Your Heart For Takeaway

Story

Present

His hair is getting long again. Twirling it around his finger, the past haunts him for a mere second before the loud cheering of his friend interrupts. He glances one more time at his reflection in the mirror before placing the teacup down and turning to his friend. There's a bright smile on his face, one that he cannot bring himself to share, so he turns his gaze to the item he's being offered instead.

"One of the finest garments," the box is placed carefully next to the teacup before it's being opened, and he allows his eyes to roam on the colorful patterns printed on the cloth. It unfolds to reveal a gorgeous piece of clothing, his friend holds it up to his chest as he looks at him again. "I don't believe it needs to be adjusted," he quickly glances over his body. "It will suit you well, Taeminnie." He offers another bright smile, and Taemin can't help but offer a quick chuckle back as he reaches a hand to touch the soft material.

"It's beautiful," he compliments, because his friend has been talking about buying it for a long while now. "Thank you, Jinki," he hugs his friend quickly before glancing at the wall clock. "He will be arriving soon, I should be back." He grabs the shirt and places it neatly inside the box again. "I haven't started dinner yet."

"Seo-" Jinki starts calling for his daughter, but Taemin cuts him off.

"No need," he waves a dismissive hand as he lifts the box up. "I'll be seeing you soon," he goes for another quick hug before he's grabbing his coat then he's out of the house. The clouds are gathering today, making the sun disappear behind them. It won't rain, he knows that much, but he quickens his steps just in case. He'll have enough time to make dessert as well. He glances at his neighbor's house across the road, not seeing him around for the first time. With a roll of his eyes and a deep inhale, he turns his head towards his own house instead, the box in his hands dropping and he comes to a halt. There's an unpleasant smell rising in the air, but the dark red liquid seeping on the wooden floor and approaching his feet is more alarming than the smell.

There, lying down in front of his door, is his husband, coated in cold blood.

🌪

Past

He brushes his hair and swipes the bangs to the side before checking himself in the mirror again. Did he change that much since his last birthday? He's trying to put a finger on the difference, but it doesn't come to him in any form. With a sigh, he places the brush down and gets down the stairs.

"Going to see Minho?" His mother calls from the kitchen as he ties his boots.

"Yes!" He calls back even though she knows where he goes every single time. He hears her footsteps approaching as he reaches for his hat. She's looking at him with a disapproving look, probably at his overalls and the messy shirt beneath.

"The fields again." It's not a question. She says it with a tiring tone, but there's a hint of a smile on her lips that makes him smile wide.

"I'll be seeing you soon!" He gives her a kiss on the cheek. "Bye!"

The walk to the fields is a bit long, but he enjoys the sunny weather and the fresh air greeting his face. The houses are scattered from each other, allowing the quiet breeze to mingle between them. His parents always complain about leaving this small town, but he loves every inch of it. He spots the black head among the yellow fields, and his steps increase as he runs through the field and jumps on the broad back. He hears a surprised grunt, and he smiles wider.

"Taemin." He slides back on his feet and waits until he's met with a face instead. "Morning to you, too." There's some dirt covering his face, but that doesn't stop Taemin from reaching up and placing a kiss on his lips. It ends sooner than he would have liked though as he's forced to get back on his feet again.