Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The loud chatter and bass from the party were muffled as the door slammed shut behind Hyunjin. The air was damp from the rain, and cars could be heard passing by occasionally, their tires slicing through the puddles on the road.

For a moment he just stood there, feeling the cold breeze on his tattooed skin. The wind carried a hint of smoke and something earthy, the type of smell that always came after a storm. It's the type of night that leaves the entire city feeling washed out and slow.

"Couldn't handle the crowd?" There was a voice, half-laughing.

With a slight smile tugging at his lips, Hyunjin glanced over and leaned against the wall. "Could ask you the same thing, Felix."

Felix was someone Hyunjin knew. Most often from the type of parties where everyone consumes excessive amounts of alcohol and forgets half of the names they've learned. They had some friends in common and had spoken to each other occasionally, sharing some jokes and maybe some smiles that lingered for just a second too long. Nevertheless, without giving it any thought, Hyunjin had followed Felix as he saw him slipping out the door.

Felix had that look in his eyes, the kind that said, "I'm done with this, but I don't want to go home yet." He shivered slightly, his hoodie far too thin for the cold, but he didn't seem to care.

The lighter clicks as Hyunjin takes out his final cigarette. "You want?"

Felix shrugged, his lips moving in a crooked smile. "I haven't tried it."

"Here." That was all Hyunjin said before handing it over.

Felix leaned in for the flame, holding the cigarette between his lips. Their hands touched for a split second, light but just enough to notice.

He coughed after taking a drag, eyes watering slightly. "Elegant," he chuckled, his voice raspy.

With a sly smile, Hyunjin shook his head slightly, taking it back. "You'll get there."

They started walking with no destination in mind, sharing a cigarette. The rain had slowed to a soft drizzle that clung to their clothes and eyelashes. Every now and then, Hyunjin would hold out the cigarette, and Felix would take it, cautiously and awkwardly.

A cat darted between the trash cans, hissing at them before skidding away. Felix pointed. "Judgy little guy."

"Yeah, probably judging you and your smoking skills," Hyunjin said jokingly.

Felix smiled, his eyes sparkling as they reflected the light from the streetlight. "You don't talk much."

Hyunjin shrugged. "You talk enough for both of us."

"Maybe." Felix kicked at a pebble, watching it skip across the pavement. "But I like hearing your voice when you do."

Hyunjin looked at him. Really looked at the wet hair on his cheek and how he kept shoving his sleeves over his hands, trying to hide them from the cold. Something in that made him soften. He handed the cigarette back.

Felix tried again, managed to create a thin ring of smoke, surprised himself, and laughed, a clear, bright sound against the muted night. "Did you see that?!"

Hyunjin nodded, his lips twitching. "Not bad, fairy boy."

Felix's ears turned red. "You know... you're not as scary as you look."

"Don't tell anyone, though," Hyunjin said, smiling.

They walked in silence after that, not an awkward one but rather one that was comfortable. Every step made a wet sound against the pavement, the sound mixing with a faraway siren. Somewhere down the street, a taxi came to a stop, doors opening and closing shut again. They stopped walking.

Felix looked up at the sky; nothing but thick clouds in sight. "It's kinda weird," he said quietly. "How the city feels softer when it rains."

Hyunjin glanced at him. "Softer?" They began walking again. Slowly getting back in sync.

"Yeah." Felix's voice lowered, as if he wasn't sure he wanted to be heard. "Like everything that's usually so busy suddenly just... slows down."

Hyunjin thought about it for a second, about the many nights he had walked these streets just to clear his head and get away from all the noise, from everything that suddenly became too much. "Yeah," he replied. "I get that."

They ended up near a bus stop, beneath a broken lamp that flickered every few seconds. Hyunjin sat down after grinding out the cigarette stub. Felix hovered for a second before sitting down, their knees touching.

"Thank you for dragging me away. I really needed to clear my mind," Felix explained quietly. His voice was softer now, like the night had worn down whatever walls he usually built up around him.

Hyunjin didn't answer right away. He just slid his hand over Felix's sleeve and found his fingers. Felix let him, intertwining them.

Rain poured onto the pavement. Felix leaned his head against Hyunjin's shoulder, his soft hair still damp.

"This is better than that party," Felix muttered.

Hyunjin inhaled, feeling the rain, the wind, and something warm. "Yeah," he exhaled. "Way better."

Chapter Text

They sat in silence, cigarette stub cooling at Hyunjin's feet, Felix's head a warm weight against his shoulder. The streetlight above them buzzed lazily, flickering on and off like it couldn't commit to one or the other. The rain was tapping lightly against the bus stop roof. Everything around them smelled faintly of wet asphalt and smoke.

Felix shifted, voice slightly muffled by the fabric of Hyunjin's jacket. "Do you think there's anywhere still open for food?" he asked, his stomach rumbling quietly, making Hyunjin huff a laugh.

Hyunjin turned to look at him. The rain had caused little curls to form at the end of Felix's hair, making him appear endearingly soft.

"Probably that diner on Eighth," Hyunjin said after a beat. "You know, the one with the bad coffee but the really, really good pie?"

Felix smiled, the kind that tugged at one corner of his mouth before spreading across his face. "Perfect."

They stood, hands still linked like it was the most natural thing in the world, like they'd done this a million times before, and walked through the quiet streets. Stores were dark, their metal grates pulled down; a car drove by, its tires sounding on the wet asphalt.

Felix kept glancing over, catching the side of Hyunjin's profile under the streetlights. The buzzcut still damp, the glint of the eyebrow piercing when he turned his head ever so slightly. Hyunjin noticed, of course. Tried not to. But failed miserably.

"What?" Hyunjin half smiled as he caught him.

"You don't really look like someone who does art," Felix said hesitantly. "But you probably do, right?"

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. "How did you guess?"

"You keep looking at things like you're framing them." Felix gestured, holding an invisible square in his fingers. "Even cigarette smoke."

Hyunjin laughed under his breath, looking down and shoving his free hand into his pocket. "Busted."

The diner wasn't far; it sat on a corner, the red of the massive neon sign reflecting in the puddles, the hum of it low and constant.

A bell jingled overhead as they pushed the door open. Inside it smelled of coffee, burnt sugar, and old vinyl seats. The waitress, who appeared to have been working for ages, and a man at the counter, who was half asleep over a plate of soggy fries, were the only other people inside.

They approached a booth by the window. Felix slid in first, stretching out as if he had been there a hundred times. Hyunjin took the seat across from him. The vinyl seat squeaked slightly as he leaned back. Felix's sweater paws were still damp around the edges, so he rolled them up, revealing his pale wrists with faint blue veins.

They ordered pie, hot chocolate for Felix, and black coffee for Hyunjin. When the waitress left, Felix drummed his fingers on the table, the rhythm light and uneven.

"Sooo," Felix said, drawing the word out, his eyes dancing across Hyunjin's frame, "how many tattoos do you actually have?"

Hyunjin tilted his head to the side and pretended to count. "Enough that my grandma stopped complaining about them."

Felix laughed, his eyes wrinkled. "Which one was your first?"

Hyunjin pulled his sleeve up, revealing a small, shaky drawing of a star on his forearm. "I did it myself when I was seventeen. I don't recommend it, though."

Felix leaned closer to look, his hair falling into his eyes. "It's cute."

Hyunjin smirked, mock-offended. "Don't call my star cute."

"Okay," Felix replied, smirking back. "It's intimidatingly adorable."

That made Hyunjin laugh, properly laugh, the kind that came from deep within and made Felix grin even wider. The sound seemed to fill the quiet diner, igniting something in Felix's chest.

They fell into an easy conversation. Felix said something about dressing up as a mall mascot for Christmas, making Hyunjin almost choke on his coffee while laughing, and sharing embarrassing high school stories. There were also more jokes about Hyunjin's "regrettable" tattoo choices. And occasionally, a tiny spark would ignite between them as Felix noticed that the other was staring at him while he yapped on about this new game he had been playing.

The waitress returned with two steaming cups and pie slices topped with whipped cream that immediately started to melt. Felix leaned in too close while trying to blow on his hot chocolate, resulting in whipped cream landing on his nose. Hyunjin blinked at him, then reached across the table and wiped it away with his thumb before he could think.

Felix froze, his eyes meeting Hyunjin's. For a moment, everything just... stopped. The lights, the faint hum of the coffee machine, even the sound of the rain hitting the window. Just the soft feeling of Hyunjin's hand against his skin, and the way his heartbeat suddenly felt louder than it should.

"Thanks," he said quietly.

Hyunjin cleared his throat. He looked down at his coffee, trying to play it off, even as the back of his neck grew hot. "Anytime."

Outside, the rain picked up again, painting beautiful patterns across the window. The street beyond was empty aside from the flicker of a traffic light switching between red and green.

Felix leaned on his elbows, chin resting on his hands as he stared out. "I know I already said this, but I like this much better than that party."

"Same," Hyunjin responded. "No shouting. No fake smiles."

Felix turned back towards him, his voice teasing. "Just pie and hot chocolate." He paused, taking another sip. "And maybe you."

Hyunjin looked up, meeting his gaze. Felix's eyes didn't waver, a tiny spark of something unspoken passing between them.

And for once, he didn't feel the need to hide the grin on his face.

Chapter Text

Felix took another bite of his pie, then slid the plate across the table. "You have to try it."

"Don't we have the same pie, though?" Hyunjin said amused.

Felix shook his head. "No, you've got raspberry, and I've got strawberry."

Hyunjin leaned forward, taking his fork and cutting off a small piece; he chewed thoughtfully. "Sweet. Not bad."

"Not bad?" Felix raised an eyebrow. "That's the best strawberry pie in the city."

"Big words from someone who's been here, what, half a year?" Hyunjin chuckled.

"Eight months," Felix corrected, grinning. "And I have tried every strawberry pie within walking distance."

Hyunjin smirked and shook his head, thumb tracing the handle of his mug. Tattoos spread across his arm, half hidden under his sleeve. The sleeves of his black jacket were rolled up a little, revealing fine lines of ink dancing across his skin. Constellations, maybe, or something more abstract that curved toward his wrist. Felix tried not to stare too much; he really did, but the way the tattoos shifted when Hyunjin's hand flexed were just a little too distracting.

Felix leaned back in his seat. "So, tattoo guy, huh?"

Hyunjin nodded. "Yeah, the shop over on the main square is mine. Mostly small stuff though. Flowers, lyrics, and a few sleeves here and there if people trust me enough."

"Ah, that explains the steady hands," Felix said, eyeing the tattoos peeking under Hyunjin's shirt. "Do you draw things first?"

"Always," Hyunjin said. "Sketchbooks are always with me. Sometimes I go cafe hopping only to draw strangers I think look interesting. Last time there was this really cute elderly couple; he gifted her flowers. It was endearing to watch."

Felix smiled at that, not the polite kind, but the kind that made the corners of his eyes crease a little. "You sound like a hopeless romantic."

Hyunjin smiled back. "Maybe. Don't tell anyone; it ruins my image."

"Yeah, can't have people thinking the edgy tattoo guy has feelings." Felix huffed out a laugh.

"Exactly. Gotta stay mysterious." Hyunjin replied, pretending to adjust his jacket like he was reclaiming his title as resident bad boy.

Felix rested his chin back on his hand, watching the faint smile that tugged on Hyunjin's lips. "You have been staring at me all night. Planning to sketch me too?"

Hyunjin's ears turned red. He reached for a napkin and took out a small pen from his pocket. "Hold still for a second."

Felix tried; he did, but his mouth kept twitching toward a smile. Every time Hyunjin glanced up, Felix felt his heartbeat pick up ever so slightly. There was something utterly attractive about how focused Hyunjin was, eyes narrowed and fingers moving quickly. Hyunjin worked quickly and quietly, the kind of quiet that didn't feel empty. Felix could hear the pen scraping against the napkin, the faint hum of a distant radio.

When Hyunjin finally turned the napkin around, Felix's eyes widened. "That's actually me," Felix said, voice a little softer.

Hyunjin tilted his head. "You sound surprised."

"I knew you were good, but this good... damn." Felix said, half laughing, brushing his hair back.

Hyunjin folded the napkin and slid it over. "Keep it. Proof that this is actually happening."

Felix tucked it into his pocket like it was something fragile. "You know, this might just be the most romantic thing anyone's done for me in a diner at 2am."

Hyunjin grinned. "High bar."

"Unbelievably high," Felix pointed. "Most people just steal my food and call it affection."

"I can steal your food too, you know..." Hyunjin offered.

Felix nudged his plate back toward him. "Only if you promise to draw me again sometime."

"That a date?" Hyunjin asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Felix looked at him with wide eyes, feigning innocence. "Depends. Do the dates involve pie?"

"Sometimes," Hyunjin answered. "Depends on who's asking."

Felix laughed softly, shaking his head. He turned his gaze toward the window. The rain still heavy. Someone ran past trying to hide from the rain under a bag.

"You know," Felix said, voice a little deeper. "I didn't think I would find anyone who would drag me away from this god-awful party tonight."

Hyunjin stretched slightly, finishing the last bit of his coffee. "Guess we both got lucky."

Felix looked at him, grin small but steady. Hyunjin reached out, his hand brushing over Felix's hand. His palm was warm, a little rough from work. It wasn't a bold move, just something casual.

Felix's thumb shifted instinctively, playing with Hyunjin's finger. "You really shouldn't make a habit out of rescuing people from bad parties."

Hyunjin smiled. "What if I only rescue cute ones?"

Felix rolled his eyes, swatting Hyunjin's hand away playfully. "You're ridiculous."

Hyunjin stood up, pulling a couple of crumbled bills from his jeans pocket, and looked at Felix. "Finish up? I'll go and pay real quick, then I'll walk you home before the rain decides to drown us."

"Gentleman." Felix chuckled lightly, his voice teasing.

"Only for you, princess." Hyunjin shot back, taking Felix's hand and pressing a chaste kiss to his knuckles.

Felix froze for a second, heartbeat quickening for the hundredth time that evening. "Okay, but if the rain drowns us, you'll carry me, my knight in shining armor." He bickered, cheeks turning red.

Hyunjin smirked, thumb brushing over the back of Felix's hand. "Deal. But only if you promise me to pay next time."

Felix's smile lingered. "Next time, huh?"

"Next time," Hyunjin said simply.

Chapter Text

The bell above the door gave a tired jingle as they pushed out. The cold air hit them, rain coming down in a mild drizzle. Felix stuffed his hands into the pockets of his pants to hide them from the cold.

"Oh yes, brilliant plan," Felix muttered under his breath. "Let's walk home in the freezing cold."

Hyunjin pulled his hood up, glancing at him. "What, fairy boy afraid that the wind will blow you away?"

Felix's mouth dropped open. "Will you stop with that nickname?"

"Nuh-uh, it fits perfectly," Hyunjin said deadpan. "Look at you glow even in this weather."

Felix shoved his shoulder playfully, laughing aloud, and Hyunjin caught himself grinning too.

The streets were dead silent by now, not a single soul passing by at this time of day. The diner's lights flickered behind them as they walked further down the block. Their sneakers splashed through shallow puddles, the water soaking into their jeans.

"God, I hate this," Felix said, breathless, still half laughing.

"Then why are you smiling?" Hyunjin threw back, eyes crinkling.

Felix didn't answer, just kept walking beside him until they ducked under the awning of a run-down bookstore as the rain picked up again. The sound of the rain got louder, tiny hits against the metal roof above them.

For a second they just stood there, steam rising faintly from their damp clothes. Felix's hair stuck to his cheeks in messy strands, some curling against his jaw. His sweater was clinging to his shoulders now, the collar slipping slightly. Hyunjin tried not to look too long.

Felix looked up, eyes glassy from the cold. "You okay, or are you plotting on how to sketch this scene out later?"

Hyunjin gave a low laugh. "Getting bold now, are we? You'd make a terrible muse."

"Rude."

"No, really, I mean it. Would be too distracting."

Felix blinked, a small pause between them now. The kind that didn't need to be filled.

Felix pushed his wet hair back. "I probably look like a drowned rat."

Hyunjin laughed under his breath. "A cute drowned rat, at least."

Felix stared at him, half offended, half amused. "That's not really the compliment you think it is."

"It's a compliment in my language," Hyunjin said, brushing a droplet off the tip of Felix's nose with his thumb. "You're kind of impossible to insult."

Felix swatted his hand away, but he was smiling, cheeks warming even in the cold air. "You've got lines for everything, huh?"

"When you work with strangers all day, you kinda learn how to talk." Hyunjin said.

"Flirt, you mean."

"Same thing sometimes."

Felix huffed out a laugh and crossed his arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "So what's your success rate, Casanova?"

"Pretty low until tonight."

Felix tried not to grin, failed miserably, and looked down at the puddle between their shoes. Their reflections shimmered in it, shapes bending with the rain.

"Careful," Felix said softly. "You almost sound sincere."

Hyunjin tilted his head. "Maybe I am."

That shut Felix up for a second. The air between them felt somewhat heavier now, not uncomfortable, just full.

Hyunjin looked at him, at the way the streetlight reflected in Felix's eyes. He wanted to say something clever, but nothing came out. He just kept watching him, this soft, rain-soaked person who smiled brighter than anyone he knew.

"What?" Felix tilted his head as he noticed Hyunjin staring.

"Nothing." Hyunjin said, smirking. "Just trying to figure out how you make soaked clothes look that good."

Felix's face went pink instantly. "Oh, shut up!"

"Just an observation," Hyunjin teased.

"You're terrible."

"Maybe. But you like it."

Felix groaned, still smiling but trying not to show it. "You really don't stop, do you?"

"Not when it's fun," Hyunjin said.

Felix huffed and looked away, out at the rain-slicked street. A bus rolled past, its headlights briefly washing them in white. "You always flirt like this?"

"Only when it works."

Felix laughed under his breath, shaking his head. "You're insufferable."

Hyunjin shrugged. "You're still here."

"Touché."

Felix's eyes drifted to Hyunjin's hand resting beside his on the wall, close enough that he could feel the heat from his skin.

"You ever think about... like... how weird it is that we even met? Like, I almost didn't go to that party. And then you stand there the second I'm about to leave."

Hyunjin leaned against the wall beside him, shoulder brushing Felix's. "Could've missed you."

"Yeah," Felix said, his voice a little lower. His sleeve-covered hand brushed Hyunjin's, just barely. "Glad I didn't."

Hyunjin's throat went dry. He turned his head and caught Felix watching him, lips parted like he wanted to say more. Felix's eyes dropped to Hyunjin's mouth for a second too long. Hyunjin noticed.

"You keep looking at me like that," Hyunjin murmured, "and I'm gonna start thinking this is a date."

Felix's smile returned, slower this time. "Maybe it is."

"Oh yeah?" Hyunjin's voice dropped low, teasing, his heart skipping a beat.

Felix nodded, just once. "Depends. Are you planning on actually walking me home, or are we just gonna stand here and freeze to death?"

Hyunjin laughed, the sound breaking some kind of invisible tension. "Alright, alright. You win. But if I get sick—"

"I'll bring you soup," Felix interrupted.

"You cook?"

"Barely. But I can order takeout like a pro!"

Hyunjin grinned, shaking his head. "You really thought that through."

"Of course. I plan ahead for my disasters."

"Cute."

Felix rolled his eyes. "Stop calling me that."

"Just speaking the truth," Hyunjin said.

Felix opened his mouth to protest, then shut it again.

A car drove past, spraying water onto the curb. Hyunjin reached out instinctively, pulling Felix close and shielding him.

Felix stilled. His eyes looked up at Hyunjin's, just mere inches away.

"Sorry," Hyunjin said softly, not moving away.

"Don't be." Felix's breath fogged between them, shallow, visible in the cold air.

For a second Hyunjin thought that maybe he had overstepped, but then Felix tilted his head just slightly, eyes searching his. There was something there, like he was waiting for Hyunjin to do something, say something, anything.

"Felix," Hyunjin said quietly.

"Yeah?" Felix's voice was softer now, almost swallowed by the rain.

"Can I—" Hyunjin stopped, his thumb still against Felix's wrist where he pulled him. "Can I kiss you?"

Felix blinked, surprised at first. Then a tiny, crooked smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "You're asking?"

"Figured I should."

"That's kind of sweet."

Hyunjin huffed out a laugh, and before either of them could overthink it, Felix's hand slid up, resting lightly against Hyunjin's chest. His sweater was still damp, but he was warm underneath, heart racing fast enough that Felix felt it through the fabric.

Hyunjin leaned in slowly, no rush, no tension, just the quiet weight of wanting to. He paused, close enough that Felix could feel his breath against his cheek.

Felix whispered, "You're taking your time."

"Making sure."

"Stop making sure," Felix mumbled, and that was all it took.

The kiss wasn't perfect or intense, just soft, slow, and real. Felix smiled into it halfway through, and Hyunjin laughed against his mouth, both of them clumsy and soaked and a little out of breath. It lasted only a moment, but it felt longer, like time had stood still just for them.

When they pulled apart, Felix's eyes were bright, hair a wet mess, and lips curved in that dazed, barely there grin.

"Well," he said, voice shaky but in a good way. "That answers that."

Hyunjin's cheeks burned. "That was... yeah."

Felix laughed, head tipping back. "You're really bad at this post-kiss talk."

"I'm new at this part," Hyunjin said, half smiling.

"Liar."

Hyunjin shrugged. "Okay, maybe I just didn't want to mess this one up."

Felix looked at him for a long second, rain still dripping from his hair, and then nudged him with his shoulder. "You didn't."

They stayed like that for a second, just listening to the storm. Felix leaned into Hyunjin's side, his voice quiet.

"Guess this means it was a date after all," he said.

Hyunjin's hand found his again, their fingers locking together like it was the most natural thing in the world to them. "Guess so."

Felix's thumb brushed over his knuckles. "You still gonna walk me home?"

"Huh? Yeah—I mean, yes, of course!" he said dumbly.

Felix laughed, warm and real, and tugged him out under the awning. The rain finally stopped, streetlights painting everything in a soft gold hue. They walked side by side, shoulders brushing, and somewhere between the puddles and the quiet, it felt like something had finally started.

Chapter Text

By the time they reached Felix's building, the wind had picked up again, biting through their damp clothes and causing them both to shiver. Every step they took splashed water halfway up their jeans. Felix's shoes made that awful squelching sound with every step as they stumbled into the entryway.

Felix fumbled with his keys, hands shaking so much from the cold that it made the metal clink uselessly against the door. "Sorry," he muttered, breath coming out in clouds. "My hands are pretty much useless right now."

Hyunjin leaned closer, watching him struggle with a grin. "You sure you live here? Looks more like you're trying to break in."

"Shut up," Felix said through a laugh, finally managing to unlock the door. It swung open with a screech, and a rush of warm air spilled out. He stepped aside, waving for Hyunjin to step in with a half smile. "Come in before you freeze to death."

Hyunjin kicked off his shoes by the door, socks immediately soaking up the wooden floor. Felix disappeared into what Hyunjin assumed to be the bathroom and came back a moment later holding a towel—actually, two towels, one that looked like it had wiener dogs on it.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. "This is—"

"— a collector's item," Felix cut in before he could finish. "Don't insult the wieners."

Hyunjin laughed, the sound low and rough from the cold. He took the towel anyway, rubbing the back of his neck as Felix went to work towel-drying his own hair. Then shook it out like a dog, sending water everywhere.

"Hey!" Hyunjin ducked, dodging the spray.

"What? You're already wet."

"Not the point." Hyunjin tried to glare, but it cracked into a smile before he could commit. He put the towel down and glanced around. The apartment was small and cozy in a lived-in way, with plants crowding the window ledge, fairy lights tangled above the TV, and posters tacked up unevenly like he'd given up halfway through decorating.

Felix caught him looking. "Don't judge. Didn't think anyone would ever get to see this mess."

"It's fine," Hyunjin said. "It feels real. I like it."

Felix rolled his eyes, cheeks pink, maybe from the compliment, maybe from the change of temperature. "You want a change of clothes? I've got, uh, sweats and stuff. You'll probably look stupid in them though."

Hyunjin grinned. "Wow, romantic."

"Just saying," Felix muttered, already rummaging through a drawer. He tossed Hyunjin a hoodie that smelled faintly like laundry detergent and lavender. "Bathroom's on your right."

When Hyunjin came back out, Felix had already changed too, oversized sweater, hair still damp and messy but pushed back. He'd made tea, two cat-shaped mugs sitting on the coffee table.

They sat next to each other, legs brushing accidentally. Yet, neither of them moved away.

Felix handed him the cat mug. "Careful, it's hot."

Hyunjin took the mug, and as he did, his fingers brushed against Felix's again, creating a small, familiar kind of static that had been following them around all night. "First that weiner towel, now those cat mugs?"

Felix shrugged, blowing on his tea. "They're cute. Also, the cat-shaped mugs are from a friend of mine; he's obsessed with cats."

"Let me guess, Lee Minho?"

"Yeah, you know the guy?" Felix asked, a look of surprise taking over his features.

"We were on the same dance team back in high school. Guy has always been obsessed with cats." Hyunjin shrugged.

"You dance? Damn, how can you get even cooler?"

"I was cool the whole time." Hyunjin smiled into his drink, and Felix caught it, that soft, uneven grin that made him want to say something stupid just to see it again. The room was warm, the quiet humming of the fridge filling the silence. Outside, the city had gone still, wet pavement glowing faintly under the streetlights.

For a while, neither of them spoke. Felix leaned back against the couch, watching steam rise from his cup. "You know," he said eventually, "I don't usually invite people over. Like, ever."

Hyunjin turned toward him, mug cradled in both hands. "So I'm special, huh?"

Felix groaned. "Don't ruin it."

Hyunjin laughed quietly, setting his mug down. "I'm just saying, feels like an honor."

Felix smiled despite himself. "You're impossible."

"Yeah," Hyunjin murmured, leaning a little closer. "But you keep letting me stay."

That shut him up for a second. Felix's breath hitched ever so slightly. He put his mug down too, fingers fiddling with the rim.

"It's late," he mumbled, voice softer now. "You can crash here if you like. The couch isn't the most comfy, but it's better than walking home in the cold."

Hyunjin's gaze flickered from Felix's lips to his eyes. "You sure?"

Felix nodded once. "Yeah, I—yeah."

The air between them shifted, somewhat heavier but not uncomfortable. Felix could hear the faint ticking of the clock on the wall.

Hyunjin leaned back a little, smiling. "You always get this nervous when you ask someone to stay?"

"God, you're—"

Felix didn't get to finish, because Hyunjin leaned in before he could. The kiss wasn't perfect; it never was with them. It was warm and clumsy, teeth brushing once and laughter tangled in between. Felix's hand found Hyunjin's shoulder, half to steady himself, half because he just wanted to touch something real.

Hyunjin smiled against his mouth, mumbling, "You're still cold."

"Maybe you should fix that," Felix whispered back.

Hyunjin did. He cupped Felix's jaw with one ink-marked hand, thumb tracing the edge of his cheek. Felix leaned into it, chasing another kiss. This one was softer, deeper, less about the moment, and more about everything that had built up to it.

When they pulled back, Felix was grinning, eyes half-lidded, hair falling into his face. "You're making it incredibly hard to be chill about this, you know."

"Didn't plan to." Hyunjin's voice was quiet and teasing. "You're cute when you're like this."

Felix shoved him gently. "Not this again. You're annoying."

"So I've been told."

Felix rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "You wanna stay in my room tonight? I mean—not like that," he added quickly, cheeks turning red. "Just... my bed's more comfy."

Hyunjin tilted his head, pretending to think. "You sure that's a good idea?"

"Nope," Felix said, standing up anyway. "Come on."

He grabbed Hyunjin's hand before he could answer, tugging him down the short hallway. The lights were dim, shadows stretching across the floor. Felix's room was small, unmade bed; a stack of comic books on the nightstand; and the window opened just enough to let some air in.

"Real glamorous," Felix muttered, trying to smooth out the corner of the blanket like it mattered.

Hyunjin laughed softly. "Looks perfect to me."

Felix threw a pillow at him. "Liar."

"Artist," Hyunjin corrected, catching it easily. "We romanticize messes for a living."

Felix sat down on the edge of the bed, pretending to pout. "I guess I'm your next masterpiece then."

Hyunjin smiled, stepping closer. "Already working on it."

Felix didn't even get a chance to reply before Hyunjin leaned down, kissing him again, quick, unsteady, and a little more desperate than before. Felix's laugh broke the kiss, breath hitching as he grabbed Hyunjin's sleeve, pulling him closer. Their knees bumped, and the mattress dipped unevenly. It was messy and human and way too real for either of them to comprehend properly.

"You're terrible at this," Felix grinned.

"Liar," Hyunjin murmured, kissing him again.

They broke apart breathless, foreheads pressed together, the air around them thick with something unspoken and new. "You always taste like strawberries."

Felix blinked, laughing. "And you always say weird shit after kissing me."

"Part of my charm."

"Mm. Debatable." Felix tugged Hyunjin down beside him. They lay there on top of the covers for a while, shoulders touching, laughter fading into quiet. The city outside was distant, car tires on wet pavement and birds chirping as the sun began to rise slowly.

Hyunjin turned his head slightly, voice soft. "You always leave your window open?"

"Yeah," Felix said, voice drowsy. "Can't sleep without the noise."

"Guess I'll have to get used to it then."

Felix smiled into the dark. "That sounds suspiciously like a promise."

"Maybe it is."

He felt Hyunjin shift beside him, then an arm slide around his waist, careful at first, then firm when Felix didn't pull away. The world felt smaller then: two heartbeats, one blanket, and the faint smell of rain still lingering in the air.

Felix's breathing slowed, and he shifted, curling instinctively closer until his cheek rested against Hyunjin's chest. The steady rise and fall beneath him was grounding, like listening to a song he didn't want to end.

Hyunjin froze for a second, then relaxed, his hand moving up to brush gently through Felix's hair. "Comfy?" he whispered.

Felix hummed, half asleep already. "Warm."

Hyunjin smiled to himself, tracing absent shapes on Felix's waist with his thumb. "Good."

The rain had stopped some time ago, but the room still smelled like it—clean and earthy. Felix shifted once more, mumbling something Hyunjin couldn't quite understand, and then went still.

Hyunjin let his eyes close too, their breaths syncing slowly, the weight of Felix's head steady against his chest.

And before sleep finally washed over him, there was the faint hope that this wouldn't be the last time he fell asleep like that.