Zzzz… Pzzz…
 

Jumping at the sound and feel of his phone vibrating in his back pocket, Myungsoo couldn’t help but smile at the thought of the older boy wanting to talk to him, even if it did seem a little bit early in the day for the other to be doing so. Especially since Myungsoo had been up for a while and while it was normal for him to be up a little after 0530, it probably wasn’t for Sungyeol. Because as much as Myungsoo was up and ready for the day, that didn’t mean that other students were since school didn’t start until 0745, so Myungsoo couldn’t help but wonder what the other had wanted. Even if he was welcoming of Sungyeol texting him - of actually wanting to speak to him at any time of the day. So quickly stepping away from the various pickled ingredients that were in front of him to go wash his hands so that he could read and text the other back, it didn’t take Myungsoo long to wash and dry his hands of vinegar juice.

 
Quickly inputing his password to unlock his phone, only to see a picture of him and Sungyeol together as the phone’s background - Sungyeol had insisted on them taking a picture of the two of them together to commemorate their first date, Myungsoo couldn’t help but feel a little warm at the sight of it. Especially since it was Sungyeol that had mentioned putting this picture as their background as well, so Myungsoo couldn’t help but be glad at such a thing. Plus, Sungyeol looked really good in the picture and while Myungsoo looked a bit out of place since he was nowhere near as beautiful as Sungyeol was, Sungyeol still had a really nice smile that told Myungsoo that the other didn’t mind being next to him and had maybe thought differently. Which Myungsoo had thought was preposterous, but Sungyeol looked happy and that easily meant the world to Myungsoo. So even if Myungsoo had a lot to work on and that he wasn’t as pretty as other people were, Sungyeol still saw something good - maybe even something beautiful in him. 

Myungsoo didn’t know what, but just knowing that the other liked him and had wanted to go on more dates and take more photos like this… It made Myungsoo very happy and even blessed to have someone like Sungyeol in his life.

  
Eventually navigating his way to the messaging app on his phone: a little text box with a smiley face on it that Myungsoo thought was cute, it wasn’t long before Myungsoo was looking at the message that Sungyeol had sent him:

To Myungsoo - 0531
Know it’s short notice, but I’ll be by at 0700 instead of 0730.
Want to get some breakfast? ;)

Smiling at the contents of the message, Myungsoo couldn’t help but find himself nodding his head at the question that Sungyeol just asked. Realizing that his gesture had done nothing to tell Sungyeol that he would have loved to have breakfast with him, the other obviously unable to see him, Myungsoo instantaneously feels his cheeks turn a bit red at the gesture that he had just made, suddenly embarrassed for doing something so stupid. Because as much as he wasn’t used to using a phone, never being able to use a landline due to being mute and his father always being stingy about stuff like that, Myungsoo couldn’t help but feel a bit dumb with how behind his peers he was in such matters. He was sixteen and yet, he could barely use a cell phone, something that was beyond rare in South Korea. Even toddlers knew how to use a cell phone. 
 

Slowly moving his fingers to start typing his response, still quite new to typing on such a small screen, Myungsoo can only do his best to send a response back as quickly as he can. 
 

Only for the thought of ’Letting him pay for you again? Is that going to continue being a thing between you two? Between your new friends? Do you like being a charity case? A burden?’ to swiftly pass through his mind. The thought was so startling that he couldn’t help but stop typing as the feeling of him suddenly taking advantage of the other boy had quickly shot through him like a rocket - a nuclear chemical one that had left an abundance of nuclear waste wherever it had went. 
 

The past couple of days Myungsoo had done nothing more than allow others to pay for him, even though he should have been doing that himself. So to suddenly feel as if he wasn’t contributing anything, he couldn’t help but feel terrible for letting others do what they had been doing. Especially since it was one thing for Sungyeol and the others to occasionally treat him, but to do so all the time? 
 

Myungsoo could only feel shame run through him at the thought of being the type of person that did nothing but take things from others without giving anything in return. Even if that was the last thing Myungsoo had wanted to do, because as broke as he was, he had never wanted to let others see him as someone that was selfish or a burden. And right now, despite how nice Sungyeol and the others had been, it had felt as if he was being given way too much for nothing.
 

He could pay for things, even if it meant that he had to go hungry for a couple of days… He was no stranger to having little food, so what was a couple weeks with days without it?
 

Suddenly feeling the need to do something for Sungyeol that wasn’t having the other spend some more money on him, it wasn’t long before Myungsoo was thinking of some breakfast pastries that he could possibly make instead. Never mind the fact that he could easily make some tea, put it in a thermos, and bring a few cups for the two to have a homemade breakfast as well. Quickly looking around the kitchen to see what he had, making note of all the baking stuff that was in the house, noticing that he had more than enough to make something for them, as well as his father - who he had hoped would be okay with the idea since it had been a while since Myungsoo had baked something for him as well, Myungsoo can’t help but erase what he had just typed to give instead: 

To Sungyeol - 0539
Can I make breakfast instead, I have a few scone recipes that I could use?
Is that alright?
I promise I’m a good baker.
I can make some tea too.

Looking over his message about a thousand times, feeling increasingly nervous every time that he has done so, Myungsoo finally convinces himself to press the send button on his phone. Secretly hoping that Sungyeol wouldn’t be mad at him asking to change their plans a little bit, especially since food was involved, Myungsoo couldn’t help but feel his eyes scrunch up in a gesture of ‘What have I done? Was it truly okay to do that? That wasn’t a mistake, right?’. While his heart rate could only skyrocket as he silently waited for the other to reply; Myungsoo’s so nervous that he barely notices when he starts to gnaw at his lip from the thought of Sungyeol replying back to not only reject his offer, but to also call him stupid for even thinking that he could do something like that, Myungsoo feels as if he’s a frightened animal. Because as much as Sungyeol was someone that probably wouldn’t do something like that, Myungsoo couldn’t help but think of his father and how he had usually felt when it came to Myungsoo wanting to change things - Myungsoo usually got hurt. And as nice as Sungyeol was - too nice and too good for someone like Myungsoo, he couldn’t help but feel something like that was warranted and just something that he could expect. It wouldn’t be Sungyeol’s fault if Myungsoo had gotten hurt from his words, since it would be Myungsoo’s for even daring to ask such a thing, essentially stepping out of line. 
 

Eventually feeling his phone vibrate against his hands once again, Myungsoo unable to stop himself from giving a small sigh of relief when he finally reads the contents of Sungyeol’s message, Myungsoo doesn’t see rejection or harsh words anywhere.

To Myungsoo - 0541
Sounds great! 
I’ll see you at 0700.
:D 

Feeling himself smile a little, relief going through him at Sungyeol’s willingness to have something that he would make for the two of them, Myungsoo can’t help but wonder what Sungyeol’s reaction to his food would be. Especially since it was one of the few things that his father had never really complained about. Relief flowing through him at the thought of finally being able to give back to the other and not be a money- burden, Myungsoo quickly finishes off the pickling that he was doing earlier so that he could focus on making breakfast that day. 
 

Navigating around the kitchen to find everything that he had needed to make some cinnamon raisin scones; a recipe that was taught to him by his mother and something that was loved by almost everyone, Myungsoo couldn’t help but suddenly wonder if the woman would have liked Sungyeol as much as he did as well…
 

Smiling a little bit at the thought of ‘Yeah, she totally would.’ Myungsoo finds himself returning to what he was doing, this time with a little more care and love as he silently imagines his mother meeting Sungyeol for the very first time… His mother laughing and being happy… 
 

He can only ignore the taste of salt a couple of minutes later. 

XXX

Surprise going through him at the sight of Myungsoo’s scones, especially since they had looked even better than what he would have seen at the nearby coffee shop that he had thought about going to earlier that morning, Sungyeol couldn’t help but be awed by how delicious Myungsoo’s baked goods look. Because if they tasted at least half as good as they had looked and even smelled like, then Sungyeol would easily be one of the luckiest guys in the country for having a soulmate that had amazing skills in the kitchen. Especially since he and the rest of his friends couldn’t cook to save their lives - even Woohyun, who had liked to claim that he was a decent cook… Well, he wasn’t that great since more often than not, his food was just edible. And just being edible wasn’t exactly something that someone should stride for when it came to cooking well, never mind bragging rights. So Sungyeol couldn’t help but be a little excited to taste the scones in front of him, especially since Sungyeol enjoyed eating really good food.
 

Plus, with how domestic and cute Myungsoo looked when he had walked to his car, food carefully put in plastic containers and carefully wrapped in cloth - a pink and yellow flower pattern, Sungyeol couldn’t help but picture Myungsoo wearing a cute apron as well… Maybe he’d get Myungsoo a pink one some day.
 

Shaking his head at his thoughts, even if Myungsoo looked positively adorable in the pink, frilly apron that Sungyeol’s mind provided, Sungyeol quickly found himself looking at the spread before him again. The scones easily putting pinterest food posts to shame with how delicious they had looked, it wasn’t long before Sungyeol was finally giving in and reaching for one of the buttery, cinnamon-y morsels to do a taste test. Grabbing one of the bigger ones with a napkin, Sungyeol quickly tore a small piece off so that he could eat. Tasting an explosion of flavor that swiftly had him taking another bite and then another one after that, Sungyeol unable to stop himself from finishing the breakfast food off in what seemed to bee seconds, Sungyeol couldn’t help but want to cry at how delicious the scone had tasted. Because as much as Sungyeol loved food and ate, this had to be one of the best things that he had ever had before. Even his father’s cooking wasn’t as good as this and he had always loved his father’s food… He had really lucked out.
 

While Myungsoo, who had been looking at Sungyeol in anticipation to see how much the other had liked it or disliked it, had been quick to stop what he had been doing to grab the tea that he had made and pour it into one of the thermos’ glasses. Myungsoo hadn’t expected for Sungyeol to eat one of his scones that fast that he couldn’t help but be afraid of the other possibly choking on it. Something of which Myungsoo wouldn’t have forgiven himself for it if had happened. Shakily pouring the tea until there was more than enough of it within the cup, Myungsoo counting his lucky stars that he hadn’t spilled anything - he really didn’t need to ruin the upholstery in Sungyeol’s car either - Myungsoo couldn’t help but give a sigh of relief when he had finished that task without making a mess. However, before he could hand the cup off to Sungyeol, Myungsoo hadn’t expected for a stray thought to find itself rearing it’s ugly head as it did it’s best to take a stab at his already wavering confidence that day. 
 

Trying to ignore the ‘What if he had just ate the scone that fast because he didn’t want to hurt your feelings… Especially since you’re nowhere near as good as your mother was when it comes to cooking.’ Myungsoo barely managed to get the cup of tea into Sungyeol’s hands without spilling it. Because as much as those thoughts were absurd and probably had no basis since Myungsoo had always found himself to be a decent cook and had always thought of his food being something that tasted pretty good, even if there were things that his mother had always done better than him, maybe he really wasn’t that great. At least for Sungyeol’s standards… Maybe he had to be pro-level good for Sungyeol to be impressed?  
 

However, before he could dwell even more on such thoughts, Myungsoo silently found himself watching Sungyeol reach for a second scone with a large, blinding smile on his face, obviously happy to have eaten something that was his - Myungsoo couldn’t help but feel a little dazed. Only for a millisecond to pass for Sungyeol to make him feel even better, the other completely erasing that set of doubts for the day, Sungyeol had been quick to give, absolutely delighted, “Myungsoo-ah, these are amazing… Where did you even learn to cook like this?”
 

Relief and happiness going through him at what Sungyeol just said, his body now thrumming with energy, Myungsoo could only grab the phone that Sungyeol had given him to type, words coming freely : My mother… We used to bake together. I also cook a lot for my father - I do all the cooking.
 

While Sungyeol could only give him a slightly smaller smile than he had before, because as innocent as Myungsoo’s words were, Sungyeol felt a little sad when he looked at them… And really? He did all the cooking? Even when he was sick as well? 
So not really knowing what to say, especially towards the latter since Sungyeol had always been used to his parents cooking for him and his brother, never mind the takeout that they had usually ate at least once a week, it was a bit odd for him to see Myungsoo admitting such a thing. But not wanting to give any negative attention to that section of Myungsoo’s words since it probably wasn’t that big of a deal, especially since there were a lot of parents that couldn’t cook or just didn’t have the time to do so, Myungsoo was probably just doing the man a favor by doing his best to provide for them. It was only them after all, so things were bound to be a little different when it came to his and Myungsoo’s family situations. So Sungyeol was quick to focus on the other aspect of Myungsoo’s admission: the boy’s mother. 
 

Feeling that she had to have been a beautiful women - inside and out, especially since she had given birth to such a wonderful person, Sungyeol couldn’t help but want to learn a little more about her. But only if Myungsoo had wanted to share some things about her that is, because as much as Sungyeol’s curiousness was piqued, the topic could easily be a sore subject for the younger boy. And Sungyeol didn’t want to hurt the other by having him bring up memories that he didn’t or couldn’t share just yet, but he’d thought he’d ask anyway.
 

If Myungsoo said no, he’d just respect the other’s answer.
 

So swallowing the piece of scone that he had been eating, Sungyeol eventually asked, “We have a little time… Want to tell me a bit more about your mom? You don’t have to if you don’t want to, but she must have been a great woman for you to love her so much…”
 

Blinking back a tear or two at Sungyeol’s sudden question, especially since he hadn’t been expecting it and was quite surprised to hear Sungyeol even ask since Myungsoo wasn’t really supposed to talk about his mother with his father unless the other man was cursing him for living instead of her, that Myungsoo had kind of wanted to share the other woman with his soulmate. At least for a little while, because as much as he shouldn’t talk about her - It had always hurt his father when he had done so and Myungsoo really wasn’t worthy of being someone that could talk or even grieve about her either - It had still been a really long time since he had been able to mention something about her to anyone at all. But since Sungyeol had asked, Myungsoo felt the need to answer.
 

Shakily beginning to type - a little bit slow due to his inexperience with his phone, but also quite touched and more than a little relieved by everything that had happened that day so far - fortunate to have someone like Sungyeol that had wanted to know something about his mother as well, it was a minute or so later that Myungsoo handed off his phone, only for Sungyeol to read:
 

Wonderful… She was kind, nice, and smart, and she was always there for me… For my father. She made the best food and she was always willing to speak to me. She was even better than me at sign language and she always made me laugh… She was amazing and I loved her - I still love her, even if - Never mind… I wish that you two could have met… I hope this isn’t too forward of me, but I think she would have liked you - She would have loved and cared for you.
 

.
.
.
 

'Would have liked you. Would have liked you. Would have liked you.
Loved and cared for you… 
Loved. Loved. Loved.
His mother would have loved and cared for you…
Jesus… I- I can’t… 
Oh, Myungsoo…'
 

Suddenly stunned at what Myungsoo had told him, unable to imagine Myungsoo saying something like that. Even if it was something that Myungsoo would have said in a heartbeat and about him as well, Sungyeol was pretty sure that the woman wouldn’t have liked him at first, never mind love. So Sungyeol couldn’t help but be a little skeptical towards Myungsoo’s words. 
 

Myungsoo was her baby and with how Sungyeol hadn’t been the best to Myungsoo at first - something that Sungyeol hadn’t been able to forgive himself for, despite trying his best to make his behavior up, she probably would have had at least a couple of reservations about him. 
 

Then adding the fact about Myungsoo was mute and seeming to be a little - Sungyeol couldn’t really think of a good word, but fragile was kind of suitable - Sungyeol couldn’t help but feel as if the other woman would have been a little bit wary of him. At least until he would have been able to prove himself that is. But as much as Myungsoo’s words were shocking to see and were something that he had disagreed with, Sungyeol couldn’t help but welcome the warmth and sincerity anyway. Myungsoo was so sure the other would have loved and cared for him, the other having taken a small risk - having been brave, Sungyeol…
 

Sungyeol could only close the gap between the two of them as his lips were quick to meet Myungsoo’s, his heart pounding at the gesture - at needing to be a little bit closer to the other, Sungyeol can’t help but find himself starting to kiss the other. While Myungsoo, more than a little bit surprised and unable to do anything but think about how Sungyeol tasted like cinnamon and 'Oh god, this is my first kiss… What do I do? What do I do? Why? Why? Why? What do I do?'
 

Sungyeol can’t help but stop a couple of seconds later, finally realizing what he had just done, at how Myungsoo wasn’t kissing back, Sungyeol is quick to break the two of them apart. But instead of asking the other if he had been okay, if what he had done was wrong, Sungyeol can’t help but find himself blurting something that he was going to ask the other a little bit later, once he had eased Myungsoo into it, instead:
 

“Would you meet my parents this Wednesday?”
 

While Myungsoo, beyond confused and shocked and unable to register the rest of how he was feeling - a rollercoaster of emotions, could only look at the other, question in his eyes:
 

Huh?
 

Feeling beyond stupid for asking that instead of what he should have asked, Sungyeol can’t help but make amends, “! Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that just yet… I should have asked you if were okay… I should have asked for permission… I’m sorry… I’m sorry…”
 

Eyes widening at Sungyeol’s apology, at how nervous Sungyeol suddenly seemed, something of which he had never really seen before, Myungsoo finds himself subconsciously his lips to taste them, easily tasting the cinnamon from his scones and something that was purely Sungyeol, Myungsoo can feel himself turning more than a little red. However, realizing that Sungyeol had actually wanted to kiss him - him of all people - even if Myungsoo had done nothing more than act like a dead fish when he had been kissed, obviously too shocked to do anything back, Myungsoo colors even further when Sungyeol continues on, “I know I should have asked, should have warned you or something, especially since I’m pretty sure this was your first kiss and I wanted to make it special… To kiss you more than once, but god… I ed things up again… I’m sorry I’m such a up, I didn’t mean to scare you Soo-ah.”
 

Feeling a sudden panic start to overwhelm him at the thought of Sungyeol’s words, especially since Sungyeol had done no wrong and it was he that had been the one to screw everything up, Myungsoo can only grab his phone to type - to make Sungyeol understand… 
 

It’s not long before Sungyeol eventually reads:
 

Not your fault. I’m the one that had messed up - I’m the one that froze, that did nothing… You did nothing wrong, nothing… I… I liked it. I liked what you did, but I was surprised. I never expected… I never expected you to do that to me, but you did and it - it made me so happy and it’s not your fault. It’s not your fault to share those types of feelings with me. I wasn’t scared or anything like that… I’m sorry I ruined it. I didn’t mean to. I didn’t mean to ruin it… Our kiss…
 

Feeling laughter bubble inside his chest, at how Myungsoo had thought - Myungsoo being quite sweet and pure and completely Myungsoo, Sungyeol can’t help but let that laughter loose a minute later. Laughing so hard that he can barely breathe, Sungyeol finds himself apologizing once again as he continues to laugh, joy infused in his voice… His actions, that it’s moments later that Sungyeol can finally compose himself, calming himself down. 
 

Now ready to do what he should have done in the first place, he can only ask, “Before I kiss you again - if I can still do that, that is, will you come to my house on Wednesday to meet my parents… It’ll be super casual since my brother’s bringing his soulmate as well, but my parents really want to meet you and they probably won’t be able to wait much longer. So will you go?”
 

Even more nervous than had had been before, but knowing that he couldn’t let Sungyeol or his parents down - he couldn’t ruin this for Sungyeol as well, especially since Sungyeol had been extremely good to him throughout everything, Myungsoo can only nod in response. While Sungyeol… He can only give Myungsoo a soft grin of gratitude, before he’s asking that million dollar question once again, “You’ll be okay if I kiss you, right? All you need to do is follow my lead, I’ll take things slow, you won’t ruin it, okay?” 
 

Myungsoo, unable to stop himself from nibbling on his lip, finds himself replying a moment later, he types a shaky yes into his phone. Sungyeol can only grin as he slowly, yet cautiously leans back in, this time with a little more care than he had before, he finally closes the gap between them as he lets himself think:
 

'Our first kiss may not have been perfect, but we can only go up from here.'  

XXX

While at school, about ten miles away from where Myungsoo and Sungyeol were at, Woohyun had finally uttered his first words to his crush as Tao could only hide a snicker into his hands… Who’d expect their cousin’s tattoo to be:
 

Jesus, you’re such a -