Tomorrow makes three years for us.

They’re sprawled on the screened porch of the Kim family apartment, sharing an after dinner moment while Minseok’s parents chat inside.

 Their relationship has matured, Luhan has noticed, but not in a bad way. The fluffy romance that started those years ago in the coffee shop has morphed into something strong, a love supported by deep mutual respect and attraction.

 They live together now in the spacious apartment previously inhabited solely by Minseok, splitting the monthly rent. Luhan is out of school and working now, as a journalist for a popular newspaper. Minseok is graduating this coming spring, with a degree in Architecture and Design.

They both wear their hair darker now than they did, Minseok tinting his naturally almost-black hair once a month with chocolate brown dye, and Luhan keeping his dark roots at bay with a chestnut toner.

Really? You’ve kept track?

Of course. Minseok has his arms folded behind his head, chin tilted back in an image of peaceful relaxation. Anniversaries aren’t something to forget.

 Do you want to go out? I got my paycheck today, so some place nice…

Well, I was thinking we could just do something at home. Make coffee, like the old days…you know.

That will be nice, actually.

I hope so! I’ll cook…

Let me help, though.

Okay, okay. You’re too nice. He hits his partner lightly, catching the taller boy in the side of the head with the back of his hand.

That’s why you’re dating me.

Don’t pretend that’s the only reason. You have plenty of other good qualities.

Luhan rolls his eyes. Always quite the flatterer, Minseok is. He becomes aware of the feeling of eyes on his back and turns- Minseok’s father is standing behind the screen door that leads into the house, a small smile on his face. The brown haired boy gives him a tiny wave.

He and Minseok have become closer after they were both introduced to the other’s parents. Luhan’s parents were hesitant at first- they weren’t accustomed to the idea of boys bringing home other boys- but they quickly warmed to Minseok and welcomed him as one of the family.

He was first introduced to Mr. and Mrs. Kim as well as Minseok’s younger sisters via video chat, and then finally in person about a month after the fact. Thankfully they all got along well, and Luhan was encouraged to come and visit as much as possible. Now, they’re having a ‘family dinner’ and he couldn’t feel more at home.

Mr. Kim turns away from the door and leaves the two lovebirds to have another moment alone together before they all reenter the main house for cups of tea and idle chat.

Did you hear that Jongin and Kyungsoo are engaged now?

No. Minseok laughs, I didn’t hear.

Luhan rolls his eyes again, You know. But did you?

No, I really didn’t. Please tell them congratulations for me!

The taller one nods, I will. Time is going so fast, though. Before we know it… He stops.

Know what?

I don’t know. We’ll have aged.

I’m already old.

You’re not!

Yes.

No.

Yes.

No.

Minseok jabs him in the side with one sneaky finger and Luhan lets out a little squeal, doubling over “Eeee-ack!”

Acting like the two mature adults that they are, a tickling fight ensues and Luhan is brought back to years ago, sitting in the main room of his, Zitao’s, Kris’s, and Yixing’s shared apartment, a moment very much like this one. Soon they’re both laughing and gasping for breath, clutching their sides.

 Luhan combs his hair into place with his hands and clears his throat in an attempt to compose himself, while his companion wipes at his watering eyes.

Mature…

Professional.

Should we go back inside? They’re waiting.

I suppose so.

They pick themselves up, folding chairs creaking slightly underneath them as they stand. Minseok opens the screen door, warm air from the house hitting their faces as they enter the pleasantly-lit room. One of the younger sisters is in the corner on her cell phone and she looks up when they appear “Oh, hi. Dad was looking at you two, earlier…”

“I saw,” Luhan smiles “How is school going?”

“Um, it’s okay…” She’s a teenager, and sports the stereotypical teen attitude 24/7. Supporting this fact, she rolls her eyes “But not, like, fun…”

“It’ll be over before you know it.”

“Okay.” She shrugs, and looks at her phone again. Minseok is standing awkwardly, looking a bit lost.

Are you talking about school?

How did you know?

Lip reading.

You never cease to amaze me.

I can’t help but get better at it, I’m around your friends so often.

True…true… the brunet raises his eyebrows Should we be heading home?

Maybe…He considers it Yes…I’m a little tired.

Okay then. Luhan jerks his head in the direction of the room in which Minseok’s parents are chatting, and the two knock before entering.

“Ah, thank you for having us, dinner was really nice.”

Thank you, it was nice to be all together.

“Of course! Please come visit us more often. With the girls in school, we’re getting lonely.”

“We will.” He glances at his companion who has understood most of the message.

I graduate soon, so we’ll come by more in the summer.

Mrs. Kim smiles And don’t think we won’t be having a graduation party for you, Minseok. You’re our son after all!

Mom, you know I don’t like social events!

They all laugh, and the younger couple is helped to the door and handed their coats.

Goodnight.

The little family exchanges farewell hugs and then the two depart, their exit lit by the warm orange glow of the growing sunset.

***

Minseok unlocks the apartment while Luhan zones out.

It’s open.

What? “Oh.”

The main room is chilly and they both shiver once inside, Luhan turning to look at the thermostat on the wall. It’s several degrees lower than how they like it so he turns it up, and as they take off their shoes and head into the rest of the apartment the heating system, recently installed, kicks on and begins filtering warm air throughout the living space.

That was a nice meal. Luhan is taking off his shirt, hair askew.

My mom’s a good cook.

You’re right on that one…He changes into pajama pants and an undershirt, heading to the bathroom to brush his teeth while a half- Minseok follows suit.

Look at that, The black haired young man stands in front of the large mirror behind the sink, gazing at his reflection, No more hipbones.

“Hm?”

Luhan hasn’t noticed before now, but Minseok is right- when they first met, the shorter’s hip bones jutted just shy of dangerously out from his flat plane of stomach. Now, the visible bones have been replaced by a much healthier image, he’d even go as far as to say a slightly muscular one.

You’re right. You have abs.

No, no no. Minseok laughs, patting himself on the stomach. Not yet.

Luhan taps his boyfriend’s pale skinned abdomen with a gentle finger Admit it, you’re hot.

I’m just a little warm.

Flaming hot, Minseok…you dumb .

Finally he gives in I didn’t start working out again for nothing.

No, you didn’t.

I feel awkward now, take off your shirt.

Luhan gives him a joking ‘are you serious’ look, slipping his undershirt off over his head, and they stand chest to chest, staring at each other’s bellybuttons.

You’re cute.

I’m a man. I’m not cute.

Men can be cute. You’re a cute man.

I love your mindset.

I love you.

Luhan laughs gently, shaking his head and wrapping his arms around Minseok’s perfect neck. Soon they’re kissing, bodies pressing together against the bathroom counter. They pull away simultaneously, but staying close enough to not break the intimate moment and giving Luhan the chance to plant messy kisses on the smaller boy’s collar bones and jaw line. Minseok hugs himself to his companion and plays sleepily with his hair, signing into the other’s hand B-e-d...?

B-r-u-s-h-t-e-e-t-h-f-i-r-s-t…

Y-e-s-i-l-i-k-e-t-o-o-t-h-p-a-s-t-y-k-i-s-s-e-s…

M-i-n-t-y…

Y-e-a-h…Let’s do that, then.

The two untangle themselves and quickly grab toothbrushes, both wanting clean mouths but not to ruin the romantic moment. Toothpaste…brush…rinse…spit…rinse…then they’re both headed to the bedroom to become tangled in sheets and each other’s loving limbs.

***

Luhan wakes up with his head at the wrong end of the bed, feet resting on t