SKINNY || HYUNHO

VIII

The house was filled with the warm, comforting scents of the holiday season. Pine, cinnamon, and baked goods created a cozy atmosphere that should have made Hyunjin feel at ease. Instead, he was on edge. The impending visit from his aunt had him anxious. She was known for her bluntness, and Hyunjin worried about what she might say.

When the doorbell rang, Hyunjin's mother answered, her voice bright and cheerful. "Come in, come in! It's so good to see you."

His aunt, a tall woman with a sharp eye and an even sharper tongue, stepped inside, bringing a gust of cold air with her. She hugged Hyunjin's mother before turning her gaze to him. Her eyes raked over his form, and Hyunjin tensed, bracing himself.

"My, my, Hyunjin," she said, a note of surprise in her voice. "You've lost quite a bit of weight since I last saw you."

Hyunjin felt a surge of pride at her words, even as a part of him knew he shouldn't. The long nights of hunger, the grueling exercise routines-they all seemed justified in that moment. He managed a small smile. "Yeah, I've been working on it."

"Well, it shows," she said, patting his shoulder. "Keep it up, dear."

Her approval, though superficial, gave Hyunjin a fleeting sense of accomplishment. He felt like he was finally being seen, acknowledged. But as the day wore on, the satisfaction began to wane. Even though the numbers on the scale were dropping, he still saw the same imperfections staring back at him from the mirror.

A few days later, Minho invited Hyunjin over to his house for a family dinner. Hyunjin was nervous but also excited at the prospect of spending more time with Minho. The invitation felt like a lifeline, a chance to escape his thoughts, even if only for a few hours.

When he arrived at Minho's house, he was greeted with warm smiles and a welcoming atmosphere. Minho's parents were kind and gracious, and his two younger cousins, twin girls around seven years old, were adorable.

"Hyunjin, this is my mom and dad, and these are my cousins, Yuna and Yuri," Minho introduced.

The twins looked at Hyunjin with wide, curious eyes. "Wow, you're so handsome!" Yuna exclaimed.

"Yeah, you're like a prince!" Yuri added, her eyes sparkling.

Hyunjin felt a blush creep up his cheeks. "Thank you," he said, feeling a bit overwhelmed.

The twins continued to circle around him, their eyes filled with admiration. "Do you have a girlfriend?" Yuna asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Hyunjin shook his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. "No, I don't."

"Good!" Yuri declared, crossing her arms. "That means we still have a chance!"

Minho chuckled, ruffling both girls' hair. "Sorry, girls, but Hyunjin is mine."

Hyunjin's heart skipped a beat at Minho's words, a warmth spreading through him. He looked over at Minho, who gave him a wink and a smile that made his heart flutter.

The dinner was a lively affair, filled with laughter and conversation. Minho's family was warm and inclusive, making Hyunjin feel at home. The twins were particularly taken with him, competing for his attention throughout the meal.

"I want to marry Hyunjin when I grow up!" Yuna declared, earning a chorus of giggles from the table.

"No, I want to marry him!" Yuri protested, pouting adorably.

Minho looked at Hyunjin with a teasing glint in his eyes. "Looks like you're in high demand."

Hyunjin laughed softly, though the sound was a bit strained. The plate of food in front of him seemed daunting, every bite feeling like a mountain to climb. He pushed the food around with his fork, trying to look like he was eating without actually consuming much.