GOLDEN-{SOOGYU}

TWELVE

"Welcome," Soobin muttered half-heartedly, looking up to the entrance. 

The antique shop smelled like grease today. Soobin was trying to fix a gramophone recorder that was stuck to no avail, and Beomgyu was pinching his nose (he hates that smell) as he mopped the floor. 

A new batch of antiques arrived yesterday; they've managed to sort them and pick out the fakes but lacked time to put them back into the storeroom, so everything is basically laying around on the floor. 

"Um, hi," came a familiar voice after the usual ding of the doorbell. Familiar wavy brown hair, long coat, toothy smile--

"Hyuka?"

That seems to have caught Beomgyu's attention, who was flipping through an antique magazine. "Huh?" He looked up in surprise, then narrowed his eyes slightly at the newcomer. "How may I help you?"

"Um, I wanted to pick out something for a person," Huening Kai replied, flashing another smile, this time shy and a little awkward.

"Come over this way, then," Beomgyu forced a smile, glaring at Soobin while ushering Huening Kai in roughly. That gaze read something threatening, with the undertone indecipherable.

"Um, can... he help me instead?" 

What? Soobin could imagine what Beomgyu's mind must be saying, the boy staring at Soobin with an incredulous expression. "Fine," he said sourly, sitting down on a box with a pout. He shook his head slightly as if he's arranging his bangs, and Soobin couldn't see his eyes.

Soobin walked over and ruffled Beomgyu's hair. "I'll come back soon," he whispered in the younger's ear, hoping it's comforting enough. 

-------------

"So, what are you looking for?" Soobin said, putting on his professional smile as he stood in front of the dark wood shelves. 

"You used to have one of these on your dresser," Huening Kai said softly, holding out a hand to a minature globe. It was made of reddish brass, the continents standing out with different, vibrant colors. 

"Get to the point," Soobin said quietly but audible anyway. He hoped he used his soft voice, but he knows his stare is almost stern, as if internally questioning, and that wouldn't sugarcoat the whole affair. "Why are you here? You were never into antiques."

"You always said you disliked old things. Always into the new, never looking back, never stopping to check if you blew anyone off their feet, if you left someone behind," Soobin raised his voice slightly, his voice dripping of accusation. He knows he's talking too much, being too melodramatic, but he just couldn't forget the way he got home to an empty house two years ago--

Huening Kai sighed of desperation, and Soobin noticed how he had aged over the years. He hasn't shaved, short brown fizz on his upper lip, more creases on his face, a sharper jawline.

 "I'm getting married next month," he said suddenly. "I-I know I was immature and stupid and hurt your feelings back then, and I'm sorry." 

He took a shakey breath, "I would be very happy if you came, but it's okay- I can understand if you don't. Oh, you can bring him," he added quickly, eyes relieved yet nervous. "Just thought you should know, and you deserve an apology."