The small man gazed out the window as he watched the man opposite him hand out balloons to the children infront of him and with a small smile stretching his lips he went back to work in his bakery - it was going to be a busy day ahead.

He headed back to his kitchen and tapped his chin with his index finger contemplating what delicious cakes to make next..

"Ah huh! Turtle cakes!" he smiled

Turtle cakes were the balloon boys favourite, everyday around 5:30pm the quiet man would come in and ponder over which treat to buy; even though he'd browse for a good 10 minutes he always ordered a turtle cake to go and everytime the baker boy would gingerly pick up the cake and place it in a decorated box. The other would give a small smile and shyly mumble a thank you before walking out. This has always been the pattern of the two boys communication. However one day when it was raining harshly the bakery was deserted and the empty eating area tempted the baker to close early but the balloon boy caught his eye; he was standing in the rainholding onto the balloons whilst shivering. It made the baker sad, but then he had an idea

"Annyeong! ... I-I ummm I thought you'd like a nice hot drink and this" the baker placed a rain mac over the shivering man

"Thanks" he stuttered through frozen teeth

The baker almost blushed as the man's voice met his ears. Ihed

t was so soft and harmonious he didn't want to leave he wanted to hear it again

"Kim Ryeowook pleasure to meet you" The baker smiled

The balloon boy looked at the extended hand and back at the sweetly smiling Ryeowook

"Kim Jong Woon, nice to meet you" he spoke softly

They went back to standing in silence until Ryeowook plucked up the courage to speak again

"why are you working in the rain!? it's freezing and no one is around" he asked

"My boss makes me...I can leave in an hour if I can make another 1000 won" he sighed

Ryeowook ran back and returned with his wallet "I want 3 pastel green balloons please" he smiled

Jong Woon picked the three balloons out and handed them over and grinned "1000 won please"

"you can go home now! Ryeowook nodded

"I still have to wait another 50 minutes" he sighed

Determined not to be defeated Ryeowook came back out of his bakery with a big umbrella and a thick blanket and slung it over Jong Woon

"At least you won't be ill now" he smiled recieving a beauitful shy smile back

____

As the weeks past Ryeowook and Jong woon became much more talkative. When the bakery was quiet Ryeowook would give Jong woon company and the time would fly by as the two men were too engrossed in there conversation. One day Ryeowook called out to the older boy

"Yesung hyung w-would you like some lunch?"

Jongwoon looked a little wierded out at first then nodded. He tied the balloons to a chai in the bakery and followed Ryeowook upstairs to his little apartment. Upon entering Yesung took off his shoes and took in the sanctuary

"Nice place" he commented

Ryeowook began small talk as they began wating lunch

"That was delicious! Ryeowook-ah what was that?" Yesung his lips in approval

"Turtle soup" Ryeowook looked up "Hyung are..."

"Was that really tutyle soup?!" Yesung asked worried

"Ani hyung I was joking!" Ryeowook chortled " I know how much you love your turtles"

____

The two developed a friendship - it was a respectable one at that, Yesung ued to finish work first so he'd help Ryeowook close up and then the two would hang out in the evening finding out more and more about each other. Some days it was the other way around Ryeowook would help when Yesung was surrounded by children wanting balloons. 

But one day both men were overwhelmed with customers at the same time. After the latest rush of customers left Yesung alone he looked over to see Ryeowook coming over to him. He quickly turned away and began fumbling with something in his pocket, upon seeing this Ryeowook furrowed his eyebrows and patted his hyung on the shoulder. Yesung his arm out and held a balloon out to a stunned Ryeowook.

Ryeowook took hold of the baby blue balloon and went to talk to when something cold was pressed against his palm. He opened his hand and saw a plain silver ring gleaming in the sun

"Yesung?" Ryeowook questioned

"Be mine...please" Yesung asked