Minho sat down beside Sungmin in the sand. A large umbrella shielded them from the strong sun, and a towel kept Sungmin’s clean. The beautiful boy was leaning back on his elbows, smiling slightly out at the ocean. “Do you like swimming?” he asked.

“It’s hot over here,” Minho replied, glancing down at his soaking, tanned torso, “and the water is really nice at this time of the year.” He was quiet for a while, but then gazed sideways at the equally silent person. “You helped out Wook earlier.”

“It’s getting easier,” Sungmin replied gingerly, “two months have passed now…and you’re around to distract me too.”

Minho barked out a laugh, poking the boy with his knee. “Is that all I am? To other people I’m nothing more than a conscience too. It’s like I have no other significance.”

“Hmm, I don’t know,” he chuckled, “it’s been nice though…having someone who thinks clearly around, I mean.” Sungmin pushed his sunglasses up, black hair fluffing up. “…I kind of like here. I look gross tan, though.”

“You look fine no matter what,” Minho rolled his eyes, but then paused and looked the other boy up and down, “then again…maybe you do look good all white and smooth.”

“Go back and play in the water!” he exclaimed with a huff, pushing the sunglasses back down and flopping onto the towel.

Minho smirked, pushing his damp hair back before bending down and stealthily kissing those lips. He jumped back, running off before Sungmin could hit him or yell at him.

“Why did you just do that?” he shouted, covering his mouth heatedly.

“Second time since I’ve confessed!” Minho sing-sang, laughing and diving into the water.

Sungmin sighed, cracking a tiny smile before collapsing back on the towel. The first time had also been the second he let his guard down. Maybe he should’ve just stayed alert around Minho from then on. Then again, maybe he didn’t really want to bother – not that he liked the obnoxious boy…well, not quite. “He’s a sweet kisser,” Sungmin mumbled humorously, chuckling to himself. He was slowly closing his eyes for a nap when his heart nearly stopped. Bolting upright, Sungmin stared after the person climbing towards the edge of a cliff. It’s not the same one…it’s not the same one… He knew those words were true, yet there he was, scrambling to chase after whoever was nearing the brink. The beach, location, everything was different.

But some things are impossible to forget…to let go of.

“Hey! What are you doing?” Sungmin shouted, steps abruptly slowing when he realized who was unsteadily traipsing along the rocky surface. He watched the boy turn around, their eyes locking within a moment. “…What are you doing, Ryeowook?”

“Huh?” he shrugged, blinking a few times against the strong rays, “I…was just thinking.”

Sungmin took a few stops forward, keeping his eyes steady. “It sort of that we had to come to the beach, right?” he remarked casually.

“Yeah,” Ryeowook smiled a bit, “I wasn’t too happy about that…are you having fun though?” he asked, a twinge of awkwardness entering his voice.

“A little jumpy is all,” Sungmin answered honestly, hands in pockets, “but I bet we’re in the same boat…or something.”

“No, no, we are,” he affirmed, laughing lightly, “…it’s hard to try and explain to other people.” Ryeowook titled his head back, posture shifting as he studied the edge of the cliff. “I guess I’m waiting for it to happen…maybe I could stop it.” He shook his head, “…I’ve just been thinking about that time lately.”

“Any particular reason?” Sungmin questioned, finding it extremely odd how comfortably they were falling back into conversation. Then he remembered something wonderful. They had been friends far longer than they had been lovers. Time heals everything – no matter how lame that sounds – Sungmin was beginning to realize how true those words were. Given enough days and hours, months and minutes, friends could be friends again – so long as they were the true-type of friend.

The other boy sighed, rolling his neck. “Things are—”

“—Ryeowook!” Mir called, “Sungmin!”

They turned towards the approaching figure, smiling and waving. Mir joined the pair, puzzlement sweeping over his features. Sungmin was the first to ask, “What’s up?”

“I…I mean,” Mir fidgeted, gulping hard and then saying, “I wasn’t – I didn’t know you two were talking again.”

“Only sort of,” the black haired boy explained, grinning tentatively at Ryeowook who quickly returned it, blushing softly. “But more importantly,” the smile turned into a smirk, “I see you’ve started doing something with Dongwoon? How come you didn’t tell us right away? Are we not friends anymore?”

Mir’s eyes widened in horror and realization, “I’m so sorry. I—I didn’t mean it like that—!”

“—he’s playing with you,” Ryeowook giggled, touching Mir’s arm affectionately, “We should…all catch up,” he side-glanced at Sungmin, “because it’s been a long time now.”

 “Tonight?” Sungmin prompted.

“Tonight,” they agreed.

And all the while, none of them could see their onlooker’s misunderstanding eyes.