“That was a really nice thing to do Junhui.” Soonyoung whispered and smiled at the other as they wandered out of the supermarket with their bags. Soonyoung’s bag was filled with his favorite snacks and toiletries. Junhui’s bag was light with just a few items and it’s weightlessness matched the light feeling in his chest. Minghao carried nothing but he had a huge smile on his face as he walked along the path warm in his new jacket and beanie. “Just… I don’t know, be careful Junhui, don’t get too attached to him..” Soonoung’s smile turned into a frown as they walked.

Junhui watched the boy. A good night’s sleep and a warm coat had done wonders for him. But since the audition he seemed to have come alive and Junhui could see little glimpses and flashes of who he used to be. He was so childlike and innocent but Junhui knew his innocence masked the heart of someone who had already seen and done too much. He was street trash, a junkie and a thief, he was probably a master at lying and scheming and manipulation. And Junhui knew this was what had Soonyoung and Seuncheol concerned. But he had no concerns at all. He knew they were destined to be together and whatever happened to both of them would be up to fate to decide.

He stared at the boy’s soft features in the dying light of the day. His brown eyes were warm and huge and round and seemed to stare at everything with a fresh sense of wonder. His hair was too long and covered his ears with thick fluffy strands. His skin was pale and sallow and the dark circles under his eyes were still there. But his face radiated extraordinary beauty to Junhui, it was like a deity gathered all the perfect parts and put them together in a masterpiece of art especially for Junhui’s eyes.

He shook his head and snapped back to reality as Minghao slowed his long strides and gripped him by the arm. “I’m going to get that job Junhui! And if I don’t I’ll get the next one and I’ll pay you back. I’ll buy you everything you’ve ever wanted.” He smiled up at Junhui who felt himself melting in response to Minghao’s eyes filled with adoration and the warmth of his body pressed close.

, Junhui swore inside his head as he returned Minghao’s smile, I can’t be doing this.

Junhui suddenly realised he was developing a crush on the other boy. He knew it couldn’t happen. He couldn’t let it develop any further. It was only going to cause him pain. This poor kid had already been through so much. He couldn’t take advantage of him or the way he looked up to Junhui. He’d seen the way girls looked at him, the