〈 My Sunshine ╱ MarkHyuck 〉 (R-18+) ✓

THREE

"Seotbulli malgo sege butyeo

know that I ain't falling off

aechaksimi sotguchine

Who put this all together

I'm the Sticker for your love

geunikka boindamyeon ho

deullindamyeon baro daedapae like baby"

Music pulsed through the kitchen, bass low, rhythm clean.
Minhyung moved with the beat, rapping along with a playful grin,
slicing a watermelon in perfect rhythm.
His Korean was flawed,
but in that moment, his joy made it fluent.

"Not bad for a tourist," he laughed to himself,
flicking a watermelon seed off the counter.
"Maybe I'm finally getting the hang of this."

He popped a bite of fruit in his mouth
and leaned against the counter.
His plans were simple—
the Seoul Museum of Art,
then maybe a quiet walk beneath the trees.
He liked going solo.
There was a peace in being alone before inviting the world in.

But then—
a flash of red hair danced across his thoughts.

"I'm Lee Donghyuck! From Jeju. Mom shipped me here to grow up."

Minhyung smiled to himself.

"How could anyone forget someone like that?"

Truth was—he had recognized Donghyuck from day one.
That curious face peeking out from the next unit,
eyes wide, then gone in a blink.
But he waited—let Donghyuck come to him.

And when he did...
Minhyung felt the flicker of something new.

⸻

Later that day, boredom nipped at his heels.
So he wandered down to the building's pool,
a towel draped over one shoulder,
personal care kit in hand.
No shirt. Just the shimmer of blue hair
and the cold touch of water on bare skin.

He swam until his muscles hummed from the cold.
Lap after lap,
as if racing time.

After two hours, he emerged—
soaked, sun-kissed, alive.
He ruffled his hair dry and sprawled out on the bench,
sunbathing with watermelon juice in one hand,
and soft music spilling from a mini speaker.

"Don't fall asleep," he told himself.
"You'll miss too much."

⸻

He returned to his unit, towel slung over his neck,
hair still damp and wild.
A white shirt. Navy shorts. Crocs.
No expectation, no plans.

But fate was waiting at his door.

Donghyuck stood in the hallway.
He looked up.

And froze.

For a full second—maybe two—
he stared.
Minhyung noticed the pause.
Smiled.

"Hey, classes over already?"

Donghyuck blinked, startled.
Words lost somewhere in his chest.

"Huh? What did you say?" he asked, voice sheepish.

Minhyung laughed softly.

"I said, done with school for the day?"

"Oh! Y-Yeah. Just finished. I, uh... I gotta go,"
Donghyuck mumbled, eyes avoiding him,
fumbling his keys.

Minhyung tilted his head, confused but amused.

Behind the door, Donghyuck's heart was a thunderstorm.
He paced back and forth,
hands to his cheeks.

"What was that?" he whispered.
"I just stared at him like I was in a drama... Get a grip!"

His heart was pounding.
He couldn't stop thinking about Minhyung's face—
wet hair, sun-warmed skin, calm gaze.

"It's just admiration," he said.
"That's all. Just... visuals."

And to distract himself,
he planned something impulsive.

That evening, Donghyuck came home with heavy steps.
The elevator hummed as he entered,
eyes lowered, spirit damp.

He didn't notice Minhyung already inside.

Minhyung glanced up—
and nearly laughed aloud.

"Whoa... You changed your hair?"
he said brightly, smile blooming.

Violet strands peeked out beneath Donghyuck's hood.
He didn't smile back.

"Do I look like... Barney?" he asked solemnly,
finally looking up with a pout so dramatic
Minhyung forgot how to respond.

"What? No—wait, I didn't mean—"

"You're stuttering," Donghyuck cut in flatly.
"So it doesn't suit me."

The elevator chimed. Donghyuck stepped out.

"Hey—wait! That's not what I meant!"
Minhyung called, following.

Donghyuck paused, still staring at the floor.

"Do I really look bad?" he murmured.

Minhyung softened.
Took a step closer.

"You look great," he said gently.
"Really. It suits you."

Donghyuck's pout cracked into a cheeky grin.

"You think so?"

"I know so."

Minhyung opened his door and held it open.

"Wanna come in?"

⸻

Donghyuck entered and was instantly amazed.

"This place is so nice," he said, plopping on the couch.
"Feels like a boutique hotel."

Minhyung chuckled as he started packing for tomorrow's trip.

"Heading to the art museum tomorrow," he said.

"Alone?" Donghyuck asked, bouncing on the bed now.

"Unless you're volunteering."

"Ugh, I have class..." Donghyuck whined.
"I hate responsibility."

Minhyung just laughed.

Donghyuck flopped dramatically back onto the bed.

"I posted a pic with this hair, and guess what?
Chenle said I look like Barney.
And the rest agreed!"
He groaned, hands over his face.
"Should've gone pink."

"Sounds like they're teasing you because they care," Minhyung offered,
folding a jacket.

"Four years in this condo. Four years without my parents.
Can you imagine that?" Donghyuck sighed.
"How about you? Still in school?"

"Yeah. UBC in Vancouver. I saved up before break.
Always wanted to visit Korea," Minhyung replied.

"Wow," Donghyuck said in awe.
"You're like... a traveler in a coming-of-age movie."

He wandered around, brushing fingers on surfaces.

"But you're only here for three months, right?"

"Yeah. Then back to Canada.
Might even travel more after my second year ends."

"You planning to visit the whole world?" Donghyuck joked.

Minhyung smiled, amused.

"Maybe. A country for each heartbreak."

Donghyuck turned serious.

"Do you have friends back home?"

"Plenty. Just... hard to keep up."

Donghyuck nodded slowly.

Then he smiled, softer now.

"I hope we make good memories.
Ones that last, even after you go."

Minhyung stopped what he was doing.
Walked over.

Stood in front of him.

And said—

"Then let's start now."