Once he’d made it outside, Xiumin ran away from Namsan Tower as fast as his feet could carry him. He wasn’t sure exactly where he was going, but he needed to get away quickly. He didn’t want to see anyone right now either. He knew that Chen would be looking for him and would most likely be worried, but he couldn’t face him—or any of his dongsaengs—which put the dorm out of the question when Xiumin began thinking of where he wanted to go. At this point, he was still running through the streets, wearing his suit and dress shoes. He eventually found himself at a small park, out of breath and out of energy. He made his way to a bench and collapsed onto it. He held his head in his hands and just let himself cry. In his pocket, his phone was buzzing as someone tried to call him. Xiumin sat up slightly and took it out. Chen’s caller ID lit up the screen, causing Xiumin to cry harder as he thought about what the other could be feeling right now. He turned his phone off and slid it back into his pocket. He hid his face in his hands again, not really wanting anyone who passed by to see his tear-streaked face. He tried calming himself down, and while he did even out his breathing, his tears didn’t seem to stop.

           “Excuse me? Are you alright?”

Xiumin lifted his head and peered up toward where the voice had come from. A boy stood a few feet from his bench with concern painted on his face.

          “Are you okay?”

          “I-I… I’m f-fine…” Xiumin choked out, tears still coming from his eyes.

The boy came to the bench and sat beside Xiumin. He laid his hand on his back and tried to get a good look at his face. Xiumin let out an uneven sigh, trying to gain enough control over himself to speak to the boy.

          “What’s wrong? Because you’re obviously not okay,” the boy pointed out.

          “It’s nothing. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m just a stranger in the park anyways,” Xiumin said.

          “All the same, I’d rather that no one cried alone. Even if they’re just some stranger in the park,” the boy smiled at him.

          Despite his situation, Xiumin couldn’t help but notice how nice the boy looked. He had straight, dark hair, and his fringe brushed over his eyebrows, concealing them from view. His eyes appeared warm and friendly, especially now that he was smiling. He could be an idol if he wanted, Xiumin thought. While the boy’s smile had momentarily distracted him from the issue at hand, Xiumin’s thoughts couldn’t help but wander back to his problems. Perhaps talking about them and getting someone’s advice could help.

          “Well… You see, I—” Xiumin hesitated, not really sure how this boy would react to him admitting he was gay.

          “I’m gay,” Xiumin finished, not really caring anymore.

           “Okay? And…?”

           “And my boyfriend’s parents don’t approve of me—or of him being gay for that matter. I just met them and… His father disowned him.”

           “Ah. I see. That is a bit of a problem. What did his mother say?”

           “She didn’t say anything. His father disowned him and left the three of us at the dinner table. I just… I couldn’t be there anymore, because I-I… Well I mean, look at me, I’m kind of a mess,” Xiumin said.

The boy looked at him closely, taking in his every feature.

          “I don’t think you’re that bad… I mean, you seem like you’re pretty handsome. And even after crying, you don’t look that bad,” the boy said reassuringly.

          “Thanks,” Xiumin let out a half-hearted laugh.

          “Anytime,” the boy said with another smile.

Xiumin gave a small smile in return, before continuing with his story.

          “I don’t really know what to do… I love him, but his parents don’t want us to be together. I don’t want to come between his family and him or be the reason he is disowned.”

          “To me, it sounds like there are only a few options here…”

Xiumin looked at the boy, hoping that he might have a clue as to what he should do.

          “And they are?”

          “Well, the one I don’t really recommend, because it is rather obvious and probably not your best choice… You could break up with him. It would solve the issue with his parents and could give you more options for your future.”

Xiumin’s eyebrows furrowed, and he bit his lip.

          “That’s not your only idea is it?”

          “No,” the boy said, smiling, “the other idea is to talk to his family. Not necessarily his dad, but try talking to his mom and if he has siblings, talk to them too. They might not be totally against this. After all, you said his mom didn’t say anything after his dad left. She might not mind so much.”

Xiumin considered this for a moment. Jong Deok had pretty much made it clear that he didn’t like Xiumin, but Chen’s mother… She might be the answer to his problems.

          “I take it you like the sound of that idea much more,” the boy said, seeing Xiumin’s face light up as his mind processed what had been said.

          “Yes… And it might work. It’s definitely a start! Thank you so much!” Xiumin said, hopping up from the bench.

          “Of course,” the boy said, smiling once again.

          “I need to go now! I have to work this out, but I really appreciate your help!” Xiumin said, beginning to walk away.

As Xiumin walked out of earshot, the boy closed his eyes and held his hand over his heart.

          “Anytime… Anytime you need help, I’ll be here… Min Seok.”

          As Xiumin hurried back to the dorm, he turned his cell phone back on. He hesitantly looked at how many missed calls and text messages had piled up on his lock screen. He unlocked it as he continued walking. He had 28 missed calls and 46 text messages from all of the members, asking where he was and if he was alright. He opened Chen’s messages to see what he had said.

          Where are you?_6:47pm

          Are you okay?_6:48pm

          It’s going to be okay. I promise._6:50pm

          Please come home soon. Everyone is worried._6:53pm

          I’m worried._6:54pm

Xiumin picked up his pace as he saw the text messages. He sent one back, letting Chen know he was on his way back. He avoided the busy areas and kept his head down, not wanting to attract any of the fans’ attention. He was lucky none of them had spotted him running down the street or at the park crying. He didn’t want to push his luck any further. He made it back to the dorm and as he approached the door, Chen came out, closing it behind him.

          “Are you alright?”

Xiumin smiled and shrugged.

          “I will be. Are you?”

          “I’m better now that you’re here.”

Xiumin nodded, but didn’t move any closer.

          “Chen, I’m… I’m not giving up. Not if you don’t want to. I… I love you, and to me, this is something that’s worth fighting for. If you want to give up, I guess I under—”

Xiumin was cut off by Chen pressing their lips together. Chen’s arms wrapped themselves around Xiumin and pulled him close. A bit surprised at first, Xiumin stiffened but soon relaxed in Chen’s embrace. After a moment or two, Chen pulled back, still holding Xiumin in his arms.

          “There’s no way I’m giving this up. No way am I giving you up, Minnie-ah. Don’t even think that I’d let you go. I’ve told you before, and I intend to stay true to what I said… Saranghae, Min Seok-ah,” Chen murmured softly.

Xiumin tucked his face in the crook of Chen’s neck, hugging him tightly.

          “Saranghae, Jong Dae,” Xiumin said against Chen’s skin.

Snow began falling slowly as the two embraced. Seeing the first flakes fall for the first time that winter, Xiumin smiled. And if the popular belief about the first snow was correct, Xiumin supposed that staying with Chen forever didn’t seem like that bad of an idea.

A/N: Annyeong~ This was an interesting chapter to write... A little bit of fluff at the end to smooth some things over. The boy from the park will play a part in the story later~ Thanks for reading! PLEASE comment, subscribe, and upvote if you enjoyed <3