The evening sun spread over the walls of the narrow street, coloring the bricks and storefronts in golden-pink tones. Minjun was in a hurry after his part-time job: his bag was pulling on his shoulder, but the fatigue was mixed with another feeling - anticipation. Each step brought him closer to meeting Hyuk, and his heart beat faster because of it, as if an impatient rhythm had taken up residence in his chest.
He barely noticed the passersby: some were rushing with bags, some were laughing on the phone, some were walking their dogs. Minjun glided past, completely absorbed in his anticipation.
And suddenly - a familiar figure at the intersection.
Hyuk. He stood there, holding a phone in his hand, his bag slung over his shoulder. The evening light fell on his hair, giving it a soft glow, and for a second, Minjun felt as if he was watching a scene from a dream.
His heart skipped a beat.
Hyuk looked up, noticing him, and the corners of his lips twitched into a warm smile. In the golden light, his eyes seemed even more saturated - a deep blue that reflected the sky.
"Minjun?" he said in a low, almost whispered voice, as if afraid to scare away the moment. "I didn't expect to meet you here."
Minjun lowered his gaze to his bag, trying to hide the blush that had flared up, but a smile still broke through.
"Hi..." he replied quietly. "Working after class."
"Really?" Hyuk tilted his head slightly, studying him. "You look tired. How was your day?"
Minjun shrugged, but he felt his body respond to every word he said. The bag, the barely noticeable touch of Hyuk's fingers to its strap, the accidental contact of their elbows - it all resonated with a tremor inside him.
"It was a long day," he admitted. "But it's bearable. I'm just tired."
Hyuk took a step closer. Their shoulders almost touched, and Minjun involuntarily gravitated toward that warmth.
"Let me walk you home," Hyuk suggested gently. "The evening is too beautiful to walk alone."
Minjun nodded. A light joy spread inside him. They walked side by side, shoulder to shoulder, and every accidental contact - their fingers brushing against each other, a light push with an elbow - was like a tiny spark.
The streets came to life: somewhere, fairy lights turned on above small cafes, the pastry shop smelled of fresh buns, and in the distance, a street musician could be heard.
"You know..." Hyuk began quietly, as if afraid to disturb the city's music, "I like seeing you like this. Real. Even tired."
Minjun felt his heart clench at the words. He squeezed Hyuk's fingers and said quietly:
"I'm glad we're together."
Hyuk leaned in and touched his forehead with a soft kiss, then kissed his lips briefly - so lightly, but with a depth that made Minjun's breath catch.
They passed the storefronts and stopped at a small street restaurant decorated with paper lanterns. It was lively inside: laughter, the clinking of dishes, the aroma of noodles and fried meat.
"Shall we go in?" Hyuk suggested. "My treat."
Minjun didn't argue. They sat by the window, ordering noodles, a few appetizers, and hot tea. The food was delicious, but their gestures were more important: how Hyuk handed him the mug, lightly touching his fingers; how Minjun moved his plate closer; how their gazes kept meeting.
"You're especially quiet today," Hyuk noted, sitting closer. "Are you thinking about something?"
Minjun's cheeks flushed, he stared at their intertwined fingers and said quietly:
"I'm just... happy that you're here."
Hyuk leaned in and touched his forehead again. Minjun took a deep breath, allowing himself to dissolve in that warmth.
When they went outside, the sky had already been covered by a velvety darkness, and the streetlights reflected on the wet asphalt. Minjun pressed against Hyuk's side, and he wrapped his arm around his waist.
"I'm happy you're here," Hyuk said quietly but firmly.
"Me too," Minjun replied, resting his head on his shoulder. The world around them seemed to shrink to their steps and the soft light.
They walked to Minjun's apartment, still hand in hand. At the doorstep, Hyuk touched his cheek with his palm, and Minjun covered it with his hand.
"Welcome home," Hyuk whispered.
Minjun smiled, and in that moment, the entire day - the fatigue, the worries, the chaos - dissolved. They went up to the apartment and wrapped themselves in a blanket on the couch. Hyuk hugged him from behind, resting his chin on his shoulder. Minjun could hear his steady breathing, feel the warmth of his hands, and understood: even the most ordinary evening becomes special when you spend it together.