Minjun didn't wake up right away. First, he felt the warmth - soft, lulling, coming from the body next to him. Only then did he open his eyes and see that Hyuk was still asleep. His breathing was deep and even, and a shadow of calmness lay on his face that was rarely seen in the everyday hustle and bustle.
Minjun smiled cautiously. He was still wearing that same loose T-shirt of Hyuk's, soft and smelling of his skin. The fabric wrapped around his body as if protecting him, and every movement reminded him of the previous night. He stretched, trying not to wake the older man, and got out from under the blanket.
In the kitchen, he turned on the kettle. The water began to hum, filling the morning silence. Minjun took out mugs and tea, trying to move as quietly as possible, but the steps behind him still sounded distinct.
"You're up early," a low, slightly hoarse morning voice said.
Minjun turned around and met Hyuk's sleepy eyes. He came closer, and before Minjun could answer, strong arms gently wrapped around his waist.
"Hyuk..." Minjun breathed out softly, freezing.
"Good morning," he said and leaned closer. His lips barely touched Minjun's neck - a light kiss, warm and gentle. Minjun felt his skin flush, his breath catch, and his fingers clench the edge of the countertop, as if for support.
"I was just... going to make some tea," he mumbled.
"Make it," Hyuk said gently, not letting go. "And I'll just stand here for a while."
Minjun smiled, not trying to pull away. On the contrary, a warmth spread inside him, filling every cell.
Breakfast was simple: warm buns, cheese, a little honey. But at the table, it felt as if everything had changed. Their hands sometimes touched when one reached for a plate, and each such moment resonated with a soft tremor.
After breakfast, Hyuk suggested:
"The weather's nice today. Want to go for a walk?"
Minjun nodded, and they went out together. The city greeted them with sunny glares and a fresh wind. They walked side by side, step for step, and when their hands accidentally touched, Hyuk easily intertwined his fingers with his.
"This is better," he said quietly.
Minjun blushed, but he didn't pull away. Hyuk's palm was warm and confident, and the gesture made his heart beat faster.
At the movie theater, they chose a light-hearted film. When the lights dimmed and the hall was plunged into semi-darkness, Minjun felt Hyuk's palm rest on top of his hand again. Their fingers intertwined, firmly and naturally, as if it were a given.
Minjun couldn't concentrate on the screen. Sometimes he would sneak a glance - and his gaze would linger on Hyuk's face, faintly illuminated by the screen's reflection. And then, for the first time, he noticed how intensely blue Hyuk's eyes were in the dark: a deep, mesmerizing color, as if a whole ocean was hiding in them.
This discovery made his heart skip a beat. Minjun felt something inside him clench and then immediately melt. He quickly turned his gaze back to the screen, but his thoughts kept returning to those eyes - too captivating, too real.
The movie ended, but the new feeling continued to beat in Minjun's chest. He could still feel Hyuk's hand in his - and that seemed more important than any frames.
Outside, the sun was already setting. The wind played with their hair, and the light of the streetlights reflected in the storefronts. Hyuk gently touched his shoulder.
"Tired?"
"No," Minjun smiled. "On the contrary, I feel good."
Hyuk walked him home. At the doorstep, he leaned down and lightly kissed his forehead. Minjun froze, and his heart dropped when another kiss followed - on his lips. Quick, gentle, but enough to make his breath hitch.
"Welcome home," Hyuk said.
That evening, they were on the couch again, shoulder to shoulder. Minjun leaned against him, feeling the older man's warmth gradually intertwine with his own rhythm. The world around them disappeared, and only the two of them remained - breathing, soft touches, and a silence filled with tenderness.
Minjun closed his eyes. A calm happiness spread through his chest. He realized for the first time that "home" wasn't just walls. It was the warmth that was waiting for him right there.
This translation contains mature themes and language that may not be suitable for all readers.