After finally settling into their room, Taemin jogged out onto the balcony. Wisps of warm air tied in with the strands of his hair as he took in the landscape. This was nothing like the city. The grass was a solid green, the small towns were filled with small houses, and the air smelled.. fresh. Taemin smiled into the distance as Minho walked up next to him, leaning on the rail, “Huh, I can’t remember the last time I saw this many trees.” Taemin looked up, his grin not faltering the slightest bit. “I agree, Hyung. There is a lot of trees. It’s really neat. There are trees in the city, but none of them grew naturally. Say, what time is it Hyung?” Minho glanced down at the leather clockwork device strapped to his wrist, “Just past 6, why?” Taemin’s finger sprung from his hand and pointed at a small roof a couple hundred meters away. “Let’s get ice cream. I used to come here with my parents when I was little and we’d always go there for ice cream. My parents were friends with the ahjummah and ahjusshi. They were very kind too! So can we? Please Hyung? I want to~ I promise you it’ll be yummy!” Minho chuckled, ruffling Taemin’s hair. “Alright, we can go. C’mon.” He turned around leading Taemin’s body in the other direction, heading for the door. The place they were staying at was fairly small. It was a 15 room inn run by and elderly couple. It wasn’t travelling season, regardless, most of the rooms were full. They clambered down the small stairs that barely fit two, making it to the old wooden door that lead outside.

As they walked, the sound of dirt and small rocks scraping against each other emitted from underneath their feet. Taemin frequently spoke up, explaining the histories behind the smallest objects as well as those of the larger ones. Every friendly face they passed bowed and smiled, them doing so in return. They finally arrived at the small house which appeared to look like more of a shack. Taemin showed Minho in as he poked his head through the curtains draping from the top of the door. There were some patrons sitting at small tables and Minho noted an elderly man and woman behind the counter, one of which was handing a pink ice cream scoop on a cone to a little ecstatic child. They both looked to Taemin and Minho as a echoing wind chime signaled their arrival, the man’s face suddenly lighting up as he patted the woman’s back, “Taemin! Oh is it really you?” Taemin sported a bright smile as he skipped over to behind the counter, his arms tossed around the couple. “Ahjummah, ahjusshi! I missed you!” Minho stood awkwardly a few feet away, staring at Taemin’s back. Taemin turned his head, spotting Minho’s gaze and pulled away from the hug, bouncing over to Minho and taking his hand. He brought him over to the couple and Minho cleared his throat. “This is my friend Minho. We’ve come here for the weekend to spend some time outside the city. He’s really nice and really smart. He’s a photographer.” Taemin spoke, Minho’s arm with pride as If showing off his latest toy. The man smiled at him, as the women took his hand. “Would you two like some ice cream?” Taemin nodded and giggled before being interrupted by another voice. “What’s the commotion abou- Taemin? Is that really you?” Taemin spun around quickly, gasping as his eyes met that of the voice’s owner. “Kai!” Minho looked at the boy. A strong looking figure, messy black hair, arms around Taemin. Minho averted his eyes from the sight. Taemin snuggled into the taller boy, the other’s nose ruffling his long hair. “Taemin, your hair has grown! Just like when we were kids!” Their hold on each other tightened as Taemin looked up pouting. Minho’s eyebrows twitched. “Kai you’re taller than me. Here I thought I’d come back and you’d still be tiny Kai, but you’ve skyrocketed! I might as well be the one calling you Hyung.” Kai’s eyes followed a path towards Minho, examining him up and down. Minho felt extremely uncomfortable and stiffened at the action. “Is this a friend of yours?” Minho didn’t appreciate the sudden monotone, questioning tone. His eyelids sunk a little, forming into a glare until he felt long thin fingers fiddle their way around his. He looked down to see the hand belonging to Taemin and Taemin pulling away from the other boy. A smirk rode on Minho’s lips as he pulled him snuggly. “This is Minho. He’s my best friend.” Taemin boasted.  “For a second there, I thought you were going to say boyfriend.” Kai chuckled, earning a smack on the arm from his parents and a blush from the other two. “Ouch!” he whined. “Ignore our idiot son, please. He’s not as smart as you two, I’m sure. Now before we were rudely interrupted, what kind of ice cream can we get you?” The woman spoke up as she pushed Kai back into the kitchen. “Hey- wait, Taemin, how long are you going to be here for?” Kai struggled against the forced gesture. “Just for the weekend.” Taemin quickly answered. “Can we.. can we see each other tomorrow? I mean, I know you’re here with your.. ‘best friend’ but there’s a festival tomorrow. Will you attend?” Taemin spoke before even sparing Minho a glance, “Yeah, of course! Work hard, Kai!” Those were the last words spoken before his mother pushed him out of the room and they were seated in front of the counter. They were both occupying their tongues with ice cream as the couple talked. “It’s so great to see you again, Taemin. How old are you now?” Taemin pulled away from the treat, “I’m 16 now. I’m in my second year of high school.” Taemin chirped. “You’ve grown so much! And what about your parents? Are they here?” Taemin’s eyes drooped a little at the mention of the strangers. “They’re busy with work.” The sudden change in emotion affected everyone. “I’m sorry Taemin, I really am. You know if you ever need a parental figure, you have us and you know Kai would also love to help you. You two are basically brothers.” Taemin nodded softly. The man noticed the awkward air around them and changed the topic. “And how old are you, young man?” Minho’s eyes caught the glances of the others. “I’m eighteen, sir.” The man’s eyebrows were raised. “If I remember correctly, Taemin said you’re a photographer.” Minho laughed quietly. “I’m majoring in photography. I skipped two years in school so technically I should be in grade 12 but instead, I’m in college.” The two were astonished. “Wow, you must be very smart. How did you and Taemin come to know each other?” Minho was about to explain but Taemin intervened. “He’s my prince. He saved me from a car accident. I owe him my life.” Minho shook his head. “It was nothing. There was just a person who needed help, and I was there to offer it.” The woman spoke up with a newly found emotion expressed in her voice. “You really are a prince! I’m glad our Taemin is in your hands. On another note, the festival Kai mentioned earlier: I really think you should go. It’s beautiful, there’s food and beautiful lights. It’s amazing.” Taemin nodded in agreement, this time looking to Minho for his opinion in advance.

                The blue skies were soon coated with a pink tone and they were walking back, arms linked and cones in hand. “Hyung, do you like aegyo? Like, cute things?” Taemin broke the silence as he threw his head back, searching the clear sky for clouds. “Hmm, cute things? Yeah I guess. Cute things are alright.” Taemin jerked them off their course, leading them to a small field off the side of the road. They walked through the long pieces of grass until they finally reached the center. Taemin sat down cross legged, Minho following his lead. “The sky is really pretty, huh? Hey, Hyung, do you have your camera?” Minho dug through his bag, pulling out the requested item and swaying it in front of Taemin’s face a little in confirmation. “Let’s take a picture together.” Minho snorted. “Sorry, no. I take pictures of things and people, not myself.” Taemin raised his ice cream to his lips. “I want to make memories with you Hyung. That’s what we came here for, that’s was trips are for.” Memories, Minho thought. He sighed loudly, spreading his legs and patting the position in between them. Taemin sent Minho a confused look before feeling his hands on his sides. He was pulled between Minho’s legs, his back pressed to his chest. Minho rested his chin on Taemin’s shoulder, one arm finding its way around Taemin’s waist. He stretched out his free arm, adjusting the camera so that the lens faced them. “Say cheese.”  Taemin pushed his back a bit further into Minho’s chest as he raised his hand, shaping it into a peace sign. “Cheese!” They both smiled and ‘click’. “Lemme see it!” Taemin took the camera, turning it over and letting the screen light up to display their faces. Taemin puffed out his cheeks, pinching them. “My face is so chubby compared to yours, Hyung.” Minho swallowed the last chunk of ice cream, holding the cone in his teeth as he laid back, his arms crossed behind his head. Minho closed his eyes for a minute or two, only to open them from the annoyance of a constant repeating snap every few seconds. “Taemin, what are you doing?” Another snap. “I’m filling your camera with pictures of me. This way, whenever you’re lonely, I’ll be there!” He stood up, taking another photo against the black trees, dimmed by the sunset. He tossed the strap over his neck, letting the camera hang off of him as he bent over, grabbing Minho’s hands. “Up!” He pulled his torso up easily only to get stuck at pulling up the other half. “Hyung, you’re heavy! Get up!” Minho let out a loud snoring sound, falling back, nearly pulling Taemin down with him. “Hyung! C’mon, don’t you wanna take a warm bath and eat some yummy food?” Minho chuckled. “Okay, fine, you’ve bribed me.” Taemin smiled, still holding onto Minho as he got up.

                Their walk back was similar to the one in the opposite direction, Taemin turning it into a mini-tour. As they entered through the door, Minho headed in the direction opposite to their room. “I’m just going to go ask about which of the private baths is free right now. You go upstairs and get your stuff.” Taemin complied and headed up the stairs. He unlocked the door and walked over to his bag, rummaging through it before finding a loose t-shirt, shorts, and a towel. He left the keys on the bed and headed for the bathroom just as Minho walked in. “Uh, Taemin, the bath we can use is the 3^rd from the beginning. I’ll change real quick and meet you down there, okay? You take your time and lock the room before leaving.” Taemin nodded, scurrying into the bathroom as his ears registered the sound of Minho leaving and the door shutting behind him. He began to strip himself, his clothes falling to the floor piece by piece. He put on his loose baby blue shirt and tugged on his black and grey checkered shorts. He tossed the towel over his shoulder and smiled as the soft, fur-like texture caressed his face. He headed downstairs, locking his door beforehand, and headed for the baths. He tiptoed down the creaky wooden hallway, counting each door he passed. “One.. two.. three..” He stopped at a white sliding door and pressed his ear against it. “Minho, are you there?” He tried to numb every other noise at the moment. “Yeah, come on in.” The door slid open with Taemin’s force as he entered. Goosebumps planted trails across his arms as his body heat met that of the cool night air. He breathed in slowly, reminiscing in his childhood memories of these very surroundings. He walked the few feet to the bath, an ambience of steam and nature. He slowly dipped his toe in to feel the hot water, finally looking at Minho, quickly regretting the decision and turning around. “Oh my God, I am SO sorry Minho!” Taemin covered his eyes dropping his head. “What are you talking about Taemin?” Taemin was completely flushed. “I didn’t realise that you didn’t have enough time to change!” Minho was confused, “Wha-?” Taemin cut him off, almost yelling. “You’re Minho!” He crouched down as he spoke the words, his knees folding against him.

“Taemin, when you take a bath, do you bathe with clothes on?”

“N-no..” Taemin stuttered.

“Taemin, tell me, what is it that we are in?”

“A bath..”

“Then why are you wearing clothes?”

“Because there’s two of us.. And we’ll be in here together.”

“Taemin last time I checked, we’re both guys and we’re both friends. Just wrap a towel around your waist and get in. I’m but my isn’t exactly floatin’ around either. I have a towel on. “

Taemin blushed at the blunt response, slowly turning around, trying not to stare at Minho. He gripped onto the edges and slowly dipped his body in, his worries melting away with his muscles. He sank deeper into the water as he exhaled, bubbles emerging from his lips and drifting to the top. The tips of his hair floated in interesting patterns and layers. “Ah, this is so warm.” He was happy but still couldn’t bring himself to look at his friend. It was quiet for a bit as they both enjoyed the newly found comfort. “I don’t mean to pry, but who was that guy at the ice cream place?” Minho questioned. “Who? Kai?” Minho nodded. “You two seem very friendly.” Taemin laughed. “I hope so. We’re childhood friends. Whenever my parents and I came here, they would always go visit ahjummah and ahjusshi and me and Kai would play together. He was always so small and now since I haven’t been here for quite some time I guess puberty took its toll and he grew. I mean, he’s only 15 but he’s as tall as you! But yeah, we were really close friends.” Minho shot him a glance, “Were?” Taemin nodded. “We haven’t seen each other in such a long time, I mean, he changed so much. I probably don’t know even half as much about him as I did when I was younger, same conclusion as how he doesn’t know much about me. I mean, he probably still thinks my favourite colour is yellow.” Taemin looked down as the disappointment took over him. “It’s white, right?” Taemin looked up. “Well, yeah- wait, how did you know? I never told you, did I?” Minho scratched the back of his head as he adjusted his position. “Whenever you wear accessories, they’re usually white. Not just that though, you usually have some sort of white piece of clothing on. I don’t know. I just made an educated guess.” Taemin smiled. “No wonder you skipped a few years in school. You’re pretty observant, Hyung.” Taemin praised the older man, unconsciously scooting over closer. Taemin didn’t acknowledge it fully yet, but he liked being near Minho. Ever since they met, Minho has always been there for him, even when he didn’t ask. It was a sense of security that Minho had around him. All he knew was that he liked being around Minho and Taemin knew others did as well. “Taemin, do you like Kai?” Minho looked over at Taemin with a serious expression. “Of course I like him.” Taemin answered. “No, like.. do you love him? Do you like him more than a friend likes a friend?” Taemin shook his head as fast as he could, stopping only when he got dizzy. “Why would you say that? Does it look like I do? Oh no, does it really?” Taemin latched onto Minho’s arm, looking up at him. “No, not at all. I was just curious.” Minho scratched his chin. Taemin leaned on Minho’s shoulder, using the warm, steamy water as a blanket. “Do you like me Minho?” Taemin’s lips were just barely above the water level. “Huh? Of course I like you.” Taemin smiled softly, “Good, because I like you too. I’m glad we’re friends.”

                They spent a few hours splashing in the warm water, listening to the sounds that come with nightfall. “Hyung,” Taemin laughed “look how wrinkly my fingers are!” He raised his hand, spreading it out in front of Minho’s face. Minho leaned forward, biting his index finger, chuckling as he it. “Ew, Hyung! That’s gross! I have your cooties now!” They giggled like school girls now, bouncing around and making the water splash. Minho was first to calm lower their volume to a quiet tone. “Hey Taemin, it’s late, we have lots of thing we want to do tomorrow. We should probably get out and snatch some food and hit the hay, huh?” Taemin groaned. “Urgh, but Hyung! I can’t! My legs are like noodles! Carry me back~ I’ll love you forever~” Minho shoved him, sticking his tongue out. “I have no pants on, remember?” Taemin counter attacked him, pushing his torso back above water. “Then go put some pants on! You came here clothed, didn’t you?” Minho dunked Taemin’s head underwater revengefully as he stood up, just managing to keep his towel from falling off. He pulled his boxers and pants on over his legs, leaving the zipper undone. Taemin was peeking at him over the edge now, knowing his lower half was covered. “How could such a devious person like you have such an innocent face?” Taemin flickered his long eyelashes a few times, showing a cute smile. “I don’t understand what you mean, Hyung~” He spoke in a tone higher than that of his natural voice. Minho rolled his eyes and snarled, straightening his arms to receive Taemin’s hands, pulling his body up. Taemin’s arms found their way around Minho’s neck and his legs lifted on instinct. Minho held him up, one arm supporting his back and the other under his bent legs. The moonlight bounced off their skin as the clock read 1:00 A.M. They slowly crept into the now silent building. They couldn’t help but laugh when the floorboards creaked, being shushed by the other just for them to both break out into laughter. As they tip toed through the door to their room, Minho placed Taemin down on one of the mats on the ground, falling beside him. Taemin’s lazy arms struggled to get him changed, nevertheless dried. He tugged on a red pullover and black sweatpants as Minho did the same with a white printed pullover and loose plaid pajama pants. Minho remembering the purpose they came up in the first place, rose to go get some food. As he stood up, he felt finger wrap around his wrist. “Minho, do you really have to go get food? It’s so late, there probably isn’t even any left.” Minho looked down with a tired protesting face, “Taemin, we can’t go to sleep on an empty stomach.” Taemin struggled to raise his head any more than it already was. “Just stay with me.” Minho’s knees refused to cooperate with his mind as they dropped down beside Taemin, his hand just brushing against the light switch. “Don’t blame me if you wake up in the middle of the night with a stomach ache.” Their bodies collided as they both fell backwards, tying themselves in between the sheets. Taemin’s head was tucked into the curve of Minho’s neck now, his arm acting as a pillow. He curled up against the older boy, smiling satisfactorily. “You’re the best Hyung.”.

                Taemin’s yawn claimed the last sound of the night.

A/N: I forgot to put an author's note when I first submitted this and it was super late and then my computer froze and I couldn't and I didn't wanna submit one from my phone because the font looked weird and bleh. But here, have one now. Im so tired. I had my dance recital on Saturday (11/05/2013), and rihasdharhg;aoihg it was tiring and there was a lot of preparing. But now I don't have dance anymore so I'll go cry in a corner have more time to write and upload. So there. Thank you for reading, hangsang saranghae jusyeoseo gamsahabnida!~ <3 (Thank you for your love.)

Also, a translation for those who don't know: Ahjummah - (Older) aunt

                                                                            Ahjusshi - (older) Uncle