Chapter Text
The alarm buzzed right at 5:00 a.m., sharp and shrill against the quiet hush of Seungmin's bedroom. Without even opening his eyes, he reached out, slapped at his phone until the noise stopped, and let out a soft groan.
Hi there, my name is Seungmin.
He blinked up at the ceiling, took a deep breath, and pushed off the heavy, soft duvet that had tangled around his legs. The cool air nipped at his skin, making him shiver as he swung his feet over the side of the bed, toes sinking into the plush carpet. His slippers were right where they always were, waiting. He slid into them without looking.
Welcome to my world, where you have everything within the reach of your fingertips.
Seungmin stretched his arms above his head, back popping in a satisfying way, and then let out a dramatic sigh like he was about to carry the weight of the world today. He rubbed at his face, already feeling the faint stickiness of sleep clinging to his skin, and pushed himself upright.
Where you never have to worry about anything.
Shuffling toward the bathroom, he squinted against the automatic lights that flickered on as he stepped inside. The tiles were cool, the scent of lavender and mint lingering from last night's diffuser. He reached for his toothbrush, popped toothpaste on without even thinking, and started brushing, staring at his own bleary-eyed reflection.
I mean, my only problem is choosing what font to use for my presentations.
His voice was a little hoarse as he gargled and spat, rinsing out his mouth. He set the toothbrush down neatly in its place and finally turned toward the shower. A twist of the knob, and warm water began to pour out in a steady stream. Steam started to fill the room almost instantly, and Seungmin tested the water with his hand before stepping in.
My dad is the CEO of K Group, a company founded by my grandfather.
The water hit his skin and he sighed, tipping his head back and letting it soak through his hair, trailing down his neck and shoulders. His hands moved on autopilot, reaching for the shampoo, lathering it in, then rinsing. Conditioner came next, then body wash. Everything smelled faintly of vanilla and roses, fresh but soft.
We're pretty rich, but I like to be not obnoxious about it.
He stood under the spray for a minute longer, letting the heat wake him up properly, then finally turned off the water, wearing a robe as he stepped out.
Who am I kidding, I am obnoxious about it.
He wiped down the mirror with a palm, staring at his reflection-flushed skin, wet hair, sleepy eyes. He gave himself a look.
My grandfather worked hard for us so we never had to. And I like to not shy away from that.
Patting his face dry, Seungmin started on his skincare. First the toner, cold and sharp against his skin, making him flinch a little. Then serum, patted in gently with ring fingers. Eye cream came next, then moisturizer, thick and smooth. Finally, sunscreen, because even though he'd barely see the sun today, he wasn't about to risk it.
I'm not really sure what hard work means to be honest.
He carefully ran a wide-tooth comb through his damp hair, finger-combing the rest into place so it would dry nicely. He made a face at himself and then nodded once. Decent.
Like, why can't you just have others doing things for you?
He then left the bathroom, stepping back into his closet. Rows of neatly hung uniforms greeted him, pressed blazers, crisp white shirts, tailored trousers. Everything in order, everything exactly where it should be.
It baffles me when people talk about how hard their life is.
He slipped on his uniform shirt, buttoning it up. Trousers came next, then the blazer, which he adjusted until it sat just right on his shoulders. He smoothed down the front, checked the mirror and nodded.
I mean, if you have less money, then just make more money. It's so simple.
Crossing back to his desk, he grabbed his watch from its stand and clipped it on, the cool metal pressing against his wrist. He checked the time-5:40. Still perfectly on schedule.
Anyways, enough about others, let's talk about me, because I'm everyone's favourite.
Seungmin sat for a minute at the edge of his bed, grabbing his phone and scrolling through a few early notifications. Group chat messages, mostly nonsense. A text from his boyfriend popped up, a string of heart emojis and some complaint about being up early.
I'm an engineering student, I go to Seongsan University. And I'm pretty dang smart.
He smiled without meaning to, tossing the phone back onto the bed as he stood again. He went back to the mirror, ran his fingers through his hair once more, and decided it looked fine enough for now.
I also have an amazing boyfriend, he's a little annoying but I love him.
More than him though, I love his clothes. They're just more comfortable than mine for some reason.
Seungmin grabbed his bag from where it sat neatly by the door, already packed from the night before. He double-checked-laptop, notebooks, pens, charger-everything was there, like always. He slung it over his shoulder, adjusting the strap carefully so it didn't wrinkle his blazer and stopped slightly, looking over his window and up the sky, smiling softly.
Alongside him though, I love planes.
I love flying, and the feeling of flying.
He stepped into his loafers, polished and waiting at the foot of his bed, and walked to the door.
My only dream ever in my life is to make an electric plane one day. Maybe have an airline of my own too.
Only when I achieve that, I'll feel like I've worked hard enough in my life.
With a deep breath, he turned the handle and stepped out into the hall. Seungmin's bare feet padded softly against the cool marble floor as he made his way down the grand staircase.
The dining room came into view, in soft golden light that streamed through the curtains. Everything, as always, was already in place. His mother, Mrs. Kim Sooyoung, sat perfectly straight at her usual spot, her silk blouse pressed, her hair sleek, her face serene in that effortlessly polished way. She was scrolling through her phone with one manicured finger but looked up the second Seungmin appeared in the doorway.
"There you are, baby," she greeted softly, setting the phone aside like it had never mattered in the first place. "Come sit. You're right on time."
Seungmin shuffled toward his chair - third from the left, where his cushion was always fluffed just right - and folded himself into it, tucking his legs neatly together.
His father, Mr. Kim Jaehan, sat at the head of the table, hidden mostly behind a wide newspaper. The faint rustling of the pages was his version of a greeting, but even so, his deep voice rumbled out, gentle. "Good morning, Seungmin."
Jennie, his older sister, was already halfway through her black coffee. She was dressed sharp as a blade in her suit, even this early. She glanced over at him, her expression softening just slightly around the edges. "Good morning, Min."
Seungmin yawned quietly, covering his mouth with the sleeve of his blazer like a child. "Morning," he mumbled, blinking blearily at the table.
And there it was - his breakfast, laid out. A single slice of toast, cut diagonally into two neat triangles, the crusts trimmed away just the way he preferred. Beside it, a tall glass of chilled coconut water, faint beads of condensation tracing lazy paths down the glass.
His mother's eyes flickered over him. "Eat slowly, darling. You have plenty of time."
Seungmin reached out with slender fingers, picking up one triangle with deliberate care. He took a small bite, chewing quietly, the texture light against his tongue.
Jennie set her cup down and gave a faint little hum. "Your hair's still damp."
Seungmin shrugged one narrow shoulder, his voice soft. "Didn't feel like drying it."
Mrs. Kim's lips pursed, not in anger but mild disapproval. "You'll catch cold like that, sweetheart."
Seungmin nibbled at the toast again, smaller this time, his appetite flickering like a weak signal. He washed it down with a sip of the cool, sweet coconut water - soothing, familiar, safe.
His father's voice floated from behind the paper. "Big day today?"
Seungmin blinked at his half-eaten toast and gave a vague nod. "three long lectures."
Jennie leaned her cheek on her palm, watching him with a fond, almost indulgent smile. "Make sure you don't skip meals this time, Min. Mom will have a fit."
Mrs. Kim clicked her tongue lightly. "Jen, please." She turned her gaze back to Seungmin, softening again. "But yes, darling. Eat properly. You're looking thinner these days."
Seungmin's nose scrunched in protest, but he didn't argue. He took another bite of his toast - mechanical now - and then another sip of coconut water, his gaze drifting out to the bright morning spilling through the windows.
Seungmin nibbled at the last corner of his triangle of toast but didn't reach for the second slice. His mother's eyes flicked toward the untouched piece, but she said nothing. She never did, not outright.
Instead, she just asked gently, "Do you want more coconut water, baby?"
Seungmin shook his head, setting his glass down with a soft clink. "No, I'm full."
The staff moved around them like whispers - refilling cups, clearing away empty plates - but they never disturbed the soft cocoon of the family's morning.
Mrs. Kim checked the ornate clock on the wall and gave a little nod. "Your driver is ready, darling. " She said and Seungmin hummed.
"Wait your boyfriend isn't picking you up today?" Mr. Kim asked softly and Seungmin shook his head.
"He has early classes. Anyways, I'll leave now."
Seungmin pushed his chair back with a soft scrape, his limbs moving languidly, still half-asleep. He grabbed his bag from where it sat, then turned back to his family.
"Bye, Mom. Bye, Dad. Bye, noona."
His mother rose just enough to press a kiss to his temple, smoothing his still-damp hair back with both hands. "Have a good day, sweetheart."
Jennie reached over and pinched his cheek lightly. "Try not to drown in oil and smoke today"
His father smiled and waved at him. "Study well, honey."
Seungmin offered them a sleepy little smile - soft, spoiled, and coddled - and padded off toward the front door, his tie slightly crooked, his breakfast only half-finished but no one making a fuss.
Everything was as it always was.
And Seungmin wouldn't have it any other way.
The black car rolled to a stop just outside the main gate of Seongsan University, windows still dark enough to shield Seungmin for a few more seconds.
His driver, as always, moved first - door popping open with a soft click. That was all it took.
The flashes started right away. Cameras, phones, even someone's tablet held way too high in the air.
Seungmin sighed, already bracing. Every morning. Like clockwork.
He ducked out of the car, head low, bag hugged close to his side. He could hear them even over the clicking shutters.
"Seungmin-ssi! Over here!"
"Smile just once-"
"Is that your new bag? Is it Dior-"
Nope. Not today. He didn't even look.
His loafers tapped quick against the pavement as he speed-walked toward the campus gate, dodging a girl who tried to get her phone a little too close. Security waved him through like they always did.
Once he crossed the threshold into campus proper, the noise faded - not gone, but distant enough for him to finally exhale.
Made it. Didn't trip. Didn't punch anyone. Didn't throw a tantrum. We're good.
His pace slowed as he made his way toward the engineering building, the tight ball of tension in his chest gradually loosening.
By the time he slipped into his lecture hall, the familiar hum of voices made him feel like he could breathe again.
"Yah, look who made it through alive." Jeongin's voice cut through first, all grin as he lounged back in his chair.
Seungmin huffed out a laugh, dragging himself over to his usual seat. "Barely. They're getting faster or I'm getting slower."
Jake, sprawled sideways with his feet on the next chair, grinned at him. "Probably both."
Seungmin dropped his bag on the desk with a soft thud and shot him a look. "Thank you for the support. Really felt that in my heart."
Jake just snorted. "Anytime, Min. Hey, by the way-I ran simulations on our new design last night and sent it on the group chat."
Sunghoon, who had been half-scrolling on his phone with one leg hooked over his chair, finally looked up. "Yeah, I saw that. Didn't understand a single word of it though."
Seungmin let his head fall back against his chair for a second before opening his laptop with a soft sigh. "I tested it. It's stable, but we'll need Yujin to finalise the model. The airflow vectors are still messy."
Jeongin groaned, dragging his palm down his face. "No, please. I can't do another session with her. She'll bite my head off about how Jake's calculations are garbage and how good Seungmin looks with his bangs dyed."
Seungmin turned his head just enough to squint at him, his lips twitching. "Well, you'll have to deal with it," he muttered, fingers already typing on his keyboard. "Because we definitely don't want Jake and Yujin in the same room again. You know how that always turns out."
Jake let out a deeply offended noise, sitting up straight like he'd been personally attacked. "Excuse me-I am never the one to start wars! It's not my problem if she's got beef with everything I do!"
Sunghoon snickered, leaning back with his arms crossed. "You calculate a basic derivative three times. That is her problem."
Their professor swept into the hall then, cutting their banter short. Everyone settled automatically, Sunghoon finally putting his phone face down, Jake actually taking out his books and Jeongin twisting his pen between his fingers like he might combust if he had to sit still too long.
Seungmin breathed in quietly through his nose and let himself sit straight, paying attention as the class started.
By the time the third lecture wrapped up, Seungmin was already halfway out of his seat, stretching his arms overhead with a soft groan. His back cracked faintly - too many hours spent hunched over notes he barely needed because, let's be honest, he already knew most of this stuff.
"Three down. I deserve a national award," Jeongin muttered, slinging his backpack over one shoulder. His hair was a little messed up from where he'd been leaning on it during the second class.
Seungmin hummed. "You didn't even try to pay attention."
Jake appeared at his side, snorting. "If I have to sit through another hour of thermo equations, I might evaporate myself just to demonstrate."
Sunghoon slipped his tablet into his bag and gave Jake a side glance. "You're being so dramatic. It wasn't that bad."
Jake pointed an accusatory finger. "Easy for you to say! I'm friends with the smartest people in Seongsan! It gets lonely!"
Seungmin fell into step with them as they made their way out of the classroom, his designer loafers tapping lightly against the polished floors.
By the time they reached the wide staircase leading toward the grand cafeteria, the lively campus life had fully returned. The cafeteria's outdoor annex opened into the indoor restaurant lane, glass storefronts lined up neatly, all big names with polished counters and glowing menus.
It smelled faintly of fresh bread, coffee, and something fried. A little too much, but it was familiar.
Jake whistled low. "God, I forget how extra this place is until I see it again."
Jeongin snorted. "Extra? You ate here yesterday."
"Yeah, but I black out the memory every time I check my bank account."
"Jake, your dad's a billionaire." Seungmin retorted.
"I said my bank account. Not my dad's." Jake added.
"Said every rich kid ever." Sunghoon said rolling his eyes. "Let's just go to Starbucks."
They drifted toward the glass storefront. Inside, it was cooler, the soft music playing under the buzz of students ordering their drinks like they all weren't paying triple the normal price.
Sunghoon was already tapping through the menu screen. "I'm getting the vanilla cold brew. Extra shot."
Jeongin leaned over his shoulder. "Get me the strawberry cream thing. No coffee."
Jake turned to Seungmin, wagging a finger. "You. You're getting something too."
Seungmin didn't even look up, already sliding into a corner seat by the window and flipping open his laptop. "I'm good." His tone was light but firm, the kind that meant don't bother. His fingers tapped quickly, pulling up the design file Jake had sent earlier.
Jake squinted at him. "You sure? They've got that honey oat latte thing now. Limited edition."
"Not hungry." Seungmin muttered, eyes narrowing slightly as he zoomed into the CAD model, tracing the stress points in the structure like the rest of the world had gone static.
Jeongin raised a brow, already used to this. "It's fine, let's order, Jake."
Jake threw up his hands but backed off, turning to order for himself. "Alright, fine. More cake for me then. I'm getting the cheesecake. And a croissant. And maybe that brownie too."
Jeongin sighed, shaking his head. "Your sugar tolerance is insane."
"It's called coping, Innie." Jake shot back. "Try it sometime."
By the time they collected their fancy drinks-plastic cups with swirling cream and mermaid-printed logos-they gathered around Seungmin's table, their trays cluttered with pastries and oversized cups.
Seungmin barely glanced up, still absorbed, his screen reflecting faintly against the window's sunlight. His hair, slightly curled at the ends from the morning humidity, fell into his eyes.
Sunghoon slumped into the chair across from him with a sigh. "Do you wanna try this cake? It tastes pretty good." He nudged the small plate forward a little, hopeful.
Seungmin's mouth twitched. "Next time." He shifted slightly, clicking through the simulation. "Your design's fine, Jake. but I'm changing the load distribution here." Seungmin said to Jake.
Jake, halfway through stuffing a chunk of brownie into his mouth, nodded with a muffled, "Cool." A crumb fell on his hoodie, and he didn't bother brushing it off.
Sunghoon still pried, nudging the plate again. "It's not too sweet, Min. I promise, I bought it for you." His voice had that little lilt.
Seungmin smiled faintly this time, eyes flicking up from his screen for just a second. "Thanks, Hoonie. I'll save it for later." His tone was gentle, and there was real appreciation there, but the barrier was familiar.
Sunghoon backed away with a heavy sigh.
Jeongin, swirling the whipped cream in his drink, lifted a brow. "Min's already saving us from failing. Let him focus."
"True." Jake groaned and let his head fall back against his chair. "I swear, one day I'm just gonna fake my way through all these courses and live off my dad's stocks."
"You say that everyday," Sunghoon muttered, his lips quirking. He popped a small bite of the cake into his mouth like it was no big deal. "And yet you show up to every class."
Jake pointed a lazy finger at him. "That's because I have a fear of poverty. And my mom checks my attendance."
Seungmin's lips twitched again, the faintest smile slipping out as he adjusted the load points in the model. "Your fear of poverty is really showing right now with that Cartier on your wrist."
"Shh." Jake said, placing a dramatic finger over his lips. "Don't call me out in this economy."
Jeongin snorted, finally pulling his phone out to scroll. "Yeah, in this economy where you spend eighty bucks on coffee and pastries for vibes."
Their laughter folded into the steady murmur of the restaurant lane around them, the clatter of trays and the call of order numbers blending into the background. The smell of caramel and espresso was warm, wrapping around them like a soft, expensive blanket.
Seungmin finally leaned back a little, flexing his fingers before glancing at the simulation again. "Okay. Load distribution looks better now. Less strain on the joints here and here." He tapped twice, sharp and precise.
Jake leaned forward, squinting. "How do you even see that? I swear it all looks the same to me until it breaks."
Seungmin would answer if it wasn't for his phone buzzing. Once. Twice. A familiar vibration pattern that immediately had Seungmin straightening up before even looking. Unlocking the screen, he blinked down at the message.
Sungie:
Guess who's outside?
Come out baby
Seungmin's fingers stilled on his screen, the faint smile tugging at his lips before he could help it. His heart gave that tiny, weightless skip it always did when Jisung texted like that.
Jake noticed the change first, sitting up a little straighter. "Oh? Is that-"
"Yeah." Seungmin cut in softly, already moving to close his laptop. The simulation could wait. "Sungie's here."
Jeongin made an exaggerated noise, tossing his phone onto the table. "Wow. Look at him, ready to drop us in a heartbeat."
Sunghoon just grinned into his straw. "I wonder what hyung said to make him smile like that."
Seungmin rolled his eyes, but his ears were pink. "You guys are so annoying." He stood, slipping his laptop back into his bag with ease.
Jeongin leaned back, stretching out like he owned the whole space. "Tell hyung we said hi."
"No, don't!" Sunghoon intervened in horror. "He's gonna make me listen to his discography again, please." He pleaded.
"I'll very polite remind him of you guys' existence." Seungmin deadpanned as he shot them one last look before waving and walking away.
Seungmin's steps quickened as he weaved through the tables, dodging a group of business majors with their laptops spread wide.
Outside, the sun was still bright but softened now, filtering through the tall cherry trees that lined the campus path. The breeze was cool against his cheeks as he stepped out, eyes already scanning-
And then he spotted him.
Jisung, leaning casually against the low stone wall near the fountain, dressed down in a hoodie. His smile was wide and crinkly-eyed the second he saw Seungmin emerge, and he lifted his phone like he was mid-text.
"There's my baby." Jisung's voice was warm even from a distance, and Seungmin felt his heart lurch in that embarrassing way again.
Seungmin rolled his eyes, but his feet were already moving faster, like his body didn't get the memo to stay cool. His fingers twitched against the strap of his bag, and by the time he reached Jisung, his usual practiced blank face had already softened at the edges.
Jisung didn't wait - he reached out and gently flicked at the little curl of hair sticking out near Seungmin's temple. "Your hair's going fluffy again," he murmured, like it was the most serious offense in the world. "Didn't I tell you to wear the serum I got you?"
Seungmin's nose scrunched faintly. "Forgot." He let his bag slide off one shoulder and land against the side of the fountain, leaning into the familiar gravity of Jisung's presence without really thinking about it. "It's humid today."
"Mhm, excuses." Jisung's thumb brushed just under his jaw, tilting Seungmin's face up like he was inspecting him. "You look tired, baby. Were you up late again? Don't tell me you skipped lunch."
Seungmin blinked, caught, but played it off with a little huff. "Had coco water."
Jisung's lips pressed together in that way that meant he was resisting the urge to scold. His hands, though, stayed gentle, one sliding around Seungmin's wrist, thumb stroking softly over the delicate skin there. "You're gonna make me gray-haired before I hit twenty-five."
Seungmin let out a soft laugh, nose wrinkling. "You already act like an old man. Might as well look like one."
Jisung gasped, clutching his chest. "Rude! To your loving boyfriend who came all the way here to see you. Is this how you treat me?"
Seungmin, smug now, rocked back on his heels. "Yes."
Jisung narrowed his eyes but couldn't keep the fondness from seeping in. "You little-" He yanked Seungmin in by the wrist, wrapping both arms around his middle in a loose hug. Seungmin let out a startled squeak, hands instinctively landing on Jisung's shoulders.
For a second, they just stood there, Seungmin's face half-hidden against Jisung's hoodie, Jisung swaying them side to side like they had nowhere else to be.
"You're so bratty but so cute, it's painful," Jisung muttered into his hair. "I should sue you."
Seungmin mumbled against his chest, voice muffled. "I know a friend in law who'd fight for me."
Jisung barked out a laugh, tipping his head back. "God, you're so spoiled." He leaned down again, pressing a kiss to Seungmin's temple. "But you're mine, so I guess I'll deal."
Seungmin's cheeks burned, but his hands stayed curled into Jisung's hoodie, not letting go.
"Come on," Jisung said after a beat, finally pulling back just enough to look at him properly. His smile was softer now, eyes crinkled with warmth. "Let's fill your tummy with something, I know you're hungry."
Seungmin blinked up at him, stubborn as always. "I didn't say I was."
"But you are." Jisung's grin turned sly. "I know my baby very well."
Seungmin bit back a smile but let himself be tugged along anyway, fingers still loosely hooked in Jisung's. "Fine."
They walked to a little cafe that was just off the main path. Inside, it smelled faintly of butter and vanilla, and the air was cool from the central AC.
Jisung didn't even pause to ask, he steered them straight to the counter like he'd done it a hundred times before. And he had.
"Hi," he greeted the barista with his usual easy smile, already sliding his black card onto the counter like it weighed nothing. "One plain croissant, warm. And vanilla milk-extra cold. And..." He glanced briefly at the display case before nodding. "Egg sandwich for me. Iced americano, large."
Seungmin didn't say a word, just drifted to one of the corner tables by the window, his fingers fiddling with his fingers. His lips were slightly puckered, a habit he didn't even notice anymore.
Jisung glanced over at him, eyes softening. "Make that croissant cut in half, please. Thanks."
Payment beeped through without a hitch, and Jisung stuffed his hands in his hoodie pocket as he made his way over, plopping down across from Seungmin with the lazy confidence of someone who knew his place here, not just in the café but in Seungmin's little world too.
Seungmin's eyes flicked up at him, still slightly pouty. "You didn't have to get me anything."
Jisung leaned his chin into his palm, grinning. "Didn't have to. Wanted to. And you're gonna eat it, baby."
Seungmin sighed.
A few moments later, their order arrived. Seungmin reached for the milk first, fingers brushing the condensation on the carton. He sipped quietly, lips pursed around the straw, his lashes dropping low over his cheeks.
Jisung peeled the paper off his sandwich and took a bite, chewing lazily. He watched Seungmin pick at the croissant next, pulling it apart into smaller pieces before nibbling at one corner, his movements small and careful.
"You're eating so well today," Jisung said after a while, voice low, almost proud.
Seungmin just blinked at him, not really answering, focused on tearing another bit of croissant apart.
Jisung smiled around the rim of his cup as he took a long sip of coffee, the bitterness cutting through the butter-sweet smell between them.
"Had a long day, huh?" he said lightly. "Your little brain's probably tired."
Seungmin made a soft sound, "Kinda..."
"You're cute when you're overworked," Jisung teased gently, leaning back in his chair with a lazy sprawl. His sneaker nudged lightly against Seungmin's under the table.
Seungmin, still quiet, finally looked up, his mouth full, cheeks slightly puffed. His hair, slightly messy from the afternoon breeze, softened the sharp lines of his face. "Shut up."
"Don't look at me like that," Jisung laughed under his breath. "You're gonna make me wanna kidnap you."
"You might as well," Seungmin said and the older laughed. He finished chewing, then wiped his fingers delicately with the napkin Jisung had placed next to his tray without thinking. He didn't say anything, but the tiny smile tugging at the corner of his mouth said enough.
Some time passed.
It was only a while later they decided to head back. The warm smell of vanilla and bread lingered faintly around them as they stepped back out onto the path, the little paper bag tucked neatly under Seungmin's arm now half-empty. He nibbled quietly on the last bite of his croissant, lips puffed and full in that unconsciously pouty way he always got when chewing.
Jisung walked a little slower beside him, hands buried in his hoodie pocket, the faintest grin still playing at his lips like he couldn't help it.
"You finished all of it," Jisung said, voice a touch sing-songy. "Good boy."
Seungmin shot him a look, cheeks just a little pink from the breeze and maybe from the words. He mumbled around his bite, "Was hungry... kinda."
Jisung chuckled, dipping his head a little closer. "Yeah? You didn't say that earlier." His voice was soft enough to melt.
Seungmin only hummed, swallowing the last of the pastry and brushing the crumbs off his fingers. His other hand swung loosely by his side until Jisung's fingers found it again without asking, warm and familiar as they laced together like second nature.
As they neared Seungmin's faculty building, Jisung's grip on his hand slowed him down, tugging him gently to a pause just by the stone steps.
Seungmin blinked at him, lashes catching in the light. "Hm?"
Jisung leaned in close, breath brushing soft against his cheek. "Gimme a kiss before you go, baby."
It wasn't a question, but it wasn't demanding either, just sweet and easy, the way it always was. Seungmin's lips puckered automatically, like muscle memory, meeting Jisung's in a soft press. Barely more than a brush, but lingering just a second longer.
When they parted, Jisung's nose bumped lightly against his, rubbing them together, and his smile went all crinkly-eyed again. "There we go. Now you can go be smart again."
Seungmin's mouth twitched upward. "I was always smart."
"Yeah, yeah," Jisung chuckled, giving his waist a little squeeze before letting him go. "Go on, baby. I'll pick you up later."
Seungmin ducked his head slightly, muttering something about being fine on his own, but he still didn't protest as Jisung stood there, waiting until he was safely inside the building before turning away.
The breeze picked up again, scattering pink petals across the steps, but everything felt warm anyway.