𝙱𝚎𝚌𝚊𝚞𝚜𝚎 𝚘𝚏 𝚈𝚘𝚞

ᴡᴀʀᴍ ᴡᴏʀᴅꜱ ɪɴ ᴀ ᴄᴏʟᴅ ᴡɪɴᴛᴇʀ

Snow blanketed the streets of Seoul, muffling the usual bustle with a quiet stillness. Mingyu tugged his scarf tighter around his neck, muttering curses at the bitter cold. His breath misted in the air as he trudged toward Wonwoo's favorite café, a small, cozy spot tucked into a corner of their neighborhood.

Inside, the warmth enveloped him instantly. Wonwoo was already there, nose buried in a thick novel, oblivious to the world. 

 It has been a month since the devastating kidnapping done by Boo Jinseol.

But the absence of Wonwoo caused Mingyu to realize something deep. 

Mingyu couldn't help but smile at the sight. Wonwoo looked peaceful, his black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose and a faint trace of foam from his cappuccino on his upper lip.

Mingyu slid into the seat across from him. "You really can't put that thing down, huh?"

Wonwoo looked up, his sharp gaze softening when he saw Mingyu. "It's a good book," he replied simply. "You should try reading something other than the back of cereal boxes sometime."

Mingyu feigned offense, clutching his chest. "That's a low blow, Jeon."

Wonwoo chuckled and returned to his book, completely engrossed again. Mingyu reached into his coat pocket, fingers brushing the carefully folded note he'd tucked away. His palms were damp despite the cold, and his heart pounded like it was trying to escape his chest.

"Hey," Mingyu said, his voice a little too loud in the quiet café. Wonwoo raised an eyebrow but didn't close his book.

"Can I...borrow that book for a second?" Mingyu asked, trying to sound casual.

Wonwoo frowned. "You? Wanting to read? Are you feeling okay?"

"Ha-ha," Mingyu said dryly, snatching the book from Wonwoo's hands before he could protest. He fumbled with it for a moment, pretending to examine the cover. "You know, this looks really interesting."

"It is interesting," Wonwoo deadpanned. "Now give it back."

"Just a sec!" Mingyu opened the book to a random page—or so it seemed—and quickly slipped the note into the margin before handing it back. His heart raced as he leaned back, trying to act nonchalant.

Wonwoo narrowed his eyes suspiciously but resumed reading. Mingyu watched nervously as Wonwoo's eyes flicked over the words on the page, pausing when he noticed the neatly folded note tucked between the lines.

"What's this?" Wonwoo murmured, pulling it out.

"Read it," Mingyu said, his voice softer now.

Wonwoo unfolded the note, his brows furrowing as he scanned the messy handwriting.

*"Dear Wonwoo,
I know I'm not great with words unless I'm teasing you, but I wanted to try. You're like a favorite book I can't stop rereading—always surprising me, always making me feel something new. Even though I hate winter, I'd stand in the freezing cold every day just to see your smile. You make everything feel warmer.

I don't know how to say this without sounding like a complete idiot, but... I'm in love with you. I've been in love with you for longer than I can admit, and I just... needed you to know.

Mingyu."*

Wonwoo lowered the note slowly, his eyes wide and unreadable. Mingyu held his breath, every second stretching into eternity.

"You hate the cold," Wonwoo finally said, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah," Mingyu said, scratching the back of his neck nervously. "But... you're worth it."

For a moment, Wonwoo just stared at him. Then, to Mingyu's surprise, he smiled—a small, soft smile that reached his eyes.

"You're such an idiot," Wonwoo said fondly.

"Is that a yes or a no?" Mingyu asked, his voice trembling.

Wonwoo stood, stepping closer until he was towering over Mingyu. His hand cupped Mingyu's cheek, his touch warm and gentle. "It's a yes, you big puppy"

Before Mingyu could say anything else, Wonwoo leaned down and pressed their lips together. The kiss was soft, tentative, and yet it carried every unspoken word they'd both been too afraid to say.

When they pulled apart, Mingyu grinned, his cheeks flushed—not from the cold this time. "Does this mean I can borrow more of your books?"

Wonwoo rolled his eyes, but his smile didn't falter. "We'll see."

Outside, the snow continued to fall, but Mingyu didn't feel cold anymore.

 ~ 🍒💘😇 ~ ~ 🐶💘😺~ ~🐢💘🍊~