It seemed Minho didn’t notice the gaze Jinki sent his way, but the younger’s eyes quickly darted around the apartment, humming to himself, “This place looks pretty small, you know.”

“It’s small.” Jinki agreed, taking a bite of his chicken, “But it’s all one person could really need.”

“One person?” Minho’s eyes screamed curiosity as they quickly found Jinki’s once more, “You live by yourself? What about your parents?”

“Ah, I don’t like talking about it.” Jinki cleared his throat, turning his attention to the textbook on the table. He reached out and flipped a page halfheartedly, looking at the historical content Minho was reading. The topic was about the Cold War, and although Jinki had no problem teaching all subjects, history was a subject that he himself dreaded learning. Then, his hand was taken away from the book and the book was closed, with Jinki turning his attention back to Minho.

“Can we skip the studying today, Jinki?” The fact that Minho had dropped his formality all together took all words out of Jinki’s mouth, and he stared at Minho until he continued, “I actually did pay better attention in class today, so I’d rather take some time off of studying.”

Jinki contemplated this for a moment before he pursed his lips and nodded, full of thought as he sat back, smiling softly at the taller male, who mirrored his smile and once again, Jinki felt that strange feeling in his heart.

“Jonghyun says you two used to be best friends.” Minho said, blinking in an innocently curious fashion as he fixed his gaze onto Jinki once more.

“Used to be.” Jinki nodded in agreement, “Like how Taemin and you used to be best friends.”

“You’re pretty close to Taemin, then?” Minho’s eyes were lit in a slightly sad way, and Jinki asked himself what could have happened to them to make them the way they became. “How is he nowadays?”

Jinki couldn’t help but smile at the worry Minho had in his eyes, nodding slightly, “He’s the same as he’s always been. Naïve, hardworking, easily excited, and of course- he’s a giant baby that gets whatever he wants.”

The taller male chuckled and nodded, “It sounds like him, indeed.” Then, just for a quick second, his eyes met Jinki’s before the elder looked away, “You know, Jonghyun misses you. He acts all tough and rude, but he’s said it to me on countless occasions that he just wants to spend some time with you again.”

“My door’s open for him, whenever he wants to come over.” Jinki said with a sigh, barely covering a yawn with the back of his hand, and then shaking his head with a grin at the curious taller male, “Sorry, I just got back from work.”

“You tutor me after working?” Minho’s eyes had a guilty look in them, and Jinki couldn’t help but reach over and ruffle his hair.

“Don’t worry about it, you’re my new dongsaeng, so I’ll help you whenever I can.” Jinki felt his eyes squint as he smiled brightl