Chapter 59: No More Denying

The night was young, and the air buzzed with the lingering thrill of the amusement park. The group had exhausted every ride, every game booth, and every possible way to embarrass Minho over the baby incident from earlier.

But Minho barely registered the teasing.

Because all he could think about was Hyunjin.

The way he looked at him on the Ferris wheel.

The way his laughter made everything feel lighter.

The way Minho never wanted this day to end.

And for the first time—he didn't fight it anymore.

--

The amusement park was closing, but no one was ready to go home just yet.

"We should get food," Jisung suggested, rubbing his stomach dramatically. "I'm starving."

"Are you ever not starving?" Felix teased.

Jisung shrugged. "I'm a growing boy."

Chan rolled his eyes. "You're not growing anymore."

But despite the playful bickering, everyone agreed—food was necessary.

As they made their way out of the park, Minho and Hyunjin lagged behind, walking at their own pace.

The streets were quieter now, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights.

Hyunjin sighed. "Today was fun."

Minho glanced at him, hands tucked into his pockets. "Yeah."

Hyunjin turned to him, walking backward with a playful smile. "You don't regret coming?"

Minho scoffed. "No."

Hyunjin grinned. "Good."

Then, without warning, he grabbed Minho's wrist and pulled him along.

"Come on, let's catch up."

Minho let himself be dragged forward, watching the way Hyunjin's hair caught the light.

And for the first time in a long time—he felt light too.

--

They found a cozy street-side restaurant, one that served steaming bowls of ramen, crispy fried chicken, and ice-cold beer.

Perfect.

The group squeezed into a long table, the energy still high from the day's events.

Minho sat beside Hyunjin. Naturally.

Chan raised his glass. "To a great day."

"To Hyunjin being a terrible bumper car driver," Jisung added with a smirk.

Hyunjin groaned. "I swear I tried."

Minho chuckled. "You failed."

Hyunjin glared at him. "You're supposed to be on my side."

Minho leaned in slightly, smirking. "I'm always on your side."

Hyunjin's breath hitched—just for a second.

But Minho noticed.

And suddenly, it wasn't just teasing anymore.

--

As the night went on, so did the drinks.

Hyunjin wasn't much of a drinker, but Felix kept refilling his glass.

Minho wasn't much better.

Both of them, went to get some fresh air.

The warmth of alcohol buzzed in his veins, lowering his guard, making everything feel a little too easy.

Hyunjin was laughing at something Jisung said, his eyes crinkling, cheeks flushed from the beer.

Minho couldn't stop staring.

And then—

Hyunjin turned to him, tilting his head. "What?"

Minho blinked. "What?"

"You're staring."

Minho hesitated.

And then, in a voice so quiet only Hyunjin could hear—

"Can't help it."

Hyunjin's smile faltered. "Minho—"

Minho wasn't thinking anymore.

Or maybe—for the first time, he actually was.

Because before he could stop himself—

He leaned in.

And kissed him.

--

It was soft. Hesitant.

Minho's lips barely brushed Hyunjin's at first, testing, waiting—

But then, Hyunjin melted.

And suddenly, it wasn't just a kiss.

It was everything.

The months of tension. The stolen glances. The unspoken words.

It all poured into that one moment.

When they finally pulled away, breathless, Minho searched Hyunjin's face.

Hyunjin stared at him, wide-eyed, lips parted in shock.

"...You kissed me."

Minho swallowed. "Yeah."

A pause.

Then—

"...Do it again."

Minho's heart stopped.

Then raced.

And then—

He kissed him again.

This time, there was nothing hesitant about it.

--

When they finally returned to the group, Hyunjin's face was still flushed.

Minho, for once, was quiet.

Felix narrowed his eyes. "What's with you two?"

Hyunjin choked on his drink. "W-What?"

Jisung smirked. "You both look suspicious."

Minho rolled his eyes. "You're drunk. Go to sleep."

Jisung gasped. "He's avoiding the question!"

Chan raised an eyebrow. "Minho?"

Minho took a long sip of his beer.

And smirked.

"...None of your business."

Hyunjin kicked him under the table.

Minho just grinned wider.

Because for the first time—

He wasn't hiding anymore.