Ryeowook pressed his hand against Sungmin’s cheek, smiling warily at the pout on his lover’s face. “C’mon Minnie, cheer up,” he attempted, sliding his other arm around the black haired boy’s waist.

“It’s our first Valentine’s Day as a couple and we’re spending it with different people! How can you expect me to be okay with that?” he grumbled, nuzzling into Ryeowook’s warm palm.

Their bodies were close together as they stood outside, sun setting over the horizon. Long shadows were dragged through the trees, daring to graze them. February 13^th wasn’t particularly cold. In fact, the night was to near 40 degrees Fahrenheit with low winds. The weather was absolutely perfect for what Sungmin had in mind.

“I know, but we can’t do anything about it,” Ryeowook sighed. His eyes fluttered in surprise as Sungmin’s arm came around him, pulling them flush. “Hmm?” he mumbled, gazing up at the smooth skinned, dark haired beauty.

Soft lips pressed down on Ryeowook’s, washing away any and all chills that had been gnawing at his body a few moments earlier. The touch was exactly like he remembered years ago. They were able to move in synch, neither dominating but rather grasping on. It felt as if no one could see them, hear them, realize the secret rhythm created in their kiss. No matter how gentle the pressure, Ryeowook’s breath was always taken away.

When Sungmin pulled away, his eyes were lowered on the petite boy – absorbing the flushed features, red lips, reopening eyes…all of it. “Well…I guess I can forgive you if you spend the whole night with me.”

Ryeowook’s jaw slackened. “S-Sungmin?” he squeaked, looking around anxiously.

The words played back in his mind and then a dark blush was working its way onto his pale cheeks. “N-No! Not like that…,” Sungmin stuttered, backing up a little, “I just want to spend the first few hours of Valentine’s Day with you. That’s okay isn’t it?”

“Oh,” Ryeowook seemed to exhale with relief, “yeah, that’s fine. I want to be with you on that day too and now we can be.”

Sungmin frowned, lacing their gloved fingers together. “What? You don’t want to sleep with me?”

Ryeowook decided against answering that question, instead squeezing the other boy’s hand and heading off towards the Dining Hall.

***

The door clicked shut behind them.

Most of their dorm mates were sound asleep except for a few who were to be avoided at all costs. How bad would it look if two board members were sneaking around after lights out? They were abusing their positions in a sense. Not that it mattered to either of them.

Well, perhaps Ryeowook was a bit bothered but he could ignore it so long as Sungmin’s smile flashed every once in a while as they raced down the hallway.

Another turn, another hallway and then they were ascending a hidden staircase leading to the outside world. Ryeowook pulled his jacket tighter around himself, struggling to adjust when his hand was tightly held by Sungmin’s.

“Stop messing around Wookie,” his lover teased, noticing how much Ryeowook was troubled by his awkwardly buttoned coat.

“Sorry,” the president mumbled, stifling a small laugh.

Cold air washed over their heated skin sending chills running through their veins. The metal door was propped open by a pipe, ensuring they could get back inside without a hassle. Sungmin turned around after securing it to see Ryeowook willingly climbing a ladder.

“Why can you climb that so easy but struggle with the Cat Walk?” he remarked, following his boyfriend up through the chilly night.

“I don’t struggled with it anymore,” Ryeowook huffed, waiting patiently for Sungmin to get atop the platform.

“Is it because our best moments are in high places?” Sungmin asked, shuffling over to wrap his arms around the other boy for warmth.

Ryeowook blushed and hugged him back, spinning around in a circle to keep from falling over. “Maybe…,” he mumbled, considering the statement. Really, that could have been the case.

They sat down on the rooftop, legs dangling over the side of an upraised platform in the center of the area. It was the same sort of scene Ryeowook had experienced back when Henry still attended school. The only difference was the missing musician’s silhouette. Other than that, Ryeowook could still see the bright white moon, dark blue sky and everything in between.

Had Sungmin known about Ryeowook’s secret rooftop adventures? Rather, had Ryeowook accidentally told Sungmin about his secret rooftop adventures?

“What are you blanking out for?” the black haired boy nudged him, doe eyes shining in the night.

“I’m just remembering things,” Ryeowook answered softly, a pang of sadness stinging his heart. Henry and YoungSaeng were already moving on in life. It sort of felt as if Ryeowook was the only one left. Where did he want to go? Did he want to be a composer? Or were there other things…he closed his eyes, shaking away the thoughts.

It was almost Valentine’s Day. He should be thinking about the current situation. Looking into the future did nothing for him.

“Sorry, Minnie,” he apologized, leaning on the other one’s shoulder. “I’m happy right now…just with you.”

“I really wish sometimes that we could’ve had more of these moments,” Sungmin murmured, “you know, in the past.” His gloved hand covered Ryeowook’s. “Do you think high school would’ve been more fun if you had never known Kyuhyun?” The question was blurted – a horrible slip of the tongue.

Ryeowook blinked a few times, considering the question. The silence somewhat unnerved Sungmin but when he saw the former wasn’t upset, relief doused his panic. Really, why did such words come out?

“I…I guess no,” he said after a long moment, “because without him I would’ve never seen all of the things I saw.” Ryeowook smiled faintly, leaning forward so he could see Sungmin’s face more clearly.

“What are you talking about?” The latter raised an eyebrow.

“He was my motivation to make so many mistakes and without him, I’m sure I would’ve never met YoungSaeng or known what living was like.” Ryeowook heard the bell tower chime in midnight and without hesitation, he pushed up, lips catching Sungmin’s. He backed away then, grinning in amusement. “We should talk about other things. It’s Valentine’s Day now so no more talking about Kyuhyun.”

“That’s the first time I’ve heard you willingly stop talking about him,” Sungmin muttered.

Ryeowook frowned, “You’re spoiling the first minute of the holiday, Minnie.”

Sighing, he pulled the slim boy against his body and kissed him full on the lips. There was no point in venting his annoyance. They were together. It wasn’t Ryeowook and Kyuhyun anymore. That was the important thing.

Sungmin and Ryeowook. Ryeowook and Sungmin. Whichever way you put it, it sounded as if it were just the two of them. But he knew, he knew, it wasn’t that simple.

You can say “I love you” and you can say “I miss you”. Still, they’re just words. They’re just noises. Anyone can portray it but when it comes to reading the heart, surely the truth comes out.

Sungmin and Ryeowook weren’t “Sungmin and Ryeowook”.

“Sungmin and Ryeowook” could be read by a heart and exposed as Sungmin and Ryeowook, Kyuhyun.

But why spoil the present? Why spoil the lies? Sungmin deepened their kiss, eyes squeezing shut against the pulsating truth. Ryeowook was his. Someday, he would make “Sungmin and Ryeowook” the heart’s truth.