Breathe Me In || Minbin ✔️

2

"What's a food that you could eat for the rest of your life? Just one food," I question, calmed down now that I had a cigarette.

"French fries, definitely. They're so fucking good. They're like... chefs kiss." He does the Italian 'chefs kiss' gesture with his hand. It makes both of us laugh. "What's... something you can't do?"

"I can't swim."

"Really? Yet you're more scared of heights rather than drowning?"

"Yep. I will actually freeze up if I go somewhere remotely high. It sucks, honestly. I can learn how to swim; I can't learn how to fly."

"True, true."

"What's something that makes you feel like complete and absolute shit?"

"Ugh," he rolls his eyes. "Whenever I make a joke with this one friend, they never laugh. I mean, sometimes, but most of the time, awkward silence erupts. Makes me feel super shitty. I don't make a lot of jokes anymore because of that."

"It's only one friend that does that?"

"Yeah. I'm not fond of them. They're a big asshole to me and my other friends."

"Then drop them. You don't need that kind of energy in your life. You should live a happy one. Not one where you walk on eggshells and can't be yourself."

"Inspirational. You're right. Hold on."

He pulls out his phone, scrolling and then typing. I wait patiently, staring out into the night. He already put his cigarette out in a public ashtray. I was halfway done with mine.

"There. Joomin, you're a dick. I don't want to be friends anymore. Don't contact me again. Bye."

"Good for you. I'm glad I could be of service. It's not everyday that I come across a stranger who tells me their life story, and I help them remove toxic people from their environment."

"I don't know why I never did that before. Maybe it's the adrenaline from meeting you. You make me feel like a badass, to be honest."

"You make me feel heard. I guess it's a mutual thing then. I'm glad to have met you. I haven't really sat down with anyone like this in awhile. My friends are always busy or we just talk on the phone. It's hard being an adult who has responsibilities and whatnot."

"Tell me about it. But I'm happy to have met you, too. I talk to my friends, but they already know my life story. Telling someone new about my life and getting a different perspective on it is refreshing. So thank you, Minho."

When he said my name, chills flew down my spine. Don't do anything weird, Min. I swear.

He looks back down at his phone, only taking a quick glance at his lock screen. "Oh, god. It's already two in the morning."

I gasp, sitting up suddenly. "What? It's two?"

"Yeah, just turned two. Why? You got someone waiting for you at home?"

"No, but I have cats! They're going to be so mad at me. Oh, man," I groan, rubbing my eyes. "My poor babies. Starving and worried."

Soonie was going to be pissed, Doongi was going to yell at me (but when does he not?), and Dori... he wouldn't care that much. He's probably just hungry or he already fell asleep.

He giggles. That's right. Giggles. "You sound like a mom. Mommy Minho~" He teases.

"Yeah, yeah. You can say whatever. Have fun sleeping with Gyu," I shoot right back, smirking to myself.

"Ah, okay, okay," he waves off, "I'm sure you have to go now, huh?"

"Yeah, it's late. I have work in like... four hours."

"Let me walk you home. It's dangerous to be out so late," he stands, stretching his arms.

"Creepy, but okay. Don't kill me or I'll release my cats on you."

Taking a stranger to my apartment? Not the brightest idea. He could easily be a psychopath waiting for the right moment to strike.

Then again, look at him. Short. Stubby. Cute. I mean, I've heard of serial killers charming their way into their victim's hearts before brutally killing them, but come on. Him? Never.

"Uh, yeah, I won't. I'd rather not die by cats. I'm already allergic to them, but getting killed by them? Ugh, sounds like hell."

I pout, frowning. "You're allergic? That's so sad. I'm so sorry that you have to live like that."

He shrugs, waiting for me to stand. I do, putting my cigarette out in the same place he did. "It does make me sad, but eh."

"So where do you live?"

"An apartment building a couple blocks down. Nothing special. You?"

"Same. Wouldn't it be funny if we lived in the same complex? Weird as hell, though."

"That'd be cool. We could hang out and go on walks together. All that friendly shit, you know?"

I smile. "I know."

As we walk, I kick a rock. "How many people have you dated in your lifetime?"

"Five. Three guys, two girls."

Gay.

Shut up, Minho. For one, he could be bi, pan, etc. Don't be a little bitch, and don't go assuming people's sexualities.

"Are you-"

"Queer, yes, but I don't like putting labels on it. Sometimes it's too complicated, you know?"

He says it in a way that makes me realize he trusts me. He doesn't say it aggressively. He doesn't seem to think I'm homophobic. Maybe he can tell that I'm gay. I don't know. Some people have really good gaydars.

"Ah, okay. That's understandable. With the amount of sexualities out there, I wouldn't want to put a label on it either."

"Are you into guys?"

"Yeah, I'm gay. That's probably the easiest label, plus I'm not exactly romantically, emotionally, or sexually attracted to women."

"Gotcha, gotcha."

My hopes were getting to me. Hopes for what? I don't know. I was excited for an unknown reason. Another gay friend. That's nice.

We reach my apartment building finally, and the wind seemed to have calmed down a bit.

"Can I get your number?" He questions. "I really enjoyed talking to you tonight."

"Yeah, sure." Oh, my god, it's happening.

We exchange numbers, a giddy feeling rising in my chest. I always loved gaining new friends. It always meant new possibilities. I just hope this friendship wouldn't burn out as it's done in the past.

"Text me when you get home. I don't want some creep kidnapping you," I tease, knowing he could've easily been a weirdo.

"I'll do that. Have a good night."

"You too."