Give & Take

Just Maybe

Although Minhyun didn't keep up the cold shoulder for the night, Baekho could tell that the other was deliberately avoiding him. Like how he woke up much earlier and went to work without taking breakfast. He wasn't even hugging him either that night and somehow it made Baekho feel lonely. He sighed and wished he knew how he actually felt and could put it into words. He didn't know if what he felt towards Minhyun was genuine attraction or if it was because Minhyun was actually someone who was unaffected with his powers and someone who actually made him feel wanted. There were a lot of things he didn't understand about liking someone or wanting someone. After all, he totally lacked the experience and knowledge in such departments. Yes, he knew his parents loved each other but they loved him too and he only knew such love. Family love. Not romantic love. Not fuzzy butterflies. Not warm hugs. Not pain when the other gets hurt. Not loneliness when the other wasn't around. Baekho just didn't know what they were. Why did love have to hurt?

He couldn't even ask Jonghyun about it since the other wasn't around for the day. He sighed and decided to try to find a romance book that he could actually read, hoping it might help him understand even if it's just a bit more. It was worth the try but when Baekho still couldn't understand, he headed out to the barn and took a little walk there to clear his head instead. He helped the carriage boy feed the horses and brush them, feeling much better when he was distracted.

Minhyun came back earlier and asked for Baekho to be brought to the carriage with his cape on. The head maid immediately went to get Baekho was just relaxing in the bedroom, relaying Minhyun's orders. Baekho hurriedly put his cape around his shoulders and rushed to the front where Minhyun waited for him. He got onto the carriage and sat down opposite him.

"Move out," Minhyun said with two taps against the carriage. It started moving and Baekho stared at Minhyun hopefully. Minhyun noticed and tilted his head. Baekho smiled and Minhyun smiled thinly. "How was your day?"

"I... I helped Minki brush the horses. And we fed them together."

"Minki?"

"Yes. The boy who takes care of them? And sometimes drive your carriages around?"

"Oh. Did you have fun?"

"Uh... Yeah?"

"Good."

"Minhyun, what about you? How was.... Your day?"

"Fine. Nothing much happened."

"Alright." Baekho felt the gripping in his chest as he let his gaze fall down to his hands. He didn't know what to call that emotion. He just knew it made him uneasy whenever Minhyun was being like this. A little more distant, a little colder.

But his thoughts were interrupted once again when he started to hear music from outside. He poked his head out, making sure not to lean out too far again as he gasped, taking in the sight of the approaching festival. Countless lights were hung across the streets to give light to the festival. Stores of all kinds were also set up and there was already a large crowd shifting between them. The smell of food and the sound of laughter reached Baekho's senses as it brought a smile onto his lips as well.

"Baekho. You are to keep your cape and hood on at all times. There will be a  lot of people and I hope you will be vigilant to your surroundings as well. Any wrong move would make it difficult for us to make a break for it so please be careful," Minhyun spoke and Baekho nodded.

"I understand."

Minhyun pressed his lips together and sighed. He didn't want to give the other so many rules to follow when he was so delighted but Minhyun just wanted him to be safe. "Also... Please stay by my side at all times. I'll allow you to participate in the games and also have any food you wish to have as long as you stay close."