Give & Take

Old Wounds

"It was lovely. This dinner date," Baekho said with a wide grin when they exited the restaurant. Minhyun chuckled softly.

"You probably enjoyed the food more than your time with me though," Minhyun said jokingly and Baekho gasped.

"That's not true! I enjoyed it because I was with you," He whined and Minhyun giggled as he patted Baekho. "And I wouldn't be able to come here without you anyways. So thank you."

Minhyun held Baekho's hand and squeezed it as he smiled gently. He stepped closer to Baekho and placed a quick kiss on his lips. The other burnt bright red as Minhyun pulled away.

"Minhyun, we are in public," He squeaked softly as there were people glancing at them. Minhyun was the hero after all and Baekho didn't feel like he amounted to anything.

"I told you, didn't I? I want them to know you're mine. Enough hiding." He kissed Baekho's hand as well and Baekho gasped, feeling absolutely shy right now as he hid his face behind one hand. Minhyun chuckled softly and gave his cheek a pinch. "I love you."

"Oh god. Please stop," Baekho said, about to combust from being so public about their relationship.

"He's over there!"

Minhyun glanced behind and clicked his tongue while frowning. "Come on. Time to leave."

"Huh?"

Minhyun helped him up the carriage and signalled the chauffeur to leave immediately. Baekho peeked out, seeing a guard stomping his foot.

"What's going on?"

"I told you I got into a scuffle with the mayor's guard earlier. So I'm guessing they're searching for me now," Minhyun said with a little shrug. Baekho's eyes widened.

"Are you in deep trouble?"

Minhyun laughed. "Trouble? The moment I brought you into my home and allowed you a place to stay, I was already expecting trouble."

"What?! You didn't tell me that. Then you should have..."

"What? Let you go? Throw you back into the hands of these wolves?" Baekho pouted and sat down properly as Minhyun placed a hand on his knee. "I couldn't do that to you, Baekho. I'm allowing myself to risk it all for you."

"But..."

"No buts. I'm doing this because I mean what I say. I do love you."

Baekho was both flustered and guilty. He really appreciated that Minhyun loved him so much to be able to throw away so much just for his sake but he also felt bad that it was his fault if Minhyun was about to lose everything he ever had. "So are we... Running away now?"

"Sort of. We will be staying away from town for a bit. Let them cool down and then come back."

"And you didn't... Tell me?"

"I didn't want you to worry. Plus it was a very impromptu decision on my part. I'm sorry."

Baekho couldn't believe when he thought everything could finally be peaceful, things took a turn again as if he was never meant to be happy for a moment, not allowed that one moment. He rubbed his eyes, thinking he was crying but no, he wasn't crying this time. He was furious. At himself, at his powers, at this world. Baekho had never felt such raw anger ever since that night his house had burned. He held it in, tried to smother it by looking at Minhyun who gently rubbed his knee. Minhyun knew though. He could see it. The seat where Baekho was on was starting to turn dark as if the wood beneath him was dying.

"Baekho," Minhyun said just to distract him from whatever thoughts that might be going in his mind right now. "It's alright. We won't be leaving town forever. And..."