Tired Lines; Soonhoon

07

☽

11:12 pm.

Jihoon's very much a realist; he doesn't buy into astrology, the concepts of luck and fortune telling and charms and jinxes have no place in his heart or mind, he's never believed in some higher power or fantastical creatures - but now he's thinking that maybe, maybe angels exist, because how can he believe otherwise when Soonyoung is standing less than fifteen feet away from him?

Mingyu scoffs, "You're so dramatic."

It's another night, one where Mingyu also can't find it in him to sleep ("Why did I let Wonwoo drag me out for coffee once the sun had already set?" hint: it's because Mingyu will do just about anything so long as it involves Wonwoo), and the boy had been curious as to where Jihoon's been getting off to for so many nights, now. "I know you've been leaving the dorm," he'd said, "but I also know it's cold as fuck outside, and there's no way you've been going on six-hour-long walks around campus every night for the last two weeks."

The latter had insisted it was nothing, and Mingyu had insisted it was, which led to a very weak argument in their dorm before Jihoon had scrambled to tug on his shoes and leave the building without Mingyu trailing after him - which, of course, he did anyway. That, in turn, led to the discussion of why Jihoon was so against the idea of Mingyu accompanying him.

And really, Jihoon could understand Mingyu's confusion. They enjoy each other's company, for the most part, and it's only a café - but then Mingyu cracked some joke about Jihoon having a thing for the barista (something about him blushing when Soonyoung handed him his tea?), which became so much less of a joke when Jihoon's blush burned brighter at the accusation - Mingyu thinks it's the funniest thing on the goddamn planet, and Jihoon's no longer trying to understand a thing. He just wishes Mingyu would shut up.

"I mean, I kinda get it. He's cute, I guess."

"Shut the fuck up, Mingyu. Why don't you go home and worship your shrine for Wonwoo?"

"At least I'm friends with the guy I like. You, Jihoon, are hopeless. So, so hopeless."

Which is true, and Jihoon hates it more than anything. It doesn't matter how many exchanges him and Soonyoung share, Jihoon will always be an emotionally stumped mess. He can't talk about his feelings, or flirt - God, the thought alone makes him shudder with humiliation. Mingyu is cool and casual and it's a fucking wonder he and Wonwoo are still nothing more than friends, but Jihoon - well, does it really need to be said?

"Or maybe not," Mingyu perks up, straightening his back as he looks over Jihoon's head, where the counter is. "He keeps looking at you."

"Stop it," Jihoon groans, burying his face in his arms. "I don't need your teasing." He peeks over the crook of his elbow to see his roommate rolling his eyes, mouth twisting in something close to exasperation.

"Forget it," he says.

12:03 am.

"How long do you usually stay here?"

"Well, it closes at six."

"You stay here 'till six in the morning? Jihoon, what the fuck." Jihoon shrugs.

"I'd stay longer, if I could."

"Yeah, I'm sure you would," Mingyu grins, wiggling his brows in a way that makes Jihoon want to kick him under the table - and he does, hard.

The other boy only flinches a little, the dumb fucking smile never leaving his face as he reaches across to ruffle Jihoon's hair and says, "Aw, Jihoonie, you're so cute. So, so stupid, but so cute."

Normally, Jihoon wouldn't hesitate to shove the hand away and have a go at breaking every individual finger, but all he can do now is sigh. He doesn't have the energy for being hostile, a fact Mingyu is very well aware of right now, and the latter revels in the opportunity to ridicule his best friend - something he can rarely ever appreciate without having a textbook thrown at his head. 

"Why do you feel the need to touch me?" Jihoon mutters when Mingyu's hand slides down to pinch his cheek, effectively staining it an embarrassing shade of pink.

"Because, as much you hate hearing this, Jihoonie, you're adorable. Like a child."

"Fuck off, I am a grown man. Not cute, not like a child, none of that bullshit."

"Hey, hey! Who knows, maybe your barista friend likes it. He might think you're endearing." Jihoon growls.

"Or, he's got taste and most definitely is not into twenty-one-year-olds who look like toddlers."

Jihoon's never been particularly insecure, but that's mainly because he tries to avoid thinking about his general appearance. If he does, if he really pictures himself and the way he looks - well, he could be a little taller, he could be a little more defined. His cheeks could be a little less soft. He could look a little more like his age; it seems that's what most people his age are attracted to.

"Hey now," Mingyu says, his hand falling as he grows serious, "none of that. You're a catch, Jihoon."

"Stop it."

"No, I mean it. You're a real killer. A ten outta ten, if you ask me."

"I will literally snip your vocal chords if you don't shut it, Mingyu."

"Seriously! You're hot, Hoonie, a stunner - "

"I'm leaving," Jihoon announces, standing up, "to get more tea. If I'm lucky, you'll be mute by the time I return."

Mingyu just laughs, and Jihoon wonders why, of all the people that could hold the title of Jihoon's Only Friend, it has to be him.

(He'd never admit that he loves him, though - just a little bit.)