Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

It’s Chan who tells Jisung about Lee Minho, very oblivious to the story he is about to set off. 

On a Friday night like any other, accompanied by faint hip hop music, Jisung is sitting on the floor of his friends’ living room for a random sleepover and playing cards with them. He’s got a good deck in his hands, but these types of games have always come easy to him for a single reason:

He knows what everyone is thinking.

Chan has to draw a new card for his deck and Jisung smiles at what he hears in Chan’s head. Damn it, why can’t I get any hearts? I keep getting spades even though I only need one more damn heart… Poor guy has been on a losing spell ever since their first round.

Next is Changbin. I have to draw a card too, right? Let’s just do that… I’ll just bluff again. No use looking into his head for too long because Changbin has no idea what the cards’ titles are and barely knows how the game works but has been pretending like he does for the past thirty minutes so Jisung isn’t about to waste his time there nor call him out.

Once it’s Jisung’s turn, he puts down a favourable card and the rounds keep going. He’s mostly focused on whatever his friends are talking about in between their concentrated silence, giving his comments here and there.

Ah, the mind reading. Curious about that? Of course, you are.

Well, Jisung is great at reading people – that’s what his friends Chan and Changbin would say. But what Jisung is actually good at is reading people’s minds. Sometimes he wants it. Some other times it is casual second nature, almost an accident. All he needs is to have someone’s head in his field of vision and Ta-dah! he can find out what you’ve done last summer. If you thought about it, that is.

Thoughts out for Jisung!

He’s been practising enough with these two – Chan and Changbin, his long-time friends – who have been losing to him in more than simple card games for many years now. Not that they are aware of the competition and the reasons.

It’s Jisung’s best secret.

A secret that leaves nobody else with secrets of their own.

Should I really tell them? Jisung hears come from Chan’s mind – Oh? – which seems to go far away from the game at hand all of a sudden. Even though it’s Chan’s turn, he plays on auto without actually thinking much of it. They’re my best friends, so I should. I’ll just invite them so they can see for themselves. That’s all. That’s okay, right. Yes, that’s a great idea. Maybe Jisung should have paid more attention to what’s going on up there for Chan because it sounds like something interesting is about to come out. Chan isn’t the type to be nervous about telling his best friends anything. Changbin on the other hand is still busy mulling over the on-going card game.

“Hey guys…” Chan slowly starts, already flushing a little pink but trying hard to seem nonchalant as he keeps playing. “You wanna come to a party with me tomorrow? There’s one in the dance studio down campus. It’s kind of exclusive, but some of my friends are dancers there and are allowed to bring friends. Plus, I wanna introduce you to someone there.”

“Sure,” Changbin shrugs, scratching his neck before putting down a card with the hopes that it’s the right one. Lucky it is.

Jisung curiously plays along. “Who you wanna introduce? You know basically everyone on and out of campus, dude.”

“True,” Changbin comments, only half listening.

With a sigh, Chan puts down his cards and goes through his hair.

Don’t need to be a mind-reader to know he’s nervous. No, shy. “Just Hyunjin and Minho,” he shrugs, very bad at keeping the casual act up because even Changbin is eyeing him with suspicion now. “They’re dancers there. I met them because I produced a song for them to choreograph a few weeks ago and… yeah. They’re cool.”

Changbin puts down his cards as well, a sly grin forming on his face. “Oh really? What’s so great about them that you’re like this about introducing them? Usually you just surprise us with random people.”

“You do that too, Changbin hyung,” Jisung comments, sipping on his Pororo Banana Milk through his straw. It’s his favourite and Changbin paid for it an hour ago because he lost at rock-paper-scissors, which makes it even tastier. The taste of victory can be stored in a Pororo drink bottle.

“I do,” Changbin admits. “But no one can reach the levels of social butterfly Bang Chan here, you hermit.”

Well, that’s true; both Chan being a social butterfly and Jisung being kind of a hermit. Even though Chan dresses like some tough rapper in all black and chains and all that stuff, he radiates the energy of the sun, has the mind of a leader and has a caring heart of gold to boot. Not even his clothes can deter the comfort his soul emits.

The polar opposite in terms of vibes is Changbin. Easily intimidating anyone at first glance with his muscled figure and permanent (unintended) glare on his neutral face – whether he dresses in pink hoodies with cartoon characters on them or all black chainy stuff like Chan, people just respect him out of fear. He’s a cute ass softie on the inside though. Very protective too.

Not to forget they all share a strong love for music, major in music production and work pretty well together as a unit of three despite their small age difference. And they’re the perfect friends to have for someone like Jisung, the quiet type who is only loud when he’s with close company or pissed off – Chan and Changbin provide Jisung with social security in all the best effortless ways.

As you can see… as much as Jisung genuinely likes the two, they’re also pretty useful.

“Well, I just think they would be a good fit for our little group,” Chan quietly answers at last, nodding mostly to himself. I hope they’ll fit into our group at least… Why is that, Chan? Spit it out or at least think it. Don’t drag it out. “They’re both hot shots in their uni departments and in the dance troupe. Lee Minho is in I.T. and Hwang Hyunjin is in Interior Design. Maybe you heard of them already…? They’re pretty friendly but you can check their personalities out yourselves when you meet them.”

“Don’t know ‘em. Are they pretty?” Changbin asks, pulling out his smartphone. “Got their Instagram?”

Chan rolls his eyes. “Yes, they’re both very pretty and no, you can ask them yourself.” Minho is so beautiful. Photos can’t do him justice… and I’m too nervous to follow his Instagram so soon. Either way, you should keep it in your pants for this one, Changbin. Jisung hums more at the thoughts in Chan’s head than his spoken words. Cheesy as they often are, they’re interesting nonetheless. I can’t just say Minho is mine when he isn’t even mine. I can’t just tell others to lay off…

So that’s what Chan hopes to achieve, huh, a romance with this Minho person?

“Nice.” Nice indeed. Changbin picks up his drink of soda with a satisfied smile and puts his phone away when he finds no Minhos or Hyunjins in Chan’s following list on the app. “We’ll be there. Right, Jisung?”

“Wouldn’t miss out on this one for Channie hyung.” Jisung gives a thumbs up and supportive smile.

“Anyway,” Chan waves them off and claps his hands together in his lap. “I want you guys to meet and be friends. Make a good first impression, alright? I want this to go well.”

It’s an easy agreement.

The rest of the conversation flows smoothly, with some pestering by Changbin for more details on the two dancers and reluctantly vague answers by Chan, until they finally move on to different things and decide to order some late-night food. They play rock-paper-scissors again where Jisung wins as always and laughs together with Chan at Changbin’s losing whines. He’s got the money anyway, he can pay.

In the end Jisung finds himself wondering what’s so special about this Minho guy because obviously, Chan – of all people this golden boy – got a big fat crush, bigger than the usual little bursts of interest.

That’s kind of a big deal. This Minho person must be the whole package. Jisung wants to know more. Is Minho that pretty? Chan didn’t put out a claim on Minho either – that is not Jisung’s fault, you know – so if Jisung likes what he’ll see, he’ll take his own shot for a single sweet night. It wouldn’t be the first time Jisung takes a taste of who or what Chan and Changbin find for themselves.

It’s like a game. It’s always been and it always will be.

Jisung likes winning.

What? Don’t be a prude now. No words, no claims = no repercussions or blame on Jisung. Serious connections he’ll leave alone anyway, usually. It’s just here and there that Jisung pulls that stuff for some fun. His friends’ choices in potential partners tend to be pretty neat most of the time and Jisung himself is never really on the lookout for anyone. But he does have an easy time getting what he wants.

That’s just how it is when you hear what goes on in people’s heads. Always one or two steps ahead.

It’s a simple system.

So, with the way Chan’s thoughts keep turning sugary sweet for this stranger that is Minho, Jisung decides to play nice for now. He’s very much curious though.

Unfortunately, Jisung’s mind-reading abilities only go as far as to hear thoughts but not see thoughts, so he will have to wait until he meets the surprise that is Lee Minho.

As it is, Jisung tunes out the minds of his friends for the rest of the night and relaxes into the couch cushions.

After tonight and having fun at the party tomorrow, it’ll be enough socialising for a while. Once that is done, he’ll definitely hole up in his own apartment and get his energy back by spending some good time alone again. Maybe he’ll binge-watch the anime that’s been on his to-watch list for months now.

Either way, he knows how to entertain himself.

“Man, I know you said you’d be fashionably late, but we’ve been waiting for almost an hour now. I can only get you inside if you’re with me while entering, you know. Hurry up a little!” Chan’s nagging on the other end of the phone call is accompanied by the faint music in the background, indicating Chan and Changbin really are already at the dance studio, waiting for Jisung to arrive to go inside together. “Where are you anyway?”

It’s already late and – having gotten ready for the dance studio party – Jisung decided to go to the mini supermarket down the street first. After waking up in Chan’s and Changbin’s shared apartment, he had gone back to his own apartment to get ready for the evening and also just charge his social battery by relaxing alone. Only once he left the apartment – about five minutes ago – did he realise he had forgotten to eat all day (the bag of chips he ate while watching anime doesn’t count). It happens sometimes. Naturally he’d like some food in his system first.

“I’m close by. Just getting a quick meal, hyung,” Jisung puts the pout in his voice. His phone is in his pocket, while he hears Chan sigh through his chunky red headphones. “Can’t you just go in without me for now and just come back outside to get me when I arrive?”

The supermarket’s sliding doors open with a ding, signalling Jisung’s arrival. He strolls leisurely through the aisles, eyes scanning each shelf to find a quick tasty meal. Changbin’s voice rings from a distance through the headphones next, “Jisung, I want to get laid tonight, so don’t waste my time!”

Ignoring Changbin, Chan sounds tired when he continues, “I’ll keep my phone on vibrate, just call when you’re here then. Don’t be sulky if I react late though, I have my own plans for tonight as well.”

Not really minding it much, Jisung sighs, “Geez, have fun you two. Your dancer friends can meet me any other day too, you know, but I promise I’ll be there and I will patiently wait for you to pick me up then. Alright?” He picks up instant ramen, packaged in a ready plastic bowl. He can just eat here at the supermarket on one of the tables; they have a microwave and hot water too. Maybe he should get some instant tteokbokki too? Mix it with some cheese maybe.

“Fine with me,” Chan agrees. “Just make a good impression once you meet them. Take care, Jisung. Don’t wander around too much this late at night!” Ever the caring saint.

Jisung scoffs fondly, “Sure, hyung. See ya!” and hangs up on him.

Now Jisung has also picked up instant tteokbokki and wanders to the refrigerator aisle to get a little package of cheese for his meal. He easily finds a small package and then – as fate wants him to have a perfect meal – he spots his favourite Pororo Drinks on discount sale.

“Lucky…!” Jisung whispers under his breath with a wide grin. He almost skips his way over to the discount sale section, one arm holding his ramen and tteokbokki packages to his chest while the other is already reaching for the refrigerator shelf.

But suddenly his view on the drinks is blocked by someone’s back and Jisung’s reaching hand nudges right into that person’s back before he quickly takes it back to himself. Eh… how annoying.

“Hm?” The stranger jumps a little with small noise of surprise and then turns around with wide brown eyes, blinking at Jisung.

Fuck, if pretty was a person then pretty stands in front of him. Chocolate brown hair styled away to show his whole face but looking soft to the touch. Catlike eyes, dark, sharp and curious; there are gems around his eyes and light sparkly eye shadow. Nose straight out of an art book. Naturally pouty lips shiny and open the tiniest bit. Jisung thinks those lips would look even better wrapped around his dick.

Inappropriate first impression to have, admittedly, but it is what it is.

(This is the first time anyone has ever captivated him like this.)

Jisung doesn’t even know this beautiful man. Perhaps today is one of the hornier days in the calendar.

God, Jisung wants him.

But he is terrible at talking to strangers without any preparation or support; no mind reading power has ever been able to save him out of that one. He wishes Chan or Changbin were here to give him pointers on the beautiful stranger, start the conversation for him or even just be his moral support.

“Minho hyung!”

Another stranger appears, also a pretty boy with dark hair but with all around softer edges and taller slender frame. Jisung doesn’t pay him much attention, eyes on the beauty in front of him. The other stranger is focusing on the beauty too anyway. “Why are you just standing there? Let’s just buy what you wanted and hurry to the party.”

Ahh. Minho, huh? There are many people named Minho. What a funny coincidence that Jisung is meant to meet two Minhos on one day.

The beauty, Minho, just hums – a teasing snippet of what seems to be a soft voice – and turns back to the refrigerator shelf. He takes out two bottles of strawberry milk of the Pororo discount sale section and hands one to his companion, before he gives Jisung one last blank look-over. Jisung thinks he’s being checked out, almost smirking there, but then he hears Minho’s mind stoically go Wah, a squirrel on a late-night meal run.

Jisung frowns in disapproval. Jisung is looking smoking hot tonight, outfit perfect just like his hair, and yet… A squirrel, that’s what you think of, really? Weirdo.

The other stranger side-eyes Jisung before pulling Minho away with him.

And seeing Minho walk away, even his body seems perfect. Lean. Graceful. Some sort of athlete? Minho’s thighs are barely contained in skin-tight leather pants and the red silk blouse makes him shine even in the fluorescent yellow supermarket lights. Jisung would love to–

Shaking the thoughts off, Jisung sighs deeply.

They’re gone around the corner to pay while Jisung is left standing in the refrigerated discount sale section by himself. What an unusual encounter.

Mourning his lacking social skills just like the loss of the hot stranger named Minho, Jisung grabs his own Pororo banana milk. Whatever, he’ll have enough fun options tonight.

After paying, he prepares his meal quick and eats fast, leaving for the party soon enough. Maybe he can pick someone hot at the party for some fun or maybe he can see some other drama go down, who knows. He just hopes for a good time before he holes up in his apartment again to relax by himself.

The thick walls of the dance studio turned party house boom with music and people.

Each dance practice room has been decorated and made ready for the party, different music playing in each room – weirdly enough not mixing. Additionally there are two rooms with more chill vibes, where the music is part of the background ambience in a lower volume. They even put up tables, couches, snacks and drinks inside the dance studio.

In one of the calmer rooms Jisung himself is seated on the couches, winning random card games on the coffee table in front of them. It’s illegal to gamble with real money, but who’s going to stop them for a few won?

Chan and Changbin are on his left. Despite them rushing Jisung, those Minho and Hyunjin people have yet to arrive and since Chan is only here for them, they’re just kind of wasting time for that highlight.

Momo and Sana (close friends of Chan) sit opposite them, losing their money to Jisung. Of course, Jisung loses a few rounds on purpose too, lest he be accused of cheating, which he is definitely doing due to always knowing what everyone is thinking; Sana thinks a lot about the girls near their corner so it’s confusing to follow her card game thoughts sometimes.

“We should stop playing cards with Jisung,” Changbin comments, slumping in his seat as he’s out the game.

Chan sighs, “You say that every time but we always end up playing anyway. At least we’re not the only ones losing.”

Momo and Sana give Chan a glare but they keep playing anyway. They think Jisung is a shy sweetheart, which is just fine with Jisung; no need to talk much either. Though he does cheer whenever he wins and enjoys the pretty girls coo at him, wilfully ignoring Changbin’s fake gagging.

Although this is one of the chill rooms with the music volume lower than the other party rooms, there are still couples and friends dancing as the next song starts playing. A slow and sensual track; Jisung thinks it’s kinda obnoxious to dance in this room but then again, this is a dance studio so what’d he expect a party full of mostly dancers and their contacts to do but dance everywhere like they’re in mating season?

At some point Jisung grows bored of the card game and leans back in his seat to look around after pocketing his wins, letting his other four companions play and talk on their own.

Considering that this is one of the rooms with a ‘quieter’ style (in other words, still loud music but the slow kind with the volume just low enough that you can actually talk without yelling) and therefore less visited than the other rooms, Jisung finds some people he vaguely recognises in the crowd, even though he isn’t really personally involved with many people.

There are couples grinding to the sensual song and there’s friends just having fun; he sees Kim Seungmin from his Business English course chilling in a corner with someone and also recognises past hook-ups in the loose crowd.

Just like his friends, naturally Jisung catches a few people’s eyes as well. Got a little good reputation.

Jisung knows he’s handsome, nice features even if the balance feels off some days. He also knows how to dress and how to talk – if you give him enough time and space to prepare and see what’s in your head. But that’s not all his mind-reading is good for. The activity of people-watching takes on another level when you know people’s inner lives.

He knows what everyone is thinking.

Swiping through the minds of every face he sees, he lingers on the more or less interesting ones.

The nearby girl dancing with her friend keeps looking over to Jisung; she heard of him and finds him even hotter seeing him in person, he leans back confidently to fit her thoughts. He gives her a cocky grin and gets a smile from her back. Should I talk to him? He’s obviously flirting! Maybe I can go home with him tonight… Despite the friendly ego boost, she isn’t special and she isn’t that hot either. There are enough better options here who want Jisung.

He’ll have his fill later if he really wants some.

There is a boy nearby who’s deep in his feelings about wanting to experiment with another guy and man, that’s so boring. My friends will think I’m gay if they hear about me sucking a guy’s dick. Maybe I should ask if I can suck Seowoon’s dick, like, platonically? He did say he does it all the time to a sunbae even though he’s straight too… Yeah well, got news for you about your sexuality and Seowoon’s sexuality.

One more notable presence is the person currently approaching Seungmin; they heard he’s a quiet and friendly nerd and apparently that’s their type – superficial crushes, what’s new? And oh, they don’t like the person sitting with Seungmin. Why is Hyunjin always sticking to Seungmin? He’s so annoying... There are quite a few Hyunjins on campus, huh. Well, good luck with that one.

Jisung almost laughs out loud at these pathetic minds but his attention is whisked away by a new presence entering the dimly lit room, instantly pulling Jisung’s eyes to him.

The familiar catlike eyes from earlier this night scan the room. Where is he?

Leave whoever it is and just come looking for Han Jisung, you pretty thing.

Like this, Jisung has the time to appreciate the full view, ignoring the people moving in and out of his way as Minho slowly wanders through the room in search.

Tight leather pants fit snug around fit thighs. Only a modest number of buttons undone on the shiny red silk button-up blouse. The dim lights catch on the gems around his sparkling eyes and his lips faintly follow the words in his head. He texted me he’d be waiting for us in this room. He should be here somewhere…

With Chan and Changbin here, plus the time to listen and know more about this beautiful stranger, it’s the perfect opportunity for Jisung to get what and who he wants.

“There, he is here!” Chan is on his feet with a happy exclamation, startling Jisung out of his appreciation, and then pauses again, slumping back into his seat and looking like an excited puppy instead of his usual solid self. “Be nice when Minho comes over, guys.”

Ah. Him?

Chan’s Minho and Beauty Minho are the same Minho? Damn it.

Unfortunate. Jisung had an inkling but hoped otherwise.

Jisung knows he decided to be nice about this, to let Chan live out his apparently-serious crush but fuck, Jisung should just drop being nice altogether when it comes with such an opportunity.

No. Come on, Jisung. Play nice. He sighs at himself and suppresses the urge to roll his eyes at the coincidence.

When Jisung looks up again he sees the prize he could get for being mean.

“Hey.” Through the sensual music in the background, Minho’s voice still sounds as pretty as his face. It’s a vastly different experience to hear someone’s voice spoken out loud than only the voice in their head. Minho’s smile is small and a little apologetic – how polite – though he’s mostly addressing Chan. “Hyunjin should be around too but I lost him a while ago so I went to look for you on my own, haha. I texted him though so he should join us soon.”

Chan is already up on his feet, nudging by Changbin and Jisung so he can go stand next to Minho and properly introduce him to their little group. Changbin is already trying to analyse Minho and even Momo and Sana seem to be curious about the pretty boy.

Albeit still seated and simply looking up at Minho, Jisung just appreciates the view. Looking is within bounds after all.

Minho lets his eyes wander to greet the small group too, until they still on Jisung. Oh, it’s the squirrel from before. Jisung pulls a mild grimace at Minho’s thought but shrugs it off, letting himself stare while it’s appropriate. He’s glaring at me again, Minho thinks confusedly. Cute.

Maybe it’s mean but Jisung hopes Chan’s crush will stay secret and fail; Jisung wants to play with this one. See what it takes to win him over.

But for now, he won’t.

The grin on Chan’s smile is almost as bright as the colour red on his ears but even Minho is shy when Chan introduces him. He points at each of the smiley friends on the couch, “So these are the friends I wanted to introduce you to. Minatozaki Sana, Hirai Momo, Seo Changbin and Han Jisung.” Then he gestures from them to Minho, who smiles shyly at all the eyes on him. “And you guys, this is Lee Minho.”

“Lee Minho.” Jisung whispers at the same time Chan announces it and nobody notices it, except Minho who curiously tilts his head at him for a moment but drops his gaze as soon as they meet eyes again.

Jisung looks away and hides half a smirk. Tonight he’ll keep silent and just listen. 

Play nice, Han Jisung.

As it turns out Minho is not only beautiful.

For one he is quiet and soft-spoken. He doesn’t really speak much and when he tries, he isn’t always heard by the louder conversation participants. But Chan makes sure Minho is heard when he notices it, smiles at him like Minho shared more than just what he had for lunch. Chan is smitten and Minho… Minho is still a little awkward when given too much attention.

However Minho’s mind is a little weird sometimes, more fast-paced.

When Changbin talks about a professor he dislikes, Minho’s mind jumps to an opossum documentary he watched once as if that connection makes perfect sense and loses track of the conversation going on around him.

When Chan tells the story of how they met during a project where he produced a song for Minho’s dance team, Minho adds on with a small smile that “it was like a circus”. In his mind it continues to It was a fun experience. But Changbin narrows his eyes, taking it as an insult against Chan. Sana and Momo are a little taken aback, wondering if it might’ve been a stressful collaboration for him.

At least Chan internally debates more on whether it’s a compliment or a jab at him, deciding it was probably meant positively so he smiles.

Good guess, Chan, ever the optimist. Jisung snorts in amusement.

The funniest part is when Sana gushes about the girl she wants to talk to by the end of the night. Minho’s mind jumps to Ah, I know that girl, I had a meal with her once. to What should I have for lunch tomorrow? to Chan’s hair reminds me of ramen. to If we could grow food on our heads, I want to grow blueberries on mine. to an innocent Changbin’s chin is really sharp. I wonder if he would let me touch it if I asked.

Surprisingly Minho has been noticing all of Jisung’s reactions, curious and confused but shrugging it off for the most part.

He isn’t completely oblivious, is he?

Looking away to force down his laughter, Jisung just smiles and bites his lip, nodding along to the on-going conversation.

But his eyes keep finding Minho to hear more of what’s going on inside his head.

Many people have weird thoughts sometimes, Jisung would know – he has his own share and hears everyone else’s. Still, the way Minho’s brain works amuses him and it’s hard to understand. Maybe that’s why Chan likes him? Chan is usually better with people but Minho makes even him secretly question his social skills. Amazing.

“Minho hyung!” This is the second time Jisung hears this exact phrase from that voice.

Just a moment after hearing it, a familiar handsome boy happily plops down on Minho’s lap. Minho grunts, reflexively catching the boy around the waist and keeps him half-seated on him. Hyunjin smiles gratefully, “Didn’t you see me? I was sitting with Seungmin in the other corner. We were waiting for you!”

“I didn’t. If you didn’t disappear when we arrived, we wouldn’t have to look or wait for each other, dumbass.” Minho rolls his eyes, looking more annoyed than he actually is. A little embarrassed by the public display of affection might be the better description. It’s a bit much for the public eye, Hyunjin. Your breath reeks of alcohol too, man... He pushes Hyunjin to sit on the booth beside him instead, to which Hyunjin pouts. Though Hyunjin perks up easily to greet everyone else in the booth; he seems a little tipsy and very happy. Excited for something or does he just like parties that much?

It’s obvious that Hyunjin enjoys getting all up in Minho’s personal space, which Minho doesn’t mind beyond a little embarrassment. But Chan is a little miffed for sure.

Oh dear jealousy, how entertaining you are.

Well, Jisung has to conclude that the world must be a truly small place.

Of course, after finding out that Beauty Minho is also Chan’s Minho, it was clear that the supermarket guy next to Beauty Minho was also the same Hyunjin Chan talked about. Couldn’t Chan have a crush on Hyunjin instead? Chan is usually into more bubbly ones like Hyunjin anyway. 

But all Chan does is welcome him and let the conversation flow again. As always Changbin brings the mood up further.

Social skills, there you have it.

After a while Minho and Hyunjin excuse themselves to wander around more before the night is over. Then Sana and Momo leave to find their other friends and Jisung, Changbin and Chan are left by themselves.

They take a breather, basking in the silence of their best friends circle.

Though Jisung didn’t join any conversations besides nodding his head, humming or laughing, Chan and Changbin don’t mind his silence continuing. They have always respected his boundaries and as a major introvert, Jisung appreciates that. He can be loud and he can be quiet. They know when to push, to pull and when to let him be.

See, they’re always so useful to keep around as friends, aren’t they?

Well. Anyway. Jisung wonders if he should look for someone to hook-up with as a little treat for being nice to Chan today.

Lucky you, Jisung won’t touch Minho for now and just quietly hope Chan’s crush dies out on its own. Obviously he might not find someone as beautiful as Minho, but hey, hopefully Chan won’t get Minho into bed either, so Jisung thinks it’ll be enough.

He is, right? Nice, he means. He’s only been looking and listening, playing the lineless role of basically a sweet side character. Now he can close his eyes, focusing not on Minho and being nice but on whether he should get up and look for a hook-up. Weird enough that Chan just had to come out with such a catch. Usually Jisung has an easier time not being interested.

Yeah, yeah, we said not to focus on that.

Unfortunately the musically-accompanied silence doesn’t last long thanks to a nervously curious Chan. “So... what do you think about them? About Minho and Hyunjin.”

Jisung opens his eyes to see Changbin grimacing like he’s in pain from Chan’s question. Jisung just hums quietly, thinking of what to say and letting Changbin take the lead.

Changbin sighs, having deemed Minho’s character as cold and rude. I don’t really like them. But they’re okay… Chan hyung really seems to like this Minho guy, no, Minho hyung though so they can’t be that bad. “They’re alright,” he tells Chan honestly at last but with a gentle tone because Chan looks so invested in their opinions. “Minho hyung doesn’t really talk much and when he does it’s a little… eh. And let’s be honest, Hyunjin didn’t wanna be here. He just sat with us because Minho was here. Pretty boys got a little too much ego, I think.”

“Hm,” Chan tries to smile, nodding in acknowledgement. “It may seem like it but they just need time to warm up, you know. And Minho is always a little aloof. He’s a bit of a tsundere. I’m sure you’ll like them soon enough.”

Shrugging, Changbin gets up and makes to leave. “Sure. You seem to like them so there must be something to like.” He means it, smiling. “I’ll go find a lay for tonight. You can leave without me, I’ll come home in the morning.” Jisung shakes his head at him with an amused grin because this kind of exit is so typical of Changbin.

Smirking smugly, Changbin stretches a little and then weaves through the crowd to leave the room altogether.

Not a moment later Chan nudges Jisung.

“Jisung,” Chan is a little insecure and has Minho on his mind, just like he’s had ever since yesterday (when did Minho start invading Chan's mind so much without Jisung noticing until now?). He’s disappointed that Changbin didn’t get along with Minho and Hyunjin, hoping that Jisung will have something better to say and stares at him with hope in his eyes. “What did you think about Minho and Hyunjin?”

“You’re really curious, hyung. What’s got you so excited?” Jisung grins teasingly, nudging him back with his elbow. 

Giggling, Chan blushes a little and lightly slaps Jisung’s shoulder. “Hey, just answer the question!”

Hmm. Jisung isn’t really interested in Hyunjin. If anything, dude is a bit of a bother with his sickly-sweet calls of his ‘Minho hyung!’ like dude, shut up and keep it in your platonic pants or whatever – Jisung didn’t consciously read this dimwit’s mind even once (drunk minds are a hassle) but he already doesn’t like him.

As for Minho… wait. Jisung can be nice and nudge the situation to his liking, right?

Just a little.

“Hmm, they seem nice! Maybe it’d be good to meet in a better environment at some point, for better conversations and a more relaxed atmosphere,” Jisung taps his finger against his lips, pouting. “I’d like to meet Hyunjin sober to actually get to know him and… well, hyung…” Jisung pauses for dramatic effect, sighing deeply like it’s the saddest thing today but in his mind he’s short of laughing about how Chan’s eyes widen in worried anticipation. “Channie hyung… don’t you think Minho hyung might’ve been a little uncomfortable?”

Fuck, did I make Minho uncomfortable tonight? “Really? Did you notice something?” Of course, Chan immediately takes the blame on himself. His worried gaze drops down, brows furrowing as he thinks about all that he’s said and done with Minho while he was here.

Chan is a bit of a sensitive soul when it comes to these things. So Jisung lets him; lets him go over each little touch to Minho’s shoulder, lets him go over each syllable he has said to Minho and lets him go over each word Minho has said to them.

Just a few more nudges. Make him insecure about this.

“Yeah, I dunno… is he usually the quiet type? Not that I want to assume but, uhm. He didn’t really seem to enjoy any of the conversation topics…” Frankly, Minho got lost in his own head most of the time so that’s not a full lie.

Another sigh to pause for dramatic effect while Chan intently listens to Jisung’s words. “Don’t you think he would’ve enjoyed getting to know us in a – uhm, I don’t know, hyung – a cosier setting?” Jisung pulls out the worried and pleading puppy eyes, serious with his advice. “Let’s not force him into a conversation with so many people again, okay, Chan hyung? I think you forgot to think about what is best for him. If we really want to be friends with him, he should be comfortable.”

Obviously absent-minded Minho didn’t really mind the party nor the people that much but Jisung is still right about the better environments to get to know someone you want to get close to and Jisung’s social skills on a scale of one to ten can only reach a six on good days and Chan’s a whole ten 24/7. Geez, Bang Chan, you make this too easy tonight.

Good, contemplate Jisung’s advice. “Hmm… I should’ve noticed. I just thought since he’s a dancer of this studio and invited me– damn it, I shouldn’t have assumed.” Chan curses under his breath and leans back on the couch. A couple falls down on the couch next to him, wildly making out (weirdly enough, to the beat of the music; dancers right…?) but Chan ignores them as he continues going through each interaction with Minho today.

And then Chan’s mind supplies the cherry on top, worried but not quite there yet. Maybe the circus comment was a jab at me after all…? It wasn’t. For some reason Minho used that phrase as a compliment but hey, Jisung will add oil to the fire Chan unknowingly provided.

“Wait. You worked together before, right? Did you mess up around him often, dragging him around?” Jisung laughs a little at non-existent correlations like it’s a funny coincidence. “Minho hyung’s circus comment makes sense now! He really doesn’t like this type of stuff, huh.”

Chan looks crestfallen.

Jisung acts like he hasn’t noticed yet, picking up the abandoned deck of cards on the table in front of them as he keeps lightly chuckling. “So that’s why he was teasing you when he called your project time a circus. Hyung, does he not like you or are you already so close that you started teasing each other that much?” Shuffling the cards, he looks up then, letting his laughter trail off like he has only just now noticed how hurt Chan looks. “Hyung… you okay? What’s wrong?”

Ah, maybe Jisung took the nudges a little too far. Chan has never been good at dealing with guilt, be it because of actual mistakes or nothing at all. Like right now. Jisung feels a little bad but he’s also proud the nudging worked. Still, maybe he should make it up to Chan later by finding him a new crush or buying him something nice to eat.

“N-Nothing. It’s fine. Thanks for your advice as always, Jisung.” Chan clears his throat, thoughts tumbling in his head. I should go find Minho and apologise– no, not now. I can’t keep crowding him like this. Maybe later. I’ll text him to meet me for lunch or something, I– “I should go home for tonight.” Jisung blinks like Chan’s serious persona is a surprising appearance. “Want me to drop you off at your place or will you be fine?”

Genuine this time, Jisung smiles reassuringly. “Nah, I’ll be fine. You sure you’re alright though?”

“Don’t worry about me, yeah?” Great, now you’re worrying your dongsaeng. Chan rubs his neck, then stands up and is already walking away. “Text me if you need anything. See you!”

Hmm, is the crush really that serious or are these thoughts just Chan’s good manners shining through?

Jisung chuckles quietly to himself and puts the shuffled card deck back on the table, getting up to look for someone pretty for himself.

What a pity it can’t be Minho... though if Chan keeps his mouth shut about his feelings and gives up… then Jisung can play with Minho too.

By staying at the party, Jisung’s goal was to get a blowjob from someone pretty and go home. Maybe even a full on one-night-stand. Wherever the wind carries him.

Either way, he meant something fun. Although he got some random sort of fruity carbonated drink, going outside for a breather might’ve been where he truly went wrong. Look, Jisung is a massive introvert and needs a few breaks in between all that socialising. Even his safety nets Chan and Changbin are gone – let him live a little. Flirting can wait.

So…

Instead of fun, what Jisung finds is… an idiot.

Outside at the back of the dance-studio-turned-party-hall is the empty and silent fenced outdoor area – looks like an unkempt garden where some wannabe Instagram models would love to take photos – a few walks in, there he lays: Hwang Hyunjin flat on his back in the overgrown grass, long limbs outstretched and eyes closed.

The sound of crickets accessorises the scene very well.

Pathetic. Jisung just stares in mild disgust. Who knows what kind of bugs crawl around there? How did the big guy even get here? Can’t read an unconscious man’s mind, you know, but he’s assuming Hyunjin probably got drunk enough to mess himself up and black out here. From a safe distance away, it looks like he’s still breathing so luckily, it’s not a crime scene Jisung stumbled upon.

Kind of weird how no one noticed Hyunjin through any of the big windows yet or came looking for him though. Or maybe it’s the overgrown grass hiding him so well.

Whatever. Not Jisung’s problem.

Taking a sip of his drink, Jisung then shakes his head and looks for a boulder to sit on. The lights coming from inside the windows help him a little around the greenery and the little uneven stone patches in the shorter grass areas. With how dark, cloudy and chilly it is outside, he’ll just go back inside in a few minutes after finishing his drink and then hopefully find a nice toy for the night.

Oh! There is a nice boulder–!

“Hyunjin? Are you here somewhere? Hyunjin!”

That sweet voice, searching yet again.

Suddenly Jisung finds himself in a debate with himself on what to do: A) throw his drink away into a bush, hope the birds don’t get drunk on it and help Hyunjin so he can make a good impression on Minho or B) hide in a bush, hope no birds or bugs in there will attack him for it and let Minho handle passed-out Hyunjin or C) just sit on this boulder and sip his drink.

There are leaves and twigs crunching nearby. Minho is close.

What should Jisung do?

His hands start sweating. His eyes dart to the very appealing bush then to the disgrace that is Hyunjin’s passed-out body. Back and forth and back and forth and dude, he wanted to play nice today! Why is he being presented with a perfect coincidence on a silver platter? 

“Hwang Hyunjin!”

Jisung flinched so hard he almost dropped his paper cup.

That was a hot growl – Minho must be getting pissed – though his tone becomes more whiny next. “I’ll leave without you if I don’t find you here either, don’t test me!” Minho is just around the corner now.

Fuck.

Sorry to mother nature, Jisung throws his drink into the bush, runs the few steps and then drops on his knees – ouch, this pair of pants is one of his favourites too! – by Hyunjin’s unconscious body, hands helplessly hanging in the air. What is he supposed to do to help him in the first place? Check his pulse?

He does exactly that just in time for Minho to appear around the corner, barely illuminated in the dark night.

Round eyes like the ones of a searching cat instantly land on the pair in the tall grass.

Minho rushes over as soon as he realises it’s really Hyunjin on the floor. “What happened to him?” he asks, voice calm but strained with worry. How sweet, his thoughts match his words. Does he actually care about this loser? “Hyunjin…” Yeah, he does.

With a sigh, Jisung takes his hands away onto his own lap and watches Minho fuss over the guy. “Dunno, man. I just found him here like this… will he be okay?”

Without warning Minho’s expression turns completely blank and he takes a swing, slapping Hyunjin hard across the face with a resounding Smack!

“Shit!” Hyunjin jolts awake, thick lips pouting and red hand-printed cheek now hiding behind two big hands. Even his eyes are red-rimmed and watery. “If you knew I was awake, you could’ve just told me to stop playing dead instead of slapping me!” But he isn’t actually mad nor badly hurt – Is this a normal occasion for them? – nor is he super drunk, just tipsy enough for Jisung to read his mind without too much of a hassle.

Unimpressed and disappointed, Minho just stares at Hyunjin.

Hyunjin’s teary eyes wander to Jisung, feeling wronged. “Hey, Minho hyung,” he calls, still looking at Jisung, and ‘Minho hyung’ in his voice is starting to sound more and more annoying. “I think you scared our new friend.”

Ohh, Jisung only now realises he’s been watching the whole thing with a shocked face but he can’t even school his expression because wait, excuse me, our new friend? Who the hell said Jisung is friends with you. Have you seen yourself?

“He’ll be fine,” Minho deadpans before plopping down on his butt to sit more comfortably in the tall grass. His eyes switch over to Jisung who immediately straightens up at that. “Jisung, right?” Jisung nods. “Sorry you had to find this dumbass play dead in the middle of the night. Must’ve been scary but I promise you he does stupid shit all the time.”

Serious, Jisung resolutely nods. “I believe you.”

“I’m literally right here.” Hyunjin half-heartedly complains and heaves himself into a sitting position, adjusting so they’re basically sitting in a close little triangle. Then he side-eyes Jisung. This dude is so sneaky. What’s his problem? Excuse me part two, you little– “By the way, hyung, this guy just stood here for like five minutes and didn’t give a– Ouch! Dude?!”

This guy really is annoying. Jisung smiles sweetly at Hyunjin then at a lightly amused Minho, taking his fist back from Hyunjin’s shoulder. “Sorry, there was a bug.”

Gotta be careful with how you hit because Hyunjin is into that stuff. Minho sighs with a little smirk and Jisung, appalled, subtly inches further away from Hyunjin.

“Now that that is done…” Minho drawls and easily pulls both of their attention to him again, leaned back on his arms behind him. His blouse somehow has more buttons open now, showing just a sliver of his chest. Jisung feels like a Victorian virgin, staring at what certainly must be perfect pillows and– oh, Minho’s hands are buttoning them again. Damn it, Jisung meets his eyes again and Minho raises his brows a little with an expression that says Really? just like his thoughts do, but Jisung doesn’t mind, just shrugs back and purses his lips.

What? Just appreciating the goods.

Cluelessly waiting, Hyunjin still stares at Minho. “Now that that is done… what?” 

Minho sighs. “I’ll haul your ass home, what else? What were you even doing outside?”

Judging by the choked-up sound Hyunjin lets out, that was the wrong question to ask.

“Minho hyung…!” Hyunjin calls, voice as watery as his red-rimmed eyes. He’s going to cry and takes a breather. Jisung averts his eyes again, looking around the messy jungle of a garden. Awkward. Jisung spots his cup in the bush nearby and sees a bird sitting in it… well, better than drunk birds, he guesses.

And Hyunjin sniffs. “I-I, uhm, I confessed to Seungminnie and… a-and he–” A hiccup. A breather. “He… rejected me… Just… Just like that. Isn’t interested in me… I. I just…” And there you go, waterfalls. Ugh. 

With how whiny Hyunjin’s words were, his thoughts are probably worse. How pathetic.

Disinterested, Jisung conveniently keeps his eyes averted at literally anything else, watches the bird sit in his well-placed cup in the bush and wonders if he’ll be born a bird his next life.

Minho’s sigh is long and deep. “I know you don’t want to hear this right now but… I told you so.”

Harsh and sort of teasing but gently offered words. Jisung turns back to them to hear what Minho really thinks. I told you to be careful. Not to fall for him and then I told you not to try anything with him. Look where not listening gets you. His scolding thoughts are laced with genuine worry and a tinge of empathy, though it’s mostly acceptance. Minho knew this would happen; his unsurprised expression shows as much as he reaches out to gently hold Hyunjin’s hand.

Why would he even care for someone so stupid? 

Nevertheless this is awkward. Jisung feels like he shouldn’t be here for this and quite frankly, he doesn’t fucking wanna be here. Making a good impression on Minho just backfired in all possible ways, it can’t get any worse so Jisung just makes himself comfortable, idly playing with the long grass.

“You never end up like me. Hyung, I think I should be more like you. I can see that now,” Hyunjin admits, wiping his tears with his shirt collar. He’s just sitting here in a white t-shirt even though he did have a jacket when they saw each other earlier. Why would he come out here without a jacket? Dramatic much?

Though Minho is just wearing a silk blouse too, but he did seem to not have a jacket with him even at the supermarket. In times like these Chan would’ve offered his jacket. Honestly Jisung could offer his own but from what he has seen, Minho would rather let Hyunjin take Jisung’s jacket and yeah, no.

Why is Jisung not focusing more on the drama you wonder? Because he does not care. At all. It’s annoying actually. Just look.

But in that moment Hyunjin’s stare on Minho and his thoughts throw Jisung off. Tipsy and emotional but a moment of perfectly clear honesty.

Minho hyung, you’re always so patient with your love. You don’t want to waste it the way I always do. Even though you act like the toughest asshole on earth, your heart is soft and kind and always so careful. You told me once you’re waiting for your soulmate – as if such a thing even exists – and nobody else. Unlike me, you don’t play with your love. I hope whoever ends up your soulmate ends up the angel you deserve. And I hope I can learn to be as patient and strong as you.

Ohh? Now we’re talking. 

After the long tense pause, Minho speaks, cold and strict. “Hyunjin. I’m me, you’re you. We’re different people. Just be you. Don’t compare us like that, that’s nonsense.” Jisung looks at him. Seriously, your comparisons to me are pissing me off. You do this shit way too often. That’s what he gets for taking so much care of this loser. “Let’s just go, I’ll drop you off at your house.” He heaves Hyunjin up with him to stand. Jisung reflexively follows suit. Minho checks all over Hyunjin, trying to see if he got hurt and trying to fix his appearance.

So dejected and rejected, Hyunjin shakes off Minho’s caring hands. “Let’s meet at the car. I need to piss. I drank a bunch of orange juice before I passed out.”

Minho sighs, tired. Just don’t go searching for Seungmin again. “You didn’t pass out,” Minho corrects him and Hyunjin just grins at him, it’s a real one with his eyes almost disappearing into crescents. Minho’s brows furrow at that. “I can come with you–”

Arm having reached out to stop Minho with a light tap to his wrist, Jisung himself is as surprised by his own behaviour as Minho and Hyunjin are.

But Hyunjin really wants a moment alone and actually find a toilet, so Jisung will not say no to an opportunity to be alone with Minho. Maybe there is still room to get something out of this situation. If his body is already doing the job for him then he might as well continue.

Being nice doesn’t suit Jisung anyway.

The smile on Hyunjin is directed at him, as if he did this for Hyunjin. “Thank you, Jisung. Maybe you’re not so bad after all.” And then he’s skipping off, almost tripping twice on the way and disappearing around the corner. Minho wants to yell after him not to take too long but he gives up with a sigh, focusing on Jisung instead.

The sound of the cicadas register in Jisung’s mind again.

The clouds in the night sky seem to have made way for the moon to shine through because the man in front of him is glowing in its unique light.

A picture-perfect scene.

And Minho is still looking at him, always with that same look of curiosity he’s been giving Jisung since their very first moment. He also thinks Jisung kept him here just for Hyunjin’s sake. 

When Jisung keeps staring right back at him and starts to chuckle a little at how innocent Minho looks, Minho’s mind cutely provides an Ah, how does he keep staring so shamelessly? And why is he laughing now? Minho is blushing, positively shy and wondering if he did something or if there is something on him. His hands subtly reach to his hair, checking for a leaf or anything but he comes up empty-handed. A tad confused, he keeps his head low to hide his blush and how shy the staring makes him – of course, he’s not very successful with how he shifts under Jisung’s gaze. 

The beauty in front of him thinks of this moment of silence as not awkward but tense, unsure as to why. He considers leaving but he won’t because he sees this as an opportunity to make friends, thinking about what to do with Jisung until he has to leave. Maybe Jisung needs a drive home? I could drop him off too if he wants me to...?

A very pure trail of thought. 

Beautiful and pure, huh? No wonder Chan likes him so much.

Minho offers way too much not to take, not to have interest, not to steal him away from anyone else who wants a piece of him.

And Jisung enjoys all of him already.

Because he’s too beautiful not to play with.

Sharp features laced with a certain softness in them that Jisung just can’t pinpoint beyond the fact that he wants those sparkly eyes to cry and that sweet voice to beg him for more, pouty lips panting and gasping if they’re not filled with something to suck on.

Jisung decides right then and there that he wants to feel Minho’s skin hot against his own, wants to feel his lips and tongue around his own; that he wants this beautiful man on his knees, on his hands and knees, against the next possible wall, on a car in the parking lot; any surface available and then some more. He’ll even allow Minho into his bed if Minho wants to do it there. Jisung can wait, work his way up patiently – he just wants him.

He knows what he wants and he knows how to get it.

Jisung swallows and holds out a hand, turned up. Then he looks up at Minho, gaze deep and meaningful. “Minho hyung, I think I have to tell you something.”

There is that curious confusion again, Minho even tilts his head, absolutely clueless but doesn’t offer his own hand to Jisung. He doesn’t know what to expect and that’s fair, so careful. What could Jisung possibly have to tell him so seriously? 

“You and I,” Jisung breathes in, hand still up but turning into a loose fist. “Can you… Can you feel it too?”

“Feel what?” Minho immediately asks, small hands reaching up to curiously pry open Jisung’s as if the answer is in there. There’s nothing. “I’m not sure what you are talking about…?”

In good nature Jisung chuckles, letting Minho inspect his hand. Fingers brushing over Jisung’s skin carefully like he’ll find something if he searches long enough. “I can hear what you’re thinking, Lee Minho. There’s nothing on my hand, I just wanted to hold yours.”

Minho lets go of his hand like he’s been burned and his flaming ears prove the point. “A-Ah, I see. Uhm…” His head lowers first but then Don’t become weak for pretty words, Lee Minho! He really encourages himself enough to put his chin high up in the air, looking down his nose at Jisung with a glare – though the red ears take too much away from the intimidation factor – and then he raises a brow, voice cold again. “Stop playing games. Just tell me what you’re talking about, Jisung.”

Too bad, Jisung will win this round. He smiles. “You think my words are pretty?”

A pause. Wild blinking but an otherwise blank expression. Then Minho narrows his eyes. Yes, how did you know? “No, I don’t.”

“I can hear what you’re thinking,” Jisung laughs, tapping the side of his head two times and then points at Minho. “That’s how I know. I keep hearing your thoughts in my head. You’re so curious, I thought you’d hear mine too.” He sighs, like it’s so unfortunate and so unexpected that Minho can’t read his thoughts too, but keeps it light enough. “You don’t feel it?”

What the hell is he talking about? I feel nothing out of the ordinary. Naturally Minho loses the strong pose at that, eyes softening. What kind of joke is he pulling? “I did notice you glared at me a lot.” Jisung frowns at that; did he really glare? But Minho continues, “You… is that why you were so amused at the table with the others? You heard what I was thinking?” A soft gasp, eyes rounding and ears flaring up anew. “No way… Even when we were, uh – I don’t know if you remember but – even in the supermarket aisle…?”

“Of course I remember!” Jisung laughs and crosses his arms, acting playfully upset. “The first thing I thought when I saw you was how beautiful you are and the first thing you came up with is how I look like a squirrel!”

Wow… he can really read my thoughts? Why? “Just… just give me a moment.” Minho drops to sit back down on his haunches, curling into a ball. What does this mean? Is this Han Jisung person an… an alien? A super-powered human experiment? Is this mind reading ability a human mutation that will show up in way more humans? What–

“Hey, stop comparing me to weird things. I’m just me.” Jisung joins him in the same position and gently uses his finger to make Minho look up to him by his chin. The stars sparkle in his dark brown eyes, always so curious. “You know what that’s like, right? I don’t want to be compared like that to others either.”

“Okay,” Minho breathes, letting Jisung’s finger hold his chin up. He really hears all my thoughts. I should be careful. “What are you then?”

The smile on Jisung’s face, as he freely lets himself take in the sight that is Lee Minho, is pure only for the moment. Along with the moon and the stars Minho’s beauty is out of this world too, up close even more so. Minho, too, lets his gaze wander over Jisung’s features with the attempt to analyse him, coming up empty but he isn’t put off at all. 

If this was a movie, Jisung would be categorised a villain and Minho would be the poor damsel in distress unknowingly walking into his trap.

“Isn’t it obvious? I felt it as soon as our eyes met. And since I can’t hear anyone else's mind, I can only come to one single solution...”

Alas, the story goes as follows and Jisung chooses a different role to play for this modern day. So gentle with who he has in front of him. Such a pretty toy. The finger on Minho’s chin ghosting down his neck as Minho shivers at the feeling and maybe the cold night air.

How pure he is, waiting patiently and eagerly for Jisung to answer him. Patience, Minho must have a lot of it, waiting for his fated love. A romantic, isn’t he?

But Jisung isn’t.

“I am Han Jisung, your soulmate.”

(He’ll play along until he gets bored though. This pretty thing will end up heartbroken some day anyway.)

The hesitance of Minho’s bubbling happiness is one out of fear and care, but his heart has already skipped a beat and his sparkly eyes have lit up, telling Jisung all his feelings perfectly enough: there is the fear that this is all a lie or a dream, that this is something that will hurt and to be honest, if he lets Jisung in then it most certainly will hurt him in the future (though he doesn’t know that part yet).

The naïve hope overpowers his instincts to be carefully closed-off. 

Just to hear the words Minho doesn’t have the strength nor confidence to say out loud, Jisung keeps listening in.

With a smile, Jisung meets Minho’s eyes that are so fixated on him in awe.

I was ready to wait forever until you.

But you finally found me.

My soulmate, Han Jisung.