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The next evening, the bustling city was painted in a warm glow as the sun dipped below the horizon. Jisung stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his shirt for the third time. He felt a flutter of excitement mixed with nervousness. It had been a long journey through exams, and tonight was all about celebrating.

"Are you almost ready?" Minho called from the living room, his voice a mixture of impatience and playful teasing. Jisung could hear the sound of Minho shuffling about, likely checking his watch for the fifth time.

"Yeah, just one second!" Jisung replied, giving himself one last look before stepping out.

Minho turned as Jisung emerged, and his expression softened. "So pretty," he said, kissing Jisung's forehead. A genuine smile lit up his face.

"Thanks," Jisung replied shyly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind his ear. "You look good too." Minho was dressed casually yet stylishly, his dark jeans and fitted shirt accentuating his figure perfectly.

"Shall we?" Minho offered his arm, and Jisung laughed, taking it with a mock-serious expression.

They walked to the car, the evening air fresh against their skin. As they drove through the city, Jisung couldn't help but admire the neon lights illuminating the streets, a vivid contrast to the soft glow inside the car. Minho kept glancing at him, a soft smile playing on his lips, making Jisung feel butterflies in his stomach.

Upon arriving at the hotpot restaurant, they were greeted by the enticing aroma of spices and simmering broth. The interior was cozy, filled with wooden accents and warm lighting that created an inviting atmosphere. They were seated at a corner table, and Minho immediately scanned the menu with excitement.

"I can't wait to dig into the sweet-and-sour pork," Minho said, practically bouncing in his seat.

"Let's not forget about the dessert," Jisung reminded him, a teasing smile on his face. "I'm still in charge of that."

"Of course," Minho laughed, "but if you get chocolate cake, I'm stealing half of it."

"Only if you're nice to me," Jisung quipped back, leaning closer to Minho, their shoulders brushing.

As they placed their orders, their conversation flowed effortlessly. They talked about everything—their recent exams, Minho's engineering project, and even Jisung's dreams for the future. Minho's eyes sparkled with admiration as Jisung animatedly described his ambitions, his passion contagious.

"I'm so proud of you, Jisung," Minho said, his tone sincere. "You've worked so hard, and you deserve all the success that's coming your way."

Jisung felt warmth bloom in his chest. "Thanks, Minho. It means a lot, especially coming from you."

Once the food arrived, the two dived into the feast with enthusiasm. The sizzling sounds of the hotpot filled the air, accompanied by their laughter and playful banter as they cooked together. Jisung loved the way Minho's eyes lit up when he savored a particularly delicious bite, and the joy of sharing the experience made the evening feel even more special.

After they finished their savory meal, Jisung insisted on picking the dessert. He scanned the menu and immediately honed in on the chocolate cake. "This is the one!" he declared, grinning widely.

Minho rolled his eyes dramatically. "Fine, but you better share."

As they waited for their dessert, Jisung noticed Minho observing him intently. "What?" he asked, feeling slightly self-conscious under Minho's gaze.

"You're just really beautiful, you know that?" Minho said, a smirk playing on his lips.

Jisung's cheeks flushed, and he ducked his head, hiding a shy smile. "Stop it," he mumbled, feeling the warmth spread through him.

Their dessert arrived—a towering slice of rich chocolate cake, adorned with a generous swirl of whipped cream. Jisung dug in first, savoring the decadent flavors.

"Okay, your turn," he said, sliding the plate toward Minho.

Minho took a bite and his eyes widened. "Okay, you were right. This is amazing!"

Jisung grinned, enjoying the shared moment. As they indulged in the dessert, the conversation shifted to more personal topics—hopes, fears, and what the future might hold.

"Honestly," Jisung began, his voice quieter, "I'm still nervous about what comes next. I want to do well, and I don't want to let anyone down."

"You could never let me down," Minho assured him, his expression earnest. "You're already more than enough. Just keep being you, and I'll always be here to support you."

Jisung's heart swelled at Minho's words. "Thank you for always being there for me," he said softly, his gaze locking with Minho's.

"Always," Minho replied, leaning closer, their foreheads almost touching.

In that moment, surrounded by the warm ambiance of the restaurant, Jisung felt a sense of belonging and comfort. He realized how much this man meant to him and how grateful he was to have Minho by his side.

The night ended with their laughter echoing around them as they strolled through the bustling streets, the city alive with energy. Jisung felt lighter, cherished, and ready to embrace whatever came next, knowing he wouldn't have to face it alone.

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