Archive of Our Own ^beta

Mingi is breathless. 

He’s so excited he's practically bouncing up and down on his heels as he stands outside Wooyoung's apartment, bouquet of daisies in hand. He's dressed up in a nice pair of slacks and a blazer over a smooth button-down, hair teased artfully. No lip gloss in case there's kissing, which he really hopes there is. 

A thrill goes down his spine when Wooyoung opens the door, looking cozy and adorable in an oversized hoodie and jeans. Mingi’s heart soars but comes stuttering to a stop when he sees the look on Wooyoung’s face. 

“Mingi?” He says, brow furrowing in confusion. His lips are red and…kind of swollen? “What are you doing here?” 

Mingi falters, mouth snapping closed. His fingers tighten around the flowers as he blinks rapidly, trying to put together all the clues in front of him - the way Wooyoung’s collar is kind of loose and tugged down more on one side, the faint red mark beneath his jaw. 

“I - I’m sorry, I - ” 

No way he could have gotten it this wrong. No fucking way. Wooyoung looks down at the flowers, still confused, then glances quickly behind him. Mingi’s gaze follows and a horrible, sickening weight drops in his belly as he sees a guy sitting on the couch with messy hair and a half-buttoned shirt. 

“Oh my god. Oh my god, I - I’m sorry,” Mingi whispers, heart hammering against his ribs. He's going to cry. Or throw up. Or both. “I’m sorry,” He says again, and feels even worse when Wooyoung’s face lights up in realization. Mingi stumbles back a step and tries to run down the apartment hallway, only he’s not fast enough and feels Wooyoung’s fingers close around his wrist. 

“Mingi wait! Don’t go, wait, talk to me!” 

“I didn’t - I didn’t realize you had company,” Mingi says tearfully, pulling out of Wooyoung’s grasp and rubbing at his eyes. The flowers hang limply from his other hand. He feels like a big, dumb crybaby. He is a big, dumb crybaby.

“It’s okay,” Wooyoung says softly. He's obviously trying to be nice but it just makes Mingi feel so, so much worse. “Were you…coming to tell me something?” 

He’s being way too nice, not saying anything Mingi hasn't so he doesn't feel too embarrassed. The problem is, that ship has sailed and Mingi's pretty sure he's going to throw up. How did he get this so wrong? 

“I was - I thought - I’m sorry,” He says again, closing his eyes. It’s like he doesn't know any other phrases, can't put the words together in a way that might humiliate him even more. “This was stupid, I’m really sorry.” 

“It’s not stupid,” Wooyoung says, twisting his fingers together. He licks his lips, still bright and puffy. Mingi thinks of the guy on the couch, how hot he’d been, imagines him doing that to Wooyoung’s mouth; kissing him til he's breathless and giggling. He fights the urge to retch. “I just…was there something I said or did, to make you think…?” 

“No,” Mingi says, sounding hollow to his own ears. “I just - I read into things. It’s my fault, I’m really sorry if I’ve made you feel weird.” 

“It’s okay,” Wooyoung says, a bit helplessly. It looks like he wants to come closer, like he's holding himself back from doing so, and it makes Mingi’s chest feel horribly tight and hot. 

“I…all the stuff you said, last night. When we were talking and you…were saying all that stuff about how pretty you think I am, and how I deserve someone who wants me all the time, and…the way you were looking at me, and we were sitting so close, and I thought….we almost kissed, I…” 

He trails off, nausea rising in his stomach at the sympathetic look on Wooyoung’s face. He got this so fucking wrong. 

“I’m really sorry,” Wooyoung whispers. “I honestly didn’t mean to lead you on or make you misunderstand, I - I meant all those things, I really did. I just, I wasn’t…talking about myself.” He says the last bit as gently as possible, like the words haven't just sent a pack of wolves clawing into Mingi’s chest and ripping his heart to ribbons. 

“It’s okay,” Mingi says, mustering up a smile even though it feels all wrong and empty. Wooyoung looks like he kind of might be about to cry, and Mingi wonders if he's ruined his night. If he's going to go back into the apartment and send his date home, or if they'll keep going. “I’m really sorry, again. I hope you have a nice night.” 

“Mingi,” Wooyoung whispers miserably. But Mingi's already turning and rushing out of the apartment building, waiting until he's standing in the cool night air to drop the flowers to the ground and let out his first sob of the night. 

He allows himself a few moments to cry, getting it all out until he can suck in a full breath without choking on it. His fingers shake as he fumbles for his phone, dialing a number with blurry eyes and slapping the phone to his face. 

“How did it go!” Seonghwa practically yells in his ear. Mingi tries for a deep breath. It rattles in his chest, gets caught in his throat. “Mingi? Are you okay?” 

“He didn't - it wasn’t - I was wrong.” 

“What do you mean? What - ”

“I was wrong,” Mingi repeats, swiping at his nose. “He doesn't - he was on a date. He's on a date, right now. He doesn't like me.” 

He hears a tiny intake of breath. Then, “Shit. I’m so sorry, Mingi. I fucked that up.” 

“No you didn’t,” Mingi sighs. “Maybe you talked me into it a little but I was gonna do it either way.” 

“Still,” Seonghwa says. “That sucks. Do you know who he was with?” 

“Some guy,” Mingi says bitterly. “He was really hot. Like, really hot.” 

“You're hot too!” Seonghwa says fiercely. “And funny and smart and - ”

“Please don’t,” Mingi groans, squeezing his eyes shut. “That’s the same stupid speech Wooyoung gave me.” 

“Oh god, you’re right. I’m sorry.” There's a beat of silence. “Do you want me to come back early? I don't think I could make it back tonight but if I leave early tomorrow morning - ”

“No, god no, please don't. I mean, thank you. But it's fine. I’ll be fine. It’s not like I was in love with him or anything, it was just - a stupid crush. And a stupid idea.” 

“What are you going to do tonight?” 

“I don't know…go for a walk, probably.” 

“Are you okay? I mean, are you…going to be okay?” Seonghwa sounds so concerned, it makes Mingi laugh a little. 

“Okay, get a grip. I’m not gonna go find a bridge or anything.” 

“Not funny,” Seonghwa huffs. “I - ” Mingi hears muffled shouting and laughter, then a big sigh. “I have to go. I’ll have my phone on me in case you need anything, okay?” 

“Thanks,” Mingi says dully. “Say hi to your parents for me.” 

“Already did,” Seonghwa says. “Love you!” 

“Love you too.” And the call drops. 

He slips his phone into his back pocket and rubs the heels of his hands into his eyes, sighing. He's pretty sure the crying is done, at least for now. The flowers are laying on the ground, wilted and limp. Mingi stoops to pick them up, looking around for a trashcan. And of course there are none, so he starts down the street with his stupid, crumpled romantic gesture in his hands. 

❀

Fortunately, Wooyoung only lives a few blocks away from downtown. It’s a Saturday night but it's still early, so there aren't a lot of people out, and thankfully no long lines for any of the bars or clubs. Mingi slips into a little cafe for a moment, just to see how awful he looks. It’s not too bad actually, and he's thankful he chose to go light on the makeup. His eyes are red and kind of shimmery where his eyeshadow has smeared, but other than that he just has a bit of a flush to his face. It’s obvious he's been crying but it doesn't look bad on him. 

He debates calling up Yeosang or Jongho, but he doesn't really want to deal with anyone's pity right now. There’s a bar across the street he usually goes to with Wooyoung, which means the chances of him being there tonight are low to none - unless he's decided to go out clubbing with his date at 7 PM on a Saturday. Somehow, Mingi doubts it. 

He steps inside and feels at ease when he sees it's not too crowded, plus his favorite bartender is working. Mingi heaves a sigh of relief as he slumps into a barstool and leans on his elbow, chin in hand as he waits for San to turn around and notice him. 

“Mingi!” San chirps happily when he finally turns around. He's got on a sleeveless black crop top that shows off his broad shoulders and unreasonably plump biceps, and a pair of black leather pants settled low on his hips. His bright pink hair is slicked back and he's got diamonds sparkling in his ears. He’s fucking sex on legs but he's got a bright, sweet smile on his face as he rests his hands on the edge of the bar. “What can I get you, doll?” 

“Something strong and sweet,” Mingi says. It's not his normal drink but he thinks he deserves it, after what's just happened to him. Usually sugary drinks give him a stomachache, but fuck it. San nods and gets to work, making a big show out of flipping bottles and adding flourishes because he knows Mingi likes it. 

“Where’s Wooyoung?” San asks as he presents the horrifically pink drink in front of him. “You don't usually come in without him. Or alone.” 

Mingi puts off answering for a few seconds by slipping the straw in his mouth and taking a sip. It’s sweet, all right - way too fucking sweet but in a good way, and he knows he’ll be ordering another right after he sucks this one down. “He had plans,” He says evasively. “What do I owe you?” 

“Nothing but your company,” San simpers, and Mingi rolls his eyes. “Seriously, it’s on the house. Enjoy.” 

“Thank you,” Mingi mumbles, but he waits until San gets called away by another patron to stuff a few bills into the tip jar. 

As he sits at the bar, he stares at his glass until his eyes go unfocused and blurry. He's trying not to think about Wooyoung and what he's doing with his date, but it's really fucking hard. His only other option is thinking about how fucking mortifying it was to realize that while Mingi had been sitting there with his heart fluttering and butterflies whirling around in his stomach, Wooyoung had just been comforting a friend. This isn't a movie, Mingi thinks angrily, squeezing his eyes shut. What the fuck had he been thinking? 

He needs a distraction. 

His drink is about halfway finished and San looks kind of busy, so Mingi hops off his stool and surveys the bar, which has filled up a bit in the time he’s been sitting and wallowing. He’s decided to give up and sit back down when someone jostles him from the side, jerking his arm forward and sloshing half of the remainder of his drink down his hand and onto his wrist. Mingi’s not really the type of person to get angry, really, or even annoyed, but he’s kind of over the night at this point, so he whirls around to unload on whoever’s bumped into him. 

Only he’s met with a pair of wide eyes and parted, pink lips that stop him for some reason. Mingi closes his mouth slowly because the guy looks a little bit terrified, or mesmerized, or…something? 

“I’m so sorry,” The guy says loudly, in order to be heard over the music. His eyes do a very obvious sweep of Mingi’s body, from his toes to the top of his head, before landing on his lips. No way he’s getting this wrong. “I’m so - holy shit. Wow.” 

“It’s fine,” Mingi says, mostly just confused now. “Holy shit what? What's happening.” 

The guy blinks, eyes widening even more before he shakes his head and grins, somewhat sheepishly. He’s got fluffy hair the color of pink cotton candy and a very ill-fitting suit hanging from his tall frame. Mingi blinks. As disheveled as the guy looks, he’s got a sweet, round face and pretty lips. He’s stupidly handsome.  

“You’re just - sorry,” Cotton Candy Guy says again. “You’re really - sorry. I’m sorry.” 

Mingi wonders if this is what he sounded like to Wooyoung earlier. “It’s fine,” He says again, smiling a little. His hand is dripping and he knows it's going to be sticky in a few minutes. “Don’t worry about it. I’m gonna go…wash my hand.” 

“Can I get you another?” Cotton Candy Guy asks, as Mingi turns to go to the bathroom. “When you get back, I mean. If you want. I feel bad I made you spill and got you all sticky. I mean - I mean, the drink. You spilled your drink. And your hand - the drink. Got you sticky.” 

The stranger has a manic, squirrelly energy that Mingi finds weirdly endearing. He looks down at his drink and his wet hand. Fuck it, right? 

“Okay,” He says, setting his drink down on the counter. “Sure.” 

Cotton Candy Guy beams and Mingi shakes his head, mystified. 

“I’ll hold your spot!” Cotton Candy Guy says, sliding onto a bar stool and reaching forward to splay a long, bony hand over the other. Mingi nods his thanks and slips through the growing crowd. 

❀

For some reason he's expecting Cotton Candy Guy to be gone by the time he gets back, but he's still there, leaning on the bar with his forearms and chatting with San. Mingi swallows as he approaches, taken aback by how happy Cotton Candy Guy looks to see him. San’s wandered off again and Cotton Candy's got those long, bony fingers wrapped around a fresh pink drink. There’s a small shot of some brown liquor next to it. 

“I hope you didn't pay for that,” Mingi says, gesturing toward his drink. The guy grins and slides it over to him. 

“I tried,” He says. “He never lets me.” 

Mingi can't help the jealousy that prickles along his spine at that. San’s an attractive, popular bartender. Of course Mingi’s not the only one he gives free drinks to. 

“I’m Yunho, by the way.” Cotton Candy Guy sticks his hand out and Mingi takes it, blinking in surprise at the firm grip. 

“Mingi.” 

Yunho nods, picking up his shot and sipping at it. His face twists up in displeasure and Mingi can’t help grinning. Yunho shivers, setting the glass back down. 

“Want a sip?” Mingi asks, nudging his own drink toward Yunho. Maybe not the smartest idea to be sharing a drink with a strange man, but Mingi’s proved tonight that he's not the smartest guy. Yunho eyes the drink for a moment before reaching for it, leaning down for a sip. He pauses and does a quick sweep of the bartop, reaching out to pluck a little straw and stick it into the drink. Mingi watches as Yunho’s rosy lips wrap around the straw, cheeks hollowing as he sucks. 

“Oh,” Yunho says, shuddering and pulling out his straw. He licks his lips, frowning and setting the straw on a wet napkin laying on the bar. “That’s awful.” 

“It’s kind of like sweet battery acid,” Mingi says, grinning. He tips the glass into his mouth, swallowing a big gulp. “I like it.” 

“I’m glad,” Yunho says, smacking his lips. “It’s better than this, anyway.” He eyes his shot sadly, then takes a deep breath and throws it back. Mingi watches with interest as Yunho’s face contorts, the front of his hair shaking as he shivers again. 

“Why’d you order it, if you don't like it?” 

“I was trying something new,” Yunho says with a sigh, leaning on his elbow. “Next time I’ll stick to what I know.” 

They fall into a companionable silence as Mingi sips at his drink, and Yunho toys with the sleeve of his comically large suit jacket. Mingi’s not really sure exactly what alcohol is in his drink but he's definitely starting to feel pleasantly buzzed. 

“Do you usually go to bars alone?” He suddenly asks. Yunho’s brows lift in surprise. “I just mean, cause I don't. I’m way too anxious.” 

“I do sometimes,” Yunho says. He opens his mouth to say more but San sidles up, reaching for the empty glass and pulling out a clean one. He pours a double this time, a clear liquor that he slides in front of Yunho, along with another glass filled with red liquid. 

“Did you hate it?” San asks, brows lifted. He's pouring another shot, a single that he slides in Mingi’s direction. Yunho nods sadly. “Told you so.” 

Yunho sticks his tongue out and San winks before heading back down to the other end of the bar. 

“How do you know San?” Mingi asks, too curious to mind his own business. Yunho takes a small sip of his double shot and his face lights up. He squirms happily, taking a sip of whatever juice is in the other glass. 

“We used to be roommates,” Yunho says, turning back to Mingi. “He just moved in with his boyfriend uhhh, a few months ago?” 

“Oh,” Mingi says, surprised. He had no clue San had a boyfriend. “That’s cool.” 

“It is,” Yunho says, nodding. He brings the shot glass to his lips and tilts it so it pours down his throat. Mingi’s eyes are drawn to the movement of his throat as he swallows. “I mean, I was happy living with him but it's cool to live alone, too. Kinda lonely sometimes but mostly good.” 

Mingi nods, unsure what to say next. 

“I kinda like going to bars alone,” Yunho says. “I don't have a lot of friends anyway, but it's nice. I know San, and I don't mind being in public alone.” 

“That’s cool,” Mingi says, sipping at his straw. “I hate being alone in public.” 

“So why are you tonight?” Yunho asks, leaning forward like he actually wants to know. Mingi hesitates, chewing at his straw. He'll look like an idiot if he tells the truth. He shrugs. 

“I don't know. Wanted to try something new, I guess.” 

Yunho grins, holding up his glass. Mingi hesitates before lifting his own glass and clinking them together. 

“Hey, when you bumped into me - ”

“Sorry,” Yunho interrupts. Mingi snorts. 

“Stop apologizing, I’m literally begging you.” 

“...Sorry. Fuck, sorry. Fuck!” 

“It’s fine!” Mingi says, grinning and finishing the rest of his drink. He's nicely tipsy now, and it gives him the courage to continue with his question. “But you said, I was really? Really something? And you looked all scared. But you never finished what you were saying.” 

Yunho’s eyes go wide and he ducks his head, running the tip of his finger around the rim of his glass. “Oh, nothing. It was nothing. I don't remember.” 

“I don't believe you,” Mingi says, leaning forward a bit. Yunho leans back, eyes bright and wide. His cheeks are flushed a soft pink that almost matches the color of his hair. 

“I was - I was just going to say, you're really hot. I didn’t mean to stare. You just, you're like really pretty. Like. Um. Sorry. You’re so hot. Sorry.” 

Well that's unexpected. Yunho’s biting into his bottom lip and Mingi’s staring at him, confused and flattered, because no one has ever told him he's good-looking so emphatically. 

“It’s okay,” He says, a bit breathless. “Thank you. That’s really nice of you to say.” 

“It’s true,” Yunho says, seeming a bit more at ease. 

“Thanks,” Mingi says lamely. He wants to return the compliment, to tell Yunho that he's really cute, but it feels like it would seem fake and forced. So he keeps his mouth shut, like an idiot. 

Yunho finishes his drink as they chat some more. It's mostly small talk; Mingi learns that Yunho works for some tech company, he graduated from college two years ago, and he likes to draw in his free time. 

After Mingi somehow ends up telling the story of the time he had to cut his hair down to a buzz cut because he ruined it with bleach, Yunho’s face goes serious and nervous. He toys with his long-empty shot glass, licking his lips. 

“I, um. I know this is super forward and I like, never do this. But would you…maybe wanna come over to my place?” 

Mingi blinks. His brain goes blank, nerves twisting his stomach into knots. His first instinct is to say yes, because Yunho is sweet and cute and funny and he has a loud, dorky, creaky laugh that makes Mingi’s chest feel all warm. 

“You can - um, you can ignore that,” Yunho says quickly. He makes like he's going to get up and Mingi jerks to his feet as well, grabbing him by the arm. 

“I don't want to,” Mingi says. Yunho’s face crumples in hurt, and Mingi is quick to clarify. “No, I mean, I don't want to ignore it. I'd like to come to your place, that sounds nice.” 

“Oh,” Yunho says. He looks down to where Mingi’s fingers are wrapped around his wrist and they both clear their throats. Yunho chuckles nervously and Mingi really does believe that he never does this. “Okay. Cool. I can call us an Uber?” 

“Sure,” Mingi says, trying to calm his nerves. Yunho’s pulled his phone out and is presumably calling the car.

What the fuck am I doing? 

❀

Yunho’s apartment is way nicer than Mingi was expecting it to be. It looks like it was taken directly from a magazine cover for fancy apartments. It doesn't fit with Yunho’s fuzzy, pink hair or his baggy suit, or even San with his tattoos and tight clothes. Mingi looks around in awe as Yunho shrugs off his suit jacket, draping it over the back of an expensive looking sofa. Mingi really doesn't know shit about designer labels or anything like that, but Yunho’s apartment screams money. Mingi knows it's not polite to discuss such things, but he can't help getting at least one compliment in. 

“Your apartment is really nice,” He says, standing awkwardly in the middle of the living room. Yunho looks up at him with an embarrassed smile. 

“Thanks, it's really…um, it's kind of ostentatious.” His eyes go wide. “I can’t believe I just said ostentatious. I’m not a total douche, I swear.” 

There’s something painfully endearing about Yunho. He's very pink, for one - he'd pushed his hair back a bunch on the car ride over, trying to tame it into submission Mingi assumed, and he discovered Yunho’s the kind of guy who blushes all the way to his ears. His laugh is loud and kind of geeky, and he has a tendency to say exactly what he means, then backtrack and spiral down a rabbit hole of apologies and corrections. Everything about him is earnest and sweet and cute. 

“It’s not ostentatious,” Mingi says with a laugh. “It’s really, really nice.” 

He feels awkward, just standing there in the middle of the room while Yunho bustles around the kitchen. 

“Do you want something to drink?” Yunho asks, standing in front of the open fridge. “I have wine, juice, coffee? Water?” 

“Are you gonna have anything?” Mingi’s kind of secretly hoping Yunho’s done drinking for the night, only because Mingi wants to be done drinking and doesn't wanna make Yunho feel bad if he wants to drink more. Now that he's actually here, in this stranger’s apartment, Mingi wants to keep as clear a head as he can. 

“I was gonna have some water,” Yunho says, face oddly calm. Mingi tries not to sigh in relief. 

“Water sounds good,” He responds. He half expects Yunho to ask still or sparkling? But he just pulls a pitcher of water out of the fridge and pours them both a glass. 

“Wanna watch something? A movie, or we could play a game?” 

Yunho walks over to the couch, setting his glass on the marble coffee table. Seriously, it's marble. But it looks surprisingly elegant in the space, not over the top or anything. 

Mingi’s glass clinks loudly as he sets it next to Yunho’s. 

“What movie and what game?” 

Yunho looks over to the TV - no, TVs. There are two flatscreens side by side, and Mingi can see an Xbox, a PS4, and a Nintendo Switch in the slots of theTV stand. He turns to Yunho with wide eyes. 

“I - ” Yunho flushes. “It’s not like - I’m just kind of a lazy ass and I like watching TV while I game, so I just - got two TVs so I can do both at once. I know it's a lot.” 

“It’s cool,” Mingi says honestly. “It’s a nice setup.” 

“Would it be weird if I changed?” Yunho asks, tugging at the collar of his shirt. “I’ve been in my work clothes all day, and I feel gross.” 

“Not at all,” Mingi says, nodding. “Mind if I browse your games?” 

“Not at all!” Yunho chirps. He pauses, then grabs no less than four remotes from a basket on the coffee table. Both televisions turn on and Yunho hands Mingi two remotes, one short and one long. “Here - this is for the TV watching TV, and this is for the game one. The controllers are here, you can look around and put on whatever. I’ll be right back.” 

He dashes off down the hall and Mingi blinks down at the remotes. Way too much. He’s not drunk but there's enough alcohol in his system to have him feeling overwhelmed at the thought of working two TVs at once. Fortunately he's saved by the buzzing of his phone. 

ddeonghwa: Hey how are you doing? 
minki: okay…don’t freak out 
ddeonghwa: That’s not very encouraging 
ddeonghwa: Are you okay? 
minki: i’m fine. i maybe sort of went home with a guy 
ddeonghwa: A guy?? What guy?? Are you safe?? 
minki: i’m fine, i’m not wasted and he’s nice. 
ddeonghwa: Send me your location please, just so I feel better. 
minki: you're not even in town! what are you gonna do? 
ddeonghwa: I can tell someone where you are if anything happens! 
minki: okay, you're freaking me out. i’m gonna go now 
ddeonghwa: Okay sorry :( I hope you have a nice night, I’m sure he is a nice guy 

A thrill of anxiety shoots down Mingi’s spine as he looks around. He's never gone home with someone before, but Yunho had seemed so nice. Though that's probably what most people who got murdered in situations like this thought before they were murdered. 

“Sorry about that,” Yunho says as he comes back out into the living room. Mingi turns to wave off his apology but the words die in his throat as he catches sight of Yunho. 

Somehow, with just a change of clothes, Yunho looks like a completely different person. He’s gotten his hair wet and it's curling at the edges, pushed out of his face. He's dressed in a pair of black joggers and a loose, black t-shirt. It hangs off his frame in a much more flattering way than his suit, and Mingi can see that Yunho’s actually, like…really broad. His legs are long and his arms are nice, and he looks kind of super sexy. 

“Did you pick a game?” Yunho asks, seemingly unaware of the way Mingi’s brain is short circuiting. He jumps over the back of the couch and lands gracefully next to Mingi. 

“How did you do that?” Mingi blurts. Yunho raises his eyebrows. 

“Do what?” 

“Jump like that, and not hurt yourself. Or look stupid.” 

Yunho laughs, tucking his feet under his legs. “I don’t know? I do it all the time.” 

“I'd look like an idiot if I tried that,” Mingi says, somewhat wistfully. Yunho smiles, picking up one of the remotes Mingi abandoned. 

“I’m sure you'd do great,” Yunho says. “I’m guessing you didn't look at the games?” 

“No,” Mingi says, embarrassed. He looks down at his empty hands. “I was talking to my friend.” 

“That’s okay…do you like Overcooked?” 

“Oh my god. I’m so good at Overcooked, you have no idea.” 

“Is that so?” Yunho says, grinning as he queues up the game. Mingi leans back against the couch. 

“My friend and I play all the time. I think everyone else hates watching us play cause we shout a lot, but we have really good communication and - we’re just, um. Yeah I like Overcooked.” 

“You can brag, I don't mind,” Yunho says, settling back against the couch. Mingi feels a lot more relaxed now, even if he'd kind of been expecting Yunho to make a move on him. 

“I wasn’t - ” Yunho lifts a brow. “Okay, maybe I was bragging a little.” 

“Let’s see what you got,” Yunho says. “You guys play Overcooked 2?” 

“And All You Can Eat,” Mingi says, nodding. Yunho grins. 

“Well then. Let’s see.” 

They're an incredible team. Even better than him and Seonghwa, and that's saying something. There's a lot of yelling and Mingi doesn't think he's laughed this hard in a long time. It feels good, being here with Yunho, playing a stupid game with a cute guy. He's stopped thinking so much about Wooyoung and he doesn't feel any weird pressure or tension or expectations with Yunho. 

“Okay, you’re allowed to brag.” Yunho slumps against the couch, tossing his controller onto the table. 

“So are you,” Mingi says, impressed. “Is this how you get guys, typically?” 

Yunho snorts, pulling his shirt up over his nose and letting it drop back down. He's flushed from playing and his bottom lip is kind of swollen from where he's been biting it in excitement. 

“I don't really…get guys.” 

Honestly, this isn't really a surprise, but Mingi’s not about to say that out loud. 

Somehow they end up in Yunho’s bed - still fully clothed, both of them, leaning on their sides with Yunho’s laptop between them as they bounce between nostalgic episodes of old Disney shows and kpop dance relays and practices. Mingi tries to remember the last time he had this much fun with someone he didn't know. 

“Hey,” Yunho says at one point, pausing the show they’re watching and sitting up in the bed. “Can I ask you something personal?” 

Mingi hesitates, then shrugs. “Sure.” 

Yunho toys with the chain around his neck, licking his lips. They’d polished off two orders of spicy chicken wings a little bit ago, and his mouth is still all puffy from the heat. 

“I didn’t wanna say anything before, but…were you crying? When you got to the bar?” 

“Oh.” Mingi blinks, sitting up as well. Yunho’s eyes are wide. Nervous. “Um. Yeah, I was.” 

Yunho nods. “Can I, um. Ask why? I mean you don't have to tell me, of course, I was just curious.” 

Mingi fiddles with a loose thread on one of Yunho’s blankets. He definitely feels less weird about telling Yunho now, after spending hours with him and getting to know him a bit, but still. It feels loaded. I tried to make a grand romantic gesture to one of my best friends and got rejected in the worst, most embarrassing way. Not only does it make him look stupid, but it might put expectation on the night, and Mingi’s very content with how light things are right now. 

“I…I thought someone liked me, but he didn't.” Yunho watches, waits for him to go on. “I went to his apartment with flowers. He was there on a date with someone else.” 

Yunho’s face crumples in sympathy. He doesn't say anything and it makes Mingi want to fill the silence. 

“Honestly, I don't even think I really like him that way? I just got caught up in…I dunno, he had said all these nice things to me and it felt like it meant something, and I’m kind of a stupid romantic so I read way too much into it.” 

“Hm.” Yunho looks down at his knees, tapping them with his fingers. After way too long of an awkward silence has passed, Yunho sits up straight and looks Mingi straight in the eye. “Can I kiss you?” 

“Can - what?” Mingi wheezes out a shocked laugh, heart pounding. Yunho covers his face with his hands and shakes his head, laughing a bit manically. 

“Yeah, that’s a really weird thing to say after what you just told me,” He says, leaning back on his hands. His face is bright pink. “Sorry, shit. I really don’t know how to talk to people. I just, I thought you had really nice lips when I first saw you and I’ve been staring at them all night and I’m guessing you probably wanted to get kissed tonight? I mean, by your friend probably, not some stranger, but then we were just hanging out and I didn’t want to make it weird or seem like some horndog, so I just - ”

“Yunho,” Mingi interrupts, brows lifting of their own accord. Yunho goes silent, lips parted in the shape of the word he was about to say. “You talk so much.” 

“I know,” Yunho says, ducking his head and staring down at his lap. “I never shut up, I don't know why cause I know I should shut up and I hear myself going on and on, but I like, literally can’t get myself to stop talking and then I start trying to explain why I can’t shut the fuck up - ”

“Oh my god, Yunho.” 

He’s not really sure what comes over him as he shuffles forward and places a hand on 
 the back of Yunho’s neck, pulling him in close and pressing their lips together. Yunho lets out a surprised squeak, going stiff for a moment before relaxing and sighing against Mingi’s mouth. It only lasts for a few seconds and has to be maybe the most chaste kiss Mingi’s ever shared with anyone, but Yunho’s mouth is warm and kind of chapped and when Mingi pulls back, his lips are tingling pleasantly. 

“Sorry,” Mingi says, licking his lips. “I should have asked first.” 

“I already asked,” Yunho says, looking dazed. He licks his lips, pressing the tips of his fingers gently to his mouth. “Can we do it again?” 

“Sure,” Mingi says, suddenly shy. Yunho smiles happily and closes his laptop, shoving it to the side and wiggling back to sit against the headboard. Mingi eyes him curiously and Yunho pats his thighs, waiting. “No way,” Mingi says with a laugh. “I’m too heavy.” 

Yunho narrows his eyes. “Sit down,” He says sternly. Then, “Please?” 

The feeling of Yunho’s thighs pressed to Mingi’s has him realizing he's kind of touch starved. He cuddles with Seonghwa all the time, but it's not - they're friends. Close friends who hug and snuggle and sleep together sometimes, but it’s strictly platonic and Mingi doesn't think he could see Seonghwa that way if he tried. It’s so much different with Yunho, his flushed, creamy skin and heart-shaped lips, hair frizzing up on each side of his face. He’s smiling as Mingi settles on his lap, slightly uncomfortable in his slacks as they pull across his thighs. Yunho’s fingers trace up and down Mingi’s arms; he’d discarded his blazer hours ago and tugged his sleeves up to his elbows. Yunho is solid and warm beneath him, and Mingi can’t be quite sure due to the material of his slacks, but it feels like Yunho might be getting hard. 

“You can put your full weight on me,” Yunho says with a wry smile, poking at a button on Mingi’s shirt. 

“Are you sure?” 

“Do I look like I can’t take it?” Yunho says, with narrowed eyes. Mingi exhales a nervous laugh, and lowers himself fully. It’s worth it for the way Yunho lets out a soft gasp, eyes going dark. He licks his lips and squeezes around Mingi’s biceps, smoothing his fingers up, over his shoulders, slides them up the back of his neck. Mingi can’t help rolling his head against Yunho’s nails, moaning softly as a shiver runs through him, dick filling out in his pants. 

“S - sorry,” He slurs, head falling forward. Only Yunho’s watching him with an intensity that sends a sharp thrill of something hot and electric through him. Mingi feels his dick jerk. 

“Don’t be,” Yunho breathes. “You’re so pretty like this.” 

“Thank you,” Mingi says, because he doesn't know what else to say. Yunho grabs onto his hair and tugs a little, pulling a high-pitched whine out of Mingi’s throat. He squirms, embarrassed, but Yunho just leans in and lets his hands slide back down, cupping each side of Mingi’s neck. 

He thinks maybe Yunho’s gonna say something, give him some warning, but he stays silent. Leans forward more, nails scraping at Mingi’s nape and sending pleasant, shivery tingles down his spine. Pleasure pools in his belly, makes his thighs tremble a little as Yunho sighs softly, eyes fluttering closed as he glides his nose along Mingi’s cheek. It’s unbelievably intimate, overwhelming in every possible way. Mingi closes his eyes too, gives himself over to all the sensations he’s been starved of for so long. When Yunho’s lips finally meet his, Mingi lets out a mortifyingly wanton noise, fisting the front of Yunho’s shirt. His lips part instantly and Yunho groans, hands tightening around Mingi’s neck. 

Yunho’s lips stretch against Mingi’s, tongue gliding along his bottom lip. His kisses are slow and deep, sending lust coiling around his spine; he wants more - more kisses, more touching, just more. 

“Fuck,” Yunho says when he pulls away, leaning their foreheads together. “Shit. Okay. Wow.” 

“Are we done kissing now?” Mingi asks, trying to keep the pout out of his voice. Yunho laughs shakily, thumbs rubbing softly at Mingi’s jaw. 

“No, god no. I mean if you wanna be, but no. I definitely want to do more kissing.” 

“Good,” Mingi breathes, loosening his grip on Yunho’s shirt. “Cause you’re a very good kisser.” 

“Thanks,” Yunho says with a smile, reaching up to tug at a piece of Mingi's hair. “I definitely didn’t used to be. Actually, my first ever girlfriend broke up with me cause I was so bad.” 

“No way,” Mingi says, covering his mouth with one hand. “That’s so mean! How old were you?” 

“Sixteen,” Yunho says fondly, leaning back against the headboard. “She was nice about it, honestly. And she was right. Plus, it made me determined to become the best kisser I could be.” 

“Well you definitely succeeded. I should thank her.” 

Yunho laughs, a full, belly laugh that has Mingi’s cheeks hurt from how hard he's smiling. “I thanked her myself, actually. We ran into each other in college and I went home with her.” 

“No shit?” 

“Mhm. I think she wanted to have sex but we spent the whole night making out. She gave me a great review before she left.” 

Mingi laughs, lightly slapping Yunho's chest. 

“What was your first kiss like?” 

They stay like that for a while; talking and touching, exchanging soft, close-mouthed kisses. Mingi fully intends to do more but they keep getting distracted, and honestly he's fine with it. Yunho’s really fun to talk to, and Mingi can’t help being kind of grateful that he'd been so wrong about Wooyoung, because if he hadn't then he'd never have ended up here, having one of the best nights of his life. 

❀

When he wakes up, the first thing Mingi registers is that he's hot. He’s really hot, groans at the feeling of sweat drying on his skin, in his clothes. He tries to move but there’s an arm? Thrown over his chest, and a searing hot body pressed up against his. Just figures Yunho would be the type to run warm. 

Mingi turns his head to see Yunho passed out next to him, fluffy hair back in full force, pink lips parted, a little drop of drool at the corner of his mouth. He looks ridiculously sweet like this, peaceful and soft and squishy and pink. The way his face is pressed into his pillow has one cheek all pudged up. 

He’s hit with how badly he has to pee, and how uncomfortable he is after sleeping in his clothes. He hadn’t meant to fall asleep, it had just…happened. Mingi sits up a little, panicking slightly. What if Yunho wants him out? He hadn't been invited to stay, what if this is weird? 

“Mingi,” Yunho mumbles suddenly. His voice is rough with sleep. It’s very attractive. “It’s fine. Go back to sleep.” 

“Okay,” Mingi says stupidly. Then, “I have to pee.” 

“Fine,” Yunho says, lifting his arm. His eyes are still closed and Mingi’s pretty sure he's barely even half awake. “Then come back.” 

“Okay,” Mingi says again. He's not eager to get back in the bed in his stiff clothes and he's definitely still way too warm, but Yunho’s so cute and messy and sleepy, he’ll take one for the team. 

❀

When Mingi wakes up again, he's hot in a much different way. He's on his side and Yunho’s pressed up against him, big spooning. This time, Mingi’s positive - Yunho’s fully hard against his ass and it feels - he closes his eyes, takes a deep breath. It feels really fucking good. 

“Morning again,” Yunho mumbles against his neck. Mingi shudders, trying to blink himself fully awake. He’s hard too, and doesn't know what to do. “You feel good.” 

“You do too,” Mingi says. Yunho’s got an arm around his waist, hand hovering right over his belly. 

“Can I touch you?” Yunho asks, voice still thick with sleep. Mingi swallows. 

“Yeah,” He whispers. “Yeah, that’s fine.” 

The room is fairly dim, lit with the strips of morning sun peeking through the blinds. It’s just bright enough for him to be aware of what's going on, but dark enough that he feels brave enough to relax against Yunho, allow himself to be touched. 

“Can I take these off?” Yunho mumbles, fumbling with Mingi’s zipper. 

“Yeah, here.” Mingi rolls onto his back, quickly unbuttoning and unzipping his pants and lifting his hips so he can shimmy them off. He keeps his underwear on, settling back into the bed. 

“Kiss,” Yunho murmurs, pushing himself up and hovering over Mingi’s face. He looks so sleepy and sweet, Mingi kind of can’t believe his luck. Yunho’s smiling as they kiss, lips soft and warm. He hums and settles back down at Mingi’s side, lifting a leg and resting it over Mingi’s thighs. 

“Is this okay?” 

Mingi nods, eyes squeezing shut as Yunho runs a big hand flat over his belly, scraping against his skin before sliding into his underwear. 

“Oh, you’re so wet,” Yunho breathes. “Wow. Fuck, that's hot.” 

Mingi lets out a strangled little noise as Yunho’s thumb swipes over the head of his cock, which is very slippery with his arousal. He feels like he could go off at any moment, his body finally catching up with all the soft, sensual touches from last night, the way Yunho’s stroking him so reverently. 

“I - that’s, that’s good, you feel good,” He mumbles, back arching up off the bed as Yunho squeezes the base of his cock, moving down to cup his balls and give those a tug as well. 

“You sound so pretty like this,” Yunho whispers into his ear. Traces his tongue around the shell before sinking his teeth into the lobe, and Mingi whines as his hips jerk and another spurt of precum is swiped away by Yunho’s fingers. “I had a feeling you would.”

Mingi groans, turning his head away from Yunho and fisting the sheets. Yunho does something that makes his toes curl - twisting his wrist, circling his palm over the head of his cock, and Mingi feels every inch of him tighten up, coiled and ready for release. Confusion prickles in the back of his mind as he tries to match this Yunho up with the nervous, rambly dork he'd spent the night with. Freak in the sheets, indeed. 

He feels stupid, button-up still on with Yunho’s hand shoved down his underwear, but really he can't bring himself to care. Yunho’s hand is working him fast, no need for lube because Mingi’s just that wet. Yunho’s panting against his shoulder, moaning softly, and the thought that this is getting him off just as much as Mingi - it’s so fucking hot, Mingi doesn't have a second to warn Yunho before he's spilling all over his hand. 

“Ohhh fuck, I - fuck,” Mingi groans, burying his face in the pillow and squirming as Yunho strokes him to oversensitivity. 

“Can I - like this?” Yunho’s breathless, rubbing himself against Mingi’s hip in lieu of asking an actual question. 

“Yeah,” Mingi breathes. “Yeah, please - ”

Yunho’s hand slips out of Mingi’s briefs and he brings it to his mouth, moaning as he licks it clean. Mingi stares with wide eyes, somehow even more turned on than before, even though he just came. Yunho presses his face to Mingi’s shoulder, gripping his bicep as he rolls his hips desperately. Sadly, he only humps Mingi’s hip for a few moments before he comes too, letting out a surprisingly high-pitched whine that makes Mingi’s dick twitch. 

“Sorry,” Yunho slurs, pushing himself up with visible effort. “Didn’t mean to get you all dirty.” 

“That was hot,” Mingi blurts, propping himself up on his elbows. “And now we're even. Both got each other dirty and sticky.” 

Yunho barks out a laugh, dragging himself into a sitting position. He glances down at his crotch, cheeks flushed the prettiest shade of pink. 

“Do you want a change of clothes? You can shower too, if you want. I mean, if that's not weird. You can leave whenever you want, I don't want you to feel like you have to stay here. I don't have anything to do today, if you wanted to maybe hang out some more. I - ”

“Yunho,” Mingi cuts in, laughing. Yunho snaps his mouth closed, an embarrassed smile pulling at his lips. “Relax. I’d love to hang out.” 

“Really?” Yunho’s face lights up. “Cool. Okay, cool.” 

“I should go home though,” Mingi says regretfully, looking down at himself. “I just wanna shower and change and I need to take care of a few things at my apartment.” 

“Okay,” Yunho says, looking disappointed. But he brightens a moment later. “I’ll give you my number and you can let me know when you wanna head back over here?” 

“That sounds good,” Mingi says. “Thanks, um. For last night. I had a really good time.” 

“Me too,” Yunho says, bouncing a little where he sits. “I’m sorry about your friend, though.” 

Mingi waves him off. “Worth it. I’m glad you ran into me.” 

Yunho smiles happily again, uncertainty flashing across his face before he surges forward and presses a warm, close-mouthed kiss to Mingi’s lips. 

“Here, I’ll go grab your jacket.” 

Mingi nods, watching as Yunho bounds out of the room. He leans forward to grab his pants, cheeks aching from the big smile stretched across his face. 

wooyo: hey, can we talk today? i’m really sorry about last night. 

ddeonghwa: How are you? Howd it go with the guy? 
ddeonghwa: Mingi…
ddeonghwa: ARE YOU ALIVE. MINGI. 

yeosangie: um. are you okay? seonghwa just called me hysterical cause he hasn't heard from you 
yeosangie: okay i'm pretty sure he's overreacting 
yeosangie: i'm gonna need him to stop watching so much true crime 
yeosangie: are you okay, though? 
yeosangie: okay, well. i hope you had a good night. please call me in the morning if you aren't tied up in some dude's basement