One chilly Saturday morning, Jinwoo was in his natural state of being curled up on the couch, wrapped up in blankets with a book and cup of tea when he received a call from Seungyoon.

He started talking as soon as Jinwoo picked up. He was barely breathing.

“Hey, calm down, I didn’t catch half of that,” the elder interrupted, though he was smiling. He could hear the excitement in Yoon’s voice and he just knew there was good news.

Yoon drew a few deep breaths. “Okay, okay, okay.” He paused. “Basically—I have a boyfriend now.”

Jinwoo smiled brightly, sharing Seungyoon’s enthusiasm. He put his book away and sat up a bit. “You can tell me all about it if you want!”

“I do! But, do you think we can see each other? We haven’t met up in a while and I want to tell you about it in person. If that’s okay...”

Jinwoo threw a glance around his living room. It wasn’t too messy, even though he hadn’t tidied in a while. He figured he could take care of the details by the time Seungyoon arrived. “Of course, I’d love to see you! Is it okay if you come over, though? I don’t feel like going out, but I do want to see you.”

“Oh—I’m flattered! It’s no problem really.”

Jinwoo felt himself relax with relief. “Great... I’ll be making cookies so you can tell me all about it while I work!”

“Cookies! Sounds amazing! I’ll be there in... Say, half an hour. See you then!”

Seungyoon wasn’t quite out of his daze even when he finished the retelling of how he ended up having a boyfriend. He was sitting at the table, cheeks rested in his hand, looking off into the distance and playing with one of the spoons Jinwoo had used for mixing.

“He’s such a goof,” Yoon was saying, smiling fondly at the thoughts. “But he’s also really kind and caring... He often slips in a thoughtful gesture, wrapped up in some silly joke so that I don’t notice how much he cares, but... He’s really a big softie. Gosh, I—I don’t know if it’s too soon for me to say, but I think I love him..”

Jinwoo was smiling the entire time. Having put the cookies in the oven, Jinwoo turned around to face the younger. “Hey, you know your feelings better than anyone. People have different views on the word love, and you’re not wrong either way. Say it if it feels right.”

Seungyoon listened with wide eyes, looking to Jinwoo as if he held all the answers of the universe. Then he looked down, and as much as he tried to stay serious for just one second, he couldn’t help smiling to himself again.

“I love him,” he muttered.

Jinwoo went over to Seungyoon and engulfed him into a warm hug. “I’m really happy for you, Yoon,” he said, letting the younger latch onto him.

Seungyoon heaved a contented sigh, nuzzling against Jinwoo for a little while. Then his head snapped up, startling the other a bit. “You should meet him! I mean—I would like to introduce you... Only if you want of course! Do you want to meet him...?”

Jinwoo’s smile widened, he felt his chest swell with pride and joy. “Of course I do! I’m so glad you want to introduce me.”

Seungyoon gave a toothy grin and tugged Jinwoo down onto the chair next to him. “Well—you are my best friend in Seoul. And because I’m not sure it’s safe to introduce a boy to my family yet, so you’re as close to family as I can get.” Seungyoon played with Jinwoo’s hand as he said this.

He didn’t know why he was getting so choked up. He could only get out a small, “Thank you.”

It was sudden and impulsive, but he was taken by the moment; Yoon leaned in and pecked Jinwoo’s cheek, but somehow the elder didn’t mind it. Immediately after doing it however, Seungyoon realized that he probably shouldn’t have been so forward – but then Jinwoo burst into a fit of giggles. Taking this as a sign that everything was fine, Seungyoon joined in.

Yoon’s next question however, made Jinwoo’s smile fade.

“So how are you and Mino doing?”

He shifted, gaze dropping to where Seungyoon was still holding his hands. “We’re... good.”

Hearing his tone, Seungyoon’s smile fell as well. “That doesn’t sound so good.”

Jinwoo shook his head, yanking his hands from Seungyoon’s hold. He curled up on the chair and hugged his knees. “But everything is good! It’s too good. And I’m just—sitting here and waiting for something horrible to happen because I can’t—I can’t wrap my mind around someone actually wanting to stay with me.”

He hid his face, shutting his eyes tightly. He immediately regretted going on such a rant; he should have stayed quiet about his feelings. Jinwoo speaking up about that always turned people away from him.

Seungyoon stayed quiet for a while, trying to analyse the situation and find the best thing to say. “You know... Just because something happened a certain way once doesn’t mean it will happen the same way in the future too—”

“Not once,” Jinwoo muttered under his breath.

Seungyoon needed another pause. “Alright, so it happened a few times. Yeah, that would make it difficult to have different expectations... but try to remember that not everyone is the same. Some people weren’t good to you, but that doesn’t mean no one ever will be.”

Jinwoo shook his head, angrily wiping away tears that dared form in the corners of his eyes. “I don’t know, Yoon... There must be a reason why everyone treats me the same.” He paused, sniffling a little. “Then again—I’m too stupid to walk away from people who are clearly bad for me. I—I'm so scared of being alone that I settle for anything—”

Seungyoon then understood that the problem was much bigger than what Jinwoo had mentioned so far. He saw it because Jinwoo’s statements often seemed unrelated, clearly referring to events and people Seungyoon knew nothing about. Therefore he had to be careful with his answer.

“It’s good to be aware of your flaws and strive to better yourself, but you shouldn’t ever blame yourself for others’ ty behaviour.” Yoon scooted closer; he wanted to embrace Jinwoo, but he didn’t think it was a good time.

“It’s not a sin to want people in your life – it’s normal, really. It’s not bad to want a fulfilling relationship. I mean... it would be ideal if you could just be on perfect terms with yourself and be able to be on your own, but that takes time. A lot of time. You have the right to your journey.”

Jinwoo looked at Seungyoon with eyes filled with uncertainty. He seemed to be searching for answers, although he knew that no one could give them. He needed to find them on his own, even if friends were willing to help out. Which he appreciated, of course, more than he could ever say.

“Hyung, if you really think that Mino is bad for you, you shouldn’t stay. I don’t know him very well, so I can’t say. All I know is that you glow when you so much as hear his name. But you should learn from past experiences and if there’s anything setting you off, end it.”

Jinwoo averted his gaze and stared at one spot on the table for quite some time. “There’s nothing setting me off. No red flags whatsoever.” He scrunched up his nose in thought. “There was this once...” Jinwoo shook his head. “But even then he didn’t make a mistake. He’s just... Unbelievably kind and patient and—the thought that all of it is just a mask terrifies me. Him being this amazing will just make the heartbreak heavier—”

“You’re talking like it’s already happening,” Yoon said softly as to not sound like he was scolding. “How about you at least try to give a chance to the scenario where he’s being genuine? It’s good to be cautious but don’t write him off so quickly.”

The thing was that Jinwoo didn’t want to. He wanted more than anything for Mino to be who he’d been presenting himself as, for it all to be real. However, he was terrified of getting hurt again.

“I don’t know Yoon,” Jinwoo whispered. “I’m so tired..”

The younger opened his arms as to ask permission for a hug. Jinwoo simply let himself tumble into Seungyoon's embrace.

* * *

Jinwoo was shuddering in the chilly wind; it wasn’t particularly cold, he simply hadn’t put together a warm enough outfit, fooled by the previous sunny days. He made sure to cross the street quickly, soon finding himself in the warmth of Mino’s workplace.

The younger was currently having a break. Jiho also seemed free at the moment, while Dongwook was busy with a customer.

Jinwoo gave greetings as he hesitantly made way towards the front desk where Mino was seated on the counter.

Hearing Jinwoo’s soft “hello,” the tattoo artist immediately looked up from his phone and gave a big smile, genuinely delighted to see him.

“Oh, hi! Well this is a surprise,” he hummed. He swiftly hopped off the counter to meet Jinwoo halfway and give him a quick hug.

Jinwoo didn’t hug back since he was holding a box with a floral design – he sort of protectively pressed it to his chest while Mino hugged him.

“Whatchu got there?” The younger questioned, curiously examining the box in Jinwoo’s arms.

“... For you,” Jinwoo said, oh so eloquently, and thudded the object into Mino’s hands.

Mino looked up at him inquisitively. He carefully lifted the lid, as if he was expecting to find already-lit fireworks in there, ready to blow up in his face.

Needless to say, he found something very different.

The inside of the box was inlaid with napkins and it contained neatly stacked chocolate chip cookies; though they did shift about in the process of carrying.

Mino’s eyes sparked at the mere sight of the cookies and he broke into a grin. “Cookies! You got me cookies!?”

Jinwoo didn’t hesitate to, gently, flick Mino’s forehead. “I made them and they’re not just for you! You should share!”

Jiho perked up at this information, and immediately skidded over to grab a cookie for himself.

Dongwook briefly looked up from his work. He cursed to himself and then called out, “Save some for me! Please!”

“I’ll make sure they do,” Jinwoo assured.

Munching on his cookie, Mino went back to sit on the counter. He beckoned Jinwoo and the elder stood beside him.

“I’m actually glad you’re here because... I have something to ask you,” he said looking down at the box.

The sentence alone made Jinwoo experience the stabbing feeling of anxiety. “Uh... what’s up?” He cleared his throat, realizing how panicked he’d sounded.

The tone didn’t slip past Mino and he quickly reassured, “Oh—I don’t mean something dramatic like—I have no idea why I worded it that way, I’m sorry—I just wanted to ask you if you wanted to go out this weekend.”

Jinwoo’s shoulders relaxed and he smiled faintly. “Oof, I’m glad to hear that. Really thought it was something monumental for a second.”

Mino let out a nervous little chuckle and slightly tightened his grip on the floral box. “Yeah, but I want to... Show you something. A place. I mean—it’s just something – somewhere that’s important to me so I wanted to take you there.”

That had to be the first time Jinwoo was seeing Mino this nervous. This place must have truly meant a lot to him. “Hey, that sounds good. Of course I’ll go with you.”

Mino lifted his gaze and gave a small smile, before he broke into a grin again and somehow, lord only knows how, put an entire cookie into his mouth horizontally.

* * *

As if he were a long distance mind reader, Mino sent a thoughtful message just as Jinwoo was starting to get ready.

[realllllmino]: hey gorgeous

[realllllmino]: it’s a bit windy, so dress warmly okay? well be walking by the river so itll be chilly

Jinwoo couldn’t help but smile at his screen like a love struck fool. He quickly replied that he’d pay mind to that and got to assembling an outfit.

He thought this was the perfect moment to pull out his beautiful pink coat – or salmon coloured, as men with fragile masculinity would call it. He also took some mittens just in case. Standing in front of the mirror, Jinwoo thought he looked cute enough. He hoped Mino would notice... And then that thought made him flustered and he quickly grabbed his phone, wallet and keys and went the heck out.

It was ridiculous, truly. Why did Mino always lean on walls while waiting? Did he ever stand up straight? He just had to lean on stuff to, what, appear cool? Every time, every single time...

“Hey,” Jinwoo greeted, waving at the younger.

Mino looked up and for a second just stared. Then he split into a grin and reached out. “Can I?”

A little confused, Jinwoo stiffened and nodded.

Mino took his hands and started examining the woollen mittens. “They’re adorable. They’re knitted?”

Jinwoo hid his face behind his, also knitted, scarf. “Yeah...”

“Did you make them?”

Jinwoo shook his head. “No, no, but they are handmade...”

“You didn’t strike me as the type of guy to wear mittens,” Mino said, still smiling goofily at the gloves. “But you’ll be warm today for sure!”

It was a tad bit confusing to Jinwoo how he didn’t strike Mino as someone who wore mittens – he was all about the aesthetic after all.

But as he laid eyes on Mino, Jinwoo observed that he was in a regular outfit of a t-shirt, ripped jeans and his signature leather jacket. “I will be... But what about you?” He asked, nudging Mino a little.

He just chuckled, nudging Jinwoo back. “I’ll be fine! I don’t really get cold.”

Jinwoo curled his bottom lip and took off his mittens, offering them to Mino. “You gotta.”

Mino put his hand over his heart and let out a sound that one does when overwhelmed with emotions and adorableness. “Alright, I’ll take them. Just for you.” After putting the mittens on, Mino leaned in. He stopped halfway though and tilted his head quizzically.

Jinwoo moved a bit closer and closed his eyes. He just hoped Mino would be quick with it or else Jinwoo would melt into a puddle of blush. Thankfully, quick he was. He just gave a tiny peck on the cheek.

“Okay let’s go,” he hummed and just – took Jinwoo’s hand. Just like that. Those things always came so easy to Mino and the elder still admired him for it.

Not only did he take Jinwoo’s hand, Mino put it in the pocket of his leather jacket as well. “You gave me your mittens, I have to make sure you don’t get cold,” was his explanation.

They walked down the promenade, hand in hand. They walked past bars and cafes and loud clubs. They went into the docs, with boat-restaurants lining the shore.

When peeking inside, it was obvious that they were high class, expensive places. Jinwoo scrunched up his nose at the sight – looking to himself and Mino it was obvious that neither of them would fit in there, and besides, he wouldn’t even want to share space with rich snobs.

Thankfully, it didn’t look like they were headed to any of those floating restaurants. Not that Jinwoo had even expected it – an anarchist such as Mino would not consider a fancy restaurant a “special place”. Something like that surely wouldn’t awaken a spark in him.

Besides, Mino had simpler and more meaningful ways of showing affection. Things Jinwoo appreciated more than he ever could a fancy dinner.

They crossed the parking lot, packed with expensive cars. A large yellow construction came into view; something that to Jinwoo vaguely looked like a hoist used for construction work, but he truly wasn’t sure what the purpose of this was. There were stairs leading up to it. It didn’t seem moveable, just a bridge of sorts over the parking lot.

Mino easily jumped over the very low gate blocking the path to the stairs and offered to help Jinwoo over it, but he did it himself.

While ascending, Jinwoo was looking around, still curious. “So, uh… What is this, actually?”

Mino looked around as if only now realizing where they were, but he only shrugged. “Dunno. We just call it the Yellow Thing. It’s safe though. And despite the fence down there no one’s ever made us leave, so.”

Jinwoo frowned in slight disappointment; somehow he thought that Mino’s special place would be… more special. Not a hangout spot. “So… you and the guys come here often,” he asked.

Mino smiled, leaning on a yellow pole. “Not quite. This is more of a talking place, not a hanging out place.”

Well, that was reassuring enough. Jinwoo’s tiny frown disappeared and he nodded.  Then he averted his gaze, looking across the river. A talking place, huh.

“I take it you wanna talk, then?”

Mino didn’t meet Jinwoo’s eyes. He too was looking across the river, at the lights in the distance. “…Didn’t mean for it to be so quick.”

Jinwoo somehow thought that Mino would then get to it, but he didn’t. He just started climbing around the construction, going over to the side that had no fence. He was leaning over the edge, holding onto a pole with only one gloved hand. Staring into the black abyss of the Han River made him laugh.

It wasn’t that Jinwoo was scared of heights. It wasn’t even that he was scared of climbing around – not when it was him doing it anyway. However watching someone else do it suddenly made his heart rate increase.

“Be careful—” Jinwoo said.

Mino turned around and leaned further over the edge, with a stupid grin on his face. “You’re worried about me?”

Jinwoo nodded hesitantly.

“You care about me?” Mino then asked, finally getting back to where was safe, where there was a yellow fence. He got closer to the circular podium looking space where Jinwoo was sitting.

Maybe because of the previous fear, maybe because of the proximity, Jinwoo’s heart was racing. He once again only nodded.

Mino carefully sat opposite of Jinwoo. For a little while he didn’t say anything.

Jinwoo could hear his heartbeat drumming in his ears.

“I like you.”

Jinwoo stared. He just stared at Mino through the half darkness, unable to speak.

The younger was starting to fidget with the mittens Jinwoo had given him. “Sorry—was that too blunt? I thought it’d be easier to say if I didn’t beat around the bush.”

“You’re not… Just saying that, right?” Jinwoo asked skeptically.

Mino frowned. “Why… would I be just saying that? I mean—I’ve kinda been—” he cleared his throat, “—building up the courage to tell you that, why would I lie?”

Jinwoo shrugged one shoulder. “Well I don’t know, maybe you don’t really mean it, maybe you just wanna… You know..”

Clearly, this wasn’t how Mino had planned for things to go. He crossed his arms; his expression was a mix of irritated, anxious and worried. “Hyung, if I just wanted to , I would have found an easier way to do it,” he said. “I wouldn’t have gone through all this trouble. I like you.”

Jinwoo didn’t expect him to be so blunt. He shook his head and curled up. “I don’t know, okay, I’m just—really tired of being used.” He too displayed his sulking abilities and crossed his arms, looking away.

Mino took off Jinwoo’s mittens and handed them back. Jinwoo accepted them and sadly put them back into his pockets.

“I wouldn’t ever hurt you,” was the only thing Mino said.

The elder stared in front of himself. Then he looked up at Mino, and that time he didn’t avert his gaze. “I know you wouldn’t. But—you brought me here expecting something, didn’t you?”

Mino huffed out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. “I suppose I did. You’re the one who asked for my number, right? Over time I fell for you and I somehow thought that once I confessed… I don’t know. Maybe I was too optimistic.”

“No, Mino—I like you too, I do. But I’m scared.” Jinwoo didn’t say anything else, just tried to hide. Curl up and disappear.

There was a moment of silence before Mino carefully took Jinwoo’s hands in his own. “If you’re afraid I was only ever interested in sleeping with you, just remember that that are so many easier ways to get laid. I actually care about you. And I understand if you don’t want to be my boyfriend, but—”

“Hold on a second,” Jinwoo interrupted. “Who said anything about being your boyfriend?”

Mino stared and stared for a good minute and then he muttered. “. I forgot to ask you.”

After everything, Jinwoo couldn’t help himself and he burst out laughing at this. “Seriously, Mino… You’re so silly.”

Mino joined in on the laughter, though his was more anxious and embarrassed.

Having settled down, Jinwoo cleared his throat. He figured that Mino still needed an answer.

“I would love to be your boyfriend, if you’ll have me.”

Mino heaved a sigh of relief and pulled Jinwoo into a hug, perhaps too overwhelmed to ask this time. But Jinwoo didn’t mind. In fact, he would have to remember to tell Mino that he didn’t have to ask anymore – not for hugs and kisses at least.