his expression softening from its earlier dominant intensity into something warm and tender. He kissed Mingi’s forehead, then his cheeks, and finally his lips again, slow and gentle now, no longer demanding but full of love.

“You did so well for me, princess,” Yunho whispered, his voice still rough but much softer and quieter.

Mingi smiled weakly, his eyes half lidded and already growing heavy with sleep. He lifted one hand to rest it gently against Yunho’s cheek, his fingers brushing lightly over the skin there. “That was… better than anything I ever imagined,” he murmured, before pulling Yunho down for another soft kiss. “I love you, Yunho.”

“I love you too, princess,” Yunho answered softly. He pulled out slowly, making Mingi twitch slightly at the sudden change in feeling, then reached over to grab a warm cloth from the bathroom to clean them both carefully and gently. When he was done, he pulled the sheets up over them both, then pulled Mingi close so he could rest comfortably against his chest. Mingi happily settled his head right over Yunho’s heart, listening to its steady, comforting beat. 

He could feel the ring on his finger pressing lightly against Yunho’s skin, a constant, tangible reminder of everything that had changed and been made clear that night, but because he was so completely worn out and tired, he fell asleep almost instantly. Yunho noticed right away, and wrapped his arms tightly around him, holding Mingi securely and safely against his body as they drifted off together.

Morning sunlight filtered softly through the gaps in the curtains, spilling across the room in long, warm golden streaks that fell over the rumpled sheets and their tangled limbs. Mingi stirred first, blinking his eyes open slowly as he adjusted to the soft light. The very first thing he felt was the solid, comforting weight of Yunho’s arm draped securely across his waist, pulling him pressed flush against a warm, broad chest that rose and fell steadily with each breath.

He shifted gently, turning over carefully so he would not wake Yunho too suddenly, until he was lying face to face with him. Yunho was still fast asleep, his breathing deep and even, all the tension and intensity from the night before completely gone from his features, leaving him looking relaxed and peaceful. Mingi let his gaze wander slowly over every part of his face, tracing the strong line of his jaw and the soft curve of his lips with his eyes, feeling a warm, fluttering sensation spread through his chest now that he knew for certain exactly what they were to each other. He reached out and brushed a stray lock of dark hair away from Yunho’s forehead, smiling softly to himself as he did it.

That small movement must have been enough to wake him. Yunho’s eyelids fluttered open slowly, and as soon as his gaze focused and landed on Mingi, a slow, knowing smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He tightened his arm around Mingi’s waist and pulled him even closer until there was barely an inch of empty space left between their bodies.

“Good morning,” Yunho murmured, his voice thick and rough from having just woken up. He leaned in right away to press a soft, lingering kiss to Mingi’s lips, slow and gentle, nothing like the demanding heat of the night before. “Did you sleep well?”

“Very well,” Mingi replied, his own voice soft and warm, filled with quiet happiness. He lifted his hand and held it up so he could look at the silver band glinting gently on his finger in the morning light, and a soft, satisfied feeling spread all the way through his chest. “It still feels a little strange, seeing this and knowing exactly what it means now. It is like waking up and finding out something wonderful you never even realized you were missing.”

“You will get used to it soon enough,” Yunho said, lifting his own hand to cover Mingi’s, lacing their fingers together firmly. “You are going to be wearing this ring and another one soon enough for the rest of our lives. And from today on, there will be no more confusion. If I say something, it means exactly what it sounds like. If I touch you, you will know exactly why. And if you ever want something or feel unsure about anything, you just have to tell me clearly, no more guessing games.”

Mingi laughed softly, shifting a little so he could turn fully toward him in the bed. “I promise I will. I think we have both learned our lesson about just assuming things and not saying them out loud, haven’t we?”

Three years later, the apartment felt even warmer and more welcoming now, filled not just with their usual furniture and belongings but also with all the little additions and touches that marked the time they had spent building their life together. Framed photographs lined the shelves and tables, showing snapshots from their quiet, intimate wedding ceremony, big group shots taken with all their closest friends, and plenty of candid moments of them laughing, eating together, or just resting comfortably in each other’s arms. The simple silver engagement ring on Mingi’s finger was now joined by a matching wedding band, and both caught the light whenever he moved his hands, a constant reminder of the promises they had made.

It was late afternoon, and the golden sunlight streamed in through the large windows, turning the whole room soft and bright. Yunho was sitting on the sofa, going over some work documents and reports, but his attention kept drifting away from the papers in front of him toward the other side of the room. There, Mingi was busy arranging new fabric samples and sketches spread out across the table, looking as focused and thoughtful as ever. A small, contented smile played on his lips as he ran his fingers over different textures and colors, completely absorbed in his work.

Yunho closed his folder gently and set it aside, then stood up and walked over to wrap his arms firmly around Mingi’s waist from behind, resting his chin comfortably on Mingi’s shoulder. He felt that familiar lean frame relax back against him instantly, no hesitation, no awkwardness, and no uncertainty left between them at all. Every touch, every embrace, and every quiet moment they shared was now rooted in complete trust and certainty.

“Your next collection seems to be coming along really well,” Yunho said softly, his voice low and steady right next to Mingi’s ear. “I can tell just by looking at you that you are really excited about it.”

“I am,” Mingi replied, turning his head just enough to press a soft kiss to the line of Yunho’s jaw. “But not half as excited as I am about the trip we are taking next week. It will be the first time we travel somewhere just the two of us alone since everything became official and clear between us.”

Yunho tightened his hold around him, resting his hands gently but firmly over Mingi’s stomach, a quiet, open sign of belonging and affection he had grown to show freely now. “We have all the time in the world ahead of us now. We can go anywhere we want, do anything we feel like, and you will always know exactly where you stand with me and how much you are loved.”

Mingi turned around in his arms so they were facing each other, his eyes bright and full of nothing but warmth and affection. “I still laugh sometimes when I think back to that night. Thirteen whole years of living in the same space, sharing the same bed, and doing everything together, and I honestly thought you were just the most affectionate best friend in the whole world. I still cannot believe I missed all the signs for so long.”

Yunho chuckled and shook his head, reaching up to brush a stray lock of hair away from Mingi’s face and tuck it neatly behind his ear. “And I still cannot believe I was foolish enough to think that my actions alone would be enough to tell you everything. But look at us now. We got there in the end, and it all worked out just as it was always meant to.”

Mingi lifted both of his hands up to rest them gently around the back of Yunho’s neck, pulling him just a little closer. “I love you so much, Yunho.”

Yunho smiled that soft, loving smile that was only ever for Mingi, and leaned forward to press a deep, warm kiss to his lips. “And I love you too, my Mingi. Always and forever.”