Avoir le mal de quelqu’un → for chocoyeol (2/2)
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“Will you ever be angry at me?”
“I don’t think I would be able to even if I had reason to.” Minseok replies easily.
“What if I told you you’re dying?” Junmyeon says, turning over to burrow further into Minseok’s duvet.
“But I already am?” Minseok says, sitting up. He watches Junmyeon fidget in the cocoon he had made for himself the best he can, Junmyeon having insisted to leave the blinds shut so that light won’t get into Minseok’s eyes.
“Remember that one day?” Junmyeon says, voice echoing just barely.
Minseok frowns and Junmyeon laughs quietly.
“I will tell you why I want you to keep my medicine, but not take it.”
“Oh.” Minseok thinks of all the crystals decorating the top shelf of his bookcase. They cast a rainbow over his living room in the day, when the sunlight refracts off the rocks.
“When I first met you,” Junmyeon says, voice muffled as he rolls over fully so that his eyes peek out at Minseok. Minseok grins, hand reaching over to ruffle his fringe. “I told you what I was.”
“Angel.” Minseok nods.
“You took to it so easily,” Junmyeon sighs. “And your first question was-“
“Are you here to take my life?” Minseok chuckles.
“I said no, but only because, I’m not the one taking your life.”
“Then…”
“Have you heard of Samael?”
“Samael.” Minseok repeats the foreign name and Junmyeon sits up so fast that Minseok didn’t even see him move.
“Samael, archangel, bringer of death. His servants serve to bring objects that slowly absorb the life, painlessly, out of the people meant to die.” Junmyeon’s eyes are shining in the dim light, and when Minseok shifts just barely, he shoots back to the edge of the bed.
“Then the medicine,” Minseok whispers, not sure if he was soothing the panic in Junmyeon’s eyes or the hummingbird thrum of his own heart. “How come I feel better when I take it?”
“Painless,” Junmyeon smiles, the corners curving downwards sadly. “Samael is not a bad person.”
“When he takes life away when the people need it the most?” Minseok says, and it’s like Junmyeon has become a stranger, the faraway look in his eyes and the melancholic smile changing the way he looks.
“When he gives his angels, some of them, the right to choose whether the person should die.” Junmyeon says softly.
“And your judgement is?”
“How do you feel after I…” Junmyeon shakes his head. “I kiss you.”
“Better. Better than the medicine.” Minseok understands now, he reaches a hand out and Junmyeon shies away like a young child. “Junmyeon-“
“I’m not done,” Junmyeon says sharply. “I want to show you something.”
Junmyeon gets off the bed, hands clenching and unclenching before they come to curl around the hem of his shirt. In one fluid motion, he rids of it, dropping it to the floor. Minseok flushes at the sight of Junmyeon, the undulating movement of muscles under the pale skin of his stomach and arms distracting.
“Watch carefully,” Junmyeon says, glancing over at Minseok.
They are black.
Minseok catches a loose feather, awed at its silkiness and the room is filled with a faint glow, the light flowing in all directions in smooth waves from Junmyeon.
“Junmyeon,” Minseok’s voice catches, and he wonders briefly if he’s gone mad. “You’re gorgeous.”
The wings open before pressing back close to Junmyeon’s back and Junmyeon turns. The obsidian black shimmers against the white of Junmyeon’s skin; the contrast is stunning. Minseok stares, Junmyeon as still as a statue, throat tight.
“Were you expecting them to be white?” Junmyeon’s voice has a higher ring to it now, almost like the chime of bells. “They are kind of a this gross black because of what I do.”
“I guess.” Minseok admits, and Junmyeon’s laugh is musical and Minseok can barely breathe.
Minseok wordlessly reaches out both hands.
Junmyeon’s eyes are a darker shade now, almost as dark as his wings and Minseok runs his fingertips of the planes of Junmyeon’s face first. His fingers trail down the slim neck and over the firm shoulders.
“Can you turn?” Minseok says, and Junmyeon slips around easily enough, and at his resettling one of his wings open just barely, brushing Minseok’s face.
“Sorry,” Junmyeon’s apology is immediate and Minseok just laughs. He presses his palm right between the two wings, trailing downwards slowly and Junmyeon shivers, wings fluttering a little.
Minseok’s fingers run through the feathers like it runs through cool water, and as he brushes away the feathers that cover where the wings meet Junmyeon’s back, he can’t control the gasp that comes out.
“Junmyeon, your back,” Minseok’s finger hover uncertainly over the scarred area before they brush the curved ridges gently.
“Ah,” Junmyeon exhales shakily.
“Did that hurt?” Minseok says instantly.
“No, it’s just sensitive.” Junmyeon looks at him from over his shoulder, and Minseok nods.
“Can I…” Minseok asks and Junmyeon nods.
“Anythin- oh.” Junmyeon breathes at the brush of Minseok’s lips to his scars.
Minseok presses light kisses down the length of the twin scars, and when he finally presses one last kiss at the base of Junmyeon’s spine, the wings shoot open by Minseok’s head.
Junmyeon is shaking, and Minseok’s hands slide onto Junmyeon’s hips before he slides them further to spread over Junmyeon’s stomach. He rests his head between Junmyeon’s shoulder blades, sighing.
“You’re right, you are sensitive there.” Minseok teases softly, and he feels the rumble of Junmyeon’s laugh before he hears it.
“Are you not angry at me?”
“For what?”
“For slowly killing you for the past one year.”
“But you started saving me too.”
“Too late, I’m scared I’m too late.” Junmyeon’s voice is laced with guilt and Minseok holds him tighter, and Junmyeon’s hands curl into his.
There’s a soft whisper of wind, and when Minseok opens his eyes again, the wings are gone, and Junmyeon’s back is smooth and whole again.
“It’s okay,” Minseok decides, and Junmyeon turns, breaking his hold.
“But what if it’s not for me?”
“It’s not like you can do anything better,” Minseok says, and Junmyeon’s chest rises and falls evenly as he considers those words.
“Stop staring at me,” Junmyeon whines suddenly, and Minseok startles, eyes flickering back up to meet Junmyeon’s.
Minseok grins at the blush scattered over Junmyeon’s cheeks. He leans up, a little hesitant and Junmyeon grants him what he wants.
It is easy to slip into Junmyeon’s lap, the other so easily distracted by Minseok’s insistent lips. Minseok leans further against Junmyeon, letting them fall backwards and Minseok laughs at Junmyeon’s yelp.
“For an angel you can be so clumsy.”
“Shut up.”
“Are angels even allowed to curse?”
“I’m a rule breaker.”
“Then,” Minseok pauses. “Kiss me.”
Junmyeon rolls them over, eyes rolling at the same time and Minseok shoots him a look.
Junmyeon noses down the slope of Minseok’s jaw, inhaling and Minseok huffs, hands holding Junmyeon’s face to tilt it up.
“Okay, okay.” Junmyeon laughs, slotting their lips together.
Junmyeon hums when Minseok twists his fingers into the ever too long hairs at the top of Junmyeon’s nape, left hand drifting over Junmyeon’s shoulder to his arms to his chest. Junmyeon catches Minseok’s bottom lip in his teeth when Minseok’s hand goes further down.
“What,” he pants. “Exactly do you think you are doing.”
“Can angels do this too?”
Junmyeon freezes at the brush of Minseok’s palm over his pants, head dropping into the crook of Minseok’s shoulder.
“We are able, yes,” Junmyeon says against his throat. “But there’s nothing that comes ou-“
He inhales sharply when Minseok takes that as a yes, and Minseok feels the wet press of lips and tongue against his collarbone, trailing to the hollow of his throat.
He twists his wrists as he tightens his hold and Junmyeon’s hips jerk into his hand, drawing a low moan out from his lips. As he quickens his pace, Junmyeon’s kisses grow more frantic, peppering over the expanse of his neck and shoulders. Junmyeon’s next moan is even deeper, dropping to a whine when Minseok slows down experimentally. He falls onto his forearms to lower himself closer.
“Please, don’t,” Junmyeon whimpers into his mouth and Minseok’s entire body just grows hotter at the way Junmyeon begs.
Junmyeon comes cleanly, as promised. Junmyeon exhales heavily, his hands still buried in Minseok’s hair. Junmyeon shifts suddenly, glancing down. Minseok bites his lip when Junmyeon’s fingers tug down his sweatpants.
“If you’d like, I’ve… had practice before, I-“ Junmyeon says uncertainly as he wraps slender fingers around Minseok’s length, tongue wetting his lips.
“Please,” Minseok whispers.
Junmyeon’s tongue slips out, lapping at the precome already dripping over the head and Minseok exhales heavily.
Minseok doesn’t know if it’s intentional, or if Junmyeon was looking for approval, but the moment Junmyeon fits his lips over Minseok’s cock, sucking, his eyelids flutter before they open fully so that Junmyeon can meet Minseok’s eyes.
“Fuck,” Minseok gasps when Junmyeon goes lower. An angel was touching him this way and maybe because of their previous talk, but it feels like sin.
Or it could just be Junmyeon.
Junmyeon pulls off, hand pumping slowly before he licks down the length, tongue sliding right up to the middle before his teeth graze the thick vein that makes itself visible there. Junmyeon sucks right there and Minseok’s hips snap upwards as he moans, the loud noise echoing.
Junmyeon stares at him with wide eyes, and Minseok’s hand tentatively reaches out to pet his hair, urging him on. Junmyeon slides the length into his mouth again, going lower than before and letting his teeth graze the same spot with accuracy and Minseok unintentionally thrusts right into Junmyeon’s mouth.
“Shit, I’m-“ Minseok wants to apologise, but then Junmyeon swallows as the head of his cock brushes past and down into Junmyeon’s throat.
It is all over embarrassingly fast, and Minseok watches Junmyeon pull off with a wrinkled nose, some of the white cum slipping past his lips. Minseok reaches to wipe it off, but a pink tongue swipes it up again.
“Messy.” Junmyeon sighs, pressing a light kiss into the centre of Minseok’s palm, as he always does.
“When you said practice…”
“The higher angels sometimes ask of us to do so,” Junmyeon says, gaze dropping. “We aren’t allowed to disobey.”
“Oh,” Minseok says, stomach turning over at the idea of Junmyeon being used. He erases the thought, leaning over to kiss Junmyeon on the lips lightly.
“I suppose you need to shower,” Junmyeon says, changing the subject as well and Minseok nods.
“Join me?” Minseok asks, and Junmyeon frowns, going to switch on the room’s light.
“If you’d teach me how your shower machines work,” Junmyeon says, lips unconsciously forming a barely visible pout. “The last time I tried a human shower all I got was cold water.”
Minseok stares at Junmyeon, brow knitting together. He snorts when he realises Junmyeon was being serious, and was actually clueless about using a shower.
“Complicated humans.” Junmyeon mutters, sulking.
“Come,” Minseok laughs, pulling Junmyeon along. “I promise there will be hot water."
☿♂☿♂
Minseok grins at the blond head that dips low, eyes meeting Kyungsoo’s. Kyungsoo blinks, bewildered as he carefully examines the bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
“Hello, Kyungsoo,” Junmyeon says pleasantly, finally getting to greetings as he straightens up. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“I can’t say I’ve… said the same-” Kyungsoo coughs out his last word as Sehun drapes himself onto him, chin pressing onto the top of Kyungsoo’s head. “Sehun!”
“Hello,” Sehun says, eyes alighting on Junmyeon. He pushes down on Kyungsoo and makes Kyungsoo bow with him, and Minseok snorts. Jongin slips in as well, and he bobs his head. He looks over at Junmyeon and Junmyeon is biting down his bottom lip, hiding his smile.
“Minseok hyung brought his friend today. Kim Junmyeon,” Kyungsoo explains, still eyeing Junmyeon and Minseok shifts nervously.
“You have friends other than us?” Jongin says in mock-horror. Sehun cackles, raising a hand to slap a high five against Jongin’s palm.
“Nice eyes,” Sehun says suddenly, and Minseok sucks in a breath, glancing over.
“Contacts,” Junmyeon says without preamble. “I’m milking this blond hair look for all it’s worth before it grows out.”
It’s a good lie, but Kyungsoo’s eyes still narrow silently, and Minseok nearly bites his tongue when Junmyeon winds their pinkies together.
“Oh, hyung,” Sehun drawls, noticing their connected hands and Minseok glares back at him.
“You never told me you were seeing someone,” Kyungsoo mumbles and Minseok tugs Kyungsoo away from Sehun and into his side.
“It was all sort of sudden,” Minseok whispers and Kyungsoo shrugs, lips petulant.
“I won’t steal him away from you, you know.”
Kyungsoo looks over at Junmyeon, who has a bemused smile on and he shrugs again.
“Why have we never heard of this Junmyeon before?” Luhan prods when Junmyeon excuses himself to the bathroom.
“I only really get to see him at night,” Minseok says, keeping his arm hooked around Kyungsoo’s.
“At night?” Kyungsoo says, and Minseok winces when he sees the calculations made in Kyungsoo’s head. “After you walk me home? At eleven? Like now?”
“I couldn’t sleep and walked around the park just outside a lot,” Minseok makes the excuse easily, and Luhan nods slowly. “Luhan did say the meds would cause sleeplessness.”
“That’s not very like you to make friends so easily though,” Luhan says, clinging onto one of the sofa pillows.
“Hook-up, more like.” Sehun’s grin subsides instantly when Kyungsoo’s eyes flicker to him.
“Stop being so defensive, Kyungsoo,” Luhan says, noting the gloom hanging around the younger boy. “Your hyung actually can have a relationship.”
“He hid it from me,” Kyungsoo says, matter of fact, and Minseok squeezes his wrist gently. “We never hide things from each other.”
“I’m sorry,” Minseok says, the guilt bubbling up. Kyungsoo ignores him, standing. “Soo-“
Kyungsoo steps over Minseok, grabbing his glass and retreating to the kitchen. Minseok gets up hastily, shooting a look at Luhan whose lips press together lightly as he offers a helpless smile.
Sehun sighs, catching Minseok and pushes him into his seat before jogging into the kitchen himself. Minseok stares at Sehun’s retreating back and stands up for a beat before sinking back down into the seat.
“And your Kyungsoo has someone who will take care of him,” Luhan reminds Minseok, shaking his head. “The two of you, honestly.”
“In their defence, Minseok has been taking care of Kyungsoo since they were like in kindergarten,” Junmyeon’s voice carries over the room and Luhan startles.
“Did you like teleport, or-“ Luhan cocks his head and Junmyeon scoffs.
“You’re just slow, Luhan,” Minseok fills, and Jongin nods agreeably.
“I’d like to see how fast you are when you have to close a ruptured vein, Jongin,” Luhan says blithely, and Jongin looks mildly terrified at the mention of blood.
“I very much admire doctors,” Junmyeon pipes up, sitting down next to Luhan.
“I feel like all that studying was worth it, you know? To be able to really help someone,” Luhan starts, eyes shining and Junmyeon nods rapidly.
“I can’t imagine having to do all that you do,” Junmyeon continues, throwing a sly look to Minseok before he refocuses on Luhan. Minseok shakes his head fondly when Luhan sits up straighter at the subtle praise.
Luhan and Junmyeon end up being immersed in a conversation about the medicine field and Minseok leans his head on Jongin’s as he watches a video on his screen. He steals one of Jongin’s earpieces to listen, and Jongin slings his arm around Minseok to bring him closer.
A weight settles against Minseok’s hips and Minseok glances away from the screen to see Kyungsoo worrying his bottom lip as his hands clench into Minseok’s sleeve.
Kyungsoo isn’t looking at him and Minseok jerks his arm away. Kyungsoo looks up immediately, hurt shadowing his face when he meets Minseok’s eyes. Minseok grins then, pulling him down by his collar to crash into him and furiously musses Kyungsoo’s hair.
“I’ll never leave you,” Minseok says softly as the boy cuddles into his side gladly. He gets a nod and Jongin accommodates, angling the screen down so Kyungsoo can see too.
Sehun flops belly down onto the carpet by their feet, and Minseok looks at him. Sehun gives him a wink and a thumbs up and Minseok kicks his butt with a thankful foot.
☿♂☿♂
"Why are you-" Minseok whispers and Junmyeon smiles.
"I've been a horrible liar," Junmyeon says, letting Minseok grip his wrists. He brushes his fingers over the insides of Minseok's wrists, humming. "Your pulse has really gotten stronger, I'm so glad."
"Luhan said my cysts started self-destructing," Minseok scrambles for the words, the thoughts coming to him faster than he can voice them. "I knew you had something to do with that."
"You knew that long ago."
"I didn't know you were self-destructing!" Minseok nearly shouts, and Junmyeon shushes him.
Minseok stares at Junmyeon's fingers over his skin, searching and it scares him, the way he can see the blue veins of his skin past Junmyeon's flesh. Minseok sinks to the floor and Junmyeon follows.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Minseok accuses.
Junmyeon shakes his head, kneeling between Minseok's legs to wrap arms around him. Minseok's cheek presses against Junmyeon's tummy, and Minseok rubs his cheek against the cool cotton of Junmyeon's shirt as his own arms curl around Junmyeon's hips.
"You wouldn't let me then would you?" Junmyeon's voice floats down to him and Minseok nods. "Exactly."
"But you're going to die," Minseok's whisper is strangled as the realisation hits him like a train crash and tears burn the rim of his eyes. "You can't die."
"Technically, no." Junmyeon laughs and Minseok's fear poisons his thoughts further.
"I won't have you anymore," Minseok's voice is hoarse as he realises how wet his cheeks already are.
"No,” Junmyeon agrees, and his own voice wobbles.
"What happens to you, when you- you finally..."
"I'll go back, but what happens to me after, I don't know," Junmyeon confesses, sinking down on the back of his thighs.
Gentle thumbs rub away the tears from Minseok's soft skin and Minseok stares at Junmyeon's lips.
"Do you want to kiss me?" Junmyeon asks gently.
Minseok shakes his head furiously, eyes wet as he looks down.
"I'm already past the point of recovery, Minseok-ah."
Minseok fights the fingertips that place themselves under his chin, refusing to look up.
"Minseok, I-"
"All this time, you've been listening to me talk about how I'm hurting everyone around me by being sick like this, and you told me I wasn't," Minseok starts.
"You weren-"
"I was," Minseok feels pressure in his chest build as he tries to stop tears, to refuse the choking that comes with. He clutches his shirt, his heart aching as he meets Junmyeon's eyes. "I was hurting you."
"Never," Junmyeon says sharply. Minseok scoffs, feeling a tear slip away. He grabs Junmyeon's hand, holds it up in front of his face. He watches as Junmyeon's eyes remain focused on his face instead of changing focus onto his hand.
"You can fucking see me through your hand, Junmyeon," Minseok hisses, jerking his head away when Junmyeon tries to lean closer. "I'm killing you."
Minseok's voice cracks then and he drops Junmyeon's hand, trembling. He makes to stand, nails dragging along his skin, feeling disgusted at himself when he receives a hard shove to both his shoulders.
Junmyeon pins him down, and Minseok tries so hard to focus on his eyes.
"Don't you dare run away from me." Junmyeon says, voice coloured with anger and shaded with hurt. Minseok takes a sharp inhale when Junmyeon presses his lips to his.
Minseok cannot stop his natural reaction, melting into Junmyeon. But as Junmyeon readjusts his position to run fingers through Minseok's hair soothingly, more tears force their way past his eyelids, wetting Junmyeon's arm sleeve as they slide down his cheek.
Minseok tries to memorise the way Junmyeon tastes, the gentle slope of his back, the soft roundness of his cheeks and the perfect puzzle piece way petite Junmyeon fits into his arms, how Minseok's one hand settles over Junmyeon's hip like a glove.
Junmyeon seems to be just as desperate, parting their lips to run his lips over the expanse of Minseok's skin, from his cheeks to forehead to nose down to his neck. Minseok shudders when Junmyeon goes lower, littering kisses in the little hollows that Minseok's body holds-- the dip of his collarbones, the inner curve of his shoulder, the crook of his elbow, the dip of his inner wrists, the sink of his stomach, ending with quick kisses on each fingertip.
“Minseok, look at me,” Junmyeon says, voice firm and Minseok looks at him.
Junmyeon fades into opacity again, and Minseok feels the fear bleed away.
"You aren't going to disappear on me tonight, are you?"
"I'll tell you when it's our last." It's a promise, and Minseok nods, softly pressing his lips to Junmyeon's, as if Junmyeon would disintegrate right there.
☿♂☿♂
"Angels aren't supposed to fall for their charges," Junmyeon's smiles have been sadder nowadays, and Minseok's mirrors his. "That's why Samael gave us the choice, because we can, but we pay the sacrifice somehow."
"You're just one of his game pieces," Minseok says, twisting the grass blade in his fingers. “That’s disgusting.”
“I suppose. Maybe I did something bad before,” Junmyeon muses, rolling on to his stomach and picking up the book Minseok brought for him, because he wanted to finish the book from the last time he picked it up in Minseok’s room. “They say that’s the only possible way that you are sent to be under him: to fall for someone and then hurt them, or hurt yourself.”
“So only one winner exists.”
“And he gets the job done, yes.”
“Sick.” Minseok spits, throwing the grass blade away and it floats away gently.
Junmyeon doesn’t say anything, fingering the next page already. His form fades in and out of vision, and Minseok’s heart clenches at the now familiar sight.
“Can I keep the book till I’m done with it?”
“Well, yes, Sehun gave it to me, but I’ve never read it,” Minseok says, eyes running over the white leather bound book.
“It’s interesting,” Junmyeon says offhand, pasting yet another book tag that he had stolen from Minseok’s desk before snapping it shut. He looks up at Minseok and smiles.
Minseok finds himself smiling back, arm reaching out to comb through those blond strands.
“You’re so gorgeous, you know?”
“Is that the only adjective you have for me?” Junmyeon’s smile grows wider.
“Pretty much,” Minseok says, movement faltering when Junmyeon flickers out of sight for the barest second. Junmyeon’s efforts have their occasional loopholes.
“Does it hurt?” Minseok asks, and Junmyeon understands.
“No, I suppose we are just being warned, that’s all.”
“Good.” Minseok says, relieved.
“When I finally have to go… if I come back,” Junmyeon weighs the words carefully as he pieces them together. “I promise to find you again.”
“You make so many promises,” Minseok replies, the little hope he has growing with Junmyeon’s words.
“I promise to make less,” Junmyeon says. Minseok’s laughter spills freely, because it’s Junmyeon.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok fluffs his damp hair, tossing the wet towel into the hamper by his bathroom door and half slips half slidies onto his bed. He stretches, the soft cotton even more comfortable after the hot shower.
He draws himself up, leaning against the headboard as he wonders why Junmyeon has yet to arrive. He picks up the pillow by him, hugging it to his chest. His fingers knock into something firm, and he freezes.
He stares at the white leather bound book that was under the pillow. He picks it up, the weight heavy in one hand and he flips the pages, the brightly coloured markers that Junmyeon had placed at certain pages jumping out at him. He turns it over, feeling one of the plastic markers dig into his palm at the back and he's drawn to the printed initials at the bottom corner.
Minseok is staring at his own initials. He goes back to the first page, going through the book slowly, and he nearly laughs, the air choked down as he realises what has happened.
Minseok is infinitely sure that he had left the book with Junmyeon in the clearing, where Junmyeon carefully hid it in a little hollow by the entrance of it. Minseok is hit by coincidence of Junmyeon having randomly picking up this book from his side table.
He reaches for his phone, and he dials Sehun.
"Hyung?"
"Sehun," Minseok starts, swallowing carefully. "Your birthday present for me..."
"Oh," Sehun says, sounding embarrassed. "Yeah, I gave you the Bible."
"I...thank you for the present," Minseok says, words spinning in his mind and tumbling over themselves. "I have a question to ask, because I haven't read it-"
"No, hyung, I just, I just gave it to you because I thought, you know it might help, and I left a note in the first page to check out some of the sayings-"
"No Sehun, it's fine, I don't mind," Minseok cuts in, and he sighs. "Sehun, do you know of Samael?"
"Samael?" Sehun confirms, and there's a bit of silence.
"Sehun?"
"Samael is mentioned in the Old Testament, if that's what you want to know," Sehun says, voice soft. "Samael is the angel of death, and I think he is a sort of dark servant to God."
"Dark servant?"
"Some say he's evil, some say he's good and to others, he's both."
"So he takes lives?"
"Essentially? I suppose? Samael belongs to the Old Testament because the Old Testament is closest to Judaism. My church never studied him much."
"Thank you, church boy," Minseok teases, hearing Sehun's embarrassed protest. "Good night, Sehunnie."
"Hyung!"
"Yes?"
"He's not going to take you, you know. Not on our watch."
"I know," Minseok says, fingers smoothing over the smooth leather cover. "Luhan already said I'm in the clear."
"Good," Sehun says firmly, and Minseok can hear him settling back into his bed. "Good night hyung, see you tomorrow?"
"Of course, love you, big brat."
"Love you too, hyung," Sehun says and Minseok ends the call first.
Minseok runs through the pages that both Junmyeon and Sehun had marked out for him, and when he hits the last tab, he pauses. His throat tightens, because this tab is not one that Sehun suggested, and is marking the back cover of the book.
He flips it open, and tears instantly blur his sight and his mouth tastes sour. Unrecognisable handwriting crosses the whole page, slightly round, loopy and looks exactly like how Junmyeon would write-- neatly, carefully.
I miss you already. If we meet again. I love you.
p.s. The Bible has got so many things wrongs.
Yours always, Junmyeon.
It doesn’t escape Minseok that Junmyeon broke his promise.
☿♂☿♂
“Come with me,” Minseok says, walking ahead.
“Hyung?” Kyungsoo catches up as they walk past Kyungsoo’s apartment complex.
Minseok tugs his hoodie up as a strong gust of wind blows, the rustle of the already bare tree branches signalling the arrival of winter.
“Wow,” Kyungsoo says, spinning in a slow circle as he takes in the place. “I never knew this part of the park was so…”
“Bright?” Minseok smiles, dropping to the ground. “Me neither.”
“Why are we here though?”
“This is where I first met Junmyeon,” Minseok says simply, and Kyungsoo turns, eyes fixed on Minseok.
“In such a secluded place?” Kyungsoo trots over, flopping down beside Minseok.
“I was walking, and I just… stumbled across the place, I guess.”
“The moonlight is so strong here,” Kyungsoo’s voice is just above a whisper, the peace of the place settling on him.
“He left me,” Minseok smiles at the wide eyed look that Kyungsoo shot him. “No, it’s not his fault, he had to.”
“Why?”
“He’s coming back though,” Minseok says, head tipping to rest on Kyungsoo’s. “He didn’t want to leave until I was better.”
“Oh.”
“I wish you liked him better too”
“When he comes back I will.”
“He’s so pretty, Kyungsoo,” Minseok says, lying on his back. Kyungsoo lays back too, ready to listen. “I don’t know if you see it but he’s so…”
“You look at him like you’re enchanted,” Kyungsoo says knowingly.
“Do I?”
“Yeah, I was worried you’ll get hurt, if… he just appeared out of nowhere and… Did I jinx you, hyung?”
“Of course not,” Minseok sighs, and the wind rises, running its fingers through their hair. Kyungsoo shivers, and Minseok presses closer. “Cold?”
“A little.”
“He was my spring,” Minseok murmurs. “It was never cold with him here.”
“What, am I your winter?” Kyungsoo says drily, and Minseok lets a laugh run past his lips.
“You’re my three six five, twenty four seven, Soo,”
“Gross.”
“You’re with me every day,” Minseok reminds him, eyes slipping shut. “Thank you.”
“Always, hyung,” Kyungsoo says. “Me, Luhan, Jongdae, Sehun, Jongin.”
Minseok can’t help but think that the list is short of one.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok startles awake for no reason, and he lies there under the duvet. He turns over to face his windows, the blinds that he left open. The moonlight streaming in is not warm enough. Minseok cannot close his eyes and pretend there is someone next to him soothing him to sleep slowly- as slow as he had fallen in love.
The sheets rustle as he gets up, making his way to the living room, dropping onto the sofa. He rubs at his tired eyes, sleep not willing to come to him again.
He stares at the blank television screen. He catches sight of the crystals in the reflection, a dusting of crystalline specks. He turns his head to the other side, and he can just see the top of the shelf over the back of the sofa.
His gaze lingers over the pale purple ones, and it hurts. Minseok scrambles up, moving to his room and halts at the sight of the seemingly too big bed. He spins around and changes into a hoodie and loose sweatpants before grabbing a bag to stuff more clothes in. He grabs whatever else he needs, before leaving his apartment.
"Hyung?" Kyungsoo blearily says, opening his door wider and Minseok slips in.
"I'm sorry, I know it's late, but," Minseok drops the bag. "I can't, Kyungsoo."
"Can't what?" Kyungsoo tugs Minseok into his room.
"I can't stand it, my chest hurts," Minseok says, feeling Kyungsoo's grip on his arms.
"Do I need to call Luhan hyung? What's-" Kyungsoo panics, stepping away to locate his phone and Minseok jerks him back.
"I should have just kept him in the fields," Minseok whispers. "I shouldn't have let him into my apartment, it's so full of him, I see him everywhere, feel him everywhere, he’s everywhere, Soo, I-"
Minseok's voice breaks off and he exhales pressing his face into Kyungsoo's shoulder. A hand kneads at his neck and Minseok guided carefully back to Kyungsoo’s room.
"Stay," Kyungsoo says quietly. "As long as you want, I have a spare bedroom anyway."
Minseok is pushed under the duvet and Kyungsoo presses close.
"But tonight let’s be together, just like when we were kids," Kyungsoo says, wrapping his arms around Minseok and curling into him. Minseok nods, letting the tears fall, hidden in Kyungsoo's hair.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok scalds himself on the steamer, of all things.
His yelp is unexpectedly loud, and he winces at himself and the pain. Kyungsoo is there instantly, the kitchen door swinging behind him.
Kyungsoo glances at the receipt, quickly finishing the drink and passing it to the customer, thanking her with a smile that leaves her stuttering. Minseok smiles through the stinging and it dies immediately when Kyungsoo spins around, frowning at him.
An arm wraps around his waist and a palm presses firmly to his stomach as Kyungsoo leads him to the kitchen. Minseok sits in the barstool and Kyungsoo finds the first aid box. He watches Kyungsoo fuss over his hand, the gel carefully spread and Kyungsoo blows at it gently before wrapping the cotton and gauze over it.
"It's just a light burn," Minseok begins, jumping when Kyungsoo purposefully presses hard on the cotton, sending a jolt of pain through his arm.
"Light," Kyungsoo says, eyes peering up at him and his lips pursed.
"Okay so, not so light..." Minseok trails off when Kyungsoo presses a light kiss to the spot.
"All better," Kyungsoo says, blinking at Minseok expectantly.
"Thanks, Soo." Minseok chuckles softly. "All grown up now."
"Of course," The right corner of Kyungsoo's lips tip up.
"My baby practically younger brother, all grown up, with his own cafe and fixing his hyung's wounds," Minseok says, faking a sad sniff, earning a shove in the shoulder.
"Hyung!" Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, giving in to a smile.
"It is true though," Minseok says fondly.
"Dad called the other day," Kyungsoo says, pulling Minseok back out front. "He asked how was his son."
"And?"
"I said I was fine and he snorted saying 'Not you, Kyungsoo, Minseok.'"
Minseok grins, patting Kyungsoo on the head.
"It's okay, I knew I was always the better son," Minseok says, earning a whack on the arm from the kitchen towel.
"Your parents like me better," Kyungsoo retorts, and Minseok can't fight that.
"Our parents just want to exchange sons, that's probably why they let us stick around each other so much," Minseok reasons.
"First you steal my childhood, now you steal my parents,"
"Who's the little elementary school kid who insisted on sticking around me?"
"Me," Kyungsoo says blankly, raising his hand.
They both stare at each other. Kyungsoo keels over first, laughing and Minseok nearly gets dragged down with him to the floor. They miss the tinkling of the wind chime hooked to the cafe's main door.
"I come all the way here on my first break in thirty two hours of emergency duty to watch two idiots fall over each other."
They both look up, and Luhan is grinning at them.
"Don't be jealous that I had Minseok hyung first," Kyungsoo sticks his tongue out, and Luhan blows a raspberry back at him.
"Mature, Luhan," Minseok steps forward and Kyungsoo clings to him like a koala, smug smile directed at Luhan.
"Immature things must be met with their match," Luhan says seriously. "Vanilla latte please."
"Less cream, an extra shot?" Kyungsoo fills in. "And no, Minseok hyung does not come on the side."
"Darn," Luhan beams, tossing the ten dollar bill onto the counter.
☿♂☿♂
Kyungsoo doesn’t know what each small star on each day of the calendar means-dutifully drawn every day- but he lets Minseok hang it up anyway.
Minseok doesn’t know why he gets up at two am every day to draw each small star on the day that has passed, but Minseok knows he’s counting each day, wondering why Junmyeon hasn’t walked through the door of his room yet.
☿♂☿♂
Jongin beams at him through the dimness of the club as they stumble their way past the throngs of people milling around back to their table.
"Looking good," Luhan calls over the live band, and Minseok takes a gulp of his beer.
"I've missed this," Minseok admits. He wrinkles his nose when Luhan squints at him, analysing. "I'm fine."
"I cleared you, I know you're fine, but it wouldn't hurt to be careful." Luhan insists.
"Kyungsoo went backstage already," Sehun says, returning to the table with a root beer.
"Early," Minseok notes, and Jongin shrugs.
"He hasn't performed in a while, especially since you haven't come with him in a long time."
"Yeah?" Minseok asks, thinking of how he had spent his late nights the past few years.
"Yeah," Luhan says. "Not the same without you here."
The music slowly faded and the microphone sounded over the general buzz of the place.
"Hey guys," Kyungsoo's voice echoed over them, and Luhan whooped as everyone clapped politely. "To the regular patrons of this amazing place, long time no see. Since it's been a while, I'll start off slow. I'll be giving you guys two songs tonight; Quasimodo and Moonlight. My good friend Chanyeol is here to lend a hand at the guitar and piano. Hope you enjoy."
"New songs?" Minseok asks curiously. “Chanyeol?”
"Originals. And a new friend. Remember Yixing? Yeah, Chanyeol and him make quite a musical pair. And with Kyungsoo's knack for lyrics? Amazing." Luhan supplies as Chanyeol starts off a slow improvisation first, catching everyone's attention properly.
"Small world," Minseok murmurs.
"Makes you think you can meet anyone in this world," Sehun says quietly trailing off as the actual piece starts.
The lyrics are poignant, and Minseok fits the pieces together. He wonders if Kyungsoo read into more of Minseok's relationship than he was aware of. Kyungsoo's voice flows smoothly, incredibly rich and as Minseok gets lost in the melody he dimly notes how much Kyungsoo has improved since he last heard Kyungsoo actually sing properly.
When they finish Kyungsoo gets a standing ovation and Kyungsoo grins over the crowd at Minseok. Chanyeol follows Kyungsoo over and introduces himself to Minseok.
"Met Kyungsoo backstage a couple months ago," Chanyeol says, seating himself next to Kyungsoo.
"Nice," Minseok says, glancing over when Luhan's phone flashes in the dark.
Luhan eyes his phone, taking another swig of his cocktail before picking up his phone.
"Guys," Luhan says as he reads the text. He looks up, smile almost splitting his face. "Drinks on me tonight."
"Why?"
"No way," Chanyeol cuts in, eyes wide. "Yixing was telling me earlier."
Luhan raises a hand and Chanyeol slaps a high five.
"I've been promoted to the Pulmonology Department's Section Head," Luhan says, and Minseok tackles him.
"Congrats," Minseok squeezes Luhan into a tight hug. "I can't believe you didn't tell me you were vying for the position."
Luhan shrugs, "You've been busy," and Minseok smiles apologetically.
"You've been fighting for the spot for so long," Kyungsoo says, delighted. "Free drink for the new Section Head tomorrow."
"How generous," Luhan is practically buzzing, hand clenched in Minseok's.
"Next thing you know you're going to be the Department Head." Minseok teases, and Luhan nods.
"You're going to have to make a testimonial as one of my patients," Luhan pokes him gently. “Tell them all about my fabulous service.”
"Of course."
"I should tell Ju-" Minseok says before stopping himself, smile falling.
"Junmyeon hyung?" Sehun says, eyes curious as he slings an arm over Kyungsoo's shoulders. Kyungsoo stiffens, nudging his boyfriend, but Sehun doesn’t take note. “Is he coming?”
"Sorry, force of habit," Minseok says, head ducking as he arranges his fringe. "We're taking a break."
Luhan squeezes his hand tightly, and Minseok cracks a smile when Luhan winks at him. Jongin offers to get more drinks, dragging Chanyeol and Sehun with him. Luhan texts Jongdae, distracted. Without Luhan, Minseok tries to ignore Kyungsoo's stare by concentrating on the band on stage.
“He’ll come back,” Kyungsoo says, and Minseok stiffens.
“Yeah,” Minseok replies, gaze still pinned to the stage.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok slides the cupcakes in carefully, watching for any crushed icing. He frowns at one missing the pastel dragées.
He picks it up with the tongs, manoeuvring around Kyungsoo who wanted to pull a slice of carrot cake out.
"Jongin," Minseok sighs. "Dragée."
Jongin freezes, hand pinching the multi-coloured decorative balls floating over the rest of the cupcakes. He regards the naked cupcake with a sheepish smile, changing his target to that sole cupcake.
"Sehun isn't here today to quality check today," Jongin reasons, and Minseok wordlessly holds out the cupcake.
"Hyung," Jongin says when Minseok makes to go back out front.
"Yeah?" Minseok pauses by the door.
"I'm glad you're all better, both ways, you know?" Jongin says, flashing Minseok a shy smile before scuttling away to the back pantry.
Minseok thinks about Jongin's words as he returns the cupcake to its rightful spot in the display case.
Minseok hasn't thought about him in a long time. It comes to his realisation as he mulls over it, wiping the case's glass with a clean cloth. He takes a peek at the pastries and cakes he had carefully arranged. He alights on the cupcakes earlier, and among the various tiny pearls of pastel, the pale purple pulls him in.
Minseok glances at his reflection in the glass, and he blinks at his own smile.
☿♂☿♂
“I’m having a performance tomorrow night,” Kyungsoo sings, the moment he steps through the door from practice, and Minseok looks up from the television.
“I’ll come,” Minseok says. “As I have for the past hundred over weekends.”
“Of course you’ll come,” Kyungsoo says, dropping the takeout on the living room table. He bounces on the spot. “You better.”
“Why are you so excited today?” Minseok laughs, sliding off the sofa onto the floor to open the packets of food.
“It’s going to be an awesome performance,” Kyungsoo insists, eventually dropping onto the couch. "You're going to love it.”
“What, another song about me?” Minseok says, and Kyungsoo raises his eyebrows. “I totally saw through Quasimodo and Moonlight the last time, Soo.”
“Well, your emotions were so admirable,” Kyungsoo says. “Yixing hyung loved the lyrics-he said it was so ‘raw’ and what not.”
Kyungsoo waves his arms in the air, eyes rolling. Kyungsoo never had much patience for Yixing’s philosophical talks, the former much more realistic. Minseok shakes his head, snapping the chopsticks apart.
“Anyway, this time it’s Yixing hyung’s turn at the piano,” Kyungsoo continues, picking at his galbi noodles. “He’s amazing, for someone who can’t read notes. Chanyeol had him play the melody key by key to write down the score.”
“How did he learn the piano then?” Minseok says, nibbling on his dumplings.
“Feel,” Kyungsoo sighs. “How is he a doctor again?”
“Feel,” Minseok snorts into his water as Kyungsoo harrumphs.
☿♂☿♂
“Apparently we’re supposed to be in for a surprise,” Jongin says to Minseok as they lean against the bar, watching Chanyeol hook up his guitar and Yixing warm up the keys. Kyungsoo appears, and club falls silent in expectation.
“Are you guys sick of my face yet?” Kyungsoo says into the microphone, mischievous grin on his lips.
There’s a titter throughout the crowd and Kyungsoo chuckles. “I thought so. I’ve some guest singers today, just so you can learn to appreciate my voice more.”
“Are Jongdae and Luhan joining him today?” Minseok asks, and Jongin shrugs.
“No idea.”
“First up, we have Kim Jongdae, let’s give him a good welcome.”
Applause starts as Yixing starts the piano, and Jongdae slides out, feline smile wide and he grabs the second microphone.
Minseok sways along to the music, and Jongin is texting. The songs are good, but Minseok doesn’t see any reason for Kyungsoo to have been as excited as he had been, having been constantly reminding Minseok about tonight.
They pass Luhan as well, who chooses a Chinese song instead. Minseok gets up, tugging Jongin’s sleeve, ready to snag one of the booths to accommodate all of them when Kyungsoo’s voice stops them.
“Okay, last guest guys.”
“What?” Jongin says, and Minseok feels the same.
“This guy is an extra special guest guys, and it’s his first time performing but you’re going to love him. Let’s welcome,” Kyungsoo pauses, eyes searching the crowd before they meet Minseok’s. “Kim Junmyeon, everyone.”
“What?” Jongin repeats, and Minseok grabs onto the bar for support.
It’s him, with dark hair that isn’t unlike his wings’ feathers, his eyes still that colour.
“He still hasn’t let go of those contacts,” Jongin laughs, head shaking. Minseok nods weakly as the music starts again.
“This song’s name,” Junmyeon says quietly into the microphone, voice weaving into the melody. “Is Once Again.”
☿♂☿♂
“How.” Minseok breathes, and Junmyeon smiles. Minseok runs his fingers through the now black hair, down the pale column of his neck and feels a pulse that did not exist before.
He stares into the blue-grey of Junmyeon’s eyes and tilts his head, watching the colour transit into a dark purple.
“Hello,” Junmyeon says, and Minseok grins.
Kyungsoo had shoved Minseok out of the club’s back door with Junmyeon into the pleasantly warm spring air.
“Kyungsoo and you…”
“I looked for him,” Junmyeon says, smiling.
“Sneaks,” Minseok says, letting Junmyeon tug him down on the bed.
Junmyeon curls around him, fingers running through Minseok’s hair. He hears Junmyeon take a slow inhale before curving his spine to look Minseok in the eye.
“Your eyes,” Minseok says. The moonlight that shines through the window behind Minseok lights the shadows of Junmyeon’s eyes clearly.
“I got to keep them it seems,” Junmyeon blinks. “But they are more human looking aren’t they?”
“From far they still look like that insane purple,” Minseok admits. “But from here, they just look like that blue-grey you insisted that they were.”
“Whatever, contacts exist,” Junmyeon says, flippant and Minseok rolls his eyes.
“I missed you.”
“Somehow, if we meet again, in front of you, I will say what I really want to say, if we meet again,” Junmyeon starts softly singing the song again, echoing in the quiet of Minseok’s bedroom. He pauses for a beat, before editing the lyrics. “I’ve never said it before-I love you.”
“I know.”
Junmyeon bursts out laughing, hand running through his hair.
“I’ve missed your snarky replies,” Junmyeon sighs, smile curving his lips. “I love you.”
Minseok shakes his head, and Junmyeon stares at him through the thick of his fringe.
“No one says that out loud anymore,” Minseok says. “Or at least I don’t.”
“Then?”
Minseok leans in, giggling when Junmyeon’s eyes alight with understanding and they narrow playfully.
“All you like of me are my kisses, don’t you?” Junmyeon accuses, hand sliding to cup the back of Minseok’s neck.
“Probably,” Minseok shoots back.
“Yeah,” Junmyeon’s other hand wriggles up between them to tip Minseok’s chin up.
The melding of their lips together is done with practiced ease. It’s like Junmyeon has never been gone. Whatever tension still existing is washed away as Junmyeon’s body fits across his.
“That’s how I say it,” Minseok says, when Junmyeon pulls away.
“Then,” Junmyeon purses his lips, thinking. Minseok leans up, pecking away that crease in his forehead. “Since we first...three years?”
“And three months,” Minseok reminds him, scrunching his nose and Junmyeon just bumps their noses together gently.
“This is a long time coming then.”
“Yes.”
And Minseok kisses him again, showered in the white moonlight.
Author’s note: Hello dear recipient! I tried my best to interpret your prompts the best I can, and I really hope you enjoyed this <3 Avoir le mal de quelqu'un means to be 'someone-sick', and French phrase spun off from the word 'seasickness'.
“Will you ever be angry at me?”
“I don’t think I would be able to even if I had reason to.” Minseok replies easily.
“What if I told you you’re dying?” Junmyeon says, turning over to burrow further into Minseok’s duvet.
“But I already am?” Minseok says, sitting up. He watches Junmyeon fidget in the cocoon he had made for himself the best he can, Junmyeon having insisted to leave the blinds shut so that light won’t get into Minseok’s eyes.
“Remember that one day?” Junmyeon says, voice echoing just barely.
Minseok frowns and Junmyeon laughs quietly.
“I will tell you why I want you to keep my medicine, but not take it.”
“Oh.” Minseok thinks of all the crystals decorating the top shelf of his bookcase. They cast a rainbow over his living room in the day, when the sunlight refracts off the rocks.
“When I first met you,” Junmyeon says, voice muffled as he rolls over fully so that his eyes peek out at Minseok. Minseok grins, hand reaching over to ruffle his fringe. “I told you what I was.”
“Angel.” Minseok nods.
“You took to it so easily,” Junmyeon sighs. “And your first question was-“
“Are you here to take my life?” Minseok chuckles.
“I said no, but only because, I’m not the one taking your life.”
“Then…”
“Have you heard of Samael?”
“Samael.” Minseok repeats the foreign name and Junmyeon sits up so fast that Minseok didn’t even see him move.
“Samael, archangel, bringer of death. His servants serve to bring objects that slowly absorb the life, painlessly, out of the people meant to die.” Junmyeon’s eyes are shining in the dim light, and when Minseok shifts just barely, he shoots back to the edge of the bed.
“Then the medicine,” Minseok whispers, not sure if he was soothing the panic in Junmyeon’s eyes or the hummingbird thrum of his own heart. “How come I feel better when I take it?”
“Painless,” Junmyeon smiles, the corners curving downwards sadly. “Samael is not a bad person.”
“When he takes life away when the people need it the most?” Minseok says, and it’s like Junmyeon has become a stranger, the faraway look in his eyes and the melancholic smile changing the way he looks.
“When he gives his angels, some of them, the right to choose whether the person should die.” Junmyeon says softly.
“And your judgement is?”
“How do you feel after I…” Junmyeon shakes his head. “I kiss you.”
“Better. Better than the medicine.” Minseok understands now, he reaches a hand out and Junmyeon shies away like a young child. “Junmyeon-“
“I’m not done,” Junmyeon says sharply. “I want to show you something.”
Junmyeon gets off the bed, hands clenching and unclenching before they come to curl around the hem of his shirt. In one fluid motion, he rids of it, dropping it to the floor. Minseok flushes at the sight of Junmyeon, the undulating movement of muscles under the pale skin of his stomach and arms distracting.
“Watch carefully,” Junmyeon says, glancing over at Minseok.
They are black.
Minseok catches a loose feather, awed at its silkiness and the room is filled with a faint glow, the light flowing in all directions in smooth waves from Junmyeon.
“Junmyeon,” Minseok’s voice catches, and he wonders briefly if he’s gone mad. “You’re gorgeous.”
The wings open before pressing back close to Junmyeon’s back and Junmyeon turns. The obsidian black shimmers against the white of Junmyeon’s skin; the contrast is stunning. Minseok stares, Junmyeon as still as a statue, throat tight.
“Were you expecting them to be white?” Junmyeon’s voice has a higher ring to it now, almost like the chime of bells. “They are kind of a this gross black because of what I do.”
“I guess.” Minseok admits, and Junmyeon’s laugh is musical and Minseok can barely breathe.
Minseok wordlessly reaches out both hands.
Junmyeon’s eyes are a darker shade now, almost as dark as his wings and Minseok runs his fingertips of the planes of Junmyeon’s face first. His fingers trail down the slim neck and over the firm shoulders.
“Can you turn?” Minseok says, and Junmyeon slips around easily enough, and at his resettling one of his wings open just barely, brushing Minseok’s face.
“Sorry,” Junmyeon’s apology is immediate and Minseok just laughs. He presses his palm right between the two wings, trailing downwards slowly and Junmyeon shivers, wings fluttering a little.
Minseok’s fingers run through the feathers like it runs through cool water, and as he brushes away the feathers that cover where the wings meet Junmyeon’s back, he can’t control the gasp that comes out.
“Junmyeon, your back,” Minseok’s finger hover uncertainly over the scarred area before they brush the curved ridges gently.
“Ah,” Junmyeon exhales shakily.
“Did that hurt?” Minseok says instantly.
“No, it’s just sensitive.” Junmyeon looks at him from over his shoulder, and Minseok nods.
“Can I…” Minseok asks and Junmyeon nods.
“Anythin- oh.” Junmyeon breathes at the brush of Minseok’s lips to his scars.
Minseok presses light kisses down the length of the twin scars, and when he finally presses one last kiss at the base of Junmyeon’s spine, the wings shoot open by Minseok’s head.
Junmyeon is shaking, and Minseok’s hands slide onto Junmyeon’s hips before he slides them further to spread over Junmyeon’s stomach. He rests his head between Junmyeon’s shoulder blades, sighing.
“You’re right, you are sensitive there.” Minseok teases softly, and he feels the rumble of Junmyeon’s laugh before he hears it.
“Are you not angry at me?”
“For what?”
“For slowly killing you for the past one year.”
“But you started saving me too.”
“Too late, I’m scared I’m too late.” Junmyeon’s voice is laced with guilt and Minseok holds him tighter, and Junmyeon’s hands curl into his.
There’s a soft whisper of wind, and when Minseok opens his eyes again, the wings are gone, and Junmyeon’s back is smooth and whole again.
“It’s okay,” Minseok decides, and Junmyeon turns, breaking his hold.
“But what if it’s not for me?”
“It’s not like you can do anything better,” Minseok says, and Junmyeon’s chest rises and falls evenly as he considers those words.
“Stop staring at me,” Junmyeon whines suddenly, and Minseok startles, eyes flickering back up to meet Junmyeon’s.
Minseok grins at the blush scattered over Junmyeon’s cheeks. He leans up, a little hesitant and Junmyeon grants him what he wants.
It is easy to slip into Junmyeon’s lap, the other so easily distracted by Minseok’s insistent lips. Minseok leans further against Junmyeon, letting them fall backwards and Minseok laughs at Junmyeon’s yelp.
“For an angel you can be so clumsy.”
“Shut up.”
“Are angels even allowed to curse?”
“I’m a rule breaker.”
“Then,” Minseok pauses. “Kiss me.”
Junmyeon rolls them over, eyes rolling at the same time and Minseok shoots him a look.
Junmyeon noses down the slope of Minseok’s jaw, inhaling and Minseok huffs, hands holding Junmyeon’s face to tilt it up.
“Okay, okay.” Junmyeon laughs, slotting their lips together.
Junmyeon hums when Minseok twists his fingers into the ever too long hairs at the top of Junmyeon’s nape, left hand drifting over Junmyeon’s shoulder to his arms to his chest. Junmyeon catches Minseok’s bottom lip in his teeth when Minseok’s hand goes further down.
“What,” he pants. “Exactly do you think you are doing.”
“Can angels do this too?”
Junmyeon freezes at the brush of Minseok’s palm over his pants, head dropping into the crook of Minseok’s shoulder.
“We are able, yes,” Junmyeon says against his throat. “But there’s nothing that comes ou-“
He inhales sharply when Minseok takes that as a yes, and Minseok feels the wet press of lips and tongue against his collarbone, trailing to the hollow of his throat.
He twists his wrists as he tightens his hold and Junmyeon’s hips jerk into his hand, drawing a low moan out from his lips. As he quickens his pace, Junmyeon’s kisses grow more frantic, peppering over the expanse of his neck and shoulders. Junmyeon’s next moan is even deeper, dropping to a whine when Minseok slows down experimentally. He falls onto his forearms to lower himself closer.
“Please, don’t,” Junmyeon whimpers into his mouth and Minseok’s entire body just grows hotter at the way Junmyeon begs.
Junmyeon comes cleanly, as promised. Junmyeon exhales heavily, his hands still buried in Minseok’s hair. Junmyeon shifts suddenly, glancing down. Minseok bites his lip when Junmyeon’s fingers tug down his sweatpants.
“If you’d like, I’ve… had practice before, I-“ Junmyeon says uncertainly as he wraps slender fingers around Minseok’s length, tongue wetting his lips.
“Please,” Minseok whispers.
Junmyeon’s tongue slips out, lapping at the precome already dripping over the head and Minseok exhales heavily.
Minseok doesn’t know if it’s intentional, or if Junmyeon was looking for approval, but the moment Junmyeon fits his lips over Minseok’s cock, sucking, his eyelids flutter before they open fully so that Junmyeon can meet Minseok’s eyes.
“Fuck,” Minseok gasps when Junmyeon goes lower. An angel was touching him this way and maybe because of their previous talk, but it feels like sin.
Or it could just be Junmyeon.
Junmyeon pulls off, hand pumping slowly before he licks down the length, tongue sliding right up to the middle before his teeth graze the thick vein that makes itself visible there. Junmyeon sucks right there and Minseok’s hips snap upwards as he moans, the loud noise echoing.
Junmyeon stares at him with wide eyes, and Minseok’s hand tentatively reaches out to pet his hair, urging him on. Junmyeon slides the length into his mouth again, going lower than before and letting his teeth graze the same spot with accuracy and Minseok unintentionally thrusts right into Junmyeon’s mouth.
“Shit, I’m-“ Minseok wants to apologise, but then Junmyeon swallows as the head of his cock brushes past and down into Junmyeon’s throat.
It is all over embarrassingly fast, and Minseok watches Junmyeon pull off with a wrinkled nose, some of the white cum slipping past his lips. Minseok reaches to wipe it off, but a pink tongue swipes it up again.
“Messy.” Junmyeon sighs, pressing a light kiss into the centre of Minseok’s palm, as he always does.
“When you said practice…”
“The higher angels sometimes ask of us to do so,” Junmyeon says, gaze dropping. “We aren’t allowed to disobey.”
“Oh,” Minseok says, stomach turning over at the idea of Junmyeon being used. He erases the thought, leaning over to kiss Junmyeon on the lips lightly.
“I suppose you need to shower,” Junmyeon says, changing the subject as well and Minseok nods.
“Join me?” Minseok asks, and Junmyeon frowns, going to switch on the room’s light.
“If you’d teach me how your shower machines work,” Junmyeon says, lips unconsciously forming a barely visible pout. “The last time I tried a human shower all I got was cold water.”
Minseok stares at Junmyeon, brow knitting together. He snorts when he realises Junmyeon was being serious, and was actually clueless about using a shower.
“Complicated humans.” Junmyeon mutters, sulking.
“Come,” Minseok laughs, pulling Junmyeon along. “I promise there will be hot water."
☿♂☿♂
Minseok grins at the blond head that dips low, eyes meeting Kyungsoo’s. Kyungsoo blinks, bewildered as he carefully examines the bouquet of white flowers in his hands.
“Hello, Kyungsoo,” Junmyeon says pleasantly, finally getting to greetings as he straightens up. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
“I can’t say I’ve… said the same-” Kyungsoo coughs out his last word as Sehun drapes himself onto him, chin pressing onto the top of Kyungsoo’s head. “Sehun!”
“Hello,” Sehun says, eyes alighting on Junmyeon. He pushes down on Kyungsoo and makes Kyungsoo bow with him, and Minseok snorts. Jongin slips in as well, and he bobs his head. He looks over at Junmyeon and Junmyeon is biting down his bottom lip, hiding his smile.
“Minseok hyung brought his friend today. Kim Junmyeon,” Kyungsoo explains, still eyeing Junmyeon and Minseok shifts nervously.
“You have friends other than us?” Jongin says in mock-horror. Sehun cackles, raising a hand to slap a high five against Jongin’s palm.
“Nice eyes,” Sehun says suddenly, and Minseok sucks in a breath, glancing over.
“Contacts,” Junmyeon says without preamble. “I’m milking this blond hair look for all it’s worth before it grows out.”
It’s a good lie, but Kyungsoo’s eyes still narrow silently, and Minseok nearly bites his tongue when Junmyeon winds their pinkies together.
“Oh, hyung,” Sehun drawls, noticing their connected hands and Minseok glares back at him.
“You never told me you were seeing someone,” Kyungsoo mumbles and Minseok tugs Kyungsoo away from Sehun and into his side.
“It was all sort of sudden,” Minseok whispers and Kyungsoo shrugs, lips petulant.
“I won’t steal him away from you, you know.”
Kyungsoo looks over at Junmyeon, who has a bemused smile on and he shrugs again.
“Why have we never heard of this Junmyeon before?” Luhan prods when Junmyeon excuses himself to the bathroom.
“I only really get to see him at night,” Minseok says, keeping his arm hooked around Kyungsoo’s.
“At night?” Kyungsoo says, and Minseok winces when he sees the calculations made in Kyungsoo’s head. “After you walk me home? At eleven? Like now?”
“I couldn’t sleep and walked around the park just outside a lot,” Minseok makes the excuse easily, and Luhan nods slowly. “Luhan did say the meds would cause sleeplessness.”
“That’s not very like you to make friends so easily though,” Luhan says, clinging onto one of the sofa pillows.
“Hook-up, more like.” Sehun’s grin subsides instantly when Kyungsoo’s eyes flicker to him.
“Stop being so defensive, Kyungsoo,” Luhan says, noting the gloom hanging around the younger boy. “Your hyung actually can have a relationship.”
“He hid it from me,” Kyungsoo says, matter of fact, and Minseok squeezes his wrist gently. “We never hide things from each other.”
“I’m sorry,” Minseok says, the guilt bubbling up. Kyungsoo ignores him, standing. “Soo-“
Kyungsoo steps over Minseok, grabbing his glass and retreating to the kitchen. Minseok gets up hastily, shooting a look at Luhan whose lips press together lightly as he offers a helpless smile.
Sehun sighs, catching Minseok and pushes him into his seat before jogging into the kitchen himself. Minseok stares at Sehun’s retreating back and stands up for a beat before sinking back down into the seat.
“And your Kyungsoo has someone who will take care of him,” Luhan reminds Minseok, shaking his head. “The two of you, honestly.”
“In their defence, Minseok has been taking care of Kyungsoo since they were like in kindergarten,” Junmyeon’s voice carries over the room and Luhan startles.
“Did you like teleport, or-“ Luhan cocks his head and Junmyeon scoffs.
“You’re just slow, Luhan,” Minseok fills, and Jongin nods agreeably.
“I’d like to see how fast you are when you have to close a ruptured vein, Jongin,” Luhan says blithely, and Jongin looks mildly terrified at the mention of blood.
“I very much admire doctors,” Junmyeon pipes up, sitting down next to Luhan.
“I feel like all that studying was worth it, you know? To be able to really help someone,” Luhan starts, eyes shining and Junmyeon nods rapidly.
“I can’t imagine having to do all that you do,” Junmyeon continues, throwing a sly look to Minseok before he refocuses on Luhan. Minseok shakes his head fondly when Luhan sits up straighter at the subtle praise.
Luhan and Junmyeon end up being immersed in a conversation about the medicine field and Minseok leans his head on Jongin’s as he watches a video on his screen. He steals one of Jongin’s earpieces to listen, and Jongin slings his arm around Minseok to bring him closer.
A weight settles against Minseok’s hips and Minseok glances away from the screen to see Kyungsoo worrying his bottom lip as his hands clench into Minseok’s sleeve.
Kyungsoo isn’t looking at him and Minseok jerks his arm away. Kyungsoo looks up immediately, hurt shadowing his face when he meets Minseok’s eyes. Minseok grins then, pulling him down by his collar to crash into him and furiously musses Kyungsoo’s hair.
“I’ll never leave you,” Minseok says softly as the boy cuddles into his side gladly. He gets a nod and Jongin accommodates, angling the screen down so Kyungsoo can see too.
Sehun flops belly down onto the carpet by their feet, and Minseok looks at him. Sehun gives him a wink and a thumbs up and Minseok kicks his butt with a thankful foot.
☿♂☿♂
"Why are you-" Minseok whispers and Junmyeon smiles.
"I've been a horrible liar," Junmyeon says, letting Minseok grip his wrists. He brushes his fingers over the insides of Minseok's wrists, humming. "Your pulse has really gotten stronger, I'm so glad."
"Luhan said my cysts started self-destructing," Minseok scrambles for the words, the thoughts coming to him faster than he can voice them. "I knew you had something to do with that."
"You knew that long ago."
"I didn't know you were self-destructing!" Minseok nearly shouts, and Junmyeon shushes him.
Minseok stares at Junmyeon's fingers over his skin, searching and it scares him, the way he can see the blue veins of his skin past Junmyeon's flesh. Minseok sinks to the floor and Junmyeon follows.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Minseok accuses.
Junmyeon shakes his head, kneeling between Minseok's legs to wrap arms around him. Minseok's cheek presses against Junmyeon's tummy, and Minseok rubs his cheek against the cool cotton of Junmyeon's shirt as his own arms curl around Junmyeon's hips.
"You wouldn't let me then would you?" Junmyeon's voice floats down to him and Minseok nods. "Exactly."
"But you're going to die," Minseok's whisper is strangled as the realisation hits him like a train crash and tears burn the rim of his eyes. "You can't die."
"Technically, no." Junmyeon laughs and Minseok's fear poisons his thoughts further.
"I won't have you anymore," Minseok's voice is hoarse as he realises how wet his cheeks already are.
"No,” Junmyeon agrees, and his own voice wobbles.
"What happens to you, when you- you finally..."
"I'll go back, but what happens to me after, I don't know," Junmyeon confesses, sinking down on the back of his thighs.
Gentle thumbs rub away the tears from Minseok's soft skin and Minseok stares at Junmyeon's lips.
"Do you want to kiss me?" Junmyeon asks gently.
Minseok shakes his head furiously, eyes wet as he looks down.
"I'm already past the point of recovery, Minseok-ah."
Minseok fights the fingertips that place themselves under his chin, refusing to look up.
"Minseok, I-"
"All this time, you've been listening to me talk about how I'm hurting everyone around me by being sick like this, and you told me I wasn't," Minseok starts.
"You weren-"
"I was," Minseok feels pressure in his chest build as he tries to stop tears, to refuse the choking that comes with. He clutches his shirt, his heart aching as he meets Junmyeon's eyes. "I was hurting you."
"Never," Junmyeon says sharply. Minseok scoffs, feeling a tear slip away. He grabs Junmyeon's hand, holds it up in front of his face. He watches as Junmyeon's eyes remain focused on his face instead of changing focus onto his hand.
"You can fucking see me through your hand, Junmyeon," Minseok hisses, jerking his head away when Junmyeon tries to lean closer. "I'm killing you."
Minseok's voice cracks then and he drops Junmyeon's hand, trembling. He makes to stand, nails dragging along his skin, feeling disgusted at himself when he receives a hard shove to both his shoulders.
Junmyeon pins him down, and Minseok tries so hard to focus on his eyes.
"Don't you dare run away from me." Junmyeon says, voice coloured with anger and shaded with hurt. Minseok takes a sharp inhale when Junmyeon presses his lips to his.
Minseok cannot stop his natural reaction, melting into Junmyeon. But as Junmyeon readjusts his position to run fingers through Minseok's hair soothingly, more tears force their way past his eyelids, wetting Junmyeon's arm sleeve as they slide down his cheek.
Minseok tries to memorise the way Junmyeon tastes, the gentle slope of his back, the soft roundness of his cheeks and the perfect puzzle piece way petite Junmyeon fits into his arms, how Minseok's one hand settles over Junmyeon's hip like a glove.
Junmyeon seems to be just as desperate, parting their lips to run his lips over the expanse of Minseok's skin, from his cheeks to forehead to nose down to his neck. Minseok shudders when Junmyeon goes lower, littering kisses in the little hollows that Minseok's body holds-- the dip of his collarbones, the inner curve of his shoulder, the crook of his elbow, the dip of his inner wrists, the sink of his stomach, ending with quick kisses on each fingertip.
“Minseok, look at me,” Junmyeon says, voice firm and Minseok looks at him.
Junmyeon fades into opacity again, and Minseok feels the fear bleed away.
"You aren't going to disappear on me tonight, are you?"
"I'll tell you when it's our last." It's a promise, and Minseok nods, softly pressing his lips to Junmyeon's, as if Junmyeon would disintegrate right there.
☿♂☿♂
"Angels aren't supposed to fall for their charges," Junmyeon's smiles have been sadder nowadays, and Minseok's mirrors his. "That's why Samael gave us the choice, because we can, but we pay the sacrifice somehow."
"You're just one of his game pieces," Minseok says, twisting the grass blade in his fingers. “That’s disgusting.”
“I suppose. Maybe I did something bad before,” Junmyeon muses, rolling on to his stomach and picking up the book Minseok brought for him, because he wanted to finish the book from the last time he picked it up in Minseok’s room. “They say that’s the only possible way that you are sent to be under him: to fall for someone and then hurt them, or hurt yourself.”
“So only one winner exists.”
“And he gets the job done, yes.”
“Sick.” Minseok spits, throwing the grass blade away and it floats away gently.
Junmyeon doesn’t say anything, fingering the next page already. His form fades in and out of vision, and Minseok’s heart clenches at the now familiar sight.
“Can I keep the book till I’m done with it?”
“Well, yes, Sehun gave it to me, but I’ve never read it,” Minseok says, eyes running over the white leather bound book.
“It’s interesting,” Junmyeon says offhand, pasting yet another book tag that he had stolen from Minseok’s desk before snapping it shut. He looks up at Minseok and smiles.
Minseok finds himself smiling back, arm reaching out to comb through those blond strands.
“You’re so gorgeous, you know?”
“Is that the only adjective you have for me?” Junmyeon’s smile grows wider.
“Pretty much,” Minseok says, movement faltering when Junmyeon flickers out of sight for the barest second. Junmyeon’s efforts have their occasional loopholes.
“Does it hurt?” Minseok asks, and Junmyeon understands.
“No, I suppose we are just being warned, that’s all.”
“Good.” Minseok says, relieved.
“When I finally have to go… if I come back,” Junmyeon weighs the words carefully as he pieces them together. “I promise to find you again.”
“You make so many promises,” Minseok replies, the little hope he has growing with Junmyeon’s words.
“I promise to make less,” Junmyeon says. Minseok’s laughter spills freely, because it’s Junmyeon.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok fluffs his damp hair, tossing the wet towel into the hamper by his bathroom door and half slips half slidies onto his bed. He stretches, the soft cotton even more comfortable after the hot shower.
He draws himself up, leaning against the headboard as he wonders why Junmyeon has yet to arrive. He picks up the pillow by him, hugging it to his chest. His fingers knock into something firm, and he freezes.
He stares at the white leather bound book that was under the pillow. He picks it up, the weight heavy in one hand and he flips the pages, the brightly coloured markers that Junmyeon had placed at certain pages jumping out at him. He turns it over, feeling one of the plastic markers dig into his palm at the back and he's drawn to the printed initials at the bottom corner.
Minseok is staring at his own initials. He goes back to the first page, going through the book slowly, and he nearly laughs, the air choked down as he realises what has happened.
Minseok is infinitely sure that he had left the book with Junmyeon in the clearing, where Junmyeon carefully hid it in a little hollow by the entrance of it. Minseok is hit by coincidence of Junmyeon having randomly picking up this book from his side table.
He reaches for his phone, and he dials Sehun.
"Hyung?"
"Sehun," Minseok starts, swallowing carefully. "Your birthday present for me..."
"Oh," Sehun says, sounding embarrassed. "Yeah, I gave you the Bible."
"I...thank you for the present," Minseok says, words spinning in his mind and tumbling over themselves. "I have a question to ask, because I haven't read it-"
"No, hyung, I just, I just gave it to you because I thought, you know it might help, and I left a note in the first page to check out some of the sayings-"
"No Sehun, it's fine, I don't mind," Minseok cuts in, and he sighs. "Sehun, do you know of Samael?"
"Samael?" Sehun confirms, and there's a bit of silence.
"Sehun?"
"Samael is mentioned in the Old Testament, if that's what you want to know," Sehun says, voice soft. "Samael is the angel of death, and I think he is a sort of dark servant to God."
"Dark servant?"
"Some say he's evil, some say he's good and to others, he's both."
"So he takes lives?"
"Essentially? I suppose? Samael belongs to the Old Testament because the Old Testament is closest to Judaism. My church never studied him much."
"Thank you, church boy," Minseok teases, hearing Sehun's embarrassed protest. "Good night, Sehunnie."
"Hyung!"
"Yes?"
"He's not going to take you, you know. Not on our watch."
"I know," Minseok says, fingers smoothing over the smooth leather cover. "Luhan already said I'm in the clear."
"Good," Sehun says firmly, and Minseok can hear him settling back into his bed. "Good night hyung, see you tomorrow?"
"Of course, love you, big brat."
"Love you too, hyung," Sehun says and Minseok ends the call first.
Minseok runs through the pages that both Junmyeon and Sehun had marked out for him, and when he hits the last tab, he pauses. His throat tightens, because this tab is not one that Sehun suggested, and is marking the back cover of the book.
He flips it open, and tears instantly blur his sight and his mouth tastes sour. Unrecognisable handwriting crosses the whole page, slightly round, loopy and looks exactly like how Junmyeon would write-- neatly, carefully.
I miss you already. If we meet again. I love you.
p.s. The Bible has got so many things wrongs.
Yours always, Junmyeon.
It doesn’t escape Minseok that Junmyeon broke his promise.
☿♂☿♂
“Come with me,” Minseok says, walking ahead.
“Hyung?” Kyungsoo catches up as they walk past Kyungsoo’s apartment complex.
Minseok tugs his hoodie up as a strong gust of wind blows, the rustle of the already bare tree branches signalling the arrival of winter.
“Wow,” Kyungsoo says, spinning in a slow circle as he takes in the place. “I never knew this part of the park was so…”
“Bright?” Minseok smiles, dropping to the ground. “Me neither.”
“Why are we here though?”
“This is where I first met Junmyeon,” Minseok says simply, and Kyungsoo turns, eyes fixed on Minseok.
“In such a secluded place?” Kyungsoo trots over, flopping down beside Minseok.
“I was walking, and I just… stumbled across the place, I guess.”
“The moonlight is so strong here,” Kyungsoo’s voice is just above a whisper, the peace of the place settling on him.
“He left me,” Minseok smiles at the wide eyed look that Kyungsoo shot him. “No, it’s not his fault, he had to.”
“Why?”
“He’s coming back though,” Minseok says, head tipping to rest on Kyungsoo’s. “He didn’t want to leave until I was better.”
“Oh.”
“I wish you liked him better too”
“When he comes back I will.”
“He’s so pretty, Kyungsoo,” Minseok says, lying on his back. Kyungsoo lays back too, ready to listen. “I don’t know if you see it but he’s so…”
“You look at him like you’re enchanted,” Kyungsoo says knowingly.
“Do I?”
“Yeah, I was worried you’ll get hurt, if… he just appeared out of nowhere and… Did I jinx you, hyung?”
“Of course not,” Minseok sighs, and the wind rises, running its fingers through their hair. Kyungsoo shivers, and Minseok presses closer. “Cold?”
“A little.”
“He was my spring,” Minseok murmurs. “It was never cold with him here.”
“What, am I your winter?” Kyungsoo says drily, and Minseok lets a laugh run past his lips.
“You’re my three six five, twenty four seven, Soo,”
“Gross.”
“You’re with me every day,” Minseok reminds him, eyes slipping shut. “Thank you.”
“Always, hyung,” Kyungsoo says. “Me, Luhan, Jongdae, Sehun, Jongin.”
Minseok can’t help but think that the list is short of one.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok startles awake for no reason, and he lies there under the duvet. He turns over to face his windows, the blinds that he left open. The moonlight streaming in is not warm enough. Minseok cannot close his eyes and pretend there is someone next to him soothing him to sleep slowly- as slow as he had fallen in love.
The sheets rustle as he gets up, making his way to the living room, dropping onto the sofa. He rubs at his tired eyes, sleep not willing to come to him again.
He stares at the blank television screen. He catches sight of the crystals in the reflection, a dusting of crystalline specks. He turns his head to the other side, and he can just see the top of the shelf over the back of the sofa.
His gaze lingers over the pale purple ones, and it hurts. Minseok scrambles up, moving to his room and halts at the sight of the seemingly too big bed. He spins around and changes into a hoodie and loose sweatpants before grabbing a bag to stuff more clothes in. He grabs whatever else he needs, before leaving his apartment.
"Hyung?" Kyungsoo blearily says, opening his door wider and Minseok slips in.
"I'm sorry, I know it's late, but," Minseok drops the bag. "I can't, Kyungsoo."
"Can't what?" Kyungsoo tugs Minseok into his room.
"I can't stand it, my chest hurts," Minseok says, feeling Kyungsoo's grip on his arms.
"Do I need to call Luhan hyung? What's-" Kyungsoo panics, stepping away to locate his phone and Minseok jerks him back.
"I should have just kept him in the fields," Minseok whispers. "I shouldn't have let him into my apartment, it's so full of him, I see him everywhere, feel him everywhere, he’s everywhere, Soo, I-"
Minseok's voice breaks off and he exhales pressing his face into Kyungsoo's shoulder. A hand kneads at his neck and Minseok guided carefully back to Kyungsoo’s room.
"Stay," Kyungsoo says quietly. "As long as you want, I have a spare bedroom anyway."
Minseok is pushed under the duvet and Kyungsoo presses close.
"But tonight let’s be together, just like when we were kids," Kyungsoo says, wrapping his arms around Minseok and curling into him. Minseok nods, letting the tears fall, hidden in Kyungsoo's hair.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok scalds himself on the steamer, of all things.
His yelp is unexpectedly loud, and he winces at himself and the pain. Kyungsoo is there instantly, the kitchen door swinging behind him.
Kyungsoo glances at the receipt, quickly finishing the drink and passing it to the customer, thanking her with a smile that leaves her stuttering. Minseok smiles through the stinging and it dies immediately when Kyungsoo spins around, frowning at him.
An arm wraps around his waist and a palm presses firmly to his stomach as Kyungsoo leads him to the kitchen. Minseok sits in the barstool and Kyungsoo finds the first aid box. He watches Kyungsoo fuss over his hand, the gel carefully spread and Kyungsoo blows at it gently before wrapping the cotton and gauze over it.
"It's just a light burn," Minseok begins, jumping when Kyungsoo purposefully presses hard on the cotton, sending a jolt of pain through his arm.
"Light," Kyungsoo says, eyes peering up at him and his lips pursed.
"Okay so, not so light..." Minseok trails off when Kyungsoo presses a light kiss to the spot.
"All better," Kyungsoo says, blinking at Minseok expectantly.
"Thanks, Soo." Minseok chuckles softly. "All grown up now."
"Of course," The right corner of Kyungsoo's lips tip up.
"My baby practically younger brother, all grown up, with his own cafe and fixing his hyung's wounds," Minseok says, faking a sad sniff, earning a shove in the shoulder.
"Hyung!" Kyungsoo rolls his eyes, giving in to a smile.
"It is true though," Minseok says fondly.
"Dad called the other day," Kyungsoo says, pulling Minseok back out front. "He asked how was his son."
"And?"
"I said I was fine and he snorted saying 'Not you, Kyungsoo, Minseok.'"
Minseok grins, patting Kyungsoo on the head.
"It's okay, I knew I was always the better son," Minseok says, earning a whack on the arm from the kitchen towel.
"Your parents like me better," Kyungsoo retorts, and Minseok can't fight that.
"Our parents just want to exchange sons, that's probably why they let us stick around each other so much," Minseok reasons.
"First you steal my childhood, now you steal my parents,"
"Who's the little elementary school kid who insisted on sticking around me?"
"Me," Kyungsoo says blankly, raising his hand.
They both stare at each other. Kyungsoo keels over first, laughing and Minseok nearly gets dragged down with him to the floor. They miss the tinkling of the wind chime hooked to the cafe's main door.
"I come all the way here on my first break in thirty two hours of emergency duty to watch two idiots fall over each other."
They both look up, and Luhan is grinning at them.
"Don't be jealous that I had Minseok hyung first," Kyungsoo sticks his tongue out, and Luhan blows a raspberry back at him.
"Mature, Luhan," Minseok steps forward and Kyungsoo clings to him like a koala, smug smile directed at Luhan.
"Immature things must be met with their match," Luhan says seriously. "Vanilla latte please."
"Less cream, an extra shot?" Kyungsoo fills in. "And no, Minseok hyung does not come on the side."
"Darn," Luhan beams, tossing the ten dollar bill onto the counter.
☿♂☿♂
Kyungsoo doesn’t know what each small star on each day of the calendar means-dutifully drawn every day- but he lets Minseok hang it up anyway.
Minseok doesn’t know why he gets up at two am every day to draw each small star on the day that has passed, but Minseok knows he’s counting each day, wondering why Junmyeon hasn’t walked through the door of his room yet.
☿♂☿♂
Jongin beams at him through the dimness of the club as they stumble their way past the throngs of people milling around back to their table.
"Looking good," Luhan calls over the live band, and Minseok takes a gulp of his beer.
"I've missed this," Minseok admits. He wrinkles his nose when Luhan squints at him, analysing. "I'm fine."
"I cleared you, I know you're fine, but it wouldn't hurt to be careful." Luhan insists.
"Kyungsoo went backstage already," Sehun says, returning to the table with a root beer.
"Early," Minseok notes, and Jongin shrugs.
"He hasn't performed in a while, especially since you haven't come with him in a long time."
"Yeah?" Minseok asks, thinking of how he had spent his late nights the past few years.
"Yeah," Luhan says. "Not the same without you here."
The music slowly faded and the microphone sounded over the general buzz of the place.
"Hey guys," Kyungsoo's voice echoed over them, and Luhan whooped as everyone clapped politely. "To the regular patrons of this amazing place, long time no see. Since it's been a while, I'll start off slow. I'll be giving you guys two songs tonight; Quasimodo and Moonlight. My good friend Chanyeol is here to lend a hand at the guitar and piano. Hope you enjoy."
"New songs?" Minseok asks curiously. “Chanyeol?”
"Originals. And a new friend. Remember Yixing? Yeah, Chanyeol and him make quite a musical pair. And with Kyungsoo's knack for lyrics? Amazing." Luhan supplies as Chanyeol starts off a slow improvisation first, catching everyone's attention properly.
"Small world," Minseok murmurs.
"Makes you think you can meet anyone in this world," Sehun says quietly trailing off as the actual piece starts.
The lyrics are poignant, and Minseok fits the pieces together. He wonders if Kyungsoo read into more of Minseok's relationship than he was aware of. Kyungsoo's voice flows smoothly, incredibly rich and as Minseok gets lost in the melody he dimly notes how much Kyungsoo has improved since he last heard Kyungsoo actually sing properly.
When they finish Kyungsoo gets a standing ovation and Kyungsoo grins over the crowd at Minseok. Chanyeol follows Kyungsoo over and introduces himself to Minseok.
"Met Kyungsoo backstage a couple months ago," Chanyeol says, seating himself next to Kyungsoo.
"Nice," Minseok says, glancing over when Luhan's phone flashes in the dark.
Luhan eyes his phone, taking another swig of his cocktail before picking up his phone.
"Guys," Luhan says as he reads the text. He looks up, smile almost splitting his face. "Drinks on me tonight."
"Why?"
"No way," Chanyeol cuts in, eyes wide. "Yixing was telling me earlier."
Luhan raises a hand and Chanyeol slaps a high five.
"I've been promoted to the Pulmonology Department's Section Head," Luhan says, and Minseok tackles him.
"Congrats," Minseok squeezes Luhan into a tight hug. "I can't believe you didn't tell me you were vying for the position."
Luhan shrugs, "You've been busy," and Minseok smiles apologetically.
"You've been fighting for the spot for so long," Kyungsoo says, delighted. "Free drink for the new Section Head tomorrow."
"How generous," Luhan is practically buzzing, hand clenched in Minseok's.
"Next thing you know you're going to be the Department Head." Minseok teases, and Luhan nods.
"You're going to have to make a testimonial as one of my patients," Luhan pokes him gently. “Tell them all about my fabulous service.”
"Of course."
"I should tell Ju-" Minseok says before stopping himself, smile falling.
"Junmyeon hyung?" Sehun says, eyes curious as he slings an arm over Kyungsoo's shoulders. Kyungsoo stiffens, nudging his boyfriend, but Sehun doesn’t take note. “Is he coming?”
"Sorry, force of habit," Minseok says, head ducking as he arranges his fringe. "We're taking a break."
Luhan squeezes his hand tightly, and Minseok cracks a smile when Luhan winks at him. Jongin offers to get more drinks, dragging Chanyeol and Sehun with him. Luhan texts Jongdae, distracted. Without Luhan, Minseok tries to ignore Kyungsoo's stare by concentrating on the band on stage.
“He’ll come back,” Kyungsoo says, and Minseok stiffens.
“Yeah,” Minseok replies, gaze still pinned to the stage.
☿♂☿♂
Minseok slides the cupcakes in carefully, watching for any crushed icing. He frowns at one missing the pastel dragées.
He picks it up with the tongs, manoeuvring around Kyungsoo who wanted to pull a slice of carrot cake out.
"Jongin," Minseok sighs. "Dragée."
Jongin freezes, hand pinching the multi-coloured decorative balls floating over the rest of the cupcakes. He regards the naked cupcake with a sheepish smile, changing his target to that sole cupcake.
"Sehun isn't here today to quality check today," Jongin reasons, and Minseok wordlessly holds out the cupcake.
"Hyung," Jongin says when Minseok makes to go back out front.
"Yeah?" Minseok pauses by the door.
"I'm glad you're all better, both ways, you know?" Jongin says, flashing Minseok a shy smile before scuttling away to the back pantry.
Minseok thinks about Jongin's words as he returns the cupcake to its rightful spot in the display case.
Minseok hasn't thought about him in a long time. It comes to his realisation as he mulls over it, wiping the case's glass with a clean cloth. He takes a peek at the pastries and cakes he had carefully arranged. He alights on the cupcakes earlier, and among the various tiny pearls of pastel, the pale purple pulls him in.
Minseok glances at his reflection in the glass, and he blinks at his own smile.
☿♂☿♂
“I’m having a performance tomorrow night,” Kyungsoo sings, the moment he steps through the door from practice, and Minseok looks up from the television.
“I’ll come,” Minseok says. “As I have for the past hundred over weekends.”
“Of course you’ll come,” Kyungsoo says, dropping the takeout on the living room table. He bounces on the spot. “You better.”
“Why are you so excited today?” Minseok laughs, sliding off the sofa onto the floor to open the packets of food.
“It’s going to be an awesome performance,” Kyungsoo insists, eventually dropping onto the couch. "You're going to love it.”
“What, another song about me?” Minseok says, and Kyungsoo raises his eyebrows. “I totally saw through Quasimodo and Moonlight the last time, Soo.”
“Well, your emotions were so admirable,” Kyungsoo says. “Yixing hyung loved the lyrics-he said it was so ‘raw’ and what not.”
Kyungsoo waves his arms in the air, eyes rolling. Kyungsoo never had much patience for Yixing’s philosophical talks, the former much more realistic. Minseok shakes his head, snapping the chopsticks apart.
“Anyway, this time it’s Yixing hyung’s turn at the piano,” Kyungsoo continues, picking at his galbi noodles. “He’s amazing, for someone who can’t read notes. Chanyeol had him play the melody key by key to write down the score.”
“How did he learn the piano then?” Minseok says, nibbling on his dumplings.
“Feel,” Kyungsoo sighs. “How is he a doctor again?”
“Feel,” Minseok snorts into his water as Kyungsoo harrumphs.
☿♂☿♂
“Apparently we’re supposed to be in for a surprise,” Jongin says to Minseok as they lean against the bar, watching Chanyeol hook up his guitar and Yixing warm up the keys. Kyungsoo appears, and club falls silent in expectation.
“Are you guys sick of my face yet?” Kyungsoo says into the microphone, mischievous grin on his lips.
There’s a titter throughout the crowd and Kyungsoo chuckles. “I thought so. I’ve some guest singers today, just so you can learn to appreciate my voice more.”
“Are Jongdae and Luhan joining him today?” Minseok asks, and Jongin shrugs.
“No idea.”
“First up, we have Kim Jongdae, let’s give him a good welcome.”
Applause starts as Yixing starts the piano, and Jongdae slides out, feline smile wide and he grabs the second microphone.
Minseok sways along to the music, and Jongin is texting. The songs are good, but Minseok doesn’t see any reason for Kyungsoo to have been as excited as he had been, having been constantly reminding Minseok about tonight.
They pass Luhan as well, who chooses a Chinese song instead. Minseok gets up, tugging Jongin’s sleeve, ready to snag one of the booths to accommodate all of them when Kyungsoo’s voice stops them.
“Okay, last guest guys.”
“What?” Jongin says, and Minseok feels the same.
“This guy is an extra special guest guys, and it’s his first time performing but you’re going to love him. Let’s welcome,” Kyungsoo pauses, eyes searching the crowd before they meet Minseok’s. “Kim Junmyeon, everyone.”
“What?” Jongin repeats, and Minseok grabs onto the bar for support.
It’s him, with dark hair that isn’t unlike his wings’ feathers, his eyes still that colour.
“He still hasn’t let go of those contacts,” Jongin laughs, head shaking. Minseok nods weakly as the music starts again.
“This song’s name,” Junmyeon says quietly into the microphone, voice weaving into the melody. “Is Once Again.”
☿♂☿♂
“How.” Minseok breathes, and Junmyeon smiles. Minseok runs his fingers through the now black hair, down the pale column of his neck and feels a pulse that did not exist before.
He stares into the blue-grey of Junmyeon’s eyes and tilts his head, watching the colour transit into a dark purple.
“Hello,” Junmyeon says, and Minseok grins.
Kyungsoo had shoved Minseok out of the club’s back door with Junmyeon into the pleasantly warm spring air.
“Kyungsoo and you…”
“I looked for him,” Junmyeon says, smiling.
“Sneaks,” Minseok says, letting Junmyeon tug him down on the bed.
Junmyeon curls around him, fingers running through Minseok’s hair. He hears Junmyeon take a slow inhale before curving his spine to look Minseok in the eye.
“Your eyes,” Minseok says. The moonlight that shines through the window behind Minseok lights the shadows of Junmyeon’s eyes clearly.
“I got to keep them it seems,” Junmyeon blinks. “But they are more human looking aren’t they?”
“From far they still look like that insane purple,” Minseok admits. “But from here, they just look like that blue-grey you insisted that they were.”
“Whatever, contacts exist,” Junmyeon says, flippant and Minseok rolls his eyes.
“I missed you.”
“Somehow, if we meet again, in front of you, I will say what I really want to say, if we meet again,” Junmyeon starts softly singing the song again, echoing in the quiet of Minseok’s bedroom. He pauses for a beat, before editing the lyrics. “I’ve never said it before-I love you.”
“I know.”
Junmyeon bursts out laughing, hand running through his hair.
“I’ve missed your snarky replies,” Junmyeon sighs, smile curving his lips. “I love you.”
Minseok shakes his head, and Junmyeon stares at him through the thick of his fringe.
“No one says that out loud anymore,” Minseok says. “Or at least I don’t.”
“Then?”
Minseok leans in, giggling when Junmyeon’s eyes alight with understanding and they narrow playfully.
“All you like of me are my kisses, don’t you?” Junmyeon accuses, hand sliding to cup the back of Minseok’s neck.
“Probably,” Minseok shoots back.
“Yeah,” Junmyeon’s other hand wriggles up between them to tip Minseok’s chin up.
The melding of their lips together is done with practiced ease. It’s like Junmyeon has never been gone. Whatever tension still existing is washed away as Junmyeon’s body fits across his.
“That’s how I say it,” Minseok says, when Junmyeon pulls away.
“Then,” Junmyeon purses his lips, thinking. Minseok leans up, pecking away that crease in his forehead. “Since we first...three years?”
“And three months,” Minseok reminds him, scrunching his nose and Junmyeon just bumps their noses together gently.
“This is a long time coming then.”
“Yes.”
And Minseok kisses him again, showered in the white moonlight.
Author’s note: Hello dear recipient! I tried my best to interpret your prompts the best I can, and I really hope you enjoyed this <3 Avoir le mal de quelqu'un means to be 'someone-sick', and French phrase spun off from the word 'seasickness'.