Tastebuds (Specifically Yours)

- six

Alright, so he couldn't do it. It wasn't his fault that his last class of the day was a free period, and Wonwoo had been texting him all day! ( "gyu, you're going to be horrible at calculus forever if you don't pay attention" ) The second Wonwoo had sent Mingyu his address, he knew that he would be skipping his study period; there was no question about it. Now, he was walking quickly towards Wonwoo's house two reasons:

1. He really, really wanted to see Wonwoo

2. It was fucking raining

Mingyu stood on the porch of a two-story, light green house and double checked the address before ringing the doorbell. He stuck his cold hands back into his pockets and thought about how he was going to explain this whole situation to Wonwoo. "What if he doesn't believe me?" Mingyu wondered silently. "Oh, god, what if he rejects me?" Now he was scared, and convinced that this was his worst idea yet this week, and he had contemplated filling his bathtub with Skittles just two days ago. The door opened to reveal a tall, lithe woman with eyes as sharp as Wonwoo's. Mingyu wanted to bolt back into the rain. "You must be Mingyu! I'm Wonwoo's mother, but you can call me Yoosung, or mom. Whichever. Come in, dear. You'll catch a cold standing in the rain!" The woman, Yoosung, ushered him inside and took his jacket before pointing him in the direction of Wonwoo's bedroom. "I know he probably told you not to get to close to him, but I wouldn't worry about it. His soulmate has found him, and he hasn't realized it yet. He's not contagious, but I'm sure you already knew that, Mingyu." Yoosung winked at him and smiled knowingly, while Mingyu tried to keep his jaw from dropping to the floor.

"H-how did you know?" Mingyu asked. He wasn't even sure yet if Wonwoo was really his soulmate, but this woman acted as if she'd known all along. "Stunned" wasn't a strong enough word for what he was feeling, and his mind was far too foggy with thoughts of Wonwoo to think of a more powerful synonym. "You think I can't tell when my own son is in love? Besides, Wonwoo hasn't spoken a word that doesn't have to do with you for a week." Mingyu nearly choked on his own spit. Or swallowed his tongue. One of those things. Wonwoo hadn't stopped talking about him? He could only believe that because Mingyu had done some pretty embarassing things in the short time they'd known each other. Spitting a pea halfway across the lunchroom would be high quality storytelling material for anyone. But Wonwoo being in love with him? It was more likely that Mingyu would change his name to Cinderella and move to Wisconsin. "You said his room is on the right?"

~

Mingyu had never been more thankful for his light feet than his was at that moment. If he didn't already think Wonwoo was an angel, this sight would've convinced him. He was laying facing the door, his cheek squished against his palm, and his legs tangled in a blanket that was much too big for his small body. His skin lacked the warm, healthy glow it usually possessed, and Mingyu felt so bad for doing this to him. He took a few careful steps towards Wonwoo, and saw a half eaten bowl of soup, and a cup of cold tea. He was going to treat Wonwoo to the best meal ever once he felt better. A couple more steps, and Mingyu was kneeling in front of Wonwoo, feeling his breath on his face in broken puffs, and watching his eyes flutter in his sleep. Mingyu was absolutely enamored. When his little sister was born, Mingyu thought that he would never be as enraptured with a human ever again. He was so wrong. Mingyu carded a light hand through the hair sticking to Wonwoo's forehead, not wanting to wake the sleeping beauty just yet. Wonwoo definitely still had a fever, and Mingyu just wanted to hold him until he was well again.

"I'm sorry, Wonwoo," Mingyu whispered quietly. "I know you didn't ask to be my soulmate, or to be sick, and I'm sorry that you got both of those things." Mingyu traced the curve of Wonwoo's jaw with one finger. What had he done to be gifted someone so wonderful? He lightly cupped Wonwoo's cheek in his palm and simply listened to him breathe, hopeful that his presence would lessen his sickness. Mingyu could hear his chest rattling with every breath, and it broke his heart. As much as he didn't want to, Mingyu had to wake Wonwoo up in order for him to feel better sooner. He tapped Wonwoo's cheek softly, and contemplated placing a kiss on his forehead, but quickly decided against it. "Wonwoo~." he called out, tapping his cheek again. Wonwoo released a weak groan and a cough before prying one eye open. He waved to Mingyu as he stretched and let out some more guttural noises. Mingyu could smell the sickness as the boy moved, but he didn't care. He was so entranced with Wonwoo, that the earth could cave in around them, and he'd only be slightly panicking while staring at Wonwoo.

"Why you lookin' at me like 'at?" said boy asked. His voice was significantly higher pitched and rougher due to his stuffy nose. Mingyu wasn't able to formulate an actual response until Wonwoo flicked him on the forehead. Mingyu flinched away, but quickly leaned back towards Wonwoo with a smile. "I'm just really glad you're okay." Wonwoo was looking at him with such affection in his eyes, and Mingyu couldn't wait any longer. "Hey, Wonwoo," Mingyu brushed a few stray hairs from Wonwoo's face, and he hummed in response, leaning into the touch. A surge of confidence coursed through Mingyu at full speed as his thumb made small circles on Wonwoo's cheek. Yeah, he could wake up to this for the rest of his life.

"You're my soulmate."

Wonwoo's eyes shot open, and he sucked in a breath so huge that Mingyu wondered momentarily how his lungs could hold that much air. He searched Mingyu's face for a moment before sitting up slowly. Mingyu leaned up on his knees, reaching for Wonwoo's hand and trying to contain his anxious movements. Wonwoo hadn't given any indication as to what he was feeling, so Mingyu just intertwined their fingers and waited patiently. He kept his eyes focused on Wonwoo's thin fingers, and the contrast between his pale skin, and his own dark complexion. Mingyu never knew he could find someone's hands so perfect.

Wonwoo gave Mingyu's hand a gentle squeeze, and Mingyu finally looked up at him. Wonwoo was smiling down at him, and it was so dazzlingly bright that Mingyu was tempted to squint so he could look straight at Wonwoo. He was also crying. Wonwoo was shedding silent tears, and Mingyu quickly brought his other hand up to wipe them away. Just as Mingyu was about to ask if everything was okay, Wonwoo spoke up: "My mom wanted to know if you liked her tacos last week." Mingyu only laughed as he untangled their their hands that found the other's cheeks- a feature of Wonwoo's that Mingyu would come to love a lot. Neither of them could keep the smiles from their faces as Mingyu leaned in and whispered against Wonwoo's lips, "Tell your mom that I loved the tacos."

~