Morning came too quiet. The silence was so heavy it pressed against Minjun's chest harder than any noise could. He lay in bed, staring at the ceiling, replaying the night before. Dinner, soju, laughter… and his own recklessness - the kiss.
The memory sent blood rushing to his cheeks. He pressed his palm to his face as if he could wipe away the warmth along with the thought. What have I done?.. The words, the glances, Hyuk's soft laugh, his calmness - they all tangled together into a torturous fear: What if he never comes again?
His stomach twisted with hunger, but something else weighed heavier - the urge to hide, to avoid Hyuk. Yet his body rose on its own. Minjun slipped on a jacket, grabbed his wallet, and stepped outside.
***
The air was fresh, damp from the night. The city moved in familiar rhythms - the hum of engines, footsteps, a dog barking in a yard. But the closer he came to the store, the clearer it was: that scent - steady, warm pheromones.
He drew a deeper breath, and a shiver ran down his skin.
Hyuk stood behind the counter, wiping it down with a damp cloth. At the sound of footsteps, he lifted his head. His gaze lingered on Minjun longer than usual, lips curving into a faint smile. Not the usual polite one - something softer, almost gentle.
"Good morning, Minjun," he said calmly, as though nothing had happened yesterday. "I made tea. Warm, sweet."
Minjun dropped his eyes, cheeks burning. Too calm. Too… simple. He walked closer.
Hyuk set a cup before him, along with a plate of breakfast. The scent of warm bread blended with the steam of tea.
"I…" Minjun gripped the mug so tightly his knuckles whitened. "I wanted to apologize. I don't know what came over me…"
Hyuk's hand settled lightly on his shoulder. Not heavy, not commanding - just steady, like balance.
"No need," he said quietly. "I was glad."
Minjun's head snapped up. In Hyuk's eyes, there was no mockery. Only sincerity.
"Glad?" he whispered.
Hyuk nodded. After a short pause, he added:
"It was… cute."
The word struck him off guard. No one had ever called his actions "cute." He'd always been "stubborn," "proud," "too sensitive." But now - cute. His heartbeat stumbled, racing unevenly.
Hyuk pulled his hand back, straightening again.
"But I don't want you to feel obligated," he said evenly, almost casually. "It should be only your choice."
He fell silent, leaving space in the air. Not pressure - just room to breathe.
Minjun sipped the tea. The hot liquid spread warmth through him, calming the storm inside.
***
"Will you help me with the store today?" Hyuk asked, breaking the silence. "The deliveries came in."
Minjun nodded. His fingers still trembled, but now it was from something different - an unfamiliar, eager anticipation.
They began unpacking boxes. Minjun carefully lifted cans, placing them neatly on shelves. Hyuk stood nearby - adjusting, steadying, taking the heavier loads.
And every time their fingers brushed, Minjun's heart skipped.
"Careful," Hyuk said when Minjun reached too quickly for the top shelf. He didn't explain - just placed a hand at Minjun's lower back, steadying him.
That light touch scattered his breath. Minjun wanted to protest that he could manage, but the words lodged in his throat.
"…Thank you," was all he managed.
Hyuk didn't reply. Just smiled faintly at the corner of his lips.
***
They worked the whole day. Minjun talked about the books he liked to read at night, about how order helped him gather his thoughts. Hyuk sometimes teased, sometimes simply listened.
At one point, a can slipped from Minjun's hand. He caught it awkwardly, clutching it to his chest. Hyuk looked at him and murmured,
"You're funny."
Minjun flushed but couldn't stop a smile from breaking out.
***
By evening, when the last box was emptied, they stood side by side at the counter. The store had returned to its tidy order.
"Thanks for the help," Hyuk said.
Minjun smiled faintly, eyes lowered.
"I should be the one thanking you."
Their fingers brushed accidentally along the edge of the counter. Minjun pulled his hand back quickly, but warmth flared in his chest - and he didn't want it gone.
***
On his way home, a strange feeling filled him: part relief, part anticipation. Yesterday's kiss no longer felt like a mistake.