Mino loved mornings the most, because he would always see the same scene - Jinwoo feeding their cats. Bey, his sphinx cat, was the smallest and he fed him with a small bottle of milk, cradling him lovingly in the arms. Rey, another Jinwoo’s cat was sitting on the sofa and eyeing Mino, who stood in the aisle, drinking his coffee. Mino wanted to read Rey’s mind and understand why he seemed to hate Mino. Rey would never go to Mino and eat when Mino was feeding him. He didn't play with Mino either and every time he had this death glare that scared Mino a lot. But Bey was cute and loved playing with Mino.

 

“So will you join me for shopping today?” Jinwoo asked, yawning. He woke up earlier than others just to feed all their cats and dogs. Mino always found it sweet.

 

“Of course. SeungYoon said not to leave you alone on the streets. Our fans may kidnap you!”

 

“I doubt that!” Jinwoo chuckled, letting Bey go. The latter run toward Mino, playing with his fluffy slippers.

 

“Good morning!” Taehyun croaked, passing by them and heading straight to the fridge. SeungHoon was already there, cooking ramen for them. Taehyun tried to steal some ramen, which SeungHoon protected at the cost of his life. SeungYoon joined the fight soon, protecting Taehyun and they both stole ramen while it wasn't even cooked yet.

 

“These kids! Take an example from Mino! He never behaved like you! Have you heard about patience?” SeungHoon nagged, pulling maknaes from the stove. In the end, he had to cook additional portions, not to leave other members starving.

 

After a sound breakfast, Mino and Jinwoo went out to the Hongdae for shopping. Mino made a remark about Jinwoo’s outfit, saying that he was dressed too prettily, attracting attention of the people, passing by them. Jinwoo couldn't understand what he meant by pretty, as he wore all black underneath an apricot coat that he bought in Sweden. Anyway Mino was extra attentive, literally guiding Jinwoo by the hand from one shop to another. This exhausted him, because he didn't want to be surrounded by their fans, otherwise they would have to go home.

 

In one of the shops, which Mino wanted to check, they met Zico and Mino knew that hiding was no longer possible, because his friend was the most noticeable. They chatted a bit while Jinwoo was looking around, when he finished Zico invited himself to join their shopping adventure and Jinwoo agreed. The shopping was much funnier with the three of them, but something looked strange to Mino. He never noticed Jinwoo to be so gullible but it looked like he got closer with Zico and they had fun chatting, while Mino followed them behind. This continued from one shop to another, as Zico followed Jinwoo everywhere, helping him with clothes.

 

Mino would have never been jealous about something trivial like this, but it was his first time to be left out, like he wasn't even with them. Jinwoo’s laugh irritated him, something that he never thought will happen. Maybe because he was laughing on Zico’s jokes and not Mino’s. They almost passed by the shop that Jinwoo wanted to go the most, and Mino called them, saying dryly:

 

“Didn't you want to go there, Jinwoo-hyung?”

 

“Ah! Right! I almost forgot about it!”

 

Mino couldn't help but feel a slight pang in his heart and he tried not to look offended. They went inside and Zico asked:

 

“Did you want a snapback Jinwoo?”

 

“No, I wanted to buy one for Mino as Christmas present! So?” Jinwoo finally addressed to Mino, beaming at him. Just one his smile and Mino’s bad mood was gone. “What do you like?”

 

“You are the one giving me a present, right? Then you choose!”

 

“Okay!” Jinwoo smiled playfully, pointing out at the most boring looking hat. “This one?”

 

“No! Why this one?” Mino frowned.

 

“Then this one? This? Or this??” Jinwoo was teasing him, choosing random hats. Mino smiled, capturing his hand and leading him to the other row. He spotted the hat which he wanted once he stepped into the shop, but he needed to tease hyung. It was an unnecessary skinship but he still did it in front of Zico. He walked with Jinwoo’s hand for longer than necessary before he finally stopped, using Jinwoo’s hand to point at the hat he liked.

 

“Ya! You already knew what kind of hat you want! Why did you tease me!” Jinwoo pouted, reading his mind. Something that Mino grew to like a lot.

 

“Wow you have a nice taste hyung!” Mino even more, receiving a playful hit on the arm, before he tried the hat on. “What do you think? Does it suit me?”

 

“Um! It looks cool!” Jinwoo smiled broadly and Mino felt the need to do another thing.

 

“Can you fix it? I don't know if it's okay?”

 

Jinwoo gladly helped him, fixing the cap. Mino restrained from grinning, because of another skinship. But it wasn't the end.

 

“So? If you like it, I'll buy!”

 

“Yes! I want it!”

 

“Okay!” Jinwoo smiled and Mino used the chance to hug him off hand.

 

“Hyung is the best!”

 

“Okay!” Jinwoo patted him, laughing.

 

“Strike! I won!” Mino thought while looking at Zico, whose eyes were glued to Jinwoo.

 

Mino thought everything would be like before, but Zico occupied Jinwoo again, showing him different shops. In one of them he even bought him a scarf that Jinwoo liked. It caught Mino off guard, because he didn't remember his childhood friend to be so attentive to s, except for SeungYoon, with whom he was close enough.

 

Zico behaved like a stranger to Mino, he was careful with what he was saying to Jinwoo, taking care of him and he even treated Jinwoo with a hot coffee. When they finally parted and Zico left, Mino felt relieved. He could finally talk with Jinwoo and have his undivided attention. But Mino couldn't forget his best friend’s weird behavior and promised to find out why he was behaving like this.

 

Even though there were still two days before the Christmas, Jinwoo presented his presents to s the day he bought them. Everyone liked it, especially SeungYoon who had to hug Jinwoo after receiving a customized notepad. Mino find it strange that seeing members being affectionate with Jinwoo was completely normal. But it differed with Zico.

 

Next day Mino and SeungYoon were writing a song together in the studio. Mino decided to write a message to Zico, trying to find out his hidden intentions. Subconsciously he already knew the answer, but it seemed too unbelievable for him.

 

Surprisingly Mino didn't even had to think hard about what to write and how to ask him, when Zico was the first to ask about Jinwoo. Moreover from all the questions in the world, he asked this one:

 

“I was wondering… Is Jinwoo single? I'm just curious.”

 

Mino re-read it three times, feeling his stomach unpleasantly squeeze.

 

“What the ?” Mino went outside, calling Zico right away. He was never been this nervous before.

 

“Bro! What kind of questions do you ask off hand?”

 

“I'm just curious? So, is he single?”

 

“Why do you need to know this? Is someone interested in him?”

 

“What is I say yes? Is he single?”

 

Mino was getting irritated by how pushy his friend was. It was getting too weird. He answered him “yes” and Zico’s relieved sigh on the phone troubled him even more. But it wasn't the end, as Zico finally confessed:

 

“Listen… We’ve been texting each other since yesterday and I don't think he gets it, but I want to date him for real.”

 

“What kind of joke is that?” Mino threatened.

 

“I'm not joking. Since you are close to him I wanted to inform you that I'm going to pursue him.”

 

“Are you serious? You’ve never been interested in guys, what the ?”

 

“I'm not interested in guys, I just want to be closer to Jinwoo and other stuff… listen, don't think bad about it, but I really like him! I need to go, see ya!”

 

Zico hang up, leaving Mino in a state of complete confusion.

 

“Other stuff??? Like? What?! What the he just said!” Mino returned back to the building, looking everywhere for Jinwoo. He found him with the others in the recording room.

 

Mino froze not knowing what to say. He trusted Zico on the part that Jinwoo didn't get it, so he wasn't sure if he should warn him about Zico’s hidden intentions. Moreover he still couldn't believe that his friend wanted to date Jinwoo. Mino helped SeungYoon direct the recording, checking on Jinwoo from time to time. The latter was constantly on his phone, typing something, and Mino eyed it suspiciously.

 

“What type of conversations do they have? Has he told him already?” Mino pondered, thinking about how to sneak and have a look on Jinwoo’s phone. He rarely took his belongings, but when he wanted to play he usually lent it from Jinwoo because he stored the best games. But it wasn't the time to play, so he said, not delving into details.

 

“Jinwoo-hyung, can I have your phone for a while? Mine is running out of battery!” Mino noticed his startled expression, but he quickly smiled, hiding his phone in his hoodie.

 

“Sorry, mine is almost dead. 5 percent!”

 

Mino froze, looking in disbelief at Jinwoo.

 

“Here you can use mine,” SeungHoon offered and Mino took it, still in shock. He didn't expect Jinwoo to lie him in the face. This only stirred up his irritation.

 

When it was Jinwoo’s part to record, he went with his phone - something that he never did. He would usually just leave it on the table or on charging. But now he turned it off, still keeping it in the pocket of his yellow hoodie.

 

“He definitely lied to me! If his phone was running low, then he would have left it charging… Why did he lie to me? What is he hiding? Did he lie for Zico?” Mino held his hands in fists inadvertently, looking stiff. SeungYoon noticed his death glare in the laptop and asked if he was feeling bad. Mino excused himself and just left to grab some coffee downstairs. He tried to distract himself by talking with Tablo hyung and it worked for a while.

 

When Mino got back to the studio, Jinwoo was already gone. SeungYoon said he went to eat, but Mino hadn't crossed ways with him. Closer to the lunch time, the members realized that Jinwoo’s clothes weren't in the studio and he wasn't even in the building.

 

“Maybe he went to meet with a friend?” Taehyun suggested, but Mino retorted right away:

 

“No, he barely goes out without informing us!”

 

“It’s a normal thing to go out without warning. Plus he is a hyung! Chill Mino, let the guy socialize!” SeungHoon laughed at Mino’s tense behavior.

 

“Oh! He wrote to me!” SeungYoon exclaimed, looking at his phone. “He said he went to meet his friend. He will be late!”

 

“With whom?” Mino almost snatched his phone, re-reading Jinwoo’s message several times.

 

“As you see he didn't mention! Why are you so curious?” SeungYoon scolded, returning his phone.

 

“You are weird Mino!” Taehyun added, all the members eyeing him suspiciously.

 

Mino didn't answer, and the next five hours turned into a hell, as he constantly thought about Jinwoo and Zico and what they were doing together. They get back to the dorm, but despite hoping to found Jinwoo there, the latter still wasn't at home, which made Mino restless. He tried to distract himself by playing with cats and it helped for some time.

 

Mino was playing with Bey when he noticed that Rey run to the hall, meowing at the front door. Jinwoo was probably behind it, so Mino jumped up, heading there and checking in the eye of the door. Jinwoo was really outside, by the lift, but he wasn't alone. Zico was standing with him, holding his hand. Mino felt how his heart literally stopped, as this scene was too familiar. Like in movies… Zico suddenly pulled Jinwoo to the entryway and Mino couldn't see them anymore…

 

He put on the first shoes that he saw and went out of the door, sneaking discretely to the entryway, to listen to their conversation.

 

“Zico… you are so weird the whole time! What's happening?”

 

“I don't think you understand this… So I need to confess…”

 

Before he could even think about it, or plan it, Mino left his cover, his voice stale from anger.

 

“What are you doing?”

 

Jinwoo bounced away, both were startled by Mino.

 

“You freaking scared me, Mino!”

 

“Jinwoo, go inside, I need to talk with Zico!”

 

“Can I finish first?” Jinwoo suddenly retorted, surprising Mino. He never heard such an irritated tone from Jinwoo before.

 

“Hyung please, go inside,” Mino repeated, softly this time.

 

“It’s okay Jinwoo, we will talk tomorrow!” Zico smiled, seeing Jinwoo off.

 

“Bye then!”

 

Mino didn't know anymore what angered him the most: that Jinwoo sweetly smiled to Zico or the way he crossly looked at Mino, passing by him. When Mino was left alone with Zico, the latter scoffed him:

 

“Did you really have to ruin it? I was about to tell him!”

 

“I know and I don't want this!”

 

Zico was caught off guard with how determined he said this. He didn't like it at all.

 

“Not like you can decide for Jinwoo. This has nothing to do with you!”

 

“This has everything to do with me! He is a member of my group! So I'm telling you to forget this idea or what you feel for him and let him go!” Mino plainly threatened, but not discouraging Zico at all.

 

“Now listen to me! I was not joking when I said I will pursue him! I'm serious about Jinwoo and I don't care that you are against it! It's for Jinwoo to decide will he date me or not. Don't meddle with this! You get it?” Zico retorted, not leaving a room for objection. He left, pushing Mino aside. It was the first time for them to fight like that and he realized that Zico was really serious about Jinwoo. Which somehow worried him. The only way to stop this, was talking with Jinwoo.

 

Mino returned to the apartment. He found Jinwoo in his own room, paying with Rey, who just like his owner gave him a dark glance.

 

“You were rude! Not only toward Zico but me as well…”

 

“Jinwoo listen…”

 

“It’s Jinwoo-hyung for you!” Jinwoo scoffed at him. Mino gulped, closing the door carefully.

 

“Hyung, listen! You just left for half a day without saying anything. And since when are you so close with Zico?”

 

“Are you jealous?”

 

Mino felt his heart fell to the knees. But gladly Jinwoo was oblivious as always.

 

“Jealous that Zico spends time with me and not you?”

 

“Am I a kid for you? I don't mind your friendship, I don't like you getting close!”

 

“Why?!”

 

“Because… because…” Mino couldn't muster up the courage to say this. Jinwoo lost his temper, standing up and scolding him:

 

“You are so childish Mino! Go grow up before behaving like a spoiled kid!”

 

For the first time in his life Mino hated their age difference that let Jinwoo treat him like a younger brother. They were never on the same level.

 

“You don't know him and his intentions!”

 

“What kind of intentions? He is not a person like that! He treats me well and even offered to write a song for my solo!”

 

“What? Why would you even need this? I can write it for you!”

 

“The thing is, I already asked you to write a song for me! I know you are all busy with different projects and stuff. At least Zico cares about me and he already wrote a song!”

 

“Jinwoo, you don't understand anything!” Mino sighed in frustration. Their conversation was disturbed by SeungYoon who called them for the supper. He noticed the tension and didn't took his eyes off of them the whole time while they ate. After it, someone called Jinwoo and he answered with a happy smile, plastered on his face. He hurriedly went to his room, shutting the door before Mino’s nose. SeungYoon who witnessed all of this, pulled Mino to his bedroom for a talk.

 

“Did you fight with Jinwoo?”

 

“Sort off…” Mino looked down, playing with Bey who sneaked into his room. Mino could play with Jinwoo’s cats for hours and not sneeze at all.

 

“What happened, tell me? You are behaving weird since morning!”

 

Mino sighed, surrendering. SeungYoon was the closest to him in the end.

 

“Jinwoo is getting closer to Zico… He was the one Jinwoo went to meet with today.”

 

“So? You sound like a spoiled child! I know you love hyung the most, but let him have friends from outside of Winner!”

 

“It’s not about this! I'm just worried that fans will interpret it weird!”

 

“Fans always interpret what they want to see. Since when did you start to care about those things? You always did whatever you wanted!”

 

“It’s just if he hangs out with him more often, he will become distant with Winner…” Mino was making excuses, not ready to tell him the truth.

 

“I don't think he will do it. Winner is his family. I know you want all his attention to you, but you can't be this greedy. Let him have his own social circle… Christmas will be in two days, I want you to apologize to him tomorrow morning! No one needs a tension in the group…”

 

 

 

 

 

It was the worst night for Mino. He couldn't sleep at all; constant images of Jinwoo and Zico in different variations flooded his mind. The worst thing was their possible skinship, like kissing, that terrified him the most. At the same time it was impossible to imagine Jinwoo doing such things. He was too pure and innocent to kiss a guy. This calmed Mino down, but he couldn't trust his friend on this part. The thought that Zico can initiate a kiss made Mino curse for an hour. It wasn't a simple jealousy anymore; Mino felt the need to protect his favorite hyung, at the same time he wanted to keep Jinwoo only for himself.

 

The morning finally came and Mino hoped that his reconciliation with Jinwoo would go smoothly. They were left alone for this, so Jinwoo wasn't surprised that he met only Mino in the kitchen. Jinwoo looked really good in pink fluffy sweater and black jeans. Mino beamed at him, but received only cold “Good morning”.

 

“We’ve done this many times for SeungYoon and Taehyun so let's make it quick. I'm not angry on you. But please try to respect my private life! I can make friends with anyone, just like you!”

 

Mino was caught off guard with his quite cold speech, and he snapped at him.

 

“You are so naive that you can't even understand why am I worried about you getting close with Zico! Don't you get it! He is interested in you! He fell for you and wants to date you.”

 

“Are you insane? Why are you talking bad about your friend?! How could you even think that he likes me in that way?”

 

“See? I told you, you are totally clueless about his intentions! Why do you think he occupies you and being so kind?”

 

“So people can't treat me well?”

 

“Dammit! He is in love with you!” Mino yelled looking in Jinwoo’s eyes as he held him by the shoulders. “Why it's so hard for you to understand that a guy fell for you!”

 

“But… he never…” Jinwoo stuttered in shock, but Mino didn't let him continue, as all of a sudden he captured his lips in a kiss. It felt like a blackout, as both of them stopped thinking completely, not able to make sense of what was just happening. Their bodies followed their minds, freezing instinctively. Mino pulled slightly as if realizing what he just did, both of them looked stunned at each other. But their mingled breaths automatically brought their lips together again. This time it was not just a brief brush, but a deep sensation of their lips moving together and their hearts beating desperately, running in circles. The kiss ceased too early for both of them and Jinwoo found strength to push Mino away.

 

“Is this some kind of bullying?” Jinwoo asked, looking like he was about to cry. Mino panicked, apologizing:

 

“No! I'm sorry! Jinwoo…”

 

“Don't touch me! Do you think you can joke with that?!”

 

“I wasn't joking!”

 

“Just stop! Leave me alone!” Jinwoo took a jacket and left apartment, slamming the door. Mino sat on the nearest chair, trying to understand why he kissed Jinwoo, but he was too engrossed in how good the kiss was. Now something that looked impossible before, was completely natural. Dating Jinwoo, kissing him and doing other stuff was now possible. And Mino didn't want Zico to have it all.

 

Mino went to YG building, hoping that he will see Jinwoo there. But he was nowhere to be found again and he couldn't help but fear that they would be together.

 

“Did you talk to him?” SeungYoon asked, when Mino joined him in the recording room.

 

“Yes… It went bad.”

 

“Just what's going on with you two?” SeungYoon stopped working, directing his utmost attention to Mino and even turning his chair, so he won't escape this conversation.

 

“Before I tell you what happened… I want to know your true opinion. What would you thought if one of us, I mean winner members, will date a guy?”

 

SeungYoon burst out laughing, definitely not expecting this coming.

 

“I'm serious!”

 

“Well if you’re serious, it's a private life of this member, so I'll just congratulate him and advise not to be open with it!”

 

“What if that was Jinwoo?”

 

As Mino thought SeungYoon stopped smiling. He looked stunned and serious.

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

“The reason why I was against Jinwoo getting close to Zico was because of this reason. Zico likes him in that way, he wants to date Jinwoo... for real.”

 

“Are you serious just now?”

 

“Unfortunately yes!”

 

For a very long moment there was a grave silence: SeungYoon just stared at the floor, pondering so hard with wrinkles on his forehead. Mino started worrying for him.

 

“Say something…”

 

“Have you talked to him? Can you talk him out of this idea?”

 

“I tried… He will not give up. He is really into him!”

 

SeungYoon sighed desperately, rubbing his face in frustration. Then he said what Mino didn't expect at all.

 

“I can't let this happen! I will not let him date or even touch Jinwoo!”

 

Mino was stricken with his cross words; he couldn't help but guess something: “Do you like Jinwoo?”

 

“He is very dear to me! I don't want him in this way, but it doesn't mean I will let other guys admiring at him!” SeungYoon’s answered earnestly. Mino was thinking just the same as SeungYoon… but it was before this morning kiss that was still in front of his eyes, in his mind and on the lips.

 

“We are all possessive toward Jinwoo…”

 

“I know him for four years! I know everything about Jinwoo! I have a place to be possessive!”

 

“I envy you… You and Taehyun are close to Jinwoo, you understand each other without even talking. While I still have to earn his trust…”

 

“Jinwoo is just a person who can’t open up easily.”

 

“Yet he is closer to SeungHoon than me!”

 

“SeungHoon understands people well, so he knows what Jinwoo feels.”

 

“I don't even have anything in common with Jinwoo. I want to get much closer to him, but I can only watch him from afar.

 

“But at least you get his special attention! He treats us like a hyung, but he treats you differently. He cares about your feelings and he never teased you for being fat or having dark skin. He is the first one to always comfort you. Your friendship took time to develop and become closer. I noticed you both care about each other. So you don't need to be sad about it or act shy…”

 

“I can't help it…” Mino smiled, turning to the laptop. SeungYoon’s words cheered him up.

 

“Do you like him right? Look me in the eyes, when I'm talking to you!” The leader turned Mino’s chair to him again, repeating his question. “Do you like Jinwoo?”

 

Mino felt his heart jumping out from his chest from nervousness. He gulped, finally confessing. “I think I like him… in that way… I kissed him this morning.”

 

“You did what?!” SeungYoon gripped him by the jacket. Mino had never seen him so fierce before.

 

“I kissed him…” Mino closed his eyes right the moment SeungYoon raised his hand for a punch. But nothing happened, because Jinwoo came in the studio, startled by the scene.

 

“W-what happened? Why are you fighting?”

 

SeungYoon rose from his chair, pulling Mino after him and they both stood in front of still confused Jinwoo. The leader suddenly ordered Jinwoo: “Punch him!”

 

“W-what? What for?”

 

“He kissed you. Punch him!” SeungYoon repeated, looking fierce. Jinwoo gasped, looking mad at Mino: “You told him?!”

 

“Yes… I guess I really deserve a punch! So do it!” Mino mustered up his courage, looking Jinwoo in the eyes. The latter squeezed his fists, but didn't budge.

 

“Do it Jinwoo!”

 

“I can't!”

 

“I said do it!” SeungYoon compelled. Jinwoo took Mino’s hand and bit hard the soft part of his palm. Mino yelled from pain: “Ouch!”

 

“Are you both satisfied now?!” Jinwoo yelled at them, feeling stupid to even participate in something childish like this. As if punching Mino’s face or biting his hand will compensate the fact that he stole Jinwoo’s first kiss.

 

SeungYoon sat in the chair, looking pleased, while Mino rubbed his palm where Jinwoo’s teeth were imprinted. Jinwoo sat on the sofa, addressing to Mino:

 

“You were right about Zico. He confessed to me…”

 

“What did you say to him?” both Mino and SeungYoon held their breaths, looking at Jinwoo.

 

“I told him I need time to think… I don't want to hurt his feelings and ruin our friendship.” Jinwoo answered, standing up and leaving. He showed that he didn't want to continue with this conversation, so Mino and SeungYoon didn't push further.

 

When they were back to home in the evening, SeungYoon and Taehyun were feeding and playing with cats and dogs, while the other three were setting up and decorating their first real Christmas tree. SeungYoon was ordering around, until the boys snapped and told him to be quiet. In the end the tree and fairy lights adorned their living room. Everything was ready for the Christmas party.

 

The leader was the first to go sleep, while Taehyun and SeungHoon stayed, watching Dara noona’s show. Mino wanted to talk to Jinwoo once again, without any witnesses now. So they locked in his room, both standing awkwardly in the narrow space.

 

“About what happened this morning,” Mino started shyly. He couldn't help but be super nervous now, because he knew what he wanted to ask Jinwoo was out of any comprehension and he was sure to get another bite or punch. Still he was tired of thinking about it the whole day. He took a deep breath to continue, but Jinwoo interrupted him suddenly:

 

“Um… that kiss… I was thinking about it and something bothers me… can we repeat that again?” Jinwoo whispered the last part and Mino stopped breathing. He could have not even asked him, because this is what he was going to do.

 

Mino overcame the distance in one second, capturing his face and freezing for a moment just centimeters away from list lips. Their breathes burnt the skin and Jinwoo closed his eyes, giving Mino an unspoken permission to claim his lips, which the latter did in a soft and slow smooch. It was short like a spark, leaving both of them craving for more.

 

Jinwoo dared to look Mino in the eyes, seeing flames flicker in his pupils. Their foreheads pressed and breathes mingled as one. Mino brushed his lips briefly again, murmuring: “I think it's not working… Maybe we should try again?”

 

Jinwoo simply nodded and Mino’s lips were on him again. This time pressing forward, devouring his lips with new urgency. One of Mino’s hands wrapped into his soft locks, the other pushed on his hip, guiding Jinwoo backward until he hit the shorter against the closed door and pinned him to it, the latter’s back pressing against the wooden texture. This slight bump made Jinwoo moan against his mouth and Mino captured it, pushing his tongue deeper in his mouth. This kiss was so much richer, a completely different kind of passion. Jinwoo couldn't go on so fast without breathing so they parted, both breathless.

 

“How about now?” Mino whispered, his gaze dark. Jinwoo was still catching up on his breath, his hands on Mino’s heaving chest. They hugged before but never felt their bodies like this close. All the awkwardness was gone as well as many other unspoken things. But it only piqued more questions and Jinwoo wanted to quench his curiosity.

 

“I think something is still lacking here…”

 

Mino smirked, his grip on the smaller’s waist tightened, as he pulled Jinwoo from the door, leading him steadily to his bed.

 

“Then we should try changing positions?” Mino murmured against Jinwoo’s lips, hugging his waist now with just one hand, which pressed their bodies together until there was nothing between them. His other hand slipped from his back and settled on his . Jinwoo flinched, still unwilling to push him away and Mino dared to squeeze that part, feeling completely new excitement. He just broke another wall between them and didn't want to stop.

 

Jinwoo groaned, reacting on Mino’s touch which sent fire across his skin. He was the first to lunge forward and initiate a kiss, biting and Mino’s lips and that's what he was waiting, tugging Jinwoo back, until they both fall on the bed. The sensation of their tongues and lips moving together in pure pleasure, their bodies molded into one, their insides knotted with new excitement and their skin coming alive by the touch of their hands that run from place to place, never settling as they were making out in some kind of ecstasy.

 

They could never imagine that their bodies would feel so warm against each other, so right and safe. Mino felt the trembling of Jinwoo’s body underneath him and the beat of his heart that matched his own. Mino bit his lip for the last time and continued kissing his neck, the sensitive part under his ear that made Jinwoo’s moan resonate in the room. This probably what made him finally get back to reality and Jinwoo swiftly pushed him away, escaping his bed.

 

“Wait! How was it?” Mino stopped him by the wrist, panting.

 

“Something is still off… Should we try later again?” Jinwoo grinned, looking daring, something that Mino has never seen, and he couldn't help but be amazed and smitten by Jinwoo.

 

“Definitely!” Mino let him go and Jinwoo giggled, escaping his room.

 

 

 

 

SeungHoon came to the kitchen, still looking drowsy. He was about to cook breakfast for the team members, but he saw Mino already fussing in the kitchen. It was unusual to see him cooking, especially this early in the morning. He made omelets in Japanese style, writing on it the names of the members with ketchup.

 

“The heck are you doing?” SeungHoon’s voice startled him and he tried to cover the plate he was working on.

 

“Nothing! Just a surprise for all of you!”

 

Taehyun came into the kitchen, taking a glass of water and drinking it mindlessly. He was about to go back to his bedroom when he suddenly turned around, only now noticing what Mino was doing.

 

“Mino-hyung you cook? Omelets?? Oh you even wrote names on it! But I want kimchi!”

 

“Then get yourself kimchi!” Mino was back to his work and SeungHoon sneaked closer:

 

“Hey why only Jinwoo has a heart around his name?? I want it too!”

 

“No! This is only for Jinwoo!”

 

“Hey, I want a heart too!” Taehyun nagged, and Mino snatched the plate, before others would ruin it.

 

“I'm your hyung too! Why you don't like me!” SeungHoon pouted.

 

“Don't you see he is in love with Jinwoo-hyung. He probably dreams about his sparkling eyes every day!” Taehyun teased and SeungHoon joined the battle of who will be the first to annoy Mino to the limit. They loved citing Mino’s words from interviews.

 

“Jinu-hyung! So handsome! His sparkling eyes, so pretty and innocent!”

 

“I hanker Jinu-hyung the most!”

 

“Jinu-hyung improved the most. He got even prettier!”

 

“So handsome! I keep looking at him even without knowing!”

 

“Shut up!!!” Mino snapped at them, the cat line burst out laughing, totally pleased with themselves. “That's why I don't like you! You keep bullying me!”

 

“Jinu-hyung wake up! Mino is confessing to you here!” SeungHoon shouted in the hall, receiving a punch in the side. While Taehyun took a ketchup to secretly add “I ♡ u” on Jinwoo’s omelet.

 

The door opened, revealing a drowsy leader, who nagged at them: “Why are you yelling early in the morning! Shut up and let me sleep!”

 

“Wait where is Jinwoo?” Mino asked, sneaking into the room. Jinwoo’s bed was empty. SeungYoon sighed, telling him bad news.

 

“He left… he went to amusement park with Zico.”

 

“What?! Why didn't you stop him? You said you were against their relationship!”

 

“I am! But he was so happy about it and I couldn't help but let him go!”

 

“What if they got closer? What if Jinwoo says “yes” to him?”

 

“Then you don't have a chance but to let him go...”

 

“I won't!” Mino yelled at him, leaving the room. He took his jacket and left, slamming the door.

 

 

 

“All these walls that I've been trying to break and get through, you’ve built them anew! What should I do? How can I reach your heart?” Mino raged inside, while he was on his way to the amusement part. He had no idea how he will found them, but he couldn't let go of Jinwoo. He had to do something before it would be too late.

 

The park was crowded because it was the last day before Christmas and people were having fun. Mino walked around the place, trying to find familiar silhouettes in the crowd. His heart was beating painfully as different images of them flooded his mind.

 

Suddenly he saw then in the french windows of the coffee and pastry shop. They were sitting in a cozy and very romantic place, drinking hot chocolate with marshmallows. They were smiling, looking at the phones and showing each other pictures that they probably took before. Jinwoo’s smile was so bright and he looked happy, enjoying time with Zico. He didn't even look like that when the two of them and SeungYoon had fun in the airport. Jinwoo was sitting close to Zico and Mino could see how their hips brush intentionally, how Zico stares at Jinwoo with the look of love.

 

Jinwoo was telling Zico a very long story and he was happily gesturing and mimicking his face, amusing the latter. Everything about them screamed “love and happiness” - the things that were tearing Mino’s heart apart. He could never imagine that it would hurt this bad.

 

Mino wiped the tears that somehow pooled in his eyes and cleared his voice, before taking a deep breath and entering café. They didn't notice Mino until the moment he stood in front of their table.

 

“You left again without saying anything…”

 

“I told SeungYoon,” Jinwoo said, looking stunned at Mino.

 

“But not to me!” Mino pulled the chair, sitting in front of them without invitation. He felt unwelcomed as well.

 

“Why are you here?” Zico smiled, daringly placing his hand around Jinwoo’s chair.

 

“I like Jinwoo and I'm not giving him to you!” Mino stated confidently, looking at Jinwoo. The blush on Jinwoo’s soft cheeks gave him hope that it wasn't over.

 

“You like him? Since when?”

 

“Since I understood that I'm losing him… I love him. I just don't know what to do with my feelings or how to make him fall for me, but I'm sure I love him. He was always in my mind, but I couldn't realize this until just recently…” Mino smiled, eyes glued to Jinwoo’s wet ones. “I'm sorry Zico, but I will not let him go!”

 

“I know…” Zico sighed, looking at his cup defeated. “Jinwoo rejected me yesterday evening.”

 

“What?” Mino stared dumbfounded at them.

 

“He broke my heart. But unlike you I'm letting him go…” Zico chuckled painfully, trying hard to look cool. Jinwoo squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring smile:

 

“I still want us to be friends!”

 

“Of course! I will always be by your side! If he hurts you, tell me, I'll fix his brain. And attitude!” Zico scowled at Mino.

 

“Sure!” Jinwoo chuckled.

 

Zico smiled back to him, standing up and wearing his jacket on.

 

“Take care Jinwoo! And you…” Zico threatened Mino with a death glare. “Don't it up!”

 

Zico left the coffee shop and for a moment it was silent, before Jinwoo mustered up his strength to explain the situation.

 

“I called Zico after we kissed in your bedroom. I feel there is something between us and I don't know if I'm in love with you… but what I know for sure is that I don't want to lie Zico about it. So I called him and told everything. I broke his heart and I hate myself for this! But I hate lying the most!”

 

Mino nodded to his words. Jinwoo was still kind and innocent no matter what and Mino respected it.

 

“He said I owned him a real date, so I wanted to have our last date like this. I was trying to raise his mood, but of course you ruined everything!” Jinwoo stood up, wearing his jacket.

 

“I'm sorry!” Mino apologized, following him silently as they left the park to catch taxi and head back to the studio. Even though most of the artists were resting and spending time with families, winner members wanted to work and record on the last day before the Christmas. Jinwoo ignored Mino and the latter knew he deserved it for acting recklessly.

 

Jinwoo finished recording his part first, and then he went to the hall where Seungri and Jiyong were chatting and joined them, gluing himself to the latter as a loyal fan. Mino and SeungYoon finished after Jinwoo, joining them in the hall. They had to watch how Jiyong and his number one fan were sweet to each other. For a moment Mino wanted to tell Jinwoo to stop staring at Jiyong. It was something that he wanted to experience, but Jinwoo always forgot about everything when it was about Jiyong.

 

It seemed that the whole evening was going to be like this. Even in the house Jinwoo ignored Mino, talking only with SeungHoon. He even cuddled on the sofa with Taehyun and their cats, as the maknae was showing him something funny on the phone. Mino had to go and shut in his room to entertain himself with music and drawing. Christmas always brought people together, so Mino hoped that Jinwoo will give him another chance tomorrow.

 

Mino didn't notice how he fell asleep on his bed with his sketches and music, still playing in his earphones. He was deep in his dreams when he felt a familiar touch on his lips. In his dream Jinwoo was giving him a sweet kiss and he didn't want to wake up to ruin it. He parted his lips and felt a real taste on it. When Mino opened his eyes he saw Jinwoo’s ones, gasping in surprise.

 

“Jinwoo?”

 

“It’s Jinwoo-hyung for you!” He tried to look angry, but failed, smiling sweetly. Mino caressed his cheek, feeling relieved that Jinwoo wasn't mad at him anymore.

 

“I thought you are ignoring me…”

 

“I was! Until Taehyun showed me this!” Jinwoo giggled, showing him a photo of his omelet on the phone with his name and a heart from ketchup. Mino blushed.

 

“This was very sweet from you! I'm sorry… you probably felt really disappointed that I have left...”

 

“It’s okay,” Mino smiled, feeling so happy that Jinwoo could understand him well even without saying anything. He snatched his phone, putting it aside. Then he pulled Jinwoo down until he was safely pinned underneath him, face to face. Mino couldn't tear away from Jinwoo’s gaze, he whispered to him:

 

“When it's just the two of us, you're not my hyung, but my boyfriend. So I will call you Jinwoo and you call me just Mino.”

 

“Okay, Mino.”

 

“Good!” Mino smiled, brushing his lips in a warm and slow kiss. He smiled to the kiss, as Jinwoo answered, hugging his back. Cuddling like that with Jinwoo and kissing him was so surreal. Mino could have never imagined that he would want this so much and even much more. In the back of his mind he thanked Zico for finally opening his eyes.

 

“You said this morning that you love me. I want to know why?” Jinwoo asked, as they parted.

 

“And why did you always treat me specially?”

 

“I-I don't know. Maybe because we weren't really close… I mean before.”

 

“Just this? You are lying to me Jinwoo.” Mino smirked, kissing his neck and whispering against his skin. “We did most of the skinship and we have been the most comfortable around each other. Yet none of us realized that we like each other?”

 

“I guess it's like that. Then we need to thank Zico for this discovery!” Jinwoo giggled, feeling ticklish from Mino’s breath ghosting on his sensitive skin. “Why are you sniffing me?”

 

“Because you smell good. I just realized that!” Mino smiled, moving a bit on the place so that he was snuggling Jinwoo from the back. The latter froze, realizing that their bodies were too much close and Mino’s hand settled on his stomach pulling him even closer. He also felt pleasant warmth on his back. He didn't know that Mino emitted so much heat. It was another new revelation for both of them.

 

“Let's sleep together this night,” Mino covered them with a blanket.

 

“But SeungYoon?”

 

“He is already sleeping and he won't notice that you are gone. Don't worry, I'm not going to attack you!” Mino chuckled, enjoying his blushing face.

 

“I wasn't even thinking about it!”

 

“But… will we try it one day?” Mino asked seriously, looking at his face. Jinwoo simply nodded and Mino broke into a wide smile, kissing his cheek and laying back to his place. Jinwoo felt peaceful warmth enveloping his body and he realized this was the place where he wanted to be the most.

 

 

 

Jinwoo and Mino went for an early Christmas mass in the church the next morning. Since they were the only religious in the group, they enjoyed it. After that, close to the noon, Mino invited Jinwoo to have a quick dinner in his favorite coffee shop. Even though they promised members to be back early, Mino wanted to spend some time with Jinwoo in private, where he could freely gaze at Jinwoo, not fearing that members would caught him on this. They were used to stare at each other, but now they felt like blushing and melting from overwhelming feelings. They both explored a new world to them, called dating.

 

Members were already in the middle of preparations, busy with cooking food when Mino and Jinwoo got back home, both exhilarated. They were punished for being late and looking all happy with cleaning and table serving. But they weren't expecting them to have fun doing this together.

 

“Something happened? What are you whispering to each other?” SeungYoon eyed them suspiciously.

 

“Nothing?” Mino stepped away from Jinwoo. But two minutes later he was again glued to him.

 

They sat around the table close to the evening. The living room was festively decorated with lights. The Christmas tree and the table full of delicious food were the center of attention in the living room. It was their first time to gather and celebrate Christmas. Usually they were all celebrating with respective families, but not this year.

 

Winner's conversations were always mostly about food, tv-shows, music and dramas. For almost four hours they exhausted all the subjects, looking at each other and thinking what to do next. Jinwoo suggested them to watch a movie, but they were a bit tipsy so no one could last till the end of the movie without falling asleep.

 

“Let’s play a game then!” another idea was declined.

 

“No, Jinwoo is creepy when it comes to games!”

 

“Why am I creepy?” Jinwoo pouted, but Mino came to the rescue, defending him:

 

“Don't mind SeungHoon. He is just envy that you always win!”

 

“So are we going to do? Maybe dance??” Taehyun offered.

 

“Yeah, how about turning this place into a disco house and ruining the peaceful celebration of all the residents of this house!” SeungHoon mocked him and Taehyun rolled his eyes: “Hyung you are no fun...”

 

“Finally!” SeungYoon yelled, looking up from his phone. “YoungBae-hyung called us to join the party with Big Bang sonbennims!”

 

“Hooray! We are saved!” Taehyun exclaimed, standing up.

 

Jinwoo was about to follow, when he felt a tug on his hand. Mino gestured him to stay.

 

“Hey! Aren’t you going?” The leader asked.

 

“Um… actually I’ll stay, clean the mess. Plus I'm tired and I want to sleep early!”

 

“How about you Mino?”

 

“I'm drunk and I feel sick… I better stay!”

 

“You should eat less and stop stuffing your mouth like a pig!” SeungHoon mocked him. Actually Mino faked his state; he wasn't drunk at least to that level. They succeeded at convincing their members to continue without them, so soon they were left all by themselves.

 

Mino helped Jinwoo to clean the table and wash the plates. After that they settled by the Christmas tree with cups of hot chocolate and cats snuggled on the pillows. It was so silent and peaceful.

 

“Um, by the way! I almost forgot!” Mino left for a moment, soon returning back with a small box. “This is for you!”

 

“But you bought me a game already!” Jinwoo was genuinely surprised to receive another gift from Mino.

 

“That present for a hyung, this one - for you, my boyfriend!”

 

Jinwoo blushed, smiling shyly. He opened the box, taking out a scarf and a matching hat in bright violet color.

 

“Let me help you!” Mino helped Jinwoo to put them on him. The hat had two pompoms on the strings attached to the hat, so Mino pulled them, bringing Jinwoo’s face closer to him and stealing a quick kiss. “You look cute! And this scarf suites you much better than that one that you wore recently.”

 

“Don't tell me you bought this, so I will stop wearing the scarf that Zico bought me!” Jinwoo eyed him suspiciously. As always he was right.

 

“What if yes? I’m your lover now and I want you to wear clothes that I'm buying to you!”

 

“Okay! Jealous Mino!” Jinwoo giggled happily. He looked so adorable and fluffy that Mino couldn't resist kissing him, tasting his sweet lips. Jinwoo moved, closing the gap between them and pressing his lips firmly, his hands wrapping around Mino’s neck. Mino scooped Jinwoo on his lap, holding him gently to the contrast of their bold kisses.

 

“C-can I touch you?” Mino murmured, slightly stuttering from being nervous or maybe excited. Jinwoo couldn't tell for sure, he was busy trying to calm down his racing heart. He nodded, watching Mino taking off his hat and scarf, then his sweater. Jinwoo trembled a bit, being left in just a white shirt. Mino pulled Jinwoo in for a kiss again, warming him up in his hands, fingertips against nerve points on Jinwoo’s neck and back until they reached the lower part. Jinwoo arched his back instinctively, welcoming a bolder touch and Mino followed, squeezing with desire the small of his back. Jinwoo moaned between their lips, trembling as he never thought he would need this touch so much, just like Mino.

 

“Wait!” Jinwoo pulled away, his face completely red. Right at this moment someone called on his phone.

 

“It must be SeungYoon…” Jinwoo leaned, reaching to his phone, while Mino peppered his neck with kisses, his hands caressing his soft thighs. When Jinwoo saw the caller identity he gasped, pulling swiftly away from Mino and answering the call: “Yes! Merry Christmas Jiyong-hyung! Oh… really? Yes hyung! Okay, we will come! Yes, bye!”

 

“Hey! But we planned to stay here!” Mino pleaded, looking hurt.

 

“It’s Jiyong! He invited us!” Jinwoo stated with no room for objection, as if it was a president who just called them and no one rejects a president.

 

Mino sighed heavily; Jiyong was the toughest competitor, judging by Jinwoo’s love and admiration to him. But he wasn’t going to give up.

 

Jinwoo wore on his sweater, hat and scarf back. When he finished, he gave Mino a sweet smooch, reassuring him:

 

“We will continue when we get back home!”

 

“And I can touch you wherever I want?” Mino whispered, holding him by the waist and enjoying his blushing face.

 

“Maybe?” Jinwoo smiled shyly, looking at his chest. His reaction was very cute and Mino chuckled, raising his chin up; his eyes found his beautiful doe ones.

 

“I will be looking forward then!” Mino leaned, giving him a kiss that was more like a promise. A promise of loving and trusting, shared between two people who wanted one another in so many ways, more than physical. It was their way of saying “I love you”.

 

They giggled, helping each other to put on the jackets and walked off into the Christmas night.

The end