Chapter Text
Mingi glances at himself in the mirror one last time, brushing down the fabric on his gray turtle neck sweater one last time before slipping on the long brown jacket he had opted to wear since the weather has turned quite chilly lately. He left his hair messy, pushing the front pieces back slightly. He took a deep breath as he studied himself a final time, trying not to overthink his look—he doesn’t even know why he cares how he looks, he doesn’t even want to go on this date. He only agreed because his best friend Wooyoung begged and pleaded with him to go, saying he had to get out of the house and make a connection with someone else for his own health.
Though Mingi would not admit it, he knew Wooyoung was right. He had let himself get into a dark place, and he hated himself for how much he let a broken heart shatter his whole life. He was not one to ever let pain get in the way of his life, but after his ex left him right when Mingi was ready to settle down, he didn’t know how to continue. Though they had only been together 8 months, the relationship moved fast and Mingi fell in love even faster. He had already started looking at rings, thought he found the perfect one, and then he was left with his heart bleeding. The only explanation he received from his partner was that he wanted different things and that was that.
Now it's been 4 months, and Mingi’s heart has started healing, feeling back to his old self once again. Unfortunately, his career is still feeling the effects. Mingi owns an art studio downtown, known for his beautiful figure paintings and has a waiting list of clients who wanted to commission him. But ever since his break up, Mingi has been completely art blocked and for the life of him cannot get out of it. He has never had a block last this long and had tried everything from switching up his routine to trying out new mediums, yet nothing seemed to work. His clients were getting impatient and he knew he had to do something soon.
That's when Wooyoung decided to set him up on a blind date since Mingi refused to get on a dating app or go out to meet someone.
Mingi protested against this set up, saying he doesn’t want any sort of relationship right now. Wooyoung argued he should at least get out of the house, be around someone other than him, and that maybe being in a new environment would help him get over his block. So Mingi hesitantly agreed, and now he is about to meet a man he has never met or even seen before. The only information Mingi has on this man is his name is Hongjoong, he is a music teacher, and Wooyoung met him through a mutual friend. Mingi grabbed his keys, wallet, and headphones then headed out the door.
They were meeting at a cafe not far from his apartment so he decided to walk, hoping the cool air would calm his nerves. He pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a long puff before exhaling. He didn’t usually like to smoke before meeting people, but he needed something to take the edge off. He slipped his earbuds in and hit shuffle on his playlist, one of his favorite songs came on that he hadn’t heard in a while, finding himself hitting skip ever since his ex always said he didn’t get the song every time it played. Mingi shook his head and put him out of his mind. He was not going to let old memories ruin his night.
After 10 minutes he arrived at the cafe, it was a cozy little place that the locals often went to for lunch. It was not very busy this late on a Wednesday so he was hoping it would be easy to find Hongjoong as long as he was on time. Usually Mingi was left waiting on his dates, but as soon he slipped inside and looked around for a moment he saw a hand fly up, waving him over.
His eye caught the man waving at him and he nearly gasped when he saw him. He was slim, obviously several inches shorter than Mingi, with bleached blonde hair cut with pretty bangs that fell to his eyebrows. His nose was sharp and his lips were full and a perfect shade of pink. When they made eye contact he flashed Mingi a smile and he saw the most beautiful row of teeth he had ever laid eyes on.
Mingi’s first thought was I want to lick his teeth, and he silently scolded himself for having such thoughts over a man he literally just laid eyes on.
Mingi realized he hadn’t moved or even acknowledged the man so he finally gave a soft smile and started walking towards him. “Hongjoong?” Mingi asked, the man nodded and smiled softly. Now that Mingi was up close he noticed the various piercings he had on his ears, he thought briefly what it would be like to feel the cold metal against his skin.
“Hi, I’m Mingi.” He greeted finally, knowing he was not subtle with the way he was checking out Hongjoong, and the man had a slight smirk on his face that made Mingi’s cheeks flush at the realization he had been caught.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mingi.” Hongjoong said, his voice was higher pitched than Mingi’s and slightly whiny, and Mingi really liked the way his name sounded when Hongjoong said it.
After a beat of awkward silence and staring at one another, Hongjoong gestured towards a small table for two. The cafe was dimly lit and had about 7 tables total, it smelled of fresh baked crossiants and coffee—there was a few other people who had tucked themselves away in the corner, college students looking for a quite place to study. Before he could sit down Hongjoong pulled his chair out for him and motioned for him to sit. Mingi was completely taken aback for a moment before blushing again and awkwardly taking a seat. No one had ever pulled his seat out for him before.
“Thank you…” He mumbled as Hongjoong was taking his seat across from him. Hongjoong gave him a small smile and nodded.
Hongjoong was wearing a black blazer with a t-shirt underneath and also sporting some dark-washed denim jeans that hugged his hips so perfectly. Mingi realized he was just staring again and hadn’t actually said anything, “It’s nice to meet you, thank you for meeting with me. I’ve never been on a blind date before.” Mingi laughed shyly, trying to break the awkwardness.
“Me either.” Hongjoong replied. “But if all my dates showed up looking like this maybe I would more often.”Mingi flushed from head to toe at the boldness—maybe he really was attention starved because the words made him feel like a school girl with a crush.
“You are quite bold.” Mingi said, and Hongjoong smirked.
“So, you and Wooyoung are close friends?” Hongjoong questioned, changing the subject.
Mingi nodded, “Yes, for about 8 years now! He is my best friend. He said you guys met through a mutual friend and you are a music teacher?”
“Yes, I teach children!” Hongjoong seemed to light up at this and Mingi found it very endearing his career involved working with children.
“I have a studio and do private lessons. I met Wooyoung through our friend San when he brought him to the studio to check out some of my guitars, and he’s come by about once a week since then and we play together.” Hongjoong explained.
“I love music—I used to want to be a rapper before I found my love for painting.” Mingi admitted he felt a little embarrassed sharing that but then Hongjoong smiled so widely at Mingi’s confession, those perfect teeth sparkling in the low light of the cafe and Mingi thought once again of wanting to lick them and then maybe the rest of his mouth.
“I love rapping!” Hongjoong said excitedly, “These days, I don’t have much time for creating music for myself though. Do you write your own lyrics?”
Mingi nodded, “Yeah, I used to. It’s been a while.”
Hongjoong was smiling so wide Mingi had to look away to shield the blush creeping up his face—he had never really shared that part about him with other people, had always felt like his lyrics weren’t good enough. And then it became something he didn’t share, something just Mingi's, writing lyrics to express himself then keeping them locked away for only his eyes to see.
"I would love to hear them some day, maybe you can come by the studio sometime." Hongjoong suggested.
Mingi felt his body heat up at that implication, and then he felt the feeling he was trying to push down since the moment he woke up this morning: fear. Fear of getting close to someone again, fear of getting his heart ripped out of his chest again, of being left with no explanation or reasons as to why he wasn't good enough.
Hongjoong must have caught on that Mingi was spiraling and gently added, "Sorry, sometimes I get ahead of myself when it comes to music. It's hard to find others who care about it as much as me." He laughed softly and it may have been the prettiest sound Mingi had ever heard. Suddenly his fearful thoughts were gone and he was considering ways to draw out that pretty laugh again.
The waiter appeared then, pulling Mingi from his thoughts. They both ordered a latte and some pastry's to share, and then a beat of awkward silence fell between them until Hongjoong asked, "You have an art studio right? Wooyoung mentioned that."
Mingi perked up—this he could talk about. He loved his work, even if he was in a block right now, "Yes! Downtown next to the little pottery place. I sell paintings!"
Hongjoong had leaned closer to him over the table and was now resting his chin on his hnd watching Mingi as if he was telling the most exciting story in the world. Having his full attention on him was a bit overwhelming but also made his stomach do a little flip.
"What kind of paintings do you make?" Hongjoong asked, genuinely curious.
Mingi was not ashamed that he created nude paintings, he had long ago stopped letting himself feel embarrassed when people just didn't understand it. He just hated how people reacted to the knowledge, as if he did it to fulfill some sexual fantasy but that was far from it. He started doing nude paintings because it stripped away everything—the pressure of society, gender, the idea of what a person should or shouldn't look like and instead highlighted the beauty and vulnerability of the human body. He loved how people saw themselves in a whole new form after seeing themselves on a canvas.
No, Mingi was proud of his craft.
"Figure paintings, usually nude." He finally said. He held his breathe to gauge the other mans reaction, praying he wouldn't say something gross or laugh at him.
Hongjoong's eyes widened slightly before going back to neutral, "Wow…that is amazing. I actually volunteered to be a model in a class back in college, we got extra credit for it, but it was really interesting." Hongjoong admitted to Mingi, not an ounce of judgment in his voice. Mingi couldn't believe Hongjoong's confession, that he modeled for a painting. He was starting to feel like this was too good to be true and Wooyoung was pulling a prank on him.
Mingi's jaw hung slack for a few moments in disbelief, and Hongjoong laughed a bit louder this time at his reaction. This pulled Mingi right out of his daze—his laugh was the sweetest sound he had ever heard.
"Sorry…that is not the response I expected. Most people know nothing about what it actually is, let alone been a model themselves. Are you playing me right now?" Mingi pushed, eyes narrowing, slightly teasing but he really was in disbelief at Hongjoong's confession.
"No! I swear!" Hongjoong laughed again, this time throwing his head back like a kid, his whole body shaking slightly. His laugh was deep and low, in stark contrast to his voice, and it made Mingi's whole body feel lit up from the sound that filled the whole cafe. He thinks he could wrap himself up in that sound forever.
Mingi is fully smiling like an idiot at Hongjoong when he looks back at him, "You have a very pretty laugh." He confessed, words coming out of him before he could even think but he needed him to know. Hongjoong blushed at that, and Mingi felt proud of himself.
The waiter appeared with their drinks and pastry's then, setting them down and walking away. Mingi took a small sip of his latte, and reached for the scone between them and tore it in half. He offered the other half to Hongjoong who accepted, their fingers brushing slightly in exchange. Mingi knew it was silly that he felt butterfly's over a simple brush of their hands. Maybe he really was touch starved.
They ate, drank and fell into an easy conversation about their lives and interest. Hongjoong laughed loudly at Mingi's attempts at jokes, the sound so sincere he knew he wasn't faking. No one had ever got his jokes before, his ex always brushing him off and making him feel silly for trying to be playful.
Mingi realized this was the longest he had gone without thinking of the man who left him in pieces 4 months ago, and though he would never admit it out-loud, maybe Wooyoung had been right that he needed to get back out there and make new connections.
Hongjoong was unlike any person he had met before, so confident and sure of his words, but soft and kind. He made several comments throughout their date about how pretty and funny Mingi was, making him flush each time, and he could tell the other man was eating it right up. It felt good to have another person giving him this much attention, coming to terms with the fact that he did miss forming new connections.
He didn't want to get ahead of himself though, this was only their first date and he didn't know if Hongjoong was even truly interested in him. He may ghost him after all this is said and done. It didn't feel that way, though, not when Hongjoong reached across the table and took Mingi's hand in his while Mingi was mid-sentence.
He froze for a second, but then continued speaking. Hongjoong's hands were quite a bit smaller than his, and so soft except for the rough callouses he could feel on the pads of his fingers, probably from playing different instruments. He wondered how those would feel as they traced down his body.
The waiter brought their check, and Hongjoong snatched it up before Mingi even had a moment to think, "I got it." he said, giving Mingi a little smile, and Mingi thinks he would let him do anything if he could just keep flashing his perfect teeth at him, so he didn't protest.
Hongjoong paid the bill and they walked out of the cafe together, the sun had started to set and was casting a beautiful glow on Hongjoong's face, making him even more handsome in this light.
"Did you drive here?" Hongjoong questioned.
Mingi shook his head, "No, I live just a few blocks down so I walked."
"Let me walk you home then." Hongjoong offered. Mingi didn't want their date to end yet, he wanted to hold onto this feeling just a little longer, so he nodded and started heading in the direction of his house.
They walked in silence for a few moments, until Hongjoong slipped his hand into Mingi's and interlocked their fingers. He tenses up for a moment, glancing to Hongjoong who was giving him a look asking "Is this okay?". It was okay, Mingi thought. It was scary and unfamiliar but Hongjoong's hand fit so well in his, and when he gently swiped his thumb over the top of his hand, he squeezed their hands together a little tighter in confirmation.
They walked in silence back to Mingi's apartment. Mingi felt lighter than he had in a very long time, although he didn't know what would become of him and Hongjoong, he liked the feeling of having someone's attention again. He enjoyed having another person allow him to talk about his likes and interests without making him feel like he was annoying. Hongjoong could just be being nice and never speak to Mingi again after this, but he was going to hold onto this feeling for as long as he could.
Once they arrived at his apartment, Mingi stood outside his door and just took in the sight of Hongjoong one last time. His pretty blonde hair blew in the wind causing it to fall into Hongjoong's eyes slightly.
Mingi didn't even realize he was doing it until he reached up and pushed the hair back for him, making Hongjoong's breath catch slightly at the motion. His hair was so soft, he wanted to run his hands through it, maybe even give it a little tug to see if it would cause the man to make a sweet sound. They just stared at each other like this, not awkward, but as if they were both appreciating the other person in front of them. Finally, Hongjoong spoke.
"I had a wonderful time with you Mingi, and I would love to see you again. If you are up for it that is." Hongjoong's words were soft and slightly cautious, as if he expected to be rejected. Mingi couldn't even fathom that anyone could reject him, not with his perfect teeth, beautiful laugh and bold demeanor.
"I would really like that." Mingi finally said, and Hongjoong smiled again, all teeth, and Mingi felt his heart do a little flip. They exchanged numbers, and Hongjoong told him he would text him.
Then came the scariest part of a first date—the goodbye.
Would Hongjoong try to kiss him? Mingi wasn't sure he was ready for that yet, but god, his mouth was so perfect and Mingi had been thinking about it all evening. Hongjoong stepped in closer to him, leaned up slightly and placed a featherlight kiss on Mingi's cheek, his lips soft against his skin.
Mingi blushed hard and gave Hongjoong's hand one last squeeze, "Bye Hongjoong."
"Goodbye Mingi." Hongjoong said, and Mingi walked into his apartment. Heart racing, cheeks burning, jaw hurting from the huge smile he couldn't hold back, and feeling lighter than he had in so long. It almost felt weird, not having the heaviness surround his whole body.
Mingi shut his eyes for a brief moment as he stood in his hallway entrance, then he removed his shoes and jacket, and walked down to the small studio he had set up in his spare room. For the first time in 4 months, Mingi picked up a paintbrush and knew exactly what he wanted to create.