stars and whispers // minsung

one last chapter.

"Happy Birthday to you~, happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you, dear Hannie... Happy birthday to you~!" 

The room erupted in applause, their joyful faces illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.

Jisung, cheeks flushed and heart swelling, stared at the flickering flames, captivated by the moment.

Felix clapped enthusiastically, bouncing on his toes. "Make a wish, quick!"

With a bright smile, Jisung closed his eyes for a few seconds, letting the warmth of his friends wash over him.

He opened them and blew out the candles, earning a chorus of cheers and laughter.

Chan wrapped him in a tight hug, lifting him slightly off the ground. "Happy birthday!"

Minho, unable to resist, playfully pushed Chan aside and leaned in, capturing Jisung's lips in a soft kiss. "Happy birthday..." he murmured against Jisung's mouth, his eyes twinkling with affection.

Jisung beamed, a warm blush creeping across his face. "Thank you."

"Hey! You didn't thank me!" Chan exclaimed, shaking Jisung's shoulder playfully.

Minho crossed his arms, smirking. "Why thank you? He loves me more."

"Shush," Jisung giggled, shaking his head. "Thank you, Chan."

Felix then sidled up to Jisung, eyes shimmering with faux drama.

"Ji! You're nineteen now! Why are you making me cry?"

Jisung's heart swelled as he embraced Felix tightly. "We made it, Lix... Just yesterday we were sixteen."

Tears spilled from Felix's eyes as he hugged Jisung back. "Together, just like I promised we would," he whispered, and they held each other for a moment, lost in the warmth of their friendship.

"You guys are so dramatic," Seungmin teased, shaking his head.

"Come here!" Jisung laughed, pulling Seungmin into their hug. "I'm infinitely thankful for you two, really. You saved my life."

Minho watched them, a soft smile on his face, before walking away to grab something.

"Okay, enough of this mushy stuff," Changbin interrupted, rubbing his hands together. "I want to taste that cake!"

As Chan cut the slices, Jisung scanned the room, suddenly realizing, "Wait, where's Min?"

"Oh..." Hyunjin said, a conspiratorial grin spreading across his face. "I think he went for your birthday present."

At that moment, Minho returned, eyes sparkling with excitement.

He sat down next to Jisung, leaning closer. "So, is there something in particular you're expecting?" 

Chan chuckled, rolling his eyes. "Oh, here we go."

Jisung smiled at Minho. "Not really. I'm just happy to be here."

Minho scoffed, resting his chin on his hand, still gazing adoringly at Jisung. "You say that every year."

Feeling the warmth of their friends' stares, Jisung squirmed a bit. "What? Are you going to ask me to marry you?"

Minho grinned, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Not yet. Close your eyes."

Jisung's heart raced as he complied, feeling Minho's presence shift closer.

"Okay. Two gifts for you; you'll tell me which one you like more. First one..." With that, Minho leaned in and kissed Jisung deeply, igniting a flurry of gasps and cheers from their friends. 

Jisung's cheeks flared red, and he whispered, "I have an idea of which one is my favorite..." 

"Not yet," Minho said with a teasing smile. "Your hands."

Jisung extended his hands, palms open.

Minho placed something cool and metallic in them.

"What's this?" Jisung asked, touching the object, curiosity lighting up his face.

"Open your eyes and guess," Minho prompted, crossing his arms and leaning back in his chair, a grin plastered on his face.

Jisung did as instructed, looking down at the shiny keys. "They're pretty," he said, admiring them. "But... I don't get it."

Laughter erupted from the group, clearly enjoying the spectacle.

Minho chuckled, unable to contain himself. "Yeah, they're pretty. What else?"

"They're... keys," Jisung replied, brow furrowing in confusion.

"Keys to what?" Minho urged, his excitement palpable.

"I don't know! You gave them to me..." Jisung stammered, his heart racing as he realized what this could mean.

"They're yours now," Minho continued, his gaze unwavering.

"What are they for?" Felix teased from the side, "You're slow, Ji!"

"Stop! I don't get it!" Jisung laughed, feeling his fluster build. "Just tell me!"

With a teasing kiss on his lips, Minho leaned in closer, his voice low and sincere. "Those are the apartment keys." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "And they're not only mine anymore." 

For a moment, time stood still. Jisung's breath caught in his throat, eyes widening as realization dawned on him.

"You—We—I—" He stumbled over his words, stepping back in disbelief.

Minho nodded earnestly. "I want you to move in with me."

Cheers and applause filled the room as everyone celebrated the news, but Jisung remained in a daze, clutching the keys tightly, a radiant smile spreading across his face. "Are you serious?" he whispered, heart racing, taking a step closer to Minho.

"Of course I am! I want you out of those stinky college dorms and sleeping next to me every night," Minho replied, his eyes sparkling with affection.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Jisung threw himself into Minho's arms, hugging him tightly, burying his face in his shoulder. "I love you so much..." he murmured, feeling the warmth of Minho's embrace surround him.

"I love you more, baby," Minho whispered back, holding him close. 

 As the party continued around them, Jisung felt a sense of completeness he had never known before. 

He pulled back slightly, gazing into Minho's eyes, and in that moment, everything felt perfect. 

The love they shared had grown stronger over the years, evolving into a beautiful partnership filled with trust, laughter, and an unbreakable bond.

They were no longer just young boys navigating their feelings; they were two adults ready to face the world together, hand in hand.

As Minho leaned down to press another soft kiss on Jisung's lips, the world around them faded away, leaving only the warmth of their connection, the promise of a shared future, and the endless possibilities that lay ahead. 

And as their friends cheered, celebrating not just Jisung's birthday but the beginning of a new chapter in their lives, 

Jisung knew this was just the start of something extraordinary.

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