spaces | c.h.w + l.m.h

三

It was 6:30 p.m., and Minhyuk was wiping down the café counters, counting the minutes. He just wanted to get this "meeting" over with.

The café was nearly empty now, the last customers trickling out. The clatter of cups and faint hum of the espresso machine were the only sounds keeping him company.

He glanced at the clock.
7:00 p.m. — the time he told Hyungwon to come.

So why was he still here, waiting for him?

Minhyuk's fingers absentmindedly traced circles on the counter as his thoughts drifted. He didn't notice the bell above the café door ringing until he heard a voice—familiar and warm. A voice he hadn't heard in months.

"Minhyuk?"

He turned, heart skipping a beat. A tall figure walked toward the counter, his steps slow and deliberate.

Hyungwon.

The sight of him made Minhyuk's breath catch.

"It's nice to see you again," Hyungwon greeted with a small smile.

Minhyuk blinked, momentarily stunned. "Hyungwon?" He almost couldn't believe it. Even though he had only been gone for three months, Minhyuk had somehow forgotten how the other looked. Or maybe he had tried to forget.

"You look... different," Minhyuk finally managed, his eyes scanning over him.

"Uh, thanks. I guess I've gotten taller," Hyungwon muttered, rubbing the back of his neck. He smiled faintly. "You look good too."

Minhyuk's heart stuttered at the unexpected compliment. For a brief second, it felt like time rewound, and they were still them.

"Uh, w-would you like a coffee or something?" Minhyuk stammered, clearing his throat and quickly diverting his gaze.

Hyungwon nodded. "I'm sure you forgot what I normally get—"

"Americano? Iced?" Minhyuk interjected, already handing over the finished drink.

Hyungwon stared at the cup, blinking in surprise. "You remembered?"

Minhyuk nodded, keeping his eyes low. "I remember every detail of anyone... especially if I've known them for a long time."

Hyungwon's grip on the cup tightened slightly. "But why would you bother remembering anything about me when you left?" he asked softly before taking a slow sip.

Minhyuk froze. The words stung more than they should have. And he had no answer. Why did he remember?

For a moment, the only sound between them was the soft hum of the café machines.

Desperate to change the subject, Minhyuk cleared his throat again. "So... what did you want to talk about?"

Hyungwon's gaze softened slightly, but his voice was steady. "Ah, that." He walked over to an empty table and sat down. Minhyuk followed, hands trembling slightly.

Hyungwon exhaled slowly, resting his cup on the table. "For the past few months, the same question has been running through my mind," he began. "Why did you leave me?"

Minhyuk swallowed thickly, the guilt pressing down on him. He lowered himself into the chair opposite Hyungwon.

"I wanted to start over. Give myself a new life," he admitted quietly. "I thought... if I came to Seoul, I could be someone new. So, I figured it was best to break off all connections."

Hyungwon's lips parted slightly. "Minhyuk..."

Minhyuk quickly cut him off, rushing through his confession, afraid that if he stopped, he wouldn't have the courage to finish.

"I didn't really have a reason," he confessed, his voice breaking slightly. "I probably can't imagine what you've been going through. Your heart was probably beating fast enough to burst through your chest... you might even hate me after this, but—"

"Why did you come to Seoul?" Hyungwon interrupted softly, his tone steady but curious.

Minhyuk blinked, caught off guard.

"I want to be a singer," he finally admitted, the corners of his lips twitching into the smallest smile. "I passed auditions into an entertainment company. I think... I might actually be able to debut in a group or a duet."

Hyungwon's eyes softened as he listened.

"Kihyun is already a trainee," Minhyuk added with a small, proud smile. "He helped me get in."

There was a short silence before Hyungwon spoke again.

"Well, Minhyuk, I hope you have the best of luck with debuting." His voice was calm, almost too calm. He placed his empty cup on the table and slowly stood up. "I told Jooheon this would be a day trip, so I have to leave."

Minhyuk's throat tightened.

Hyungwon turned toward the door, his footsteps slow and deliberate. Just as his hand reached for the handle, he glanced back over his shoulder. His voice was barely above a whisper.

"It was nice to see you one last time."

The door creaked slightly as he pushed it open.

Minhyuk sat frozen, watching him leave, his fingers twitching against the edge of the table. He clenched his jaw, conflicted, unsure if he should let him go.

And then his body moved before his mind could stop him.

"Wait."

Minhyuk rushed forward, grabbing Hyungwon's wrist and turning him around.

They stood there, faces inches apart, their breaths shallow and uneven.

For the first time in months, Minhyuk took in every detail—the soft curve of Hyungwon's lips, the warmth in his eyes, and the subtle crease between his brows. It was all so familiar, yet felt so distant.

Hyungwon stared back, eyes wide and glassy.

"I really need to go, Hyuk," he muttered, his voice barely a whisper. Tears brimmed in his eyes, threatening to spill over.

Minhyuk's grip loosened.

And then, he let go.

Without another word, Hyungwon turned and ran out of the café.

Minhyuk stood there, frozen in place, his hand still hovering in the air where Hyungwon's wrist had been.

And just like that, he was alone again.