does it rain in california?

Epilogue

The marble hallways seem endless as they walk through the exhibit in the Seoul Musem of Art, but Seungmin is eager to see more.

He grips Minho's hand in his, dragging him along to every painting decorating the walls. It feels surreal, seeing some of Korea's most famous works only a few feet in front of him, with his soulmate by his side.

It's too good to be true.

He even catches Minho smiling in his direction, soft and warm, like he does at the shelter towards Dori. It makes him feel warm and fuzzy inside, something he can only describe as love pounding in the veins of his heart.

He's happy, he's in love and he has Minho right by his side. It seems like a dream—he'll wake any moment now, he knows it.

Except the pictures Minho takes for him to look back on in the future are very real, and the ones he takes of Minho quickly become his phone wallpaper.

"I have one more surprise for you." Minho says into his ear, hugging him as they waddle towards the end of the exhibit. He could never get tired of being held in Minho's arms—not after a year of dating and definitely not in the years to come.

Minho only lets go to reach for his messenger bag, pulling out a pink plastic bag that he shows to a curious Seungmin.

"I know you love art. You should keep doing the things you love." He pulls out a set of paints and canvases, placing them in Seungmin's hands.

Ever since they've spoken about their soulmate connection growing up, Minho has not stopped encouraging Seungmin to pursue art. And despite being a biology major, Seungmin has decided to take up art as a second major so he can use the art studios provided by the university.

He paints all of the things he loves: animals, the skyline, sunsets, not of California but of Seoul. The city where he found his love. He paints Minho's beautiful smile, his eyes, his hands, their precious cats.

Minho has been excited about finally getting to take Doongie home to their shared apartment, the little fellow having been their newest rescue to the center that Minho could never bear to part with.

Volunteering at the shelter, taking care of the kitties, has Seungmin excited to start vet school next fall. He'll get discounts for Soonie, Doongie and Dori's vaccines and he'll be able to officially work with Jimin at the shelter, once he's gotten his technician's license—which Minho is especially excited about.

"Thank you, I'll make something for you with these. I'm already thinking of ideas." He smiles, stepping closer to his soulmate to plant a short kiss on his lips.

"Just try not to get paint on the carpet, I'd like to get some of our deposit back later down the line if possible." Minho jokes, squeezing Seungmin's waist causing him to squeak.

Seungmin has never felt more loved or in love in his life. They've had their ups and downs but Minho is always there for him as they navigate their relationship, holding him tight and caring for him like no one else has before him.

Seungmin does the same for him, showering Minho in his affection that hardly anyone is on the receiving end of. He's the most special and important person in Seungmin's life, and no matter what, they are always there for each other.

It's crazy to think that Seungmin had ever been scared to tell Minho of their connection, worried that he'd manipulate Minho in some way or that Minho would reject him like he had all those years ago as teenagers, when they hardly knew each other.

Minho holds his face with gentle hands, staring deeply into his brown eyes and he can just tell. There is no manipulation in sight, Minho truly loves him for who he is. No matter if he's Seungmin or Sky.

"Don't ever change, Kim Seungmin." He says softly, laying his lips against his soulmate's, the kiss soft but meaningful as they stand to the side of the museum's entrance. "I want to see your artwork on my skin for the rest of my life."

Giggling, Seungmin presses his forehead to Minho's. "Good, you'll get all of my original pieces 'cause you're stuck with me."

*

Later that week, Minho is playing his one of his last college basketball games, the crowds hollering and rowdy in the stands.

Seungmin is right between Felix and Jisung in the front row, holding up his own neon pink banner with Minho's face on it that reads: I LOVE YOU LEE MINHO, FIGHTING ♡

Jisung is cackling when Seungmin pulls it out, "You are so whipped for your mans. I can't believe we came all the way out here so you can scream over your boyfriend,"

"My soulmate, Jisung. And yours." Seungmin says, shoving Jisung as he turns bright pink.

It's a fairly new development, but Jisung is clearly giving Hyunjin heart-eyes as he dribbles the ball on the court.

He's not the only one. Hyunjin sends him glances every few seconds, running his fingers through his hair when he knows his soulmate is looking.

Seungmin is definitely not the only one whipped for his soulmate.

Half way through the game, Hyunjin sends Jisung a wink only to get hit in the face with the basketball.