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Mingyu was in love. How could anyone not be when it came to the one and only Yoon Jeonghan? After almost seven years of waiting, Jeonghan had finally given himself to Mingyu. For obvious reasons, Mingyu was over the moon.
The two had officially gotten together at the beginning of July 2022. They were in the beginning phases of their third world tour, ‘Be the Sun’. Mingyu was more than ready to tour the world with Jeonghan.
August 10, 2022
Vancouver, Canada
Mingyu and Jeonghan had been together for about a month now. No one except them knew about the development of their relationship. It wasn’t difficult to hide considering not much had changed. Mingyu was still clingy and Jeonghan was still Jeonghan.
Mingyu didn’t mind keeping their new relationship status to themselves. There was something very addicting about keeping a secret that only the two of them shared. Stolen kisses here and there along with flirtatious glances and teasing looks. It was all theirs and only theirs.
After their first set of concerts in Seoul, the group headed off to Vancouver a month and a half later. Vancouver was beautiful and Mingyu had some fun playing beach volleyball and doing some sightseeing. Jeonghan had done the bare minimum by touring some places with Mingyu, but eventually he called it a day and decided to rest. Mingyu was just happy that they got to spend some time together.
That night, their rooming situations were decided. Mingyu had whined and complained persistently until everyone had agreed that he would be sharing a room with Jeonghan for the rest of the tour. Jeonghan, who enjoyed watching Mingyu suffer, only stood there in amusement letting Mingyu fend for himself, but Mingyu could tell Jeonghan also wanted the same.
The two went to their shared room which had two beds, a somewhat spacious bathroom, and other basic items. Jeonghan had immediately plopped onto one of the beds as soon as he was in the room and Mingyu watched with fondness and caution as Jeonghan’s arm was still recovering from the surgery he had gotten on his elbow.
Although there were two beds, they ended up cuddling in one bed, very much used to sharing a bed back home in Seoul. Mingyu now found it difficult to fall asleep without Jeonghan in his arms.
“Gyu-ah?” Jeonghan called in a soft voice. Mingyu couldn’t help but melt at the nickname. Recently, Jeonghan had been calling Mingyu with different variations of the younger’s name which only resulted in Mingyu’s heart warming.
“Yeah?”
“I’m excited for tomorrow.”
“So am I.” And that was it. They didn’t need to say much to convey what they were feeling.
With no other words, Mingyu placed a kiss on Jeonghan’s wrist and the couple fell asleep. They were ready to face Vancouver.
September 1, 2022
New York, United States
Mingyu and Jeonghan had somewhat settled into a routine between the two of them. Although the routine wasn’t a fixed schedule, there were certain habits or rituals that the two had established.
One being a massage. Mingyu knew that Jeonghan got tired easily and willingly offered to give Jeonghan a massage one day (not that he would have refused if Jeonghan had asked). That one day turned into one week, one month and eventually an everyday thing. It just worked.
The couple would return to their room at the end of the day. Jeonghan would drop onto the bed on his stomach. Mingyu would chide him for not looking out for his injured arm. Jeonghan wouldn’t listen. Mingyu would sigh but still find a comfortable position on the bed to give Jeonghan a massage.
Mingyu would run his hands up and down Jeonghan’s back, rubbing circles at certain points. Jeonghan would only exhale contentedly. Mingyu would smile. It just worked.
About half an hour later, Jeonghan would be in Mingyu’s arms ready to sleep in the dark room.
“Thanks, Mingyu.” Jeonghan always thanked Mingyu. Mingyu always assumed that it was for the massage, but Jeonghan never specified and he never asked.
“Of course, hyung.” It just worked.
September 25, 2022
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jeonghan wasn’t necessarily a picky eater, but he had his preferences. Or so Jeonghan would say. But Mingyu would disagree. Jeonghan was pretty picky about what he liked and didn’t like.
One such item was fruit. Jeonghan wouldn’t eat any fruit unless it was completely cut and peeled. Something about the peel ruined the taste for him and Mingyu had learned this early on before they even started dating.
That was the reason why Mingyu was in his current predicament.
Peeling an apple.
With a plastic knife.
Jeonghan was in Seokmin’s room at the moment and Mingyu was grateful he hadn’t embarrassed himself in front of Jeonghan.
Back home in Seoul, Mingyu would regularly cut and peel fruit for Jeonghan to make sure he was eating healthy. But on tour, he hadn’t had the facilities or the time to do so. So he took it upon himself to change that today.
He hadn’t really figured out how. Instead, he just called room service and asked for an apple, immediately realizing how stupid he sounded after the lady asked if he only wanted an apple. Who asks for a single apple?
It was too late to back out and Mingyu was now determined. A knock on the door signaled that the apple was there. He opened the door to see a man, probably in his thirties, holding out a plate with a singular apple on it.
Mingyu quickly thanked him and closed the door feeling sheepish. He sat at the circular table in the room only to realize he had no means of cutting or peeling the apple.
He groaned and thought of calling room service for a knife but cringed thinking how the lady would react at his request. But he did it anyway. He had to. For Jeonghan.
Another knock on the door let Mingyu know the knife was there. When he opened the door, it was the same man from before and Mingyu reddened when he saw him holding out a plastic knife. Mingyu thanked him (again) and rapidly made his way back to the apple.
He then realized that a plastic knife probably would not be ideal to cut and peel and apple. This time he swore at the apple, looking at it as if it had ruined his life.
He persevered anyways. He was committed to making sure this apple was cut and peeled.
He picked up the apple and the knife. As soon as he tried to peel the apple, the knife slid off. No matter how many times he tried, it wouldn’t work.
Twenty minutes passed. Mingyu had made very little progress. He had only been able to peel little patches of the skin here and there. He was frustrated.
Just then, the door clicked and Mingyu heard it open. It was Jeonghan.
“What are you doing?” Jeonghan seemed genuinely confused.
“I, um…Well, I was peeling this apple for you since I haven’t been able to since the tour started, but clearly it’s not working. It’s fine though. You don’t have to eat it.” Mingyu tried to brush it off but it irritated him that he couldn’t complete such a simple task.
Jeonghan remained silent. Without a word, he walked over to Mingyu and placed himself on the younger’s lap. Mingyu couldn’t breathe. Jeonghan took the apple from Mingyu’s hand and proceeded to take a big bite out of it before Mingyu could stop him.
“Hyung! Why would you do that? I told you, you didn’t have to eat it.”
“It’s fine Mingoo-ah. I can’t just let your efforts go to waste. Thank you for always taking care of me. I mean it.” Mingyu was left speechless as Jeonghan finished the entire apple and gave him a breathtaking smile. Mingyu couldn’t be more in love.
October 1, 2022
Bangkok, Thailand
It was Saturday which meant sheet mask day. For Mingyu and Jeonghan at least. It had become a ritual for them to put on sheet masks together every Saturday. Skincare was very important to both of them so bonding over it was easy.
One massage later, the sheet masks were taken out of their suitcases. They stood side by side in front of the bathroom mirror, adjusting the mask.
Mingyu thought it was a good time for some selfies so he pulled out his phone and took some mirror selfies.
One consisted of the two throwing up peace signs. Another was with a cheek heart. Another with Mingyu’s lips hovering over Jeonghan’s cheek, not touching the sheet mask.
The last one was Mingyu’s favorite. He had pulled Jeonghan in front of him, placing a hand around his waist and resting his head on the elder’s shoulder while Jeonghan had turned to look at Mingyu, his forehead bumping into Mingyu’s temple. It was sweet but intimate in a way.
They rested on the bed after that, letting the masks do their thing while the two talked about anything and everything.
Mingyu told Jeonghan about all the interesting things he could think of and Jeonghan listened. Then Jeonghan would talk and Mingyu would listen. The occasional silence would arise, but it was comfortable. Nothing had to be constantly said. Sometimes the silence was all they needed.
October 8, 2022
Manila, Philippines
They were all at rehearsal, busy making sure everything would run perfectly for the show. The performance unit was performing ‘Wave’ while everyone else was backstage waiting and preparing for their unit. The vocal unit was next and Jeonghan was just as engrossed in practicing his lines while pacing back and forth. Or he would have been if he didn’t keep fussing with his hair.
Jeonghan’s hair had been getting longer and Mingyu was not complaining. It made him look ethereal and Mingyu was whipped. But, the longer his hair got, the more Jeonghan complained. Jeonghan didn’t mind having long hair, but at times where he needed to concentrate or focus and it got in his way, he tended to whine and get annoyed. Mingyu had learned this early on and began carrying hair ties on his wrist, ready for whenever Jeonghan started fussing.
Now was one of those times and Jeonghan kept pushing his hair back only for it to fall forward again to which Jeonghan would let out whines and a few words of complaint.
Mingyu let himself watch his boyfriend in amusement and endearment before walking over to resolve the situation. He stood behind Jeonghan and stopped his movement by holding his shoulders. Jeonghan startled at the touch and looked back only to meet Mingyu’s eyes.
“Look forward, hyung.” Jeonghan relaxed and did as told.
Mingyu gently gathered Jeonghan’s hair and tied it into a small ponytail like an expert (which he was according to himself because he had done this multiple times).
He turned Jeonghan around to lightly tuck the loose strands behind his ear and when he saw Jeonghan looking at him with so much adoration and a soft smile, he resisted the urge to kiss him with all the people around and instead walked away.
He most definitely did kiss him later that night.
October 13, 2022
Singapore, Singapore
Mingyu was in the middle of a crisis. Why? Because Google was confusing.
Mingyu had somehow woken up early that day while Jeonghan was still sleeping. Somehow, Mingyu had gotten the idea to get Jeonghan flowers. Why? Because there was a flower shop near their hotel and also because he wanted to.
The problem had become what flowers to get for Jeonghan. He wanted to get something meaningful, except he had no idea what any of the flowers meant. So what was the solution?
Google.
That was a mistake on Mingyu’s part. Now he was even more confused and the lady at the register kept looking back at him as if making sure he was okay.
So Mingyu gave up on Google and thought on his own.
Jeonghan likes roses. But there were so many. How exactly was he supposed to choose?
Looking around, a bouquet of white roses caught his eye. White equals purity which equals angel which equals Jeonghan. Perfect. Without thinking further, Mingyu bought the white roses and hurried back to the hotel room.
He heard the water running when he got back and realized Jeonghan was showering. He placed the roses on a nearby table.
Jeonghan soon came out of the bathroom and noticed Mingyu’s presence.
“Oh, you’re back. Where’d you go?”
Mingyu picked up the bouquet and handed it to Jeonghan who looked surprised.
“I got you flowers. White roses to be exact.” Jeonghan smiled.
“Why? What’s today?”
“Nothing. I just wanted to get them for you. Do you like them?” And then Mingyu didn’t need an answer as Jeonghan shyly bit his lip and looked away while a light blush rose on his cheeks.
“Yeah. I like them.” That was all Mingyu needed.
“Hyung, read the note.” Jeonghan looked confused as Mingyu pulled out a small card from within the bouquet.
Jeonghan opened the card with Mingyu’s handwriting scribbled inside.
I want to be yours, forever.
November 26, 2022
Tokyo, Japan
The morning sun was bright and Mingyu tried covering himself with the blanket to avoid it, only to fail. All he wanted was to sleep in peace without any disturbances.
That plan failed as Mingyu sat upright in bed with a pout on his lips. He stretched his arms and turned to look at Jeonghan by his side.
Jeonghan wasn’t there.
Mingyu sulked at Jeonghan’s absence but got out of bed to get ready anyways.
After a quick shower, Mingyu felt much more refreshed as he made his way around the room. He was cleaning up a few things here and there when he noticed a piece of paper with some writing on the bedside table.
Picking it up, he realized it was a note from Jeonghan that said he was going out for breakfast with Seungkwan and Chan. But that wasn’t the reason Mingyu was smiling like a fool with his heart fluttering.
It was because of the tiny, messy ‘I love you’ scribbled in the corner of the paper with a mini heart at the end.
Jeonghan had said the words to Mingyu multiple times and vice versa. But, seeing it written out as a statement lasting forever (regardless of how small it was written) made Mingyu feel like he was on cloud nine.
He neatly folded the note and carefully placed it into his wallet, resolving to keep it forever.
Later, Mingyu expressed his love back by kissing the life out of Jeonghan in a (maybe) locked dressing room.
January 1, 2023
Seoul, South Korea
It was the New Year. Their tour had ended on December 28, 2022 with a second trip to Jakarta, Indonesia.
Both Mingyu, Jeonghan, and all the members were exhausted but happy nonetheless. Although, Mingyu was happy for completely different reasons. He could finally rest and take a break with Jeonghan. Jeonghan obviously didn’t mind because sleep was one of his favorite things to do.
Currently, they were in Jeonghan’s room lying in bed, facing each other.
“Hyung?”
“Yeah?”
“Happy New Year.”
“Happy New Year, Gyu.”
And then Mingyu kissed Jeonghan. His world. His only one. It felt perfect. Everything was perfect. Nothing could ruin this moment.
Except Seungkwan.
“Jeonghan hyung, do you– Oh my god! My eyes!” Seungkwan had walked into Jeonghan’s room and left just as quickly. And that was how the members found out that Mingyu and Jeonghan were officially dating, six months later.
Mingyu could hear Seungkwan yelling down the hallway making an announcement to everyone about some bet.
But Mingyu was too lost in Jeonghan to care.
He could only think of one thing.
If there’s eternal love, then it’s probably you.