My eyes are on all their ways; they are not hidden from me, nor is their sin concealed from my eyes.

Jeremiah 16:17

Naeun let go of her father's hand and ran into the arms of the blonde man.

"Taemin!" Her hair blew shiny in the wind, her face was flushed with joy.

Taemin wrapped his arms tightly around the little girl and picked her up.

"I'm sorry I wasn't around the last few times." he apologised gently. He had missed Naeun and her cheerful nature.

"Are you feeling better?" Naeun's smile was warm and loving like a vibrant blue sky free of clouds. Never again did he want to risk not seeing this smile again. He nodded slightly.

"Yes." The sight before him comforted Minho.

He was relieved to actually meet his lover at the next riding lesson. He was a little afraid that they would run into Jinki again today, but he couldn't give up hope that Taemin would decide to continue teaching Naeun after all. And now it was certainly true. He would recall this moment in time over and over again. It was full of unconditional and honest love. Seeing Naeun in Taemin's arms, so tight and secure, reassured him. It showed him that Naeun would understand and accept it.

Many things had gone wrong between them, and it had all been his fault. But he wanted to make it right. Taemin would surely give him another chance and he would not waste it. No matter how long it would take to win back Taemin's trust. He would prove to him that he was worth it.

Taemin's sparkling eyes looked into his. They shared an affectionate though shy smile.

It was the first time they had seen each other again after their night together. Taemin still thought about it often. It surprised him that with all these memories there was no trace of shame.

"What did you bring?" asked Taemin curiously when he saw the basket in Minho's hand.

"Naeun thought that since you were feeling better now, we could go for a picnic." A flutter of heart seized Taemin.

"That's a wonderful idea! Thank you Naeun."

It might become strange between the two of them for the first while, but they would manage, Taemin was sure. He didn't know exactly where they stood with each other and he didn't know how they should move on. He only knew that he enjoyed the time with Minho and Naeun. Maybe that would be enough.

On the way to the stable, Naeun nudged Taemin briefly. He knelt down to her. She put her hand to his ear and whispered.

"The picnic was dad's idea." She immediately nestled her index finger to her lips as she said this, as if it was a secret. Taemin did not know what to say.

However, he felt his heart beat faster and his face grew hot. Was it an apology? A date? A declaration of love? Taemin could not tell. Whatever it was, it made his heart skip a beat and gave him hope. Perhaps it was foolish to hope. But in Minho's eyes he saw the same confidence he himself felt deep inside.    

After they had been riding out far enough, they had chosen a large open space. The sun radiated its warmth down on them, the clear breeze gave them a refreshing feeling. Naeun Eve and the other horses in the seemingly endless meadow.

"I missed you."

Minho's voice redeemed the silence like a bonfire. Warm and cozy, it crackled down on Taemin. Shyly, he looked at the man sitting next to him on the blanket. Affectionately and sincerely, Minho's deep eyes rested on him.

"I missed you too." Taemin whispered the words.

He didn't know exactly who he was trying to keep from hearing them. Naeun was far enough away.

"Can I see you again? Outside of riding lessons?" asked Minho cautiously.

He didn't know if it was too brisk, if it was too quick for Taemin. If it was, he would be well able to understand. But the separation they had both endured seemed like a faraway place he had visited a long time ago. It seemed years ago to him.

Sitting here beside Taemin, feeling his presence, clouded all that dread. Taemin looked at the ground and played with his fingers.

"Do you think this is a good idea?"

Minho didn't have to think, he knew the answer and it was irrefutable.

"Yes." Firm and certain, the single word rang out.

Taemin wanted to see him again as well. He wanted everything to be as it had been before between them. But he was aware that they might be walking down the same road again. He didn't want to run into the dead end once more.

"What about...Sooyoung?" his voice trembled slightly at the question.

He was being hypocritical. He had asked the question as if he was genuinely worried about the pregnant woman. But there was a fire burning inside him that would never go out. Sooyoung would never be able to make Minho happy. Why should they both remain trapped in their un