The rain only stopped in the evening, leaving behind wet asphalt that reflected the streetlights and a few cars. The air was fresh and cool, smelling of damp leaves and the distant smoke of roasted chestnuts from a street vendor. Minjun sat by the window, watching the lights tremble in the puddles, and felt the tension that had held him all day slowly loosen inside. But the habit of cautiously hiding his emotions had not yet let go.
Hyuk quietly entered the room. The door opened without a creak, but Minjun still immediately felt his presence. The scent - light, familiar, slightly tart, mixed with the residual trace of the alpha's pheromones - seemed to instantly fill the space with warmth.
He noticed that Minjun had moved back a little, his shoulders tense. Hyuk didn't rush, he sat down next to him, leaving a small distance between them, and spoke softly, as if afraid to startle him:
"Minjun... I've noticed you've been a bit... distant."
Minjun lowered his gaze to the mug where the tea had already grown cold. His heart was beating louder than he would have liked. He tried to find the words, but they all got stuck in his throat. Instead of answering, he squeezed his fingers around the porcelain so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
A memory surfaced before his eyes: his father's stern voice, his mother's cold gaze. "You have to prove you can handle it yourself." These words rang inside him like a warning bell. On the day he left home, his shoulders were as tense as they were now.
"I..." Minjun began, his voice trembling. "I just... need a little time."
Hyuk nodded silently and only gently squeezed his palm, in an encouraging way, as if holding him on the surface during a storm inside.
"Okay," he said with a slight smile. "I'm here. When you're ready - you'll tell me."
These words were more effective than any attempt to pry the truth out of him. Something in his chest stirred, and the tension eased a little.
To break the silence, Hyuk suddenly got up, straightened his posture, and suggested:
"How about we go for a walk? If you want - just on the street, or... we can stop by the park. I heard they have new rollerblades for rent there."
Minjun blinked in surprise. Rollerblades? He hadn't put them on since childhood. For a second, the fear of possible embarrassment pierced him, but with it came a strange desire to try - next to Hyuk, even the risk didn't seem scary.
"I... haven't skated in a long time," he confessed quietly.
"Perfect, that means it'll be fun," Hyuk replied with a soft chuckle and held out his hand.
They went out into the evening. The air was thick with moisture, but a light breeze felt pleasant on his face. The park's lights were on, reflecting on the wet paths. There were few people: a few couples, mothers with children, and a group of teenagers laughing loudly by the entrance.
Minjun stood there, unsurely putting on the rollerblades, feeling almost like a schoolboy. Hyuk helped him fasten the straps, his fingers lightly brushing his skin, and a familiar, light current ran through his body.
"Hold on to me," Hyuk said, standing up.
Minjun's first steps were difficult: his legs were slippery, his knees trembled. He almost fell, but Hyuk held him firmly by the waist.
"Easy, I'm here," he said hoarsely, and his voice sounded closer than it should have.
Minjun looked up and for the first time noticed how Hyuk's intensely blue, deep eyes reflected the light of the streetlights. It seemed as if he could drown in them. For a moment, his fear disappeared.
They skated through the park, and soon, the awkwardness was replaced by laughter. Minjun almost fell to the ground a couple of times, but each time Hyuk caught him, pulling him close. Their bodies touched, their breaths mingled, and each such moment left a deeper impression than any words.
"You're doing well," Hyuk praised, slightly hugging him when Minjun finally skated a few meters without support.
"It's all thanks to you," Minjun exhaled, feeling his cheeks burn.
When they stopped by the pond, lit by the streetlights, Minjun took off the rollerblades and sat on a bench. His heart was still pounding from the tension and laughter. Hyuk sat down next to him, offering him a bottle of water.
"See? It all worked out," he said.
Minjun took a sip, trying to hide his smile. He felt a sense of lightness for the first time in a long time. There was no anxiety or fear. Just the evening, the fresh air, and a person next to him who knew how to provide support in a way that warmed his chest.
They sat there, listening to the rustling of leaves and the distant laughter of children. At some point, Hyuk cautiously took his hand. Minjun didn't pull his hand away. On the contrary - he intertwined their fingers, and the movement was as natural as breathing.
"Thank you," he said in a barely audible voice.
Hyuk looked at him, and in his eyes was that same calm, deep glow that made the world feel safe.
***
At home, Minjun wearily collapsed onto the couch. Hyuk sat down next to him, placing his palm on his shoulder. Minjun closed his eyes and for the first time in a long time, he felt that laughter could be a medicine.
"Thank you," he whispered. "You taught me... to be happy again."
Hyuk ran his fingers through his hair.
"Laughter suits you. A lot."