Youth | Gyuhao

- 11

| Chapter Eleven — Dipping Bow | M

Mingyu's home was spacious and clean, matching the millions of thoughts Minghao had of wondering what it looked like on the way here. It felt like what a real home felt like.

For instance, hundreds of books were stacked along the black paint of a bookcase, and a fireplace was sat just next to it, the chimney— bricked and eye catching.

There was a television on the mantle, one Minghao already knows Mingyu probably doesn't use. A couch settled itself just across from everything else, a dark, ruby color that Minghao found himself coming to love throughout the moments he looked.

"You like it?" Mingyu asked, hanging their coats on the rack.

Minghao hummed, turning back around. He faced Mingyu, yet his eyes still wandered around the interior, "It's beautiful."

Mingyu smiled, "Thank you." He shrugged, "You want to look around some more? Or do you just feel like resting?" He asked, "I could take you back home if you aren't up to it."

"No, no." Minghao told him, "I'm okay." 

Mingyu nodded and eventually led them both into what Minghao could only assume was the kitchen. And he soon found himself right, the white walls and granite counters greeting him.

Minghao walked further inside, sliding his fingers across the glossy countertop, "It's so clean," He smiled, "It really is beautiful, Mingyu. Your home is lovely."

"I'm glad you like it." Mingyu said.

Minghao smiled at his tone as he stood near the counter. It was thrilling, teasing, as if to hint that he knew Minghao would be back a million times more. 

Mingyu let a sweet type of silence fill the air before he spoke, breath heavy against Minghao's ear. It made him shiver, "Can I touch you?"

Minghao's body tensed, an answer slipping past his lips before he can stop it, "Yes."

Minghao inhaled, hoping to brace himself when he felt arms snake around his waist from behind.

"What are you up to?" He asked the culprit.

Mingyu pressed his chin into the pad of Minghao's shoulder. His breath hit the detective's ear, the boy's body shivering in his own, "Nothing you don't consent to." He said.

Minghao sighed, breath coming out uneven and edgy, "Why do you want me so bad?"

Mingyu hummed, tightening his grip. He swayed them back and forth gently, "I've answered that."

Minghao involuntarily pressed back against the warm hold on him, "I've—" He pauses, closing his eyes in embarrassment. He wants to crawl into a hole and wallow in his own self pity, "I've never been touched that way."

"What way?"

"This way." Minghao opens his eyes. He lifts his own arms, planting his chilly palms on Mingyu's hold around him. He doesn't push him off though.

"Is this okay?" Mingyu asked, pressing his face into Minghao's neck, nipping at the skin under his ear, "I won't ever do anything that will make you uncomfortable. I hope you understand that."

"I do." Minghao smiled in appreciation.

Mingyu didn't say anything for another few moments, just swaying their bodies gently, as if in hopes to calm the atmosphere— make Minghao feel better from earlier.

Minghao swallowed, twirling around in Mingyu's hold. He faced him now, the lower dip of his back pressing uncomfortably against the countertop, "Someone killed him."