Loving You is RED ||seventeen||

11. It's All about Perfect Timing

"Jeonghan hyung! I missed you," Seokmin cried out, throwing himself at Jeonghan and sobbing dramatically, even though they had just seen each other that morning at the university. Jeonghan engulfed him in a welcoming hug as he entered Seokmin and Joshua's apartment. Seokmin clung to him like a koala, but Jeonghan didn't mind; in fact, he rather enjoyed babying his dongsaeng. "Looks like our assignment needs to wait until he gets off you," Joshua commented with a dry humor, raising an eyebrow as he watched the scene. Jeonghan just smiled contentedly, finding warmth in the familiar and affectionate chaos.

"Hyung! You gotta try the new game I bought last week. Come with me," Seokmin spluttered in a breath as he dashed past Jeonghan and Joshua to find the game he just mentioned. His excitement was palpable, a bright spark of energy as he hurriedly scoured the living room. "That's why I told you we could work on the assignment tomorrow at the cafe," Joshua stated, acknowledging the animated enthusiasm of his boyfriend, who was quickly back in the living room.

Game consoles in both hands, Seokmin was already kneeling by the big screen, deftly plugging in the wires with a grin plastered across his face. Jeonghan let out a soft chuckle, slinging his arm over his friend in a moment of camaraderie. "C'mon, I know you like to make Seokmin happy more than me," Jeonghan winked, patting Joshua’s shoulder with a teasing smile before he joined Seokmin on the floor, ready to immerse himself in the new game adventure.

"Y'all want something for snacks?" Joshua asked, plopping all the assignment materials on the coffee table. He eyed the two grown-up adults sprawled on the floor, engrossed in their video game and intermittently bickering like siblings. They were bumping shoulders like little kids, completely absorbed in their competitive antics. "I'm good with anything," Jeonghan answered without even taking his eyes off the screen as his car dashed past Seokmin's. "Hyung, that's cheating," Seokmin whined, his car crashing against the wall because Jeonghan had nudged him at the corner, sending his vehicle flying off the track. Jeonghan just let out a victorious laugh, relishing in his win.

"Hyung!" Seokmin whined harder, this time turning his pleading eyes toward Joshua. "I didn't tell you to keep playing, remember?" Joshua pointed out, causing Seokmin to pout even more dramatically. Joshua sighed, realizing there was no escaping this situation now. "Okay, how about I make some kimchi pancakes to cheer you up?" he suggested, and instantly, Seokmin's face lit up with a bright, joyful smile, his previous disappointment dissipating as the thought of his favorite comfort food brought a wave of excitement. Joshua couldn't help but chuckle at the quick change in Seokmin's demeanor, knowing that food had always been the fastest way to his boyfriend's heart.

"Someone is whipped," Jeonghan teased with a mischievous glint in his eye, whistling dramatically as he spoke, which only earned him a playful glare from Joshua. "You want some or not?" Joshua asked, raising an eyebrow in mock offense and holding out a plate as if daring Jeonghan to refuse. "Of course, I do. Who says no to free food? Certainly not me," Jeonghan responded with his usual sassiness, a cheeky grin spreading across his face. His quick retort sent the three of them into fits of laughter.

Joshua made his way towards the kitchen, intent on preparing a delicious kimchi pancake, but his mind was racing with the words of Jeonghan. He had always known that his feelings for Seokmin were intense, almost overwhelmingly so, but hearing it stated so plainly by Jeonghan made him realize just how obvious it had become to everyone around him. His gestures, his lingering glances, his sweet words— they all pointed to one undeniable truth. Yet, Joshua didn't mind this exposure. In fact, he felt a sense of pride at the idea of the world knowing just how deeply he loved Seokmin. The depths of his affection were boundless, and if it meant bringing a smile to Seokmin's face, Joshua felt he could overcome any obstacle or take on any challenge.

Joshua (2nd year of high school)

Joshua moved back to Korea to live with his uncle since his mom had taken up a project in Africa. It was the middle of the year when Joshua started at his new high school as a second grader. His Hangul wasn't fluent, which made him self-conscious every time he spoke. His uncle had noticed Joshua’s struggles with the language and suggested he take a part-time job to help him improve. This job would give him a chance to communicate with lots of people, practice his Korean, and build his confidence in speaking the language. Working part-time, Joshua hoped he would not only become more fluent but also make new friends and adapt better to his new environment.