At lunch, Wonwoo couldn't find Mingyu and decided to sit with his friends that day. In the past three weeks, Wonwoo would usually eat with Mingyu, together alone or with his group of friends. It was kind of awkward at first but Wonwoo soon felt his friends accept him a little bit. Occasionally, Mingyu would sit with Wonwoo and his friends, but they weren't too open to him. They'd make the atmosphere more awkward than they had to, keeping quiet conversations and hardly eating at all. Wonwoo scolded his group of friends soon after their meals, angry about how awkward they made it for Mingyu.

As Wonwoo approached his table of class mates, they all looked up at him, no one speaking. Then Seungkwan spoke, his loud and sassy voice piercing the air.

"Oh hey Wonwoo. Glad to have you back at our table. Say, where's pretty boy?"

The group snickered at his comment, Wonwoo ignoring it and sitting down. He didn't answer his question, them then going back to what they were doing. Vernon patted his back, whispering into his ear.

"It's ok man, they're just jealous they aren't as good looking as him. I missed you though, you never spend time with us anymore."

Wonwoo looked at Vernon who had a sad look in his eyes. Wonwoo shrugged, pulling out his now cold bowl of noodles.

"I don't know man. Mingyu and I have gotten close lately and I don't want to just leave him."

Vernon nodded, orange Cheeto dust off his fingers.

"And I get that dude, I totally do. You guys fit together, like puzzle pieces. It's just that we miss you, that's all. The guy seems pretty chill."

Wonwoo blushed at how sincere Vernon was being. He then thought about telling Vernon his...secret.

"Hey Vernon, I actually gotta tell you something but...can we go somewhere more private?"

Vernon nodded and got up, pushing his laptop onto the table. He announced that they were going to the bathrooms then walked away, Wonwoo following him. As they got outside the cafeteria, the hall ways were quiet. Vernon turned around a corner and stopped, Wonwoo facing him. He took in a deep breath, his heart beating wildly in his chest.

 "So, I meant to tell you this before but I didn't know how you would react and now that you and the others are a bit concerned about me, I guess I should just tell you."

Vernon nodded, Wonwoo noticing the worried look in his eyes. When Vernon was worried, his face was usually blank but a sort of blank face you would make if you felt sick or nauseous. Wonwoo gulped again, taking in another deep breath.

"Well, the thing is...I'm hanging out with Mingyu so much is because...I like him...and...I'm gay."

Wonwoo didn't dare to lift his head, afraid of what his best friends reaction was going to look like. He just wanted to run away and hide forever, embarrassment and shame coming over his body. Wonwoo felt a small tear gather around his left eye, him blinking it away before feeling Vernon's hand on his chin, lifting his head. Wonwoos eyes were wide and surprised to see Vernon calm and actually smiling a little. He then felt Vernon pull him towards him, embracing his tallness. Wonwoo hugged him back, letting a breath of relief leave his mouth. As he pulled away, Vernon smiled up at him.

"I'm so happy for you man. Like, I can't express it cause it's kinda weird but... I'm really happy for you, no joke."

Wonwoo felt a smile creep up his face, the tear finally flowing down his cheeks, dripping at his chin. Vernon wiped it away, smiling more up at him.

"You don't know how long I've held that in man...I've wanted to tell you sooner but I couldn't and now-"

Vernon stopped him from blabbing on, shushing him.

 "Shhh it's ok I get it. It killed you inside to not tell me, cliché."

Wonwoo narrowed his eyes at the boy, Vernon laughing loudly, covering his braces filled mouth.

"So you like Mingyu?"

Wonwoo blushed, nodding at his question.

"And does he know that?"

Wonwoo sighed, shaking his head. He leaned into the wall next to them, the cold tiles against his arm.

"The thing is, I don't even know if he's gay or not. So like..."

Vernons face fell at he comment.

"Dude...that ... BUT ITS OKAY! Just try to kiss him and find out."

Wonwoos eyes widened and he immediately smacked Vernon's arm, the boy howling in pain. He sighed and shook his head at the boy.

"That's not how it works, Vernon!"

The boy shrugged, still rubbing his upper arm.

"Usually works with girls but...I guess that's a different story."

Wonwoo looked at him like he was mad and wanted to walk away from him. But Vernon placed a soothing hand on Wonwoos shoulder, voice now soft
and delicate.

"But I'm serious...I'm glad you told me. If you didn't, I probably would have never known. And you having to suffer all this time just because you were afraid of my reaction? That breaks my heart. Promise me you'll tell me anything, no matter what it is, okay? I don't want to see you suffer alone."

Wonwoo felt the water works inside his eyeballs come to life and he just hugged Vernon to hide his leaking face. After he cooled down, the two boys walked back into the cafeteria, both feeling happy.

----------------------------

Mingyu sat watching the clock, waiting for the bell to sound loudly all over the campus, letting all the students free. As he watched the time tick by, Mingyu began to feel more and more anxious. He tried not to think about the fact that Wonwoo was coming to his house, going to sit on his own bed and be in his room. Alone. Just the thought made Mingyus stomach churn and throat go dry. Wonwoos smiling face appeared in his mind and Mingyu wanted to scream; his face was so beautiful it hurt his heart. Is this what dying feels like? Mingyu couldn't help but wonder. He was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't even hear the bell ring, and suddenly looked around to see the room already half empty.

The boy quickly scrambled out of his seat, gathering the empty worksheets and still sharpened pencils laid about on his desk and shoved them into his bag hurriedly. As he approached the door, he heard his teacher call his name back into the room. Mingyu cringed, slowly backing up into the room and walking over to her desk.

"Mingyu, have you started your tutoring yet?"

His math teacher was very attached to Mingyu and it was kind of annoying. He knew she was doing it for his own good but he wasn't the only kid failing in that class.

"Yes I have one, we're actually meeting today after school."

Her old face lit up with delight, small crinkles forming around her eyes as she smiled at him.

"That's good, I'm glad you took my advice. Well I won't hold you in any longer, you may go now."

Mingyu smiled up at her, bowing quickly before running out of the room. As he jogged down the empty halls, Mingyu looked at a clock hanging high on the wall. Damn it, ten minutes already passed. Mingyu made his way down the hallways, pushing past people and shoving doors open harshly. He jogged down the path to the basketball courts, eyes searching frantically for jet black hair. He spotted Wonwoo immediately, sitting alone under the shade, watching a few boys play on the courts.

Mingyu was out of breath when he jogged over to Wonwoo, grabbing the boys attention. He took a seat next to the boy, body leaning heavily onto Wonwoos. Wonwoo was surprised by the sudden weight of his body but sat up straight to support it. After he caught his breath, Mingyu finally spoke.

"To my house?"

Mingyu stood up, sweat cooling on his forehead. Wonwoo nodded, looking down to avoid his gaze. After all these weeks of hanging out and being around Mingyu, Wonwoo still felt shy and intimidated by the boy. As they walked off campus and onto the streets, the silence engulfed them, but it was an okay silence.

As they approached their neighborhood, Mingyu decided to have some fun and pointed over a building for Wonwoo to look at. As soon as Wonwoo looked, Mingyu grabbed his backpack that was hanging loosely on his shoulder and ran as fast as he could down the path between the rows of houses. Wonwoo gasped loudly, watching Mingyu run a few yards ahead of him before he started to sprint after him, his leg muscles coming to life.

As Wonwoo chased Mingyu, they were laughing, the sounds echoing through the quiet neighborhood. They passed by Wonwoos house, Mingyu waving to a cat sitting on his empty porch before turning a corner, sweat already soaking his back side. The sun shone high in the sky, Mingyus vision blinded by the bright light. Wonwoo still ran after him, lungs aching for air as he huffed and puffed. As soon as Mingyu got to his house, he struggled to get out his keys, Wonwoo quickly rounding the corner. Mingyu hurriedly pushed the key into its lock, pushing on the door but it wouldn't budge. Wonwoo was already making his way up the porch stairs before Mingyu could block his attack, Wonwoos arm sinking into Mingyus stomach, the boy wailing loudly. Wonwoo stood breathing hard over Mingyus crouched body, his laughs muffled by his heavy breathing.

Mingyu then stood, throwing his keys into his bag and ringing the doorbell. He smiled down at Wonwoo, sweat glistening on his forehead as they heard footsteps approach the door. They could hear his mothers voice from the other side of the door along with objects being moved out of the way. As the door opened, Mingyu saw his mother, equally as sweaty as they boys. She hurriedly told the boys to come in, closing the door behind them.

"Hello Mingyu, who is this?"

Mingyus mother smiled up at Wonwoo, him returning the gesture. Mingyu put a hand on Wonwoos broad shoulder as he spoke, Wonwoo standing up straight.

"This is Wonwoo, mom. Do you remember him from kindergarten?"

His mother laughed and playfully slapped Mingyus arm as she breathed loudly.

"Why, I can't rememeber that far back! I'm old now Mingyu!"

The three of them shared a laugh before Mingyu and Wonwoo both slipped their shoes off.

"Anyways, mom, Wonwoos here to tutor me on math. What are you doing with the living rooms anyways?"

Mingyu looked at his disheveled house, couches and tables scattered all around the room. He was slightly embarrassed, not wanting Wonwoo to have a bad image of their lifestyle.

"Oh, I just wanted to rearrange the furniture a bit. Could you boys help me? I'm weaker now so I can't really move these heavy pieces without struggling. And your sister is no help either."

Mingyu laughed at his mother and began to move the couch. Wonwoo moved to the other side, the two of them easily lifting the large cushion. As they placed it down and began to move other things around to what Mingyus mother said, Wonwoo couldn't help but wonder what Mingyus sister looked like. It's been a while since he saw her; she was just a baby the last time he saw her face.

After they finished up, Mingyus mom thanked them and went to prepare some snacks for them. Wonwoo followed Mingyu down his hallway, pictures filling the walls of little Mingyu and his sister. Wonwoo stopped to look at one.

"Oh, yea that's me graduating eighth grade. I looked so different man."

Wonwoo felt Mingyu walk over to him, their arms brushing together. Mingyu had short hair that was out of his face, front teeth still straight and jawline always prominent. Wonwoo smiled to himself before turning, Mingyus face so close to his. He was looking up at another picture of himself as a baby, a bright blue bib on his chest, covered in chocolate. Wonwoo heard Mingyu laugh a little before looking down at Wonwoo. He could feel his breath against his lips and Wonwoo almost screamed but he stood so still, his feet frozen in place. Mingyu looked down at him, not saying a word, contemplating whether to lean in or not. Before either of them could say a word, a door opened and they were far away from each other in an instant. Out walked a little girl, maybe age 7 or 8, Wonwoo observed, turning to Mingyu and yelling as she spoke.

"Is Seongcheol here??"

Wonwoo blinked rapidly, the color on his cheeks slowly fading. Mingyu walked over to her and tried to shove her back into her room, speaking as he did.

"No he's not and please mind your own business and go read or something."

She began to protest but Mingyu closed the door on her, gesturing down the hall for Wonwoo to follow. As they made a right and neared a door, Mingyu began to talk.

"That was my sister by the way. She's annoying as hell."

Mingyu opened the door to his room, walking in and placing his bag on the floor. He made his way over to his closed windows, opening them to let the sun filter through the dark room. Wonwoo slowly stepped inside, looking at his walls full of soccer and other kinds of posters. Above his desk hung medals for numerous things and also
soccer trophies, all displayed on a shelf or pinned to his wall. Wonwoo let his backpack slide to the floor with a thud, making his way over to where Mingyu was sitting on his bed. There, he laid out his math homework, rumudging through his bag for a pencil and eraser.  As he sat with his legs crossed, Mingyu quickly began to shoot questions to Wonwoo about the problems.

"So, here I have to solve but I have no idea what to do first."

Wonwoo saw Mingyus cheeks go slightly red before handing him the paper. It took Wonwoo a few seconds to go over it before planning out the steps in his head. He took Mingyus pencil from his hand, pointing at the numbers and what they represent.

"So this 2 is the constant and it will always stay the same. This number is how many times you have to multiply the constant to get H, your solution."

Wonwoo handed the paper and pencil back to Mingyu, the boy nodding and starting on the problem. They continued like that, sitting close to each other with Wonwoo  watching over Mingyus shoulder, catching his mistakes or wrong doings.

Thirty minutes into the lesson and Mingyu was stuck on a problem. Wonwoo took the paper and described the formula to him, but Mingyu just groaned loudly, his brain aching.

"Sorry, I'm just tired right now and all this math his hurting my brain."

Mingyu laid down, his long legs hanging off the bed. Wonwoo sat still, Mingyus back fully against his bent knees.

"It's okay, I'll just do this problem for you."

Wonwoo got no response but felt Mingyu nod against the bed sheets. Wonwoo leaned back, grabbing his binder to write on before diving into the problem.

He soon got carried away, finishing the whole frontside of the last page in his homework packet. Mingyu was sitting, silently waiting for Wonwoo to finish. As he sat, he observed Wonwoos features, heart beginning to pound again as realization hit him: Wonwoo was sitting on his bed in his room and they were alone. Mingyu gulped, eyes widening at the thought. He let his eyes wander, from his jet black hair to his small eyes. The face he made when he was concentrating was so cute, Mingyus heart tightened in his chest. His lips, slightly pursed as he thought got Mingyus palms sweaty, him wiping them on his sheets. Sitting with His long legs, propped up onto the bed and his arms resting on either one, Wonwoo quietly looked over Mingyus answers, making sure they were right. He didn't even notice Mingyus gaze devouring his image in front of him.

Mingyu couldn't control himself as he crept on all fours, inching closer to the boy until he was right in front of him. He sat, holding in his erratic breathing before crawling under neath the sheet of paper between Wonwoos hands, binder falling to his side, sliding between his bent legs, practically sitting in his lap. Wonwoo was so surprised, his eyes widening so much it hurt. The paper slipped out of his hand as Mingyus face crept closer to his, Wonwoo now aware of Mingyus warm body laying against his. Wonwoo had no time to protest before he heard Mingyus voice so close to his face, closer than ever before. He murmured quietly to Wonwoo, his mouth barely opening as he spoke.

"You look so cute when you're concentrating."

Wonwoo gulped, his throat dryer than a desert, mouth opening to speak. Before he could, Mingyu interrupted him again, silencing him with a finger to his lips.

"Shhhh, my sister might hear."

Wonwoo held his breath as Mingyu removed his finger, closing the space between them, his lips softly falling onto his. They were warm and plump against Wonwoos, his eyes fluttering shut as he leaned even more into Wonwoos face. Wonwoo couldn't help but close his eyes at the touch, his body feeling like hot butter, about to melt any second. Mingyu pulled away after a few second to breath, nose brushing slightly against Wonwoos. The boy trapped between long arms was slightly dizzy, Mingyus smooth looking face still near his. Mingyu darted out his tongue to dampened his lips before leaning back in, fully kissing Wonwoo on the lips. Wonwoo wanted to scream, his heart bursting inside his chest. He kissed Mingyu back with so much passion, the sheets beneath him crumpled in his fists. Mingyu moved his mouth against his, turning his head to deepen the kiss, Wonwoo almost dying against his lips. He sighed a little, feeling Mingyu smile against his lips.

As they kissed, lips getting more and more swollen, Wonwoo felt Mingyus large hand settle on his hip, rubbing the area delicately. Wonwoo shivered from the touch, sighing again into Mingyus mouth. He pulled away, short of breath. Wonwoo quickly covered his reddened face with his hands, feeling his chest rise and fall with every breath he took. Mingyu pulled Wonwoos hand away slowly, covering it with his own as he placed it back down onto the sheets, attaching their lips again, not being able to get enough of his sweet taste. Mingyu kissed Wonwoo, his jaw working as he on his bottom lip, pulling it slightly into his mouth. Wonwoo swallowed back a moan, eyes falling shut as Mingyus teeth sunk into his lip. Wonwoo felt his pants stir a little, pulling away from Mingyu gingerly. Mingyu moved his head around Wonwoos face, leaving butterfly kisses all along his jaw, moving down to his neck where he began to lightly on one spot. Wonwoo had to put his hands against Mingyus chest, lightly pushing him away. Mingyu only inched back a little to look up at Wonwoo, a disappointed look across his face.

"D-don't leave a mark."

Wonwoos cute stutter and honesty filled Mingyus heart up with emotion. He sighed with relief and laughed a little down at Wonwoo, kissing him lightly. As Mingyu moved down and hovered over Wonwoos pale skin, he grabbed both his hips before nipping at the white skin, tongue darting out to its surface. Wonwoos mouth dropped open, a silent moan escaping his mouth. He placed a trembling hand onto Mingyus broad shoulder, pulling at the jackets cloth. He wanted to feel Mingyus warmth beneath his hands and tugged harder onto the jacket, Mingyu quickly getting the signal and throwing the jacket off his body. Wonwoo was breathing hard as Mingyu laid back down onto him, hips lightly brushing against his own. Wonwoo could feel his growing inside his pants and silently prayed Mingyu couldn't feel it. As he kissed his neck and collarbone, Wonwoo had to silence his moans with a hand to his mouth, leaving teeth marks around his skin. Mingyu sat up a little, stomach brushing against Wonwoos small hard on but barely noticing it. He pulled Wonwoo into his lap as he sat back, Wonwoos hands both landing on to Mingyus shoulders. Mingyu smiled up at Wonwoos embarrassed face, his lips and cheek the same color red. He brushed his jet black hair out of his eyes, cupping his face with both his hands. Mingyu laughed a little, Wonwoo smiling shyly and pulling his face away from his hands.

"Why are you embarrassed?"

Mingyu spoke softly to Wonwoo, the room soon darkening from the sun setting.

"Because I'm sitting in your lap."

Mingyu clasped his hands behind his waist, resting them there. He laughed up at Wonwoo, who covered his face again. Wonwoo adjusted his sitting so he was eye level with Mingyu, avoiding his gaze and instead observing his crumpled shirt. Wonwoo slid his hands down Mingyus chest, leisurely fixing the front of it. Mingyu suddenly pulled Wonwoos body into his, their lips brushing gently against one another's. Wonwoo gasped loudly, looking up at Mingyus eyes. They were dilated slightly, his beautiful face so close to his. Wonwoo smiled before extending his neck up to let their lips meet, mouths dancing once again.

When Wonwoo kissed Mingyu, it felt like a string inside him got plucked, and so many other strings followed its lead. A symphony of strings played inside his body, letting his mouth and mind flow with Mingyus. His whole body relaxed as the music continued to play, fueling him to hold him tighter, not letting Mingyu escape. He was the audience as the orchestra played, improving better and better, making sure to not loose his limited attention. Wonwoo moved his lips to match Mingyus, mirroring his every motion. He felt more in love with Mingyu as they held one another, tight in each other's embrace, holding on as if to never let go. It was an exuberant feeling, both never wanting it to end.

--------------------

It was dark outside and one small lamp lit up Mingyus whole room. The two boys sat on Mingyus bed, limbs entangled as they fed each other cold noodles and recited out loud different math formulas.

"Ok, what is the permutation formula?"

Wonwoo spoke loud and confident, mixing the bowl with a pair of chopsticks. He lifted the sticks, shoveling a big serving of noodles into his mouth, looking up at Mingyu for his answer.

" N permutates R, where N is the total value and R is the chosen one."

Wonwoo swallowed the noodles, it's slimy texture sliding down his throat. He smiled at Mingyu, the boy cheering loudly after finally mastering that formula. Wonwoo scooped a bunch of noodles onto his chopsticks, holding the bowl under Mingyus chin as he took a bite. He slurped up the veggies and sauce, jaw chewing rapidly as he ate, humming at the burst of flavors in his mouth.

As the sun disappeared from the sky and the moon came up to replace it, Wonwoo did one last check through of Mingyus papers. It was already late and Wonwoo had to get going but Mingyu prevented him from doing that.

"Mingyu, it's getting late...."

Wonwoo was sitting in the middle of the bed with Mingyus head on his lap, his hair as his eyes lids became heavy. At Wonwoos words, Mingyu sat upright, whining and pulling Wonwoo into his lap.

"No, don't leave yet."

Wonwoo smiled as Mingyu dug his face into the crook of his neck, lips smashed against his pasty skin. Wonwoo gently tried to detach Mingyu from him but the boy held onto him with a great grip, Wonwoo struggling in his hold.

"Y-yah, Mingyu. Get off of me."

Mingyu then leaned over, both of the boys falling onto the bed like a tower crashing. Wonwoo burst into a fit of giggles as Mingyu blew air onto his sensitive skin around his neck, hands sliding under his shirt to tickle his stomach.

"M-Mingyu-ah! S-stop it!"

Wonwoo couldn't hold back his smile as Mingyu continued to tickle him, hot air gushing onto his neck as he laughed along with the small boy underneath him. Wonwoo finally got a hand on his chest and pushed Mingyu up with all his strength, the boy getting up but trapping Wonwoo in between his strong arms. Their breaths were in synch, chests heaving up and down as they tried to get oxygen into their empty lungs. Mingyu stared down at Wonwoo, admiring his beautiful face and disheveled hair. He leaned down and did a push-up, gently placing his body on top of the boy and connecting their lips, Wonwoo happily answering the gesture.

Wonwoo s his hands up into Mingyus hair as he kissed him fervorly, opening his mouth to taste the salty reminants on his tongue from the noodles. Mingyu ran his hands along Wonwoos sides, head twisting and turning to deepen the kiss, slightly pulling up his shirt to feel Wonwoos warm skin underneath it. He gasped a little at the cold touch of Mingyus fingers, shivers running down his back. Before they could go any further, Wonwoo pulled away and sighed, Mingyu staring down at him. Wonwoo chose to speak, his voice a small whisper.

"I have to go."

Mingyu sighed, pushing off from the bed and sitting up, Wonwoo sliding off the comforter to pack up his things. He gathered his books and papers they ended up not using, zipping up his backpack and swinging it over his shoulders. Mingyu stood up and walked to his door where Wonwoo was waiting for him. He fixed Wonwoos hair, a crumpled nest on top of his head. Wonwoos face went crisom but busied himself with the front of Mingyus shirt, smoothing out the bumps and creases.

As they walked down the dark hallway of his house, Mingyu called out to his mom that he was going to walk Wonwoo home. He opened the front door, a gust of cold wind sending goosebumps down both their bodies. As they walked down the stairs of the front porch, Mingyu stood beside Wonwoo before lacing their fingers together and leading the way to his home.

They walked through the darkness in complete silence, but their hands and bodies did all the talking. Mingyu walked slowly, rubbing small circles onto Wonwoos smooth skin above his first knuckle. Wonwoo lightly leaned his head onto Mingyus shoulder, matching their short and slow strides. As they reached Wonwoos building, Mingyu had to force himself to let go, Wonwoo making the short trip up the stairs and quietly unlocking his front door. Before he walked in he turned around, Mingyu jogging up the steps and planting a small kiss on his lips before smiling down at the boy, hand caressing his neck.

"Good night, Jeon Wonwoo."

"Good night, Kim Mingyu."

Mingyu watched the door close, the beautiful jet black hair disappearing.