Work Text:
m:
its 4 am and i cant stop thinking abt it hyunjin
my head hurts
send help
s:
It is indeed 4 A.M. and I think you have the wrong number.
m:
brother i will choke the life out of you
wdym wrong number
s:
That I am not Hyunjin.
m:
oh so youre not my 6 smth ft tall, ridiculously gorgeous and artistic friend?
s:
No, I am not.
I don't think art would go well with my major.
m:
well this is awkward
s:
It really isn't.
Just block my number.
m:
woah there! blocking people is a bit rude dont u think?
s:
You have no reason to talk to me since I’m not your friend, so, no, it really isn't.
I’ll do it if you can't.
m:
what the hell
s:
?
m:
youre a nerd
i cant block a nerd
s:
I think that's a prison you made up for yourself, stranger.
m:
but we're not strangers anymore!
im a 50 yr old convict who has actually been stalking you for a year.
im planning on your murder as we speak 😊
s:
Wow, I’m so scared.
m:
you should be.
i will skin you alive
s:
Dude? Stop being weird and block my number, please. I can't deal with your shenanigans at this hour
m:
tough crowd
i’ll see myself out
s:
Thank you!
🐱
m:
yknow i’ve been thinking
why do you use punctuation and proper grammar while texting???
s:
Oh my God, you didn't block my number, did you?
And what do you mean “use punctuation”?
That's called being normal.
m:
every person ive met in my uni has at least 15 typos in an 8-word sentence
s:
That makes zero sense.
And bold of you to assume I’m a uni student. I could literally be the 50-year-old murderer you claim yourself to be.
m:
good things often don't make sense to dumbasses like you, sugarplum :3
and are you actually dumb? if you were the murderer, why would you ask me to block you?
s:
Please never call me that again.
And…okay, fair point.
m:
and the fact that you were awake at 4 am means that
you live in the same timezone as me, SUGARPLUM.
also you told me previously that art wouldnt go well with your major
**major**
s:
Wow, you just out-sleuthed Sherlock Holmes.
m:
or maybe im just good at bringing down little know it alls
s:
Rude.
I’m blocking you.
m:
NO FUCK IM SORRY
I WAS KIDDING
YOURE SO COOL
s:
Hah!
m:
😐
s:
I’m going to sleep now.
Do something productive while I’m gone, will you?
m:
why do you think our texts are the highlight of my day
you are simply an obligation to me
i turn my phone off and youre gone
just like that
sayonara adios jalga au revoir
s:
Dude, you choose to talk to me; what the hell are you on?
m:
im doing a bit here is it working
s:
Not at all.
It's annoying me.
Good Night.
m:
goodnight sugarplum hope you dream of me ❤️🩹💋
🐱
s:
Random question: you're a dude right?
m:
omg you texted first!
hai hai my sugarplum
i missed you so much you have no idea
s:
Just answer the question.
m:
yes, im a guy
grown man with dick and balls
s:
Ew.
m:
ew?
are you seriously ‘ew’ing your masculinity?
s:
Does my genitalia define my so-called ‘masculinity’?
m:
yes it does (it doesnt just humour me man im bored)
you must accept your penis if you wish to conquer uncertainty
(did freud say that? idk my friend is a psychology major)
s:
He didn't.
And you make no sense.
m:
mwah ❤️🩹
s:
Weirdo.
m:
i get that a lot
IM A CREEP
IM A WEIRDOOOO
s:
Oh, you listen to Radiohead?
m:
yes
wait lmao dont tell me youre one of those pretentious kids who think listening to radiohead or weezer makes them cool in a tortured sort of way
s:
I will block you.
I’m not, I just like their music.
And the lyrics.
m:
because youre a loser and you can relate to them?
s:
Maybe? I guess so.
m:
oh fuck, you were being serious
uhhh well its okay dude, seriously, youre allowed to feel like a loser
no judgement!!
s:
What the hell are you talking about?
I don't need your anti-loserism affirmations.
I told you I only listen to them because they hit the right spots.
m:
oh i didn't know you were into that
should i add weezer to our sex playlist?
s:
THAT IS NOT WHAT I MEANT OH MY GOD!!!!!
Shut up!
m:
lolololollll sorry
i was kidding.
s:
There's no way you're not a high schooler.
m:
hey that's reverse ageism!
wdym i talk like high schoolers?
do you think theyre all immature and annoying?
s:
So you agree that you are annoying!
m:
not the point sugarplum!
s:
Are you not in school then?
m:
wow i love how intrigued you are by my mysterious persona
and no i graduated 4 years ago
s:
You're 23?
m:
that was fast
unfortunately yes i am still traversing through seas of adulthood at my mere age of three and twenty
s:
I’m 21.
m:
ok well i didn't ask
s:
Rude.
Good Night.
m:
NOOO I WAS KIDDING
I LOVE THAT YOURE 21
NO WAIT THAT SOUNDS WRONG
ITS OKAY THAT YOURE 21 YOULL BE 23 SOON!!!
COME BACK:((((((((
🐱
m:
im 23
vet major
s:
↘ ok well i didn't ask.
.
m:
oh my god you're actually pissed abt that
s:
🤷♂️
m:
this would've been annoying in some other context, but you're cute, so i’ll let it slide
s:
👍
m:
wow you do know how to use emojis thats amazing
i said i was sorry what more do you need from me?
more money? a check? a car? my soul?
s:
😐
m:
omg our first fight as a couple
how romantic!!!!!
ugh
im sorry sugarplum i wont dismiss you
from now on i only have eyes for you and your age
s:
That sounds creepy.
You sure you're not 50?
m:
never rule that possibility out
s:
Hm, I’ll take the risk.
m:
awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww
youre so cute
did you just flirt with me?
s:
No.
m:
you should call me hyung im 2 years older than you
or noona if youre into that, i dont mind
s:
I’m blocking you.
m:
noooooo sugarplum
my sweetheart
dont leave me
s:
I’m a law major, by the way.
m:
wow ok smarty pants
s:
:)
m:
OH MY GOD DID YOU JUST SEND ME AN EMOTICON
YOURE SO CUTE
MY HEART FLUTTERED
s:
…And I regret it.
m:
dont say that to your best friend, sugarplum
s:
Who said we're best friends?
What will Hyunjin think about it?
m:
isnt that a scandal
well tbh he wouldnt care
s:
You're so weird.
m:
i love you too ❤️🩹💋
s:
Go to sleep, hyung.
m:
my heart can't handle all this affection
im blushing
you called me hyung
s:
GO TO SLEEP
m:
i can't
i cant sleep
s:
Just close your eyes.
m:
i wish it were that easy lol
s:
Oh, sorry I didn't mean to sound insensitive.
m:
its ok sugarplum you werent
i just have too much on my mind all the time
it's hard to get any sleep
s:
I understand.
It's the same with me.
m:
i guess we do have smth in common!
s:
A fucked sleep schedule? Yep.
m:
hey kids dont curse
s:
I’m literally 21? An adult?
m:
still a kid
s:
Okay, man. Whatever.
m:
why cant you sleep?
s:
Insomnia.
m:
oh
s:
Yeah.
m:
we should try it again
to sleep i mean
s:
You can.
I probably won't until it's 6 A.M.
God, I have an early morning lecture at 8 A.M.
I’m so fucked.
m:
do you want me to give you company?
until you fall asleep?
s:
That's really sweet, hyung.
But no, you should sleep.
Or try to.
I will too.
Good night.
m:
oh alright
good night stranger dongsaeng :)))
🐱
m:
every kind of stereotype abt hongdae guys is correct
one of them was hitting on a friend of mine, and she was Clearly uninterested
but then somehow he sensed that i was into guys?????
and started flirting with me???? and told me that i shouldnt be picky?????
im so pissed
s:
Well, women do have it tough.
My sister’s told me so much about creeps hitting on her.
m:
very true
also wow you have a sister?
s:
Yeah, she's older than me.
m:
cool
i’ll have a sister in law whom i can hang out with while youre slaving in an office all day 💋💋💋💋💋💋
s:
?????
Not even gonna ask.
m:
how was your day
s:
It was OK.
m:
how are you 21
s:
I am.
s:
Also, random question, but what were you thinking about?
The day you texted me??
m:
oh it was nth
just some bs
s:
It's not “just some bs” if it keeps you up at night, is it?
m:
goddammit you're good
i was thinking about boring uni drama, it's nothing really
s:
What happened?
m:
umm
well this guy was interested in me
and i wasnt
that's it
s:
And that kept you up?
m:
man it's nothing
i just don't think i’ll ever be mature enough to deal with emotions of a certain kind
they're scary
s:
That's okay.
m:
it isn't
not when people always expect certain things from you
im not a child anymore im 23 for fucks sake
s:
Hyung, it's okay!
You don't have to force yourself to feel a certain way.
m:
its whatever
anyway i’ll talk to you later im really tired today
goodnight
s:
I’m sorry if I overstepped, hyung.
I didn't mean to sound rude.
s:
Hyung?
Ugh, fine.
Sleep well, hyung.
🐱
s:
Hey, hyung.
What's up?
How was your day?
🐱
s:
Hyung, are you mad at me?
m:
what?!
no!! ofc not
s:
Oh, that's nice.
Are you okay?
🐱
s:
My mom adopted a bunny today.
Do you wanna see?
🐱
m:
ive come to a conclusion
s:
Oh no…
Is it related to you leaving me on read for eternity?
m:
no, thats Your conclusion
after vet school is over
im gonna get a sugar daddy
and then im gonna scam him
get a house somewhere in the mountains
and spend my entire life with my cats
s:
That sounds…interesting.
m:
ikr!!!!
ive planned everything
s:
You have cats?
m:
yessir
three babies
soonie, doongie and dori
s:
Cute.
m:
me or the cats?
s:
Cats.
m:
awh :(
s:
I know you're trying really hard to ignore the elephant in the room.
Trying to send it back to a savanna in Africa and everything.
m:
fuckkk thats hilarious
😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭
wth
s:
Focus, hyung!
m:
mmm on what?
s:
On me.
m:
okie
focusing
s:
Why did you ghost me for an entire week?
m:
just because ~
s:
What's wrong?
If you're afraid of judgement, just know that we don't know each other.
I don't know what you look like.
I don't know who you are or what you do.
I have no reason to judge you.
m:
youre so stubborn
brat
if i had to put it in a…
succinct way
i rejected the guy because of some deep rooted attachment issues i have because of my parents
he flirted with me, even paid for my meals sometimes
and i just…flat out rejected him with a straight-faced “no”
im so cruel
and the thing is i should feel Something but i dont
i only feel that what i did was bad because my friends keep reminding me about how wrong it was
but deep down i feel nothing
you can block me
im a really pathetic person
s:
Christ, hyung, this is not you being pathetic!
Stop blaming yourself!
If you don't feel bad it's because you never felt attached to him in the first place!!!!
And that's not abnormal!
Just because he has feelings for you doesn't mean you're supposed to reciprocate them.
m:
ik that my sweet little dongsaeng
but the thing is, before he confessed to me, i felt really happy hanging out with him and being the centre of his attention and everything
but right when he confessed, it felt like someone slapped a big fat lump of mud on my chest
i felt so disgusting
and this isnt some internalised homophobia thingy btw
i felt guilty for being the object of someone's adoration because
well
idk
i dont think im worth it
spending all that effort and everything
im a bad person
s:
It’s definitely complicated on your side too, you're not completely right or wrong.
But you don't have to take the fall and keep beating yourself up about it.
I’m sure with someone else, someone who's right for you, it won't feel disgusting.
m:
this is so cliché but i’ll take your word for it
wow i never took you for a romantic
s:
I’m just being realistic!
There's a huge difference between mature and juvenile crushes.
m:
ok ok stop i get it 😭
youve really thought about this a lot, havent you?
s:
Not really.
Just something I’ve always known.
m:
omg our sugarplum is so mature
s:
Please stop calling me sugarplum.
m:
my sweet sugarplum 💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋💋
s:
I will block you
m:
NOOOOOOO
:((((((((
s:
:D
m:
im sorry for ghosting you
i didnt want to say smth hurtful until i regulated myself yk?
s:
It's alright, hyung.
You're forgiven.
m:
yayyyyy
💋💋💋💋❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
s:
Blocked.
m:
:((((
i love you too sugarplum
❤️❤️❤️💋💋💋
🐱
m:
yahoooo :DDD
where r u
where ya at girl 😂😂😂😂
sorry
hey
hi
hello
im bored
where are youuuuu
i miss you
s:
What the fuck, dude?
Stop blowing up my phone!!!!
m:
jeez looks like someone woke up on the wrong side of their bed today
s:
That would happen only if I ever got any sleep.
Which I didn't.
And I have a presentation tomorrow.
m:
mmmm cant help you with that
s:
I hate that whenever I try to fall asleep my brain just doesn't let me.
It'll bring up everything I’ve done since I gained consciousness, and I spend my entire night thinking.
And I slip into a cycle of endless loathing; it's so so soooo fucking frustrating.
None of the breathing exercises works.
Not even animal sounds or frequency audios.
I just Have to resort to sleeping pills every fucking time, but my sister says I shouldn't depend on them.
What the hell am I supposed to do??!!
m:
woah easy there sugarplum
insomnia replaces rest with rumination; it's only normal
s:
That's…wonderfully put.
And I know that!
But I can't keep functioning like this my entire life.
It was manageable in school, but college just completely fucked it up even more.
I miss my bed back home.
m:
it's okay
i wish i could do smth abt it
s:
What are you gonna do, sing me to sleep?
m:
yes
hush little sugarplum don't say a word
s:
You're ridiculous.
m:
i Can, however (like i said before), keep you company
since we're both in the same boat yk?
s:
I don't want to sound overly sentimental
But have you ever thought about how wonderful it is to be awake at this hour?
I know I’m being contradictory, but really, isn't it so cool?
Even though I hate waking up tired, I think of these few hours as sort of a liminal space between night and day. A quiet moment I have with no one to destroy my peace.
Plus, things finally slow down and life becomes a tad bearable.
I don't know if it makes any sense.
Anyway, sorry for the rant.
Thanks for listening.
m:
shut up
and it does make sense
it really does
you have a wonderful…perspective?
do you write?
s:
Eh.
Barely.
I write songs. I’ve even composed a few before, but they're limited to my diary and voicenotes, lol.
m:
(ignoring the fact that you used “lol” for the first time) (so glad you're not an ai chatbot)
that's so cool
you're really cool
i’d love to hear them someday
s:
I’ll think about it.
Also, isn't it crazy we still don't know each other's names?
m:
is my mysterious act working?
s:
No.
I just think it's weird how we've been talking for like three weeks without knowing each other's names.
**Not** including the weirdass nicknames you cook up for me here and there.
m:
i dont “cook up” nicknames
theyre a result of every bit of genuine love and affection i have for you, sugarplum
s:
Yeah, yeah, whatever.
What's your name?
m:
im not telling a stranger my name
this is like one of the first things you're taught as a child
s:
Oh my God.
Have it your way then.
I’m gonna save your number as “Possible Murderer”.
m:
yah! i saved yours as “sugarplum 🐶💋❤️” and this is how you treat me?
s:
Are the hearts really necessary?
m:
ok now im hurt
how could you hurt the mother of your kids like that?
do you have no shame? no decency?
all i did was shower you with love!
nothing but love!
what am i gonna tell the kids, oh my
their father doesnt love their mother anymore
it's ok baby we'll find a better father figure for you
maybe one who can buy me a cottage in the mountains!
yayyy mom youre the best
m:
sugarplum?
are you there?
oh god youre ignoring me arent you
you really dont care about me at all
what a tragedy
im divorcing you!!
m:
man cmon
i was kidding
ughhh
hehxnsndjsjjdqbdh
ahdhfjksjdjs
ehdjrjhfnsns
im adding beverly hills to our sex playlist
m:
mein gott you're so annoying
my names minho
lee minho
do wtv you wanna do w it
s:
:)
m:
come back here you brat!
you're gone again
oh, you sly puppy im gonna get you some day
🐱
s:
Hi.
Earlier you said you're a vet major.
How did you decide you wanted to pursue that?
m:
hello to you too, stranger-who-knows-my-name
ive always loved animals
so yea thats what motivated me to opt for vet sciences
s:
Cute.
But also scary.
m:
scary how?
s:
What if you get a really rabid dog in your clinic one day?
How would you deal with it?
m:
exactly how i deal with you
s:
I’m not a dog!
m:
lmao yes you are
bark for me sugarplum
s:
Shut up.
Answer my question, Minho hyung.
m:
awwww you said my name
i blushed again
uhhh i guess tons of training and experience builds you up for that?
plus muzzles and tranquillisers exist, so
s:
Oh, yeah, true true true.
Sorry, that was a dumb question.
m:
no it wasnt
i liked that you were interested in me
s:
*About you. I was interested *about* what you do.
m:
denial hmmm it's okay sugarplum
s:
Kim Seungmin.
m:
huh?
s:
My name.
It's Kim Seungmin.
m:
awww seungminnie
s:
…I regret this. Again.
m:
your name is so cute
even your name is puppy-ful
our house puppy kim seungminnie
s:
The block button is looking really good right now.
m:
don't act as if you don't like it!!!
s:
I don't.
m:
idc
deal with it
house puppy sugarplum seungminnie
s:
And I’m out.
m:
awh:(
🐱
Minho was lost in thought as he stood in front of the counter, gazing at the ice cream flavour options. He usually chose mint chocolate chip, but today felt like the right time for a change. He had finally resolved his issues with Chan, thanks to the advice from the helpful stranger named Kim Seungmin, and life no longer felt as overwhelming as it once had.
“Sir, can you hurry up a bit? Other customers are waiting.”
The boy standing behind the counter was a new hire. Minho knew that because he made weekly visits to this shop and had never seen this guy around.
Heat rushed to Minho's cheeks when he noticed people shooting him disgusted looks. He bowed to apologise and ordered a simple blueberry instead. The guy nodded and went to prepare his order. Minho observed how he was a bit clumsy with his scoops.
“Here!” the boy handed him his cup. Minho took it, carefully avoiding brushing his fingers against the guy's, and handed him the money. As the server guy looked for change, Minho's eyes flicked to the nametag attached to his purple apron.
“Kim Seungmin”
It said in a wavy font. Minho's heart dropped as he stared at the guy who discussed something with another worker with bright orange hair.
“Here's your change! Sorry for the delay,” Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin smiled at him with a professional poise. Minho stuffed the change in his jacket pocket, thanked him, and stumbled out of the shop in a daze. His ice cream was already melting.
There's no way it was his Seungmin, right? There are millions of Kims in Korea. And probably tons of Seungmins. Yep, that was it. This wasn't the Kim Seungmin he'd grown weirdly attached to. The one he blatantly flirted with because it was easier to do so via text than in-person. Minho was too much of a scaredy-cat to do anything of the sort in real life.
Minho had a bizarre idea. He fished his phone out of his pocket and opened his chat with Seungmin.
m:
i just saw a cockroach in my toilet
i think i need to relocate to an entirely different dimension
Through the glass, he watched Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin take some orders. Minho probably looked like a creep, staring inside an ice cream shop with his eyes narrowed and fixed on the boy who had now excused himself to the side.
To Minho's horror, Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin took out his phone, bit his lip, clearly fighting a smile, and typed with swift fingers.
s:
My friend, Changbin, is a physics major.
I can talk to him if you want.
Minho’s phone vibrated in his hands as the replies came in with a swish. He watched Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin stare at his phone as he tapped his foot impatiently against the wooden flooring of the shop.
m:
its really sweet how you would go that far for me, sugarplum ❤️❤️💋💋
He watched Seungmin’s suppressed smile bloom into a giggle. It looked bashful and sweet, and Minho regretted not being inside to listen to its sound. He watched Seungmin shake his head before he typed in a response:
s:
I revoke my offer.
Suffer in this dimension with me.
Minho closed his eyes, trying his best not to turn into a ripened tomato on the street. He decided to send an emoji spam and a GIF of a cat crying. That made Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin laugh before he turned his phone off and went back to taking orders at the counter.
Ice Cream Server Seungmin was Minho's Kim Seungmin.
He really did look like a puppy.
The universe truly worked in mysterious ways.
🐱
s:
Listen.
m:
?
s:
Listen to Evening Primrose by Novelbright.
m:
i have
you have a good taste in music, kim seungmin
s:
I know, right.
But my co-worker, Jeongin, recommended it to me.
I’m so in love with the band already.
m:
youre cute
also
you started working somewhere????
s:
Yeah, it's just a part-time job at an ice cream parlour near my place.
m:
that's nice
really nice
s:
How was your day?
m:
oh nth special
send me a pic of the bunny you said your mom adopted
s:
Oh yes!
I completely forgot about her.
Hold on.
s:
[Attachment: 5 images]
Isn't she the cutest?!
She's really fluffy!!!
I haven't decided on a name, though.
My sister wants to name her “Tonkatsu” 😐
m:
well
she certainly looks like a fried pork cutlet
how about soy milk 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
s:
Blocked.
m:
NOOOO
mmmm
acorn
or
snowball
s:
I like Snowball.
Kinda overused but it's cute.
I’ll ask my mom, wait.
m:
okie
waiting
s:
Yayyy, she liked it!
Snowball it is then.
m:
wow i cant believe i was a key player in snowball’s naming ceremony
i feel so connected to your family already, sugarplum
it's better to bond with my in-laws, you know?
s:
I will block you.
m:
mwah
s:
Minho hyung, can I call you?
Minho blinked at his screen. His room was way too quiet, except for his rapid heartbeat. Moonlight filtered in through the curtains, illuminating his bedside where Soonie slept.
m:
i have one annoying voice
i dont think you want to listen to it sugarplum
not when you already have trouble sleeping
s:
You can say you don't want to.
Sorry.
That was rude.
I’ll try sleeping; I’m a bit tired today.
Without giving it much thought, Minho clicked the phone icon next to Seungmin's contact and let the outgoing rings fill the silence of his room.
Seungmin picked it up after the fourth ring, “Hello?”
“From the other side?” Minho replied.
“Oh, shit,” the sounds of something crinkling and dropping at the other end followed Seungmin's curse. “H-hi, hyung. Hello,” he croaked. It was definitely Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin. Minho remembered his voice all too well.
“Hi, Sugarplum.”
Seungmin groaned, “Will you ever stop calling me that?”
“Not really. I think I like it better than Seungmin.”
That earned him a giggle, and God did Minho miss out on it the other day. A wave of dread hit him like a truck. He apparently knew what Seungmin looked like, where he worked, and who his co-workers were. It was only sensible for Minho to come clean about this little unintentional revelation.
But he couldn't. Lee Minho was a coward, and that was nothing farther from the truth.
“Wow, you really aren't a sixty-year-old murderer, then.”
“What if I’m using a voice changer?” Minho quipped.
“To keep an insomniac company at this hour? I appreciate your service, ahjussi.”
Minho, despite all his commitments to not losing his cool, chuckled. It wasn't even that hilarious; Minho could come up with a better response than Seungmin’s outdated one. But when it came to making sense of his weird bond with the younger boy, and why it filled him with a warm, sticky liquid, he had no explanations to offer.
“Your voice isn't annoying at all,” Seungmin said after a beat.
Minho felt his ears grow hot. “It’s too pitchy. I've been told by people that I laugh like a maniac.”
“You need to stop hanging out with these people.”
“Okay, sir. I’ll do that.”
“How was your day?”
“Boring. Also, I stepped in dog poop today. Why are you haunting me?”
“What's with your dog analogies these days? I’m not a dog!”
“Your vibes scream ‘puppy’. I bet you even look like one.”
Seungmin hummed in response. Then: “There’s like a really really reallyyyy small possibility we could literally pass by each other on the street without knowing. Isn't that weird?”
Fuck.
“Truly. But it’s bold of you to assume we live in the same area,” Minho replied, pushing down the guilt clutching his throat.
“It'd be awesome if we did.”
Okay, Minho couldn't hold it in anymore.
“I—” he stuttered, looking for the right words. “I saw you. I mean, I think it was you.”
Seungmin chuckled, “You don't even know what I look like.”
“Yeah, yeah, I didn't. I swear it happened so fast. God, Seungmin, you have to trust me on this, but I think the ice cream parlour you started working at is the one I visit every week. Man, I’ll sound like a lunatic, anyway, last Saturday I went in for a little treat—true to my schedule.”
“I gave my order to the server and then, I don't know, I read their nameplate because I hadn't seen them in the shop before, and—what do you know? It said Kim Seungmin! But I was like, hey, there are tons of Kim Seungmins in Korea. This is probably not the annoying guy I know.”
“So, I tried to be slick and texted you about the cockroaches. When I saw the guy reach for his phone right after I sent my texts, I freaked out! And then you texted me back, and I freaked out even more because it matched really well with the Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin's actions—” Minho took a deep breath to calm his nerves. “ I think—I think that was you…? I’m not sure, though. I’m not a stalker or a fifty-year-old creep, I promise you.”
Seungmin, to Minho's chagrin, laughed. He could hear him burst into giggles on the other side. It would've been adorable if Minho wasn't shit-scared about his little revelation.
“Is it stupid of me to say that I trust you?” The boy said after he'd calmed down. “I guess my parents failed at making a cautious fellow out of me. I would make a bad lawyer.”
“No—Seungmin, you have to believe me! I didn't mean to do it on purpose.”
“Why didn't you say hi?”
“What?”
“You should've said hi. Even if it wasn't me, you had nothing to lose.”
“Well…I couldn't.”
“Couldn't or didn't want to?” Seungmin retorted.
Minho sighed, “I hate how good you're at this.”
“I can practically read you through your voice. You're so transparent.”
Truth was, at the time of his first run-in with Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin, Minho hadn't bothered asking the guy if he was his Seungmin because of how scared he was of the idea of the boy he loved talking to every night on the phone solidifying into reality.
And reality hurts—every ugly thing in Minho's life would mar the delicate version of Kim Seungmin he'd carefully constructed.
It was pathetic but it was safe. From a distance, he could manage his affections, though up-close everything would malfunction. He was afraid things would crumble like they did with Chan.
The endless cycles of guilt would make him hurt Seungmin. Minho could ruin everything. And he didn't want that.
“Hyung? Cat got your tongue? You're not even gonna flirt?” he yawned. Minho thanked the heavens above for the distance between the two.
“I–no, not really.”
“Come and say hi next time. If it's me then we'll go out for lunch together, and if not then you can always apologise to my namesake and job-twin.”
“‘Job-twin’? What the heck?” Minho laughed, “I never thought you’d turn out anything more than a robot.”
“Life is full of surprises, isn't it?”
A comfortable silence filled their rooms as both of them stared at their respective ceilings, phone pressed to their ear and a smile playing its way on their faces. Their heartbeats synced, working in tandem to fill the void nightfall often brought.
“I’m sleepy right now, Seungmin.”
“Go sleep, hyung.”
“Yeah, I think I will, and you should try too. And…I’m sorry you ended up with a weirdo hogging your inbox all day due to his own mistake.”
“I’m not.”
Minho tried not to let his overflowing emotions pour into his words—
“Good night, Seungminnie. Sleep well.”
🐱
m:
seungmin
seungmin
seungminnnnn
kim seungmin im pregnant and youre the father
s:
?
What is it?
m:
talk to me
there's this really boring guy hitting on me at a club im at and i want him to LEAVE
but this guy cant read the room to save face
help!!!!
s:
Uhhh, well, you should go sit somewhere else.
m:
i did
he keeps following me
s:
Wow, I think I should look out for a model-face amongst my customers from now on.
And then accost each of them with “Are you Lee Minho?”
m:
now's not the time!!!!
s:
I’m kidding!!
Um, are any of your friends around?
m:
hyunjins here but hes too shit faced to think straight
theres his boyfriend, jisung, but hes annoying whens drunk, the guy can talk about reptiles for HOURS
and then chan keeps flirting with this aussie guy he met today
i think theyre gonna hook up
disgusting.
s:
You're so cute.
You should talk to someone and let yourself loose for the night!
m:
i cant!!!
first: this guy wont leave me alone
second: i dont want to hook up a rando at a club
third: you are not helping
s:
Pardon me.
m:
💂♂️🫖☕🏴
s:
Ugh!!!
Anyway, try reporting him to the staff.
s:
Hyung?
Hyung, are you there?
m:
I FINALLY LOST HIM
OH IM SO HAPPY
i told him i had to go for a piss and then made a run for the exit
s:
What about Hyunjin? And Chan?
m:
they can handle without me
they deserve to be abandoned
s:
You're a “good friend”, aren't you?
m:
wtv
ah how am i gonna get home
yah call me a taxi
s:
????
You're sober, why don't you call one for yourself?
m:
who said i was sober?
i cnat typw swnd tsxi
s:
You're so annoying.
m:
kidding
i alr called one
entertain me till i reach home
s:
Am I your personal jester?
m:
yes
why else do you think i talk to you?
pure goodness of heart?
s:
Okay, jester privileges are over for the day.
Bye.
Get home safe.
m:
NOOOO I WAS KIDDING
I LOVE TALKING TO YOU
I LOVE YOU SUGARPLUM DONT LEAVE YOUR BELOVED WIFE LIKE THIS
YOURE NOT JUST A JESTER
s:
Oh yeah?
m:
yes dont go PLS
s:
Hm, okay.
Did you stop by the shop this week?
m:
no.
and even if i did wouldn't say hi to you
s:
Why's that?
:(
m:
cause youre mean
you think being my jester is an insult 💔💔💔💔💔
s:
I just thought that because you love me so much, I would be something more important to you.
m:
who said i love you
s:
↘ I LOVE YOU SUGARPLUM DONT LEAVE...
?
m:
that wasnt me
it was my evil twin
mee linho
s:
Okay, then go talk to your twin.
Stop texting me.
m:
hes boring
s:
Lol.
It's hilarious how you flirt here, but when we talked on call the other day you could barely say anything.
Lee “confident in theory” Minho
m:
SHUT UP
I WILL BLOCK YOU
s:
You won't :)
You love me too much.
m:
i dont
s:
👍
How long is the drive to your home?
m:
ten more minutes
you can go sleep
s:
Nah, it's okay.
Did you meet any cute people?
m:
no that boring guy wouldnt leave me alone even for a second
plus i told u i dont look for hookups in clubs
s:
Boo!!!
You're boring.
m:
youre the one to talk
you probably think “spitters are quitters” is literally about quitting
s:
Um…
Is that not what it means?
m:
lmfaooooo
dumdum
dont google it
dont
do
it
seungmin
hey
seungminnie
baby
dont
honey
sweetums
sweetpea
sugarplum
DUDE STOP
s:
I think I need to bleach my eyes.
THAT'S WHAT IT MEANS????
m:
sorry
s:
God.
What is wrong with people?
My innocence…
m:
i took your innocence #omg
s:
I’m gonna ignore this.
m:
:(
s:
Mwah ❤️🩹
m:
excuse me???
what the hell?????
hello?????
s:
Are you there yet?
m:
yes im unlocking my door
but you just blew me a kiss
s:
Did I?
m:
mmm
oh my cats are asleep
good good
s:
Get some rest hyungie.
Good night.
Sleep well.
m:
NO WAIT
“HYUNGIE”??????
WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH KIM SEUNGMIN???
GET BACK HERE SUGARPLUM!
I DIDN'T RAISE YOU LIKE THIS
m:
good night
and thanks
s:
Of course ❤️
🐱
Minho was ninety-nine per cent sure he was a hundred per cent in denial that the Kim Seungmin behind the counter was not the one he’s been talking to.
This was his second time visiting the shop this week, and despite Seungmin's requests to not be a coward, he had no plans to go up to the guy and ask him if he had a halfwit by the name “Lee Minho” spamming his texts.
He didn't know why he was back again in the godforsaken shop which smelled like heaven 24/7. He'd promised himself to never go back but some fucked up wirings in his brain told him to go in the little parlour after a gruesome lecture.
Except that's what it was! A sweet treat to cheer him up for the next week—
“Hi, there! What would you like to order today?” Kim Seungmin greeted him when he stepped forward. It was unfair how pretty this Seungmin was: fluffy hair, a mole on his cheek and a toothy smile that made Minho weak in the knees. He had eye bags under his eyes, and Minho would be lying if they didn't look hot.
“Mint choco,” he blurted.
Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin nodded and began preparing his order. The shop was empty except for a small group of school students chatting away. Minho felt heat rush to his cheeks. Blood coursed through his veins, igniting a fight-or-flight response. Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin was too cute, the sunlight too perfect, the silence not heavy for the first time, and Minho's stomach giddy from butterflies.
“Here.”
Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin held out his order. His fingers were unfairly long; his palms bigger than Minho's.
Minho took the cup with his left hand and handed him the money with his other. He wanted to ask the boy if he was the Seungmin whom Minho had grown attached to—whether he was his Seungmin: an insomniac robot who thought too much and, despite all the sassy and monotonous replies, was charming enough for Minho to develop a crush on.
This whole thing was embarrassing. And disgusting. And stupid. And Minho should've blocked Seungmin when the boy had asked him to. He should leave, bolt out of the shop and never visit here again. He could always lie and tell Seungmin that he had talked to his namesake, but that's all he ever turned out to be—a namesake.
“Um… would you mind me letting go of the cup?” Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin's soft voice broke Minho out of his reverie.
“Oh, shit. Fuck—sorry, I zoned out,” he cursed, blushing a deeper shade of red he prayed went unnoticed. “Thank you. And I’m sorry.”
He scurried towards the exit, mumbling to himself about being a coward and an avoidant little fuck who couldn't deal with his emotions properly.
His phone buzzed. He clicked it on to see his Kim Seungmin texting him an emoji. One, single emoji that sent Minho spiralling:
s:
🐱
Minho stared at it, confused.
m:
?????
s:
Turn around.
The sound of the door opening, followed by a jingle of the bell. Minho pivoted on his heel and saw Ice Cream Server Kim Seungmin smiling like the stupid, stupid boy he was.
“You're so mean! I told you to say hi, and you didn't!” he stomped his foot once he had caught up to Minho.
“H-how did you know it was me?”
“Would it be cheesy of me to say I looked at you when you were zoned out and just…knew?”
“Yes,” Minho deadpanned.
Seungmin giggled, and god was it the prettiest sound in the whole wide world. Minho’s ears were probably beet red; Seungmin kept staring at them, stifling a laugh.
“Wow…you are really good looking.” Seungmin gasped comically.
Minho averted his gaze to stare at the concrete under their feet. “Kim Seungmin, you're a pervert," he scolded the pavement.
“Who's Kim Seungmin? Whatever happened to ‘Sugarplum’, hm?”
“That's—” Minho looked up to meet Seungmin's eyes and found them twinkling with warmth.
“I’m off early today. You wanna wait inside till my shift gets over? We can chat and I'll treat you to another cup," he looked at the now-melted ice cream cup in Minho's hand. "If that's okay with you."
Seungmin said it with consideration, as if he wasn't quite sure whether Minho would appreciate his proposition. The way he tilted his head resembled a puppy.
He should say no. Tell him that this was a bad idea. That they should just block each other. Nothing will ever happen and even if it did, Minho will ruin everything.
The way Seungmin's eyes shone behind the stupid glasses plucked all the strings of Minho's heart. He ruffled his hair and walked past him toward the door he had just exited, treacherous heart beating warmly in his chest.
“Sounds fun. Come on, Seungminnie."
“Ooookay!” Seungmin giggled like a schoolboy and followed Minho inside.
🐱
s:
[Attachment: 8 images]
Lee Minho of Gimpo-si is a pudding enthusiast, who would've thought?!
m:
KIM SEUNGMIN WHEN DID YOU TAKE THESE PICTURES
OH MY GOD
im never going out for lunch with you again
youre annoying
s:
:(
Minho hyungie, you're so cute.
Also, you look like a cat, has anyone ever told you that?
m:
you and practically every friend ive ever had in my 23 years of existence
s:
And they're so very correct!
Minnoyangi ~
Our house cat, hehe.
m:
oh my god
s:
I'm so happy that my Lee "confident in theory" Minho theory was proven correct.
m:
😾😾😾
rude.
blocked.
s:
NOOOO!!!
COME BACK.
PLEASEEEE....
MINHO HYUNGIEEEE
m:
😽
🐱