MASHIKYU DRABBLES by ASHIII/HAVEN

WELCOME HOME

 "Was it just a dream?" 

He must have been longing for Màshi that much that he even appeared in his dream like it was so real.

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Warm air and soft giggles stirred Junkyu awake, coaxing him from sleep. Disoriented, he squinted against the sunlight streaming through the window. Amidst the haze, tender whispers of "I love you" floated to his ears, soft and familiar.

"Love? Are you here?" he murmured, his voice barely audible.

"Good morning, love."

Junkyu froze. That voice—angelic and unmistakable—pierced through his groggy mind. He hadn't heard it in so long, yet here it was again.

"Get up and eat. I made you breakfast."

His chest tightened. Was this real, or was he hearing things again, just like the other nights? He tried to piece together his memories. All he could recall was going out for soju with Hyunsuk and Jihoon the previous evening. After that? Nothing.

A sharp pang in his head forced him to wince. "Ugh, hangover," he groaned, pressing his fingers to his temple. He shut his eyes tight, hoping the ache would subside.

And then, a soft hand caressed his forehead, gently massaging away the pain.

That scent, those giggles, that tender touch—it was all Mashi. But it couldn't be. Mashi had left months ago to visit his hometown. The thought of his absence brought a stinging tear to Junkyu's eye.

"I miss you, love," he choked out, his voice breaking as the tears spilled freely now. The memory of Mashi choosing to "rest" from their relationship rather than stay by his side overwhelmed him again. The ache of longing deepened, and he wept.

Two hands cupped his face, lifting it gently. Soft lips pressed against his own, silencing his sobs.

"I miss you too, my love," the voice whispered, warm and real. "Look at me, please."

Junkyu opened his eyes. And there he was. Mashi. His sunshine. Smiling as if he'd never left.

No words were needed. Their gazes locked, and every unspoken feeling—the love, the pain, the longing—passed between them.

Without hesitation, Junkyu pulled Mashi into his arms, holding him tightly. Their lips met again, slow and tentative at first, then deep and fervent. Each kiss spoke of the months they'd spent apart, the silent prayers for this moment to come.

When they finally broke apart for air, their foreheads rested against each other.

"Love," Mashi whispered, "I'm coming home. Wait for me."

Junkyu's heart raced. He opened his mouth to respond, but before he could, the blare of his alarm shattered the moment.

He shot up in bed, heart pounding. "Was it just a dream?"

His chest ached with the loss. "I shouldn't have woken up," he muttered. "I just want to see him again."

As he turned his head toward the side table, something caught his eye—a tray of his favorite breakfast, perfectly arranged.

"Hyunsuk-hyung? Jihoon-hyung?" he wondered aloud. But they wouldn't go out of their way to cook for him, not like this.

He hugged his pillow, inhaling deeply. The scent was unmistakable—roses, just like Mashi.

A faint sound of water splashing broke his thoughts. His eyes darted to the bathroom door.

"Did I... bring someone home last night?" A wave of panic washed over him. "Oh God. Did I—?!"

The bathroom door creaked open, and Junkyu froze mid-thought.

Standing there, freshly showered, droplets of water clinging to his hair, was Mashi.

"Hi, love. Glad you're awake," Mashi said, smiling warmly.

Junkyu couldn't move for a second, stunned by the sight before him. Then, as if pulled by gravity, he ran toward Mashi, arms wide, and enveloped him in a crushing hug, lifting him slightly off the ground.

"You're really here," Junkyu whispered, tears spilling down his cheeks. "Welcome home, love."

Mashi chuckled softly, his arms wrapping tightly around Junkyu's neck. "I'm here, love. For good this time."

Junkyu pulled back slightly, just enough to look at Mashi's face. His eyes roamed every familiar feature, the curve of his smile, the sparkle in his eyes, the warmth radiating from him. It was as if time hadn't passed, yet the ache in his heart reminded him how long it had been.

"Don't say that unless you mean it," Junkyu whispered, his voice trembling.

Mashi's smile faltered, replaced by a look of quiet determination. "I mean it. I've missed you every single day, and coming back was the only thing that made sense. I shouldn't have left, Junkyu."

Junkyu's lips parted, but no words came out. The emotions threatened to overwhelm him—relief, disbelief, love. He tightened his grip on Mashi's waist, as though afraid he'd disappear again if he let go.

Mashi raised a hand to cup Junkyu's cheek, his thumb brushing away the tears that continued to fall. "I'm sorry for hurting you, for being selfish. I thought I needed space, but all I ever needed was you."

Junkyu exhaled shakily. "You don't know how much I've prayed to hear those words."

Mashi leaned his forehead against Junkyu's, their breaths mingling. "Then let me make it up to you. I'm here now, and I'm not going anywhere."

For the first time in what felt like forever, a small smile broke through Junkyu's tears. "Promise me."

"I promise," Mashi said, sealing his words with a soft kiss.

The warmth of the kiss spread through Junkyu, melting away the months of pain and longing. This wasn't a dream. Mashi was truly here, and his heart felt full again.

Later, as they sat together at the small dining table, Mashi watched Junkyu eat the breakfast he'd prepared.

"You're staring," Junkyu teased, though his cheeks flushed under the attention.

Mashi grinned. "Can you blame me? I missed seeing you like this."

Junkyu shook his head, a laugh escaping his lips. "You're impossible."

"And you love me for it," Mashi replied confidently, leaning his chin on his palm.

Junkyu paused mid-bite, his gaze softening. "Yeah, I do. Always have."

Mashi reached across the table, taking Junkyu's hand in his. "And I love you. I'm never letting you go again."

The moment hung between them, heavy with unspoken promises and the rekindling of a love that never truly faded.

For the first time in a long time, Junkyu felt whole.