Black Roses and White Chrysanthemum

renegade °3.3° l lo

Home wasn't much. But it was better than nothing.

Slipping back inside the small, worn down building, the first thing Hoseok noticed was Minhyuk had fallen asleep at his station again.

Hyungwon went to lightly shake him awake, and Minhyuk started, almost screaming something if he hadn't noticed it was just the two coming back. He seemed to relax some.

"Sorry!" Minhyuk laughed, but that didn't change how exhausted he looked.

"You should go rest," Hyungwon said, all to familiar with the state Minhyuk must be in. "Byeongkwan or Sehyoon can take over the shift from here."

Hoseok gave a reassuring smile when he saw Minhyuk open his mouth to argue he was perfectly awake, but ended up just yawning.

"Guess I should." He laughed lightly, standing from the rickety old chair by the door and, per usual, pulling to two into a swift hug before going off to find the next person on guard shift.

It was safer to live in groups. And this ragtag bunch found a way of living, in this probably over crowded house that was really in no better shape than the next.

Hyungwon jumped the missing step, and the broken one three from the top, without having to look down. Over the burnt floorboards down the hall, and to the bullet hole riddled door of the room he and Hoseok shared.

Hoseok was right behind him, stretching out his arms above his head as Hyungwon just flopped straight on the queen mattress that took up a good deal of their floor space.

Hoseok groaned. "But you're all dirty. You could at least change before you lay down."

Hyungwon was too tired for this. He moaned in distaste, turning his back to Hoseok. Must he always be on Hyungwons case for having dirty clothes on their 'clean' mattress? It was on the floor, for goodness sake. How neat could it even be.

There wasn't very much give as Hoseok joined him, sighing.

They didn't use the electricity, so as it started getting dark in the room, this would be the last light until sun up tomorrow.

Hoseok nudged Hyungwons back, beckoning him to turn around. He just wanted to see him again before all the light was gone.

Reluctantly, Hyungwon turned to see Hoseoks smiling face in the dimness.

"What're you staring at?" Hyungwon mumbled, catching how genuine this smile was. He could tell by the way Hoseoks eyes crinkled up.

"You. What else would I stare at?" Hoseok tucked his arm underneath his head.

"Well that's rude." Hyungwon couldn't help a tiny smile. He could almost forget earlier today. Almost.

Hoseoks other hand went out hesitatingly, the sunlight was dying. Why did it have to die too?

He brought his free hand very lightly to touch the side of Hyungwons face, and he almost naturally brushed his thumb across his lower lip.

Hyungwon didn't dare breathe. With what seemed to be the last of his voice, he let a few words slip. "We don't know what can happen tomorrow."

Hoseoks eyes went to Hyungwons, and he wasn't sure if he was blushing or not. It was too dark to tell, and soon he wouldn't see anything at all.

"I know. That's why I want to do this now."

And as the light died, Hoseok pressed his lips to Hyungwons, bringing something new alive.

Hoseok took the initiative, moving his lips slowly with Hyungwons, feeling the perfect compliance. It was better than he could have hoped, more real than he would have been able to dream.

Nothing could compare to kissing Hyungwon like this, pulling him closer by bringing his arm around his lower waist.

Hyungwon was the first to pull away, breathing heavily, and mere centimeters from Hoseok. It was too dark to be able to see anything anymore, but Hyungwon knew Hoseok was smiling.

"Now," Hoseok said quietly. "Whatever happens tomorrow will be okay."

Hyungwon grinned, feeling happier than he had felt in a very long time. "Just stay with me."

And to seal that promise, Hyungwon found Hoseoks lips in the dark once more.