“Happy New Year’s, baby.” Was the first thing Taemin heard when he woke up.

“Hyung… stop, that tickles…”

“Ah, I just want to give you tons of kisses though.”

Rolling over, Taemin buried his face in the elder’s arm, yawning against the toned skin. “Hyung…”

“Yes, Minnie?”

“Do you have to work today?”

“No, Minnie.”

“Then let’s go out and eat breakfast at the café we discovered downtown a while ago.”

Minho nodded, sitting up and pulling the blonde into his lap. “Do you think it’s open this early?”

“Early?” Taemin laughed, looking over at the clock, “It’s twelve!”

“What?! Is it?!”

“It is.”

“Oh, then we should go shower.” Minho said, lifting the blonde, carrying him towards the bathroom.

“Ah, I actually already washed up yesterday!”

“Huh? Okay…” The boy pouted, disappointed.

How someone could go from handsome to adorable in such a short amount of time was all Taemin could ask.

“Fine... Just let me put my hair up. I’ll help you wash your back or something…”

Happy, Minho took him in and gave him a few minutes to undress. With his blonde hair in two pigtails that suited him so well, he sat on the floor, right beneath the shower head where he hoped too much water wouldn’t hit him as it was projected over his spot and onto Minho.

Next, Minho got in, standing up as he adjusted the water to a warm temperature.

Staring down at Taemin as his hair began to dampen, he grabbed his shampoo bottle. “Well,” He began, “I thought you were here to help me, not sit on the floor.”

Laughing, Taemin shrugged, combatting the droplets that bounced off the elder’s chest. “Well if I stand up, my hair will get wet.”

Sighing, Minho knelt down in front of him, handing him the shampoo bottle. “Here, then. Now you won’t have to.

Biting his lower lip, Taemin happily squirted some shampoo onto his palm. Slipping his hands into Minho’s dripping hair, he spread it around, causing a mountain of suds to form. With the excess, he sat up a little, leaning closer as his hand massaged it onto his back.

“Hyung, you’re so handsome. I love you.”

“Did you know that I love you too, Kitten?”

“I want to wear a white suit.”

“Hm?”

“On our wedding day, I want to wear a white suit.”

“You can wear whatever you want.”

Giggling, Taemin peppered the elder’s face with kisses, holding him tightly. “Let’s go one a date soon. It’s been a while.”

“I’ll take you anywhere.”

While Minho dried his head, Taemin went downstairs, joining Jongin for breakfast.

“Good morning, Jonginnie!” The blonde yelled, skipping over to the boy on the couch.

“Hey, don’t make me sound like I’m four years old.”

“Minho calls me Taeminnie.” He argued as the younger boy offered him a bite of his toast.

“But he says it endearingly, doesn’t he?”

“So do I. You’re my itsy bitsy teeny weeny Jonginnie.”

Rolling his eyes, Jongin pulled the elder against his chest, handing him the rest of his meal on his plate. “Thanks, mom. So what are your plans for today?”

“Well I actually shouldn’t be eating this because I’m supposed to go out with Minho for breakfast, but um, afterwards I want to get my hair dyed.”

“What colour?”

“Brown. And I’m going to cut it short again because it’s already past my shoulders.”

Nodding along, Jongin stole the food back. “Can I come with you to the hairdresser’s?”

“Aw, but I wanted to make it a surprise…”

“What if I leave before they dry and style it? I mean, I’ll only know that it’ll be shorter and wet.”

“Okay, well then only on that one condition.”

Setting up a time, Taemin said he’d come back with Minho, change, and they’d leave for the appointment.

But that was later.

Right now, he was slipping on his sandals, being courted by Minho, the gorgeous boy with a camera hanging off his neck.

                The sun was bright and the rays warmed the lovers’ backs.

                Birds were chirping and the quiet sound of rubber pushing off of cement added to the lovely morning.

                They didn’t talk most of the walk, but it wasn’t because they were upset, but because holding hands and enjoying each other’s presence was enough.

                Once they got to the café, they were seated at a table for four outside, right near the park. They made their orders and got their cups of tea, waiting for the rest to come.

                The place was quite full compared to the usual, but hearing snippets of others conversations helped keep the mood light.

                Cutting into a waffle topped with whipped cream and strawberries, Taemin smiled. “You know… you always give me all of your attention. I feel like royalty.”

                “Oh? Well then I’m doing my job well.”

                Their attention was temporarily stolen by a pair of young girls who came up to them, cheerful.

                “Is it okay if we sit with you?”

                “Take a seat.” Minho greeted, however, before letting them, he switched his spot to sit beside Taemin rather than in front of his as he was previously doing.

                It was clear who each one was hoping to know better by who they sat across from.

                The girls took their orders as the boys put theirs on hold, waiting for everyone to have their meal like gentlemen.

                “So what are your names?” Minho asked, making the first move even though he was the one being approached.

                “My name is Seoyeong and this is Yujin.” One of them introduced.

                “Nice to meet you two. I’m Minho and my beautiful friend here is…”

                “Taemin.” The blonde finished, his lips stretched from ear to ear as Minho ruffled his hair.

                “Are you two just here for breakfast?”

                Taemin stayed quiet, figuring Minho was more of the type to lead the conversation.

                “Yeah, we just decided to stop by. We found out about this place not too long ago. What about you? Regulars?”

                “Actually, I’ll be honest, we only came here because my friend Yujin is interested in your friend, Taemin. Taemin oppa, are you single? My friend, she may be shy, but she’s very nice a pretty. She’s still a !”

                Embarrassed and red faced, the girl slapped his friend’s shoulder, scolding her. “Don’t say that!”

                There was a moment of silence before Taemin fixed his hair, clearing his throat.

                “I’m sorry. I’m really happy that you feel that way, but this,” The blonde paused, reaching over for Minho’s hand, “This is my fiancé.”

                “You don’t want to go have some fun?” Minho joked as the awkwardness set in.

                “That’s a strange way to tell someone you’re not interested…” Seoyeong mumbled.

                “Oh, I’m not lying! I’m really grateful for all the effort you put into approaching us, please don’t misunderstand! But really, we’re engaged!”

                “Whatever.” She grumbled in response, grabbing her friend’s arm before taking their plates and leaving.

                Taemin stared, mouth agape.

                “Hyung… did I do something wrong? I wasn’t joking when I said that…”

                Minho advised him to ignore it, saying that that was a normal reaction and that most people wouldn’t believe them like that. “I guess I’ll start introducing you as my fiancé too then, huh?”

                “I wouldn’t mind if you started treating me like one either.” The blonde teased.

                “Says the boy who said he felt like royalty ten minutes ago.” He chuckled.

                Finishing up at the café, they stopped by a small boutique on the way home.

                It wasn’t intended until Taemin spotted a sweater and dragged Minho inside.

                A while collar rested on the dark grey fabric, a surrealistic graphic of a face with flowers stuffed in the empty eye sockets, open mouth, and just about every other nook and cranny  possible, taking up a good part of the torso.

                “Ah… I like it… can I try it on?”

                “I insist.” Minho smiled.

                Tugging it over his head, Taemin’s arms poked through the sleeves, filling them nicely although the sweater had a baggy appearance overall.

                Posing in front of a mirror, the boy only fell in love with it more and more, but just to be sure his feelings were genuine, he checked the price tag.

                “It’s thirty dollars but it’s thirty percent off so it’s only twenty one dollars…”

                Placing his hand on the younger boy’s back, he pushed him in the direction of the cash register. “Go ahead. Take this, the pin is 7394.”

                Staring at the card, Taemin shook his head. “No, you don’t have to! I have money with me! Besides, that’s your hard earned money and-”

                “Hush, don’t argue. Just let me spoil you.”

                Standing up on his toes, the blonde stole a kiss from the elder’s lips, whispering a ‘thank you’.

                Placing the sweater on the counter, he paid.

                It started snowing as they made their way back.

                At one point, Minho lifted the younger boy and sat him up on top of a cobblestone wall, his weight making a dent in the growing pile of snow.

                “Wow, this is so high!”

                “Taemin, smile okay? You look really pretty with the snow in your hair.”

                “I’d look prettier if you were beside me.”

                “Are you saying I’m so ugly I make you look good?”

                Laughing, Taemin shook his head. “You know what I mean.”

                “We can take one in a second, but first let me get one of you.”

                Agreeing to that, Taemin tilted his head, flashing his teeth as the shutter closed.

                “Now you come up here!” The blonde rushed, waving Minho over.

                “Kitten, I can’t climb up there on my own. I lifted you so you have an excuse, but who’s going to lift me?”

                “Climb the tree over there!”

                Sighing, Minho shook his head, handing Taemin his camera. “The things I do for you…”

                Finding a way to his lover, he sat down beside him, the snow cooling him painfully so between his legs.

                “My prince charming!” Taemin sang.

                “You know what a prince and princess usually end up doing once one saves the other?”

                “What’s that?”

                “They make hot, steamy love. I climbed a tree and scaled a wall for you, I think I deserved it.”

                “Oh baby, take me right here on this ledge! Put your bad boy in my mouth so that I can make you feel good.” Taemin yelled, tossing himself onto the boy jokingly.

                “Geez, you’re shameless.”

                “I have nothing to be shameful of.”

                Snuggling up against each other, they took a picture together.

                After that, they rushed home.

                Taemin, feeling anxious, decided that taking the bus would be the better way back.

                He ran into the house, calling for Jongin’s name.

                “Jongin! Jongin, we have to go now! Jongin, hurry! I’m going to be late!” He yelled, running up to his room to change.

                The younger boy trudged down the stairs, nearly knocking Taemin over.

                “I’m here!”

                “Wait there!”

                Now in a much more casual outfit, a plain red t-shirt under a black cardigan and on top of black skinny jeans, he tossed his coat on, pulling the younger boy out the door.

                “I hope we make it on time…”

                Wrapping his arm around Taemin’s waist, Jongin slowed him down.

                “Don’t worry about it, Hyung. We’ll be fine.”

                Shrugging, the elder took a deep breath. “You’re probably right. I’m sorry, I just totally let time slip by.”

                “It’s fine.”

                “I’m just as excited as you are, you know? I can’t wait to see what you look like.”

                “Hopefully good.”

                Walking into the salon, Taemin was greeted by someone Jongin assumed was familiar due to their friendliness.

                “So you wanted a cut and dye, right Taemin?”

                “Yes! Oh, this is Jongin. Is it alright if he stays?”

                “Of course! I’ll grab him a seat. Look at the colour swatches and decided what you want.”

                Taking a seat, the hairdresser got to work. He cut Taemin’s hair short but left longer bangs, saying he’d part them in the middle later and that if the boy didn’t like that, they could go back to a shorter style.

                As the pieces of hair fell down, Taemin looked over the shades of brown, fancying a chocolaty colour over the rest.

                “Do you think this colour will look good on me, Hyung?” The blonde asked.

                “I think you have the potential to look good in every colour, Taemin. I could mix these two colours. It’ll come out a few shades darker but it’ll look good with your pale skin. Chocolate tends to look more warm and you’d have to try harder to compliment it with the clothes you wear.”

                “Okay, well you’re the professional, not me.” Taemin concluded, handing back the swatches with a smile, “You haven’t messed up yet, so I trust you.”

                “Hey! Don’t expect me to mess up, I’ve been here for-”

                “Ten years. I know, I know, you always tell me. Child prodigy.”

                They both shared a laugh.

                “So Jongin, you don’t want a cut either? I’ll give you a discount since it’s your first time and I know your friend.”

                “No, I’m fine, thank you.”

              “Um, Jinwoon hyung, is there a place Jongin could go later? I want the final way my hair turns out to be a surprise…”

                “Sure, he can just sit in the waiting room before I start drying your hair.”

                Not too long after, the hairdresser left and came back, mixing dyes in a bowl.

                Applying it, they talked about all sorts of things.

                “So when are you going back to school?”

                “In two days.”

                “Are you excited?”

                “Is anyone ever excited? I don’t want school to start for anyone.”

                “Why?”

                Leaning back in the chair, Taemin shrugged. “My fiancé got a job in the afternoons and evenings and since we go to different schools in the morning, I’ll barely get to see him…”

                “But I’m going to be with you all day!” The youngest boy pitched in.

                “Jongin, are you single?” Jinwoon asked.

                “Yes.”

                Laughing, he shook his head. “Then you wouldn’t understand. My girlfriend went to Europe for the summer two years ago and it was horror. It must be ever worse that you live in the same house but can’t find time to spend with each other.”

                “Yeah…”

                “But let’s talk about something happier, okay? It’s an nice day, even though it’s cold, isn’t it? Did you just eat and come here?”

                The blonde shook his head, feeling a bit better. “No, I actually ate breakfast with my fiancé at this nice café and then since it started snowing on the way back so we stopped to take some pictures. It was fun.”

                “Yes, you two are so romantic. You should bring him along some day if he ever needs a haircut.”

                “He usually trims his own hair, but I’ll try for next time.”

                Jongin was now in the waiting room.

                He had left Taemin half an hour ago and was left twiddling his thumbs in the waiting room.

                “Surely it doesn’t take this long to change the colour of a few hundred hairs…” He mumbled to himself.

                That was when the door swung open and someone yelled “Jongin, put your hands over your eyes!” so he did. He obeyed that command faster than any other, even if the consequences were him getting robbed. “Keep them shut!” the familiar boy repeated.

                There was some shuffling a huffing as a weight dropped onto his lap, one he assumed was Taemin.

                Hands cupped his and soon enough, a force was pulling them away from his face.

                “Okay…” The elder whispered, “You can look now. If it looks bad, don’t say it out loud.”

                Letting the anticipation sink it, Jongin slowly began to open his eyes.

                In that moment, he swore his heart was beating so fast that it would rip out of his chest.

                “Oh my god… you look… you look amazing…” He answered, extremely flustered.

                The dark eyes that matched his dark brown hair, the way it contrasted his skin and his pink lips.

                Taemin finally looked older and mature.

                He wasn’t that little blonde kid anymore.

                The younger boy’s face was a bright red, his hands shaking as he tried to hold in his emotions.

                It’s like he just realised he was in love with Taemin all over again, but this time, it was a whole new Taemin, one that wasn’t his silly best friend, but one that was growing and maturing and knew what he wanted, one that really seemed like a hyung Jongin would have to try his hardest to impress.

                “Oh that’s cute.” Jinwoon teased in response to the younger boy’s reaction.

                “Give me a few more minutes, Jongin. I’m just going to go pay!”

                Jongin nodded, trying his best to calm himself down.

                Once he was out of sight, he clenched his shirt, eyes wide as he took a deep breath.

                Biting his lip, he attempted to focus on other things, but the moment Taemin came back to tell him it was time to go, his feelings reemerged.

                “Let’s go.”

                They walked home and although Taemin continued talking the whole time, Jongin couldn’t get out more than a ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

                He felt like a school girl with a crush.

                “Hyung?”

                “Yes?”

                “Um, can I kiss you?” Jongin asked, his voice ten pitches higher.

                “What? Why?”

                “Because, um… forget it…”

                With a smile growing on his face, Taemin raised his finger to his forehead, pointing at it.

                Nodding, Jongin leaned down leaving a peck on the brunette’s skin. His lips travelled downward, running down his temple, cheek, and jaw, stopping at his chin. They moved upwards and soon, the younger boy bit Taemin’s lower lip, tugging on it.

                “Ow, ow, ow! Jongin, you animal! That hurts!”

                “I’m going to bite your lip off.”

                “No! Jongin!”

                “I’m going to do it now!”

                The elder whined and Jongin laughed, releasing him.

                He acted cool, but the second Taemin looked away and rubbed his mouth, Jongin hid his face in his hands, blushing.

                By the time they arrived, it was five.

                Minho was probably watching TV.

                Knocking on the door, Taemin waited, his smile wide and his shoulders swaying back and forth.

                When the elder opened the door, he was just as shocked as Jongin.

                “Oh wow… that’s… that’s- um, you look amazing.”

                “So I’ve been told.”

                “W-well I’m sure. You want to come inside? Can I grab your coat?”

                Stepping inside, Taemin was stripped of his outerwear by the older boy.

                “You really did come back y, huh? Can I get you two anything?”

                “Tea?”

                “Lucky me, I already have some made.”

                They got settled quickly and while Jongin went to take a shower, the two lovers shared each other in the kitchen.

                Although the brunette intended to wash the dishes after their quick meal, Minho had other plans.

                Lifting Taemin, he sat him on the counter, slipping in between his legs.

                “Minho, what do you actually think of my hair?”

                “Honestly?”

                “Honestly.”

                “Well I mean… you look really good and you’ve been such a tease since you came back. You know how patient I was, waiting for Jongin to leave just so I can get my hands on you?”

                “Now you do. What about it?”

                “You know, before you looked really cute, so I could look at you and hold myself back, but now, each time I’ve looked at you, I’ve wanted you in my bed. How are we going to solve this problem?”

                “Well there’s no use holding back.”

                Minho laughed. “I guess not. You know, everyone is going to be so jealous of my handsome husband."

                "Hyung, I feel the same way.