The evening covered the city in a soft twilight, the streets bathed in the golden light of the streetlights. The scent of a recent rain hung in the air, but now it mixed with the aroma of street food and coffee from small shops. Minjun walked next to Hyuk and kept finding himself feeling a strange sensation inside - anxiety interwoven with a quiet excitement.
The events of the past few days had left a mark. Inside him, the feeling of fear related to his past and his parents was still beating. The thought that his life could be destroyed by a single phone call wouldn't leave him alone. But next to Hyuk, the anxiety seemed to dissolve, giving way to something new, unfamiliar, but desired.
"Are you hungry?" Hyuk asked, turning to him. His gaze was soft, slightly glowing in the light of the streetlamp.
"A little," Minjun admitted, although his stomach had long been clenching from hunger.
"Then let's go. I know a place. I think you'll like it."
They turned into an alley, and a small Japanese tavern opened up before them. A cozy restaurant with paper lanterns at the entrance, from which a soft light streamed. Through the slightly open doors, the aroma of fried fish, soy sauce, and freshly cooked rice wafted out.
Minjun paused for a second, inhaling these aromas, and his heart responded with warm anticipation.
Inside, it was quiet and cozy. Wooden partitions, low tables, soft light. They took off their shoes at the entrance and walked to a table in the corner, where it was especially private.
"I rarely come here," Hyuk said, sitting on the tatami mat. "But every time, I think I should come more often."
Minjun sat down opposite him, running his fingers over the smooth wooden surface of the table. A feeling of comfort, quietness, and closeness filled everything around them.
When the waitress brought the menu, Hyuk ordered without hesitation: sashimi, hot soup, tempura, and a bottle of sake.
"Have you ever had sake before?" he asked, turning to Minjun.
"No," he confessed honestly, a little shy. "I've only heard of it."
Hyuk smiled:
"Then you'll try it today. It's soft and warm... it fits the mood."
When the food arrived, the table was filled with the scents of the sea, freshness, and spicy herbs. Hyuk poured the sake into small ceramic cups. He handed one to Minjun, lightly touching his fingers.
"Try it," he said.
Minjun cautiously took a sip. The sake was surprising: light, slightly sweetish, with a warmth that quickly spread through his body. He involuntarily smiled.
"You're right..." he said. "It feels like it warms you from the inside."
"Exactly," Hyuk replied softly, watching his reaction carefully. "I like to see you happy."
Minjun looked away, his cheeks slightly pink. He took his chopsticks and tried a piece of tempura. The crispy crust and juicy filling distracted him, but his thoughts kept returning to Hyuk's words.
They ate at a leisurely pace. Sometimes they exchanged short phrases, sometimes they laughed at how awkwardly Minjun tried to pick up a piece of fish, but it slipped from his chopsticks.
"You're messing with me," Minjun mumbled playfully when the piece fell back onto the plate for the third time.
"No, I'm admiring you," Hyuk replied, laughing. "It looks... cute on you."
Minjun almost choked on his sake, but a warmth spread through his chest. His heart was beating faster than it should have, and he secretly looked at Hyuk. The alpha's blue eyes reflected the soft light of the lamp, and there was no mockery or coldness in them - only acceptance and quiet care.
"Hyuk..." Minjun hesitated a little. "Sometimes I think that the past... it holds me back too much."
Hyuk put his cup on the table and leaned closer. Their faces were only a few centimeters apart.
"The past is important," he said quietly. "But it can't define you now. And if it ever gets tough - I'll be here."
The words pierced his heart. Minjun felt his eyes fill with warmth. He nodded, unable to find an answer.
They drank a little more sake, laughed, and shared stories. Minjun told him about funny incidents at the library, and Hyuk told him about how children at the store tried to pay with seashells instead of money. With each new joke, the tension dissolved, and the evening turned into a quiet celebration just for the two of them.
When they left the restaurant, the city had already sunk into the night lights. The sake made his head a little dizzy, and Minjun laughed when he almost stumbled. Hyuk immediately grabbed him by the waist.
"Be careful," he said, looking him straight in the eyes.
And again, that saturated blue color - deep, like the night sky. Minjun held his breath, his heart skipping a beat.
They walked down the street, holding hands. Hyuk's palm was warm and firm, and Minjun felt that no matter what was ahead, he had a person he could trust by his side.
***
Later, they left the restaurant. The night air was cool, smelling of the street and rain. Minjun was a little unsteady - the sake had made him light and brave.
Hyuk took his hand, firmly but gently.
"Careful."
Minjun pressed against him, feeling the warmth of his shoulder.
"I don't want to go home," he murmured. "Let's just... walk a little more."
Hyuk looked at him and nodded. Their steps merged with the noise of the street, and the streetlights reflected in the wet asphalt. For the first time in a long time, Minjun felt: the past was being left behind, and next to him was a person with whom he could build a present.