FOR LEEJAEHWA7
Title: Melt
For: leejaehwa7
Pairing: Yukwon/B-bomb
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,900
Summary: In a world where frost and flare are enemies and summer camp is a place where children exercise abilities other than their powers, Yukwon finds friends in his six groupmates - and maybe something more in one of them.
'I've always wanted to go to camp.'
Yukwon smiled as a green blur of trees flashed before him. He was sitting in the backseat of his father's car, heading to summer camp.
"The cold season's starting. Did you remember to bring your jackets?" Yukwon's mom said, her voice filled with worry.
"Yes, mom," Yukwon replied, rolling his eyes.
"What about the portable heater?"
"Of course, mom. You know I never forget stuff like that. I'm not a kid anymore."
"Well, we can't let you freeze, can we?"
"Or else I'll lose my power. You've told me millions of times, mom."
Yukwon's mom clucked her tongue, but she stayed silent. Yukwon pouted, wondering why his mom couldn't trust him with himself. He knew he wasn't the smartest kid but he liked his power enough to be reminded of his its weakness - the cold.
People like Yukwon have the ability to make and control fire using energy channelled within them. The only way they could lose is their flare is if they were exposed to cold too long. They wouldn't die, but they would lose their power and in their city, being powerless would mean slavery. Sometimes, a lucky few would chance upon a kind master and a warm home but still, most of them up as abused helpers.
Of course, there are other powers - lots of them. Yukwon's kind only bothers with one other kind - those who control ice and water. Those two have always been enemies. They try not to interact with each other because they fear having their power weakened or lost.
"We're here," Yukwon's dad said, pulling Yukwon from his thoughts. Yukwon watched as his parents got off the car, sighing. A week at camp - even though he really wanted it, he felt sorry for having to leave his family for one whole month.
"Now, don't get into any fights, okay? Get home in one piece," his mom nagged as he opened to door.
"Yes, mom."
"Give me a hug," his mom said, teary-eyed as she suddenly wrapped her arms around her son. Yukwon's eyes widened in surprise.
"It's just one week," Yukwon mumbled, his face a tinge of pink as he eyed other campers. "Mom, stop it. You're embarrassing me."
"Oh, hush."
Yukwon's mom tightened her hug for a second before letting her son go. Yukwon picked up his bags. He shared a look with his father, and then he gave his mom a smile before trudging up the campsite like a kid who got his lollipop.
'I'll make this a summer to remember.'
"Welcome to summer camp!"
Yukwon was seated with 6 other people around a circular table. He was fiddling with the hem of his sleeve, listening to the camp director. It was his first time attending something like camp and it was also his first time being forced to interact with people who weren't of his kind.
"If you would look at the people you're seating with, you would notice that you're grouped into seven. You seven will be one team. You will sleep in one cabin and you will go through all camp challenges together," the director shouted into the microphone.
Yukwon heard whoops from other tables - probably from friends who were in the same table. Everyone from his table was placid, though.
"The first activity will be later tonight, after dinner. Please feel free to make yourselves home and roam camp grounds until you are called," the director said, ringing the camp's giant bell once. "You may go."
Yukwon puffed his cheeks. He awkwardly sat, looking at his teammates, not knowing what to do. He didn't know any of them and some of them seemed scary.
"Well, we should go, shouldn't we?" someone said suddenly albeit a little shyly. He was a kid with purplish blonde hair. He seemed okay, if not for the underlying mischief in his eyes.
"Yeah, I want to rest already," a brunette said. He was good-looking - probably a ladies' man. His tone made him seem like a diva, though. Definitely scary.
"Shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" a blonde-haired boy suggested, a wide smile on his face. Everyone looked at him, silent. If Yukwon were him, that smile would've been wiped off his face by then but the blonde kid was still smiling.
"Well?" he said, his voice full of spirit.
"I'm Minhyuk," someone said, breaking through the somewhat-awkward atmosphere. He had dark black hair, and he was good-looking but the diva looked just a little better. He also wore a kind smile which flaunted his adorable dimple. It made him really likable.
"My name's Jihoon!" the kid with purplish blonde hair exclaimed energetically. He didn't seem so shy anymore.
"I'm Yukwon," Yukwon added, smiling widely. His mom always said that his smile was the best.
"Jiho," the blonde said, smirking slightly.
"I'm Taeil," another boy said. He had dark hair and his eyes were framed by black glasses.
"Park Kyung," a raven-haired boy said. He also had glasses but his face was long and his features chiselled.
Everyone was done speaking except for one - the diva. The camper named Jihoon cleared his throat awkwardly, noticing the lack of friendliness emanating from the handsome brunette. Minhyuk elbowed the diva, wearing a look of embarrassment. It must've been painful since the brunette let out a groan of pain right after.
"Ouch. Okay, okay. You didn't need to hurt me, Minhyuk," he snapped irritably.
"Jaehyo," he mumbled, crossing his arms.
"Well, now that we've got that out of the way... Let's go, people!" Jiho yelled vigorously, standing up. He trotted off happily towards the cabins, his backpack bouncing as he went.
"Well... we better follow him before he goes too far and somehow gets lost," Minhyuk said, sighing. He stood up too, getting his things before following Jiho. The others had no choice but to do the same.
"If I had known that it was like this at camp I would never have joined."
Yukwon huffed as he ran faster t catch up with the team ahead of his. He was okay with the activity last night. It was a nice getting-to-know-you activity and it actually got Jaehyo to quit being a diva for a while. This, though - harshly being dragged from bed to run laps at four in the morning - he didn't like it.
"Hey, you all right?" he heard someone say. It was Minhyuk. He was running beside Yukwon, looking sickly pale.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Yukwon replied in between pants. Then, they heard a whistle being blown - the sign for them to stop. Yukwon cried in relief as he collapsed to the ground. When his heart finally slowed down a little, he noticed that Minhyuk was still beside him. He was staring at the sky, chest rising and falling erratically. He hasn't caught his breath yet.
"So... are you okay?"Yukwon asked Minhyuk. It took a few moments for the other to respond.
"I'm okay," he said.
"You didn't look like you were okay. You looked like you were gonna faint!" Yukwon said with his eyes wide.
"I just don't... mesh well with running," Minhyuk said, nose scrunched up in distaste.
"But aren't we supposed to be doing this for the whole month?" Yukwon said, biting his lip.
"Don't remind me," Minhyuk replied.
"Then... I'll be your running buddy!" Yukwon suggested, giving Minhyuk a wide smile.
"Thanks," Minhyuk said, his eyes bright as his dimple surfaced.
Yukwon's smile widened even more.
"Food's here!"
"Oh yeah!"
"I'm starving!"
Yukwon chuckled as he watched his groupmates run towards the dining table.
"Okay, guys. Calm down. Let's make sure there's food for everyone," Minhyuk shouted amidst the chaos.
"You better make this fast," Jaehyo said, dragging the others to the floor to sit. When the others finally settled down, Yukwon took his seat beside Minhyuk.
"Let's eat!" Jiho announced, spoon already digging into his rice. Everyone happily followed suit, lest Jiho eat everything on the table. They finished eating in record time, leaving the plates clean and their tummies full.
"The food here is just so yummy," Kyung groaned.
"So... anyone up for ice cream?" Jiho asked. Yukwon groaned at the thought of delicious ice cream but it was as if his stomach was screaming at him to stop eating. He felt like puking.
"No more. No more food," Jihoon cried, holding his stomach.
"But I want ice cream," Kyung whined.
"Then you two should get some yourselves," Jaehyo said.
"But I don't wanna get up," Jiho wailed, lying down on his stomach and hitting the floor with his fists like a spoiled brat,
"I'm not getting up either," Kyung said, crossing his arms and retreating to a corner. Yukwon looked at everyone else before sighing. He really had no choice with groupmates like his. He had only one person to depend on at times like these.
"Minhyuk?" Yukwon asked, his voice small. He forced a smile, his eyes pleading Minhyuk to go with him. Minhyuk sighed.
"We'll go get your ice cream," he said, getting up. Yukwon followed him as he got out the door.
"Thanks," he said.
"No problem," Minhyuk replied with a smile. "It's not like anyone else will do the work."
"Still, it's nice that you're doing this. You could easily just whine like the rest of them."
"I'm not one to whine. Besides, I like taking care of others."
"Yeah, they sort of remind me of my younger brother," Yukwon said, glancing at the moonlit sky. He really did miss his family.
"They were irritating at first but I guess after two weeks of living with them, getting annoyed got old," Minhyuk said.
"Yeah, ca - ah!"
Whatever Yukwon was going to say, Minhyuk didn't get to hear it since he unluckily tripped on a rock.
"Yukwon! Are you okay?" Minhyuk asked, alarmed. He immediately got to his knees, checking Yukwon's feet for a sprain or other injuries.
"I'm all right, Minhyuk. I think," Yukwon said, wincing as Minhyuk pressed on a part of his ankle.
"You're not okay! I'm taking you to the clinic," Minhyuk said, pursing his lips.
"I'm okay, rea - "
"I'm not taking any chances," Minhyuk said, cutting Yukwon off. "Get on my back."
"I said I'm okay."
"Get on my back."
"Minhyuk..."
"Just do it. For me?" Minhyuk pleaded. Well, Yukwon couldn't really say no anymore. He wrapped his arms around Minhyuk's neck and got on his back.
"Thanks," Minhyuk said as he walked towards the clinic. "I would never have forgiven myself if I let you go off with an injury."
"It wasn't your fault, though," Yukwon mumbled against Minhyuk's back.
"But I was with you. I should do my best to help you."
"You really are too kind," Yukwon told his companion. "But what about the ice cream?"
"Oh. Don't worry about that, silly. Take care of your foot first," Minhyuk said, chuckling.
"But the others - "
"Can wait. You're more important, Yukwon."
Yukwon was silenced. He had no power against Minhyuk.
"Imagine! They would have one less person to take care of them. Plus, I'd lose my running buddy," Minhyuk continued. Yukwon buried his tomato-red face in Minhyuk's shoulder blade, flattered by Minhyuk's words. His reply was muffled by Minhyuk's sweater.
"I get it already."
"Hey, I didn't know you hang out here."
Yukwon turned his head and saw Minhyuk standing, arms on hips and a smile on his face.
"I just found this spot a while ago," he said, patting the ground next to him. "Come, sit."
"Figures. I've been hanging out here and I've never seen you here," Minhyuk said, looking at the reflection of the night sky in the lake.
"So this is where you always disappear to! How dare you not share this with us," he exclaimed, playfully hitting Minhyuk's shoulder.
"I didn't want the kids destroying my precious alone time!" Minhyuk said, sticking his tongue out.
"Still! You didn't bring me here," Yukwon said, clutching at his heart in mock hurt.
"This just means it's destiny for us to meet," Minhyuk teased, laughing. Yukwon dropped his act and joined Minhyuk in laughing. They got a lot closer after the ice cream incident--a lot more playful. It was a nice feeling. A happy feeling. One where sometimes, Yukwon could feel butterflies in his stomach.
"Ah, it's getting cold. Maybe I should go back," Yukwon said, noticing his freezing fingers.
He sandwiched his hands between his folded legs in an attempt to make them warmer. He didn't even notice it when Minhyuk took of his sweater. He was surprised when he felt warmer as another layer of clothing on him. He looked at Minhyuk, his eyes wide. Minhyuk only had his shirt on and yet he was still smiling at Yukwon.
"I'm okay."
"But you'll freeze!"
"Don't worry about me, Yukwon."
"Well... what about a campfire?"
"How?"
Yukwon smiled, snapping his fingers. In an instant, a small flame appeared. He set in on the ground and made it bigger. He glanced at Minhyuk to smile at him but he found the other blankly staring into space.
"Minhyuk?" he said, shaking the other's shoulder.
"Yukwon... Your power..." Minhyuk murmured, his eyes wide.
"Is fire. Is there anything wrong?" Yukwon asked. He was really worried. What was Minhyuk thinking?
"I control water."
With those three words, it was like everything stopped. Yukwon's eyes widened. He could only stare at Minhyuk in shock. He felt his heart hurt in his chest. He wanted to scream. He wanted to punch something. But he couldn't. He was frozen in place, silent.
When he finally did move, he only ran away. He ran from Minhyuk, hoping to run away from his new problem - hoping to run away from his aching heart.
Things changed after that. They weren't running buddies anymore. They weren't playful anymore. Heck, they didn't even talk anymore.
It was really hard for Yukwon. He lost a friend. Well, maybe he lost someone more than just a friend, but of course he wouldn't admit that to himself. To interact with Minhyuk, it was already frightening - the possibility of the other's frost overpowering his flare .To be with Minhyuk, though... no one really knew. It's never happened before but theory was it would be a loss for them both. Frost and flare would cancel each other out, leaving both of them powerless.
It was a lot for Yukwon's heart to take.
Yukwon's eyes opened. He couldn't sleep. Again.
His mind was always preoccupied and there was only one thing on his mind. Rather, there was only one person in his mind - Minhyuk. During the day, he couldn't help but to glance at the dimpled boy. He never saw the other look back at him, though. Not even once. It hurt Yukwon a lot, especially since even when his eyes were closed, he could still see Minhyuk, except during those times, he saw a happy Minhyuk. Minhyuk smiling at him. Minhyuk showing off his dimple. Minhyuk laughing. Minhyuk teasing Yukwon. Minhyuk looking fondly at their groupmates. Minhyuk when everything was all right and he didn't know what Yukwon's power was.
Yukwon couldn't take it anymore. He needed to go out before he lost control of his emotions and cried. He grabbed a bunch of sweaters and coats and went to the place he'd been running away to - that spot by the lake he shared with Minhyuk. One might think he was only hurting himself more. Well, maybe he was. He didn't know why he kept going there, either. Maybe going there just made it easier for Yukwon to let his tears fall.
That was exactly what Yukwon did the moment he arrived at his spot. He cried. He buried his face in his hands and he cried. He didn't even know how many nights he had spent crying to himself. He didn't even care that he was exposing himself to the cold. He let himself fall asleep outside without a blanket, only to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, shaking from the cold and tear tracks making his cheeks even colder.
Yukwon gasped in surprise when he suddenly felt warmth engulf him.
"I'm sorry."
That voice. It was Minhyuk. Minhyuk was hugging him, shedding his own tears.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have told you," Minhyuk said in between sobs.
"No... It would've been worse. You told me the truth. You did the right thing," Yukwon said, running his fingers through Minhyuk's hair.
"It really hurt me, watching you cry here every night. The only thing I could do for you was to stop the cold from taking over your body," Minhyuk said before totally breaking down in Yukwon's. Yukwon's eyes widened. So that was why he didn't lose his powers yet. Minhyuk must have taken the frost and channelled it into his body.
Yukwon hugged Minhyuk tight as he realized how much Minhyuk really cared for him. Even though everything was a mess and the situation should be worse, Yukwon only felt joy bubbling in his chest. Minhyuk cared for him and he cared for Minhyuk. He liked Minhyuk. Actually, maybe... maybe he loved Minhyuk.
Yukwon wiped Minhyuk's tears away, cupping his face. He slowly leaned in, stopping only when he was a few inches from the other's face.
"I don't think I care about losing my powers anymore. Do you?"
Minhyuk's eyes opened slowly. He was still sniffling, but his eyes held determination.
"No. Not anymore."
That night, frost and flare freely embraced each other - love weaving the two into unexpected, yet comfortable harmony sealed with a kiss.
For: leejaehwa7
Pairing: Yukwon/B-bomb
Rating: PG-13
Word Count: 2,900
Summary: In a world where frost and flare are enemies and summer camp is a place where children exercise abilities other than their powers, Yukwon finds friends in his six groupmates - and maybe something more in one of them.
'I've always wanted to go to camp.'
Yukwon smiled as a green blur of trees flashed before him. He was sitting in the backseat of his father's car, heading to summer camp.
"The cold season's starting. Did you remember to bring your jackets?" Yukwon's mom said, her voice filled with worry.
"Yes, mom," Yukwon replied, rolling his eyes.
"What about the portable heater?"
"Of course, mom. You know I never forget stuff like that. I'm not a kid anymore."
"Well, we can't let you freeze, can we?"
"Or else I'll lose my power. You've told me millions of times, mom."
Yukwon's mom clucked her tongue, but she stayed silent. Yukwon pouted, wondering why his mom couldn't trust him with himself. He knew he wasn't the smartest kid but he liked his power enough to be reminded of his its weakness - the cold.
People like Yukwon have the ability to make and control fire using energy channelled within them. The only way they could lose is their flare is if they were exposed to cold too long. They wouldn't die, but they would lose their power and in their city, being powerless would mean slavery. Sometimes, a lucky few would chance upon a kind master and a warm home but still, most of them up as abused helpers.
Of course, there are other powers - lots of them. Yukwon's kind only bothers with one other kind - those who control ice and water. Those two have always been enemies. They try not to interact with each other because they fear having their power weakened or lost.
"We're here," Yukwon's dad said, pulling Yukwon from his thoughts. Yukwon watched as his parents got off the car, sighing. A week at camp - even though he really wanted it, he felt sorry for having to leave his family for one whole month.
"Now, don't get into any fights, okay? Get home in one piece," his mom nagged as he opened to door.
"Yes, mom."
"Give me a hug," his mom said, teary-eyed as she suddenly wrapped her arms around her son. Yukwon's eyes widened in surprise.
"It's just one week," Yukwon mumbled, his face a tinge of pink as he eyed other campers. "Mom, stop it. You're embarrassing me."
"Oh, hush."
Yukwon's mom tightened her hug for a second before letting her son go. Yukwon picked up his bags. He shared a look with his father, and then he gave his mom a smile before trudging up the campsite like a kid who got his lollipop.
'I'll make this a summer to remember.'
"Welcome to summer camp!"
Yukwon was seated with 6 other people around a circular table. He was fiddling with the hem of his sleeve, listening to the camp director. It was his first time attending something like camp and it was also his first time being forced to interact with people who weren't of his kind.
"If you would look at the people you're seating with, you would notice that you're grouped into seven. You seven will be one team. You will sleep in one cabin and you will go through all camp challenges together," the director shouted into the microphone.
Yukwon heard whoops from other tables - probably from friends who were in the same table. Everyone from his table was placid, though.
"The first activity will be later tonight, after dinner. Please feel free to make yourselves home and roam camp grounds until you are called," the director said, ringing the camp's giant bell once. "You may go."
Yukwon puffed his cheeks. He awkwardly sat, looking at his teammates, not knowing what to do. He didn't know any of them and some of them seemed scary.
"Well, we should go, shouldn't we?" someone said suddenly albeit a little shyly. He was a kid with purplish blonde hair. He seemed okay, if not for the underlying mischief in his eyes.
"Yeah, I want to rest already," a brunette said. He was good-looking - probably a ladies' man. His tone made him seem like a diva, though. Definitely scary.
"Shouldn't we introduce ourselves first?" a blonde-haired boy suggested, a wide smile on his face. Everyone looked at him, silent. If Yukwon were him, that smile would've been wiped off his face by then but the blonde kid was still smiling.
"Well?" he said, his voice full of spirit.
"I'm Minhyuk," someone said, breaking through the somewhat-awkward atmosphere. He had dark black hair, and he was good-looking but the diva looked just a little better. He also wore a kind smile which flaunted his adorable dimple. It made him really likable.
"My name's Jihoon!" the kid with purplish blonde hair exclaimed energetically. He didn't seem so shy anymore.
"I'm Yukwon," Yukwon added, smiling widely. His mom always said that his smile was the best.
"Jiho," the blonde said, smirking slightly.
"I'm Taeil," another boy said. He had dark hair and his eyes were framed by black glasses.
"Park Kyung," a raven-haired boy said. He also had glasses but his face was long and his features chiselled.
Everyone was done speaking except for one - the diva. The camper named Jihoon cleared his throat awkwardly, noticing the lack of friendliness emanating from the handsome brunette. Minhyuk elbowed the diva, wearing a look of embarrassment. It must've been painful since the brunette let out a groan of pain right after.
"Ouch. Okay, okay. You didn't need to hurt me, Minhyuk," he snapped irritably.
"Jaehyo," he mumbled, crossing his arms.
"Well, now that we've got that out of the way... Let's go, people!" Jiho yelled vigorously, standing up. He trotted off happily towards the cabins, his backpack bouncing as he went.
"Well... we better follow him before he goes too far and somehow gets lost," Minhyuk said, sighing. He stood up too, getting his things before following Jiho. The others had no choice but to do the same.
"If I had known that it was like this at camp I would never have joined."
Yukwon huffed as he ran faster t catch up with the team ahead of his. He was okay with the activity last night. It was a nice getting-to-know-you activity and it actually got Jaehyo to quit being a diva for a while. This, though - harshly being dragged from bed to run laps at four in the morning - he didn't like it.
"Hey, you all right?" he heard someone say. It was Minhyuk. He was running beside Yukwon, looking sickly pale.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Yukwon replied in between pants. Then, they heard a whistle being blown - the sign for them to stop. Yukwon cried in relief as he collapsed to the ground. When his heart finally slowed down a little, he noticed that Minhyuk was still beside him. He was staring at the sky, chest rising and falling erratically. He hasn't caught his breath yet.
"So... are you okay?"Yukwon asked Minhyuk. It took a few moments for the other to respond.
"I'm okay," he said.
"You didn't look like you were okay. You looked like you were gonna faint!" Yukwon said with his eyes wide.
"I just don't... mesh well with running," Minhyuk said, nose scrunched up in distaste.
"But aren't we supposed to be doing this for the whole month?" Yukwon said, biting his lip.
"Don't remind me," Minhyuk replied.
"Then... I'll be your running buddy!" Yukwon suggested, giving Minhyuk a wide smile.
"Thanks," Minhyuk said, his eyes bright as his dimple surfaced.
Yukwon's smile widened even more.
"Food's here!"
"Oh yeah!"
"I'm starving!"
Yukwon chuckled as he watched his groupmates run towards the dining table.
"Okay, guys. Calm down. Let's make sure there's food for everyone," Minhyuk shouted amidst the chaos.
"You better make this fast," Jaehyo said, dragging the others to the floor to sit. When the others finally settled down, Yukwon took his seat beside Minhyuk.
"Let's eat!" Jiho announced, spoon already digging into his rice. Everyone happily followed suit, lest Jiho eat everything on the table. They finished eating in record time, leaving the plates clean and their tummies full.
"The food here is just so yummy," Kyung groaned.
"So... anyone up for ice cream?" Jiho asked. Yukwon groaned at the thought of delicious ice cream but it was as if his stomach was screaming at him to stop eating. He felt like puking.
"No more. No more food," Jihoon cried, holding his stomach.
"But I want ice cream," Kyung whined.
"Then you two should get some yourselves," Jaehyo said.
"But I don't wanna get up," Jiho wailed, lying down on his stomach and hitting the floor with his fists like a spoiled brat,
"I'm not getting up either," Kyung said, crossing his arms and retreating to a corner. Yukwon looked at everyone else before sighing. He really had no choice with groupmates like his. He had only one person to depend on at times like these.
"Minhyuk?" Yukwon asked, his voice small. He forced a smile, his eyes pleading Minhyuk to go with him. Minhyuk sighed.
"We'll go get your ice cream," he said, getting up. Yukwon followed him as he got out the door.
"Thanks," he said.
"No problem," Minhyuk replied with a smile. "It's not like anyone else will do the work."
"Still, it's nice that you're doing this. You could easily just whine like the rest of them."
"I'm not one to whine. Besides, I like taking care of others."
"Yeah, they sort of remind me of my younger brother," Yukwon said, glancing at the moonlit sky. He really did miss his family.
"They were irritating at first but I guess after two weeks of living with them, getting annoyed got old," Minhyuk said.
"Yeah, ca - ah!"
Whatever Yukwon was going to say, Minhyuk didn't get to hear it since he unluckily tripped on a rock.
"Yukwon! Are you okay?" Minhyuk asked, alarmed. He immediately got to his knees, checking Yukwon's feet for a sprain or other injuries.
"I'm all right, Minhyuk. I think," Yukwon said, wincing as Minhyuk pressed on a part of his ankle.
"You're not okay! I'm taking you to the clinic," Minhyuk said, pursing his lips.
"I'm okay, rea - "
"I'm not taking any chances," Minhyuk said, cutting Yukwon off. "Get on my back."
"I said I'm okay."
"Get on my back."
"Minhyuk..."
"Just do it. For me?" Minhyuk pleaded. Well, Yukwon couldn't really say no anymore. He wrapped his arms around Minhyuk's neck and got on his back.
"Thanks," Minhyuk said as he walked towards the clinic. "I would never have forgiven myself if I let you go off with an injury."
"It wasn't your fault, though," Yukwon mumbled against Minhyuk's back.
"But I was with you. I should do my best to help you."
"You really are too kind," Yukwon told his companion. "But what about the ice cream?"
"Oh. Don't worry about that, silly. Take care of your foot first," Minhyuk said, chuckling.
"But the others - "
"Can wait. You're more important, Yukwon."
Yukwon was silenced. He had no power against Minhyuk.
"Imagine! They would have one less person to take care of them. Plus, I'd lose my running buddy," Minhyuk continued. Yukwon buried his tomato-red face in Minhyuk's shoulder blade, flattered by Minhyuk's words. His reply was muffled by Minhyuk's sweater.
"I get it already."
"Hey, I didn't know you hang out here."
Yukwon turned his head and saw Minhyuk standing, arms on hips and a smile on his face.
"I just found this spot a while ago," he said, patting the ground next to him. "Come, sit."
"Figures. I've been hanging out here and I've never seen you here," Minhyuk said, looking at the reflection of the night sky in the lake.
"So this is where you always disappear to! How dare you not share this with us," he exclaimed, playfully hitting Minhyuk's shoulder.
"I didn't want the kids destroying my precious alone time!" Minhyuk said, sticking his tongue out.
"Still! You didn't bring me here," Yukwon said, clutching at his heart in mock hurt.
"This just means it's destiny for us to meet," Minhyuk teased, laughing. Yukwon dropped his act and joined Minhyuk in laughing. They got a lot closer after the ice cream incident--a lot more playful. It was a nice feeling. A happy feeling. One where sometimes, Yukwon could feel butterflies in his stomach.
"Ah, it's getting cold. Maybe I should go back," Yukwon said, noticing his freezing fingers.
He sandwiched his hands between his folded legs in an attempt to make them warmer. He didn't even notice it when Minhyuk took of his sweater. He was surprised when he felt warmer as another layer of clothing on him. He looked at Minhyuk, his eyes wide. Minhyuk only had his shirt on and yet he was still smiling at Yukwon.
"I'm okay."
"But you'll freeze!"
"Don't worry about me, Yukwon."
"Well... what about a campfire?"
"How?"
Yukwon smiled, snapping his fingers. In an instant, a small flame appeared. He set in on the ground and made it bigger. He glanced at Minhyuk to smile at him but he found the other blankly staring into space.
"Minhyuk?" he said, shaking the other's shoulder.
"Yukwon... Your power..." Minhyuk murmured, his eyes wide.
"Is fire. Is there anything wrong?" Yukwon asked. He was really worried. What was Minhyuk thinking?
"I control water."
With those three words, it was like everything stopped. Yukwon's eyes widened. He could only stare at Minhyuk in shock. He felt his heart hurt in his chest. He wanted to scream. He wanted to punch something. But he couldn't. He was frozen in place, silent.
When he finally did move, he only ran away. He ran from Minhyuk, hoping to run away from his new problem - hoping to run away from his aching heart.
Things changed after that. They weren't running buddies anymore. They weren't playful anymore. Heck, they didn't even talk anymore.
It was really hard for Yukwon. He lost a friend. Well, maybe he lost someone more than just a friend, but of course he wouldn't admit that to himself. To interact with Minhyuk, it was already frightening - the possibility of the other's frost overpowering his flare .To be with Minhyuk, though... no one really knew. It's never happened before but theory was it would be a loss for them both. Frost and flare would cancel each other out, leaving both of them powerless.
It was a lot for Yukwon's heart to take.
Yukwon's eyes opened. He couldn't sleep. Again.
His mind was always preoccupied and there was only one thing on his mind. Rather, there was only one person in his mind - Minhyuk. During the day, he couldn't help but to glance at the dimpled boy. He never saw the other look back at him, though. Not even once. It hurt Yukwon a lot, especially since even when his eyes were closed, he could still see Minhyuk, except during those times, he saw a happy Minhyuk. Minhyuk smiling at him. Minhyuk showing off his dimple. Minhyuk laughing. Minhyuk teasing Yukwon. Minhyuk looking fondly at their groupmates. Minhyuk when everything was all right and he didn't know what Yukwon's power was.
Yukwon couldn't take it anymore. He needed to go out before he lost control of his emotions and cried. He grabbed a bunch of sweaters and coats and went to the place he'd been running away to - that spot by the lake he shared with Minhyuk. One might think he was only hurting himself more. Well, maybe he was. He didn't know why he kept going there, either. Maybe going there just made it easier for Yukwon to let his tears fall.
That was exactly what Yukwon did the moment he arrived at his spot. He cried. He buried his face in his hands and he cried. He didn't even know how many nights he had spent crying to himself. He didn't even care that he was exposing himself to the cold. He let himself fall asleep outside without a blanket, only to wake up in the wee hours of the morning, shaking from the cold and tear tracks making his cheeks even colder.
Yukwon gasped in surprise when he suddenly felt warmth engulf him.
"I'm sorry."
That voice. It was Minhyuk. Minhyuk was hugging him, shedding his own tears.
"I'm sorry. Maybe I shouldn't have told you," Minhyuk said in between sobs.
"No... It would've been worse. You told me the truth. You did the right thing," Yukwon said, running his fingers through Minhyuk's hair.
"It really hurt me, watching you cry here every night. The only thing I could do for you was to stop the cold from taking over your body," Minhyuk said before totally breaking down in Yukwon's. Yukwon's eyes widened. So that was why he didn't lose his powers yet. Minhyuk must have taken the frost and channelled it into his body.
Yukwon hugged Minhyuk tight as he realized how much Minhyuk really cared for him. Even though everything was a mess and the situation should be worse, Yukwon only felt joy bubbling in his chest. Minhyuk cared for him and he cared for Minhyuk. He liked Minhyuk. Actually, maybe... maybe he loved Minhyuk.
Yukwon wiped Minhyuk's tears away, cupping his face. He slowly leaned in, stopping only when he was a few inches from the other's face.
"I don't think I care about losing my powers anymore. Do you?"
Minhyuk's eyes opened slowly. He was still sniffling, but his eyes held determination.
"No. Not anymore."
That night, frost and flare freely embraced each other - love weaving the two into unexpected, yet comfortable harmony sealed with a kiss.