Chapter 60: Something More

The night stretched long after their food trip, but Minho's mind was stuck on one thing.

Hyunjin.

His flushed cheeks. The way he had hesitated before whispering, Do it again. The softness of his lips. The way he didn't pull away.

Minho had never been so aware of his own heartbeat before.

They were walking back home together now, their group having split up after dinner. Hyunjin was quiet, staring at the sidewalk as he walked beside Minho, close enough that their hands brushed.

Neither of them spoke about the kiss.

But the weight of it was everywhere.

Minho shoved his hands into his pockets. "You cold?"

Hyunjin glanced at him, a small smile playing on his lips. "No."

Minho frowned. "You're rubbing your arms."

Hyunjin blinked down at himself—he was rubbing his arms. He hadn't even noticed.

Before he could argue, Minho sighed and, in one swift motion, reached out and grabbed his hand.

Hyunjin froze.

Minho didn't say anything, didn't even look at him. He just held his hand like it was normal.

Like it was easy.

And Hyunjin?

Hyunjin let him.

--

Hyunjin woke up to the smell of coffee and something sizzling in the kitchen.

His first thought was Minho.

His second thought was last night.

He sat up so fast he got dizzy. I kissed Minho. No. Minho kissed me. No. I kissed him back.

His face burned.

What now?

Was Minho going to pretend it never happened? Was he supposed to pretend it never happened?

He groaned into his hands, flopping back onto the bed dramatically.

Then—

"Are you gonna get up or do I have to carry you?"

Hyunjin jumped.

Minho was standing in the doorway, arms crossed, looking too smug.

Hyunjin clutched the blanket. "W-What?"

Minho smirked. "Breakfast is ready."

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes. "Did you cook?"

Minho scoffed. "I'm not that useless."

Hyunjin huffed. "Debatable."

But he got up anyway, padding into the kitchen.

And the moment he stepped in, he stopped.

Because there, on the table, was a neatly arranged breakfast—eggs, toast, fruit, and coffee.

Hyunjin blinked. "You... did all this?"

Minho rolled his eyes. "It's just breakfast."

Hyunjin sat down, staring at the food.

He cooked for me.

It wasn't a grand gesture, but somehow, it felt big.

Minho sat across from him, stealing a bite of Hyunjin's toast like it was nothing.

And Hyunjin... let him.

--

The group had decided to go to the beach.

It was last-minute, as most of their plans were, but the second Jisung suggested it, Hyunjin jumped at the idea.

Minho, of course, had rolled his eyes. "You just want an excuse to take photos."

Hyunjin grinned. "Obviously."

They packed up quickly, meeting the others at the train station.

Felix immediately squinted at Minho and Hyunjin as they approached. "Something's different."

Jisung gasped. "Wait. WAIT. Don't tell me—"

Minho sighed. "I'll throw you onto the train tracks."

Jisung cackled. "Oh, you totally kissed!"

Hyunjin nearly tripped.

Chan, always the responsible one, decided to not pry. "Let's just get going before we miss the train."

But the teasing didn't stop.

Felix leaned into Hyunjin's ear as they walked. "So... was he a good kisser?"

Hyunjin choked.

Minho shot Felix a glare. "I can hear you."

Felix smirked. "Oh, I know."

Minho shook his head. This is going to be a long day.

--

The sun was brutal.

Hyunjin had barely stepped onto the sand before Minho grabbed his wrist and yanked him back under the shade.

Hyunjin blinked. "What—?"

Minho held out sunscreen. "You'll burn in five seconds."

Hyunjin pouted. "I was going to put some on."

Minho huffed. "Yeah, after you were already red."

Hyunjin laughed, taking the bottle. "Do my back?"

Minho froze.

Felix, who was sipping his drink nearby, nearly choked. "Ohoho."

Minho scowled. "Shut up, Felix."

Felix smirked. "I didn't say anything."

Minho ignored him and took the bottle.

Hyunjin turned, pulling his hair over one shoulder.

Minho swallowed.

He could do this. He could totally do this.

His hands were steady as he spread the sunscreen over Hyunjin's back, but he wasn't prepared for Hyunjin's soft sigh as his fingers worked over his shoulders.

Minho's ears went red.

He cleared his throat. "Done."

Hyunjin turned around, smiling. "Thanks."

Minho just nodded. Yeah. I'm in trouble.

--

The sun was starting to set when Hyunjin and Minho wandered off on their own, walking along the shoreline.

The others were still playing, but Minho had tugged Hyunjin away without a word.

Hyunjin didn't complain.

They walked in silence for a while, the waves lapping at their feet.

Then—

"...You regret it?" Minho asked suddenly.

Hyunjin blinked. "What?"

Minho glanced at him. "The kiss."

Hyunjin stared.

Then, softly—

"No."

Minho's heart stuttered.

Hyunjin smiled, nudging him. "Do you regret it?"

Minho exhaled. "No."

A pause.

Then Hyunjin whispered—

"Wanna do it again?"

Minho didn't need to be asked twice.

This time, there was no hesitation.

And when they pulled apart, the sun dipping below the horizon, Minho knew—

There was no more denying it.

He was in love with Hyunjin.

And this time—

He wasn't running from it.