ONE SHOTS || ATEEZ

Woogi<Healing flames>

Part One: Faded promises

(As written previously)

Part Two

It had been months since Wooyoung had walked out of the apartment, leaving San behind with the weight of their broken marriage. The rain that soaked him that night felt like a distant memory now, washed away by time. But the scars it left? They were still there, even if they didn't sting as much as they once did.

Wooyoung now found himself in unfamiliar territory-freedom, independence, but most importantly, uncertainty. He spent weeks drifting, unsure of where to go or what to do with his shattered heart. Every corner of the city reminded him of San. The cafes they frequented, the park where they shared their first kiss, and even the sounds of the ocean seemed to whisper San's name.

But something or rather, someone had started to change that.

It started as an unexpected reunion. Wooyoung had run into Mingi at a dance studio, one of the few places where he could clear his mind. Mingi had been a part of their friend group for years, but Wooyoung never thought much about him beyond their shared memories. That was, until Mingi became the one person who could pull Wooyoung out of his darkness.

"Mingi!" Wooyoung called after their latest practice session, wiping sweat from his forehead. "Thanks for sticking around today. I needed this."

Mingi smiled, his warm eyes softening as he looked at Wooyoung. "No problem, Woo. I've got nothing better to do. Plus, you seem to be on fire lately."

Wooyoung chuckled, the sound genuine for the first time in what felt like forever. "I guess I'm just trying to keep busy."

But it wasn't just about being busy. Mingi had become the flame Wooyoung didn't know he needed-steady, dependable, and slowly warming the coldness that had settled in his heart.

As they walked to the small café down the street, Wooyoung's thoughts drifted back to the past few months. San had tried to reach out a few times, but Wooyoung hadn't answered. He couldn't bear the thought of being dragged back into the mess of San and Yeosang's unresolved love. He needed to heal, and Mingi, unknowingly, was helping him do that.

"You've been quieter lately," Mingi said, breaking the silence as they sat down. "Are things getting better?"

Wooyoung looked into his coffee, his reflection rippling as he stirred it absentmindedly. "Better? I don't know. Maybe. It's hard to say. I think I'm just... getting used to the idea that I can't go back."

Mingi didn't say anything, but Wooyoung could feel his gaze, supportive and patient. That's what he appreciated most about Mingi-he never pushed, never pried. He just was there, a solid presence in the storm that Wooyoung had been drowning in for so long.

"San hasn't changed, you know?" Wooyoung said softly. "He's still with Yeosang. It's clear he made his choice a long time ago."

Mingi frowned, his jaw tightening slightly. "San's a fool if he doesn't see what he lost."

Wooyoung let out a hollow laugh, the sound bitter. "Maybe. But I think I'm the one who's the fool for hanging on for so long."

"You're not a fool, Wooyoung." Mingi's voice was firm but gentle. "You loved him, and there's nothing foolish about love."

Wooyoung's chest tightened at Mingi's words, the truth of them settling deep inside. Maybe it was time to let go of the idea that his love for San had been a mistake. It had been real-painful, but real. And now, he had to move forward.

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, Mingi making Wooyoung laugh more times than he could count. The warmth that radiated from Mingi was different. It wasn't fiery or intense like his past with San. It was steady, patient-a slow burn that didn't demand anything in return.

-----

Weeks passed, and Wooyoung found himself seeking Mingi out more and more. They danced together, laughed together, and shared quiet moments that made Wooyoung's chest feel lighter. It wasn't until one late evening, after an exhausting practice, that Wooyoung realized just how deeply Mingi had become a part of his life.

They were sitting on the floor of the studio, their backs against the mirrors, panting and drenched in sweat. The soft glow of the city lights outside bathed them in a quiet calm.

"Do you ever think about what's next?" Mingi asked, his voice low.

Wooyoung turned to look at him, frowning slightly. "What do you mean?"

Mingi hesitated for a moment, his fingers playing with the hem of his shirt. "I mean... for you. After everything with San, do you think about what's next for you? Or who's next?"

Wooyoung's breath caught in his throat. It was a question he hadn't dared to ask himself. But now, staring at Mingi, with his tired but kind eyes, Wooyoung felt the answer forming somewhere deep inside him.

"I don't know," Wooyoung admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm still figuring that out."

Mingi nodded slowly, but Wooyoung saw the flicker of something in his expression-hope, maybe? Or perhaps something more.

"Mingi..." Wooyoung started, but the words got caught in his throat. He wasn't sure how to say what he was feeling -wasn't sure if he was ready to admit it, even to himself.

But Mingi understood. He always did.

"I'll wait," Mingi said softly, his voice steady. "I'll wait as long as you need."

And in that moment, Wooyoung knew.

Maybe San had been his past, but Mingi... Mingi could be his future.

End of two-shot.