Chapter Text
“I can’t believe Jihoon told Markus Woods to go fuck himself.”
“I didn’t say that exactly.”
“I can’t believe he punched Markus Woods directly in the face.”
“I definitely didn’t do that.”
“I can’t believe he-“
“Stop, enough.”
They’re all crammed around a suspiciously sticky table in the back of a dingy pub which Chan swore had good food, but so far has just been a little mushy. Seungkwan is happily telling and retelling the story of Markus’ defeat, embellishing as he goes, despite the fact that everyone present was there to witness the event for themselves.
Mingyu’s arm is heavy across Jihoon’s shoulders and the back of Soonyoung’s knee — thrown across Jihoon’s thigh — is damp in a way which can only be described as unsettling. And yet Jihoon can’t will himself to move either of them away.
The merriment of the morning has bled into the afternoon and their laughter only seems to be growing as the hours shift onwards.
Mingyu shifts beside him, moving his arm to check his watch. He gasps, exaggeratedly, and everyone shifts their attention over to him. He stands up, pulling Jihoon with him. “We’ve got to go, I’m sorry.” He slaps some notes down on the table and shimmies out across the bench.
Jihoon stands where he is, nonplussed. “We’ve…got to go?”
Mingyu spins around, an apologetic look on his face. “I know it was meant to be your choice, but you were so busy with the play, and my aunt knows someone who runs this really nice little Italian place so I could get us a table and a discount and I’ll let you choose next time.”
Jihoon is still confused. “Italian?” It clicks into place. “Oh, dinner.” His stomach rumbles, awoken from sleep by the word. He follows Mingyu’s clumsy steps over the others, scooping up his jacket as he goes. “See you later guys.” The chorus of replies is bemused but enthusiastic.
Mingyu takes Jihoon’s hand as he lugs the heavy pub door open. “Sorry again about taking your choice away.” He swings their arms gently as they amble along.
“No worries,” Jihoon says softly. He couldn’t care less where they eat, frankly, as long as he’s with Mingyu. “I assume this means you’re paying, though.”
He chortles happily as Mingyu blunders, his laughter dissipating happily into the sunset.