He Is My Sin - Hyunho

23. It's A Date

Minho couldn't wait for the next day to arrive.

He went to the office with a grin on his face, which he tried to supress not wanting to worry the people around him. They weren't used to seeing him in a good - or maybe even giddy - mood.

They would undoubtedly find it weird!

He also tried not to hover around Hyunjin so much - always at a discreet distance so as not to appear strange or desperate - and concentrate on his work. But when the afternoon came, he nearly ran out of the office at 5:30, leaving Tina to stare at him in bewilderment. He arrived at his apartment with enough time to shower and get ready, all the while grinning to himself like an idiot.

Showered and refreshed, he was hopping happily like a little bunny - his mother's words for describing him whenever he was happy, as a child, not his - around his apartment, drinking his tea, thinking about what to wear, for the first time in a decade. He never thought much about his clothes. He had Yeji to put him in order, when he needed to look more debonair or classy or elegant or whatever you want to call it. Left to his own devices, he would just wear a pair of old baggy jeans and a sweatshirt and call it an outfit, with his wife laughing every time, telling him he is lucky he is handsome. But now, he stood in front of the mirror and observed himself. He was wearing a new pair of black fitted jeans. He remembered Yeji once commenting that his - um - thighs and hips were sexy. He blushed a little, recalling her playful teasing.

Because he also had a training routine aimed at that specific area. Yeah... His personal trainer didn't comment when Minho asked him for that. Thankfully... Oh, well. 

He put on a black silk shirt that hugged his toned chest flatteringly, leaving the top two buttons open, but then changed his mind and buttoned up. He didn't want to be a distraction. Plus, the weather was still a bit chilly... He reached for his black leather jacket and put it on, pleased with the outcome. He smiled to himself and the mirror-Minho reciprocated.

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The place Seungmin suggested was cozy yet modern, with all the classic features one would expect from a Thai restaurant but rearranged and used in a way that made it stylish and up to date. Minho was waiting for Hyunjin at their table. His impatience caused him to arrive 20 minutes early, but the elegant woman at the entrance - Seungmin's friend - had him seated immediately, offering him complimentary cocktails while he waited for his friend. Minho smiled and thanked her bashfully. He needed to recover his confidence and not be so awkward in his social interactions. He was a single man once again.

Although his heart was already taken. 

Right on time, punctual as always, Hyunjin walked through the door. Minho saw him coming towards him with the confident relaxed manner he always carried himself. He was wearing a pair of black jeans and a light purple baggy mohair sweater under his black coat. A couple of silver chains peeked out from his v-neckline adorning his smooth pale skin. He wore his blond hair down, smoothed out and shiny, and he had a light smile on his lips. He took off his coat, setting it on the back of his chair before sitting across from Minho. "Hi." He greeted him in his warm soft voice. "Am I late?" He gestured at  Minho's half empty glass. "Hi! No, I came early." Minho hurriedly replied. Hyunjin's eyes sparkled and his cheeks were rosy from the cold evening air. Minho caught himself staring at him. He cleared his throat. "Would you like a cocktail, before we order?" "Sure, why not?" Hyunjin readily agreed, smiling at the waitress who appeared right away next to their table. "I'll have the same, please." The young woman smiled politely and walked away.

"How are you feeling?" Minho asked, concern evident in his voice. Hyunjin gave him a questioning look before acknowledging the source of his worry. "I am much better. Thank you." He smiled reassuringly. "Sure? You know you could have stayed at home, rest more..." "I am fine, Minho." Hyunjin interjected gently. "I am sorry I made you all worry about me." "Nonsense..." Hyunjin left his gaze on him. Minho felt those eyes x-ray him once more. But they were gentle. "I am really okay, Min." He repeated softly. Minho's heart skipped a eat: 'Min...'  He loved more than he should Htynjin's affectionate tone. They stared at each other, without speaking for a moment. Hyunjin studied his face. "Shall we order, then?" Minho changed the subject, not big on being the centre of attention, feeling exposed under those inquisitive deep brown orbs. He could confess anything without a moment's hesitation. "I hope you are hungry. This place comes highly recommended by Seungmin." Hyunjin laughed lightly. "I am rather hungry. Maybe even starved." His eyes twinkled. Minho felt the tips of his ears heat up for some reason.