Pocket : Engine Heart

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Engine Heart
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I want to capture this feeling like a Kodak Frame it up inside my mind just to go back To a time when everything was ne and Everything was mine and dreams were still alive - Pe2ny feat. MYK, "Celebration" eyd been on the road for at least six hours when the rst palm trees started to appear. en the billboards announcing seaside attractions began to appear. Finally, Minhyuk spotted the rst road sign with their destination: Folly Beach, 30 miles. Half an hour later, they pulled o the highway at the single exit that led to Folly Beach. Taeil slowed the jeep down as they entered the part of the town that was on the mainland. Soon enough, they reached the bridge leading to the island. Hey, I bet we can smell the ocean, Minhyuk said, rolling down his window. Taeil nodded and rolled down the rest of them. Minhyuk leaned towards the window, grinning at the feeling of the wind in his face and the smell of salt in the air. Can we roll up the windows now? Jaehyo whined from the backseat. We smelled the ocean, were almost there, got it. Minhyuk glanced back. Jaehyo had a hand over his head, trying to keep his hair in place. Nope, Taeil laughed. is is a vacation and no one gives a fuck what your hair looks like.

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I give a fuck, Jaehyo shot back, repeatedly pressing the button to close the window. Nothing happened. Taeil had locked the windows down.

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You bitch, he seethed. A promising start to our vacation, Minhyuk said ohandedly to Taeil. Taeil ashed a victory sign while Jaehyo continued to mutter to himself in the backseat. e rst few streets on the island were crowded with condos and high-rise hotels, which quickly gave way to quiet streets with beach homes. With Minhyuk reading directions from the map, they found their way to Mrs. Kims, the owner of the house they were renting. She was a middle-aged woman with a pleasant face and an easy smile, and she handed over two sets of keys to their house and gave them directions for how to get there. e house they were renting was only a few blocks away from Mrs. Kims, so it was easy enough to nd. It was a small cottage up on stilts, the wooden siding bleached gray from sun and salt. e three boys dumped their stu in the living room, then played a quick game of rock-paperscissors to determine whod get the master bedroom. Taeil won and took his things to settle in while Jaehyo and Minhyuk chose between the other two smaller bedrooms. ey decided to take a walk on the beach before guring out what theyd do about dinner. eir house wasnt on the beach, but it was only a quick ve-minute walk to get there. At this time of day, close to eight oclock in the evening, the beach was mostly empty, just a few groups of people scattered apart. Minhyuk noticed a group of teenaged boys a little ways down the beach. It looked like theyd been there for the day, but were packing up and leaving. One of them walked over to the surf and shouted. Another boy that Minhyuk hadnt spotted before was coming out of the waves the orange light of sunset seemed to make his tan skin glow, and Minhyuk couldnt help but watch the way his stomach contracted when he laughed and shouted back to his friends. Minhyuk stood there, openly staring at the boy. He wasnt paying attention to his own friends at all, so when a handful of wet sand hit his back, he inched. He turned around to see Taeil laughing and Jaehyo pretending like nothing had happened. Minhyuk gathered his own handful of wet sand and menacingly approached Jaehyo, who ran to crouch behind Taeil for protection. You think hes going to save you? Minhyuk called. He ung his own handful of sand in their direction, Taeil ducking out of the way so it hit Jaehyo squarely in the chest. Jaehyo looked aronted, despite the fact that he started it. Taeil hit Jaehyo from behind with another handful of sand, and with that, war was declared. When Jaehyo nally ran away and refused to come back, scowling and covered in sand, the other two looked at each other and agreed to stop. Minhyuk looked over his shoulder towards where hed seen the boy from earlier, but he and his friends were gone. Minhyuk shrugged to himself and followed Taeil and Jaehyo as they left the beach. Minhyuk woke up early the next morning, gray light ltering in through

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the window. He lay still for a few long moments before deciding that falling back asleep was a lost cause. e house was dead silent, Taeil and Jaehyo obviously still asleep. Minhyuk wandered out to the front porch and leaned against the railing. He couldnt see the ocean from the house, although he could vaguely hear the waves crashing. With his eyes closed, he could pretend he was right there. He zoned out like that, just listening to the ocean, until he heard footsteps on the stairs and someone clearing their throat. He opened his eyes. It was the boy from the beach yesterday. Sorry, didnt mean to disturb you, the boy said, a smile playing around his lips. No, its ne, Minhyuk said. Im Yukwon, the boy introduced himself, walking the rest of the way up the steps. Mrs. Kims son. He held out a hand for Minhyuk to shake. Im Lee Minhyuk, Minhyuk said, shaking his hand. My mom wanted me to bring these by for you guys before I went to work today, he said, shrugging o his backpack and digging around inside for a minute. He pulled out a map and a few brochures and handed them to Minhyuk. Stu to do, places to eat. She circled stu on the map for you, too. at was nice of her, Minhyuk said, looking down at the paper in his hands before looking up again. Yukwon shrugged, still smiling. She does it for everyone who rents from us. Still. Minhyuk watched as Yukwon swung his backpack back over his shoulder, obviously getting ready to leave. Where do you work? he blurted out, not wanting the other boy to go quite yet. Im a lifeguard at the community pool a few days a week. I work at the library the rest of the time, he answered. eres a library here? Minhyuk wondered out loud. eyre both over on the mainland, Yukwon said. He paused. I dont think you can pick up a wi signal at this house, but the library has free internet if you need it. Cool, thanks. No problem. Ive gotta go now or Ill be late. See you around, he said over his shoulder as he took the stairs back down two at a time. See you, Minhyuk replied, watching as Yukwon picked up his bike from where hed propped it against the house. Yukwon looked back and waved once before taking o down the street.

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For three straight days, they did nothing but go to the beach. And for three straight nights, they did nothing but cook at the house and drink beer on the back porch until long after the sun had set. Minhyuk wouldnt

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have minded doing just that for the remainder of their ve weeks at Folly Beach, but some variety eventually worked its way into their schedule. Despite his frequent application of SPF 60 sunscreen, Jaehyo had still managed to get a sunburn. He refused to spend more time in the sun until it had faded. Hed moped around alone in the house on the rst day of his self-imposed exile, texting Minhyuk and Taeil constantly while they were shing down at the pier. When they came home, he was so clingy that Minhyuk agreed to spend the next day indoors with him. ey woke up just before noon to nd that Taeil had left to go shing at the pier again. ere wasnt much to do in the tiny house, just a couple of board games tucked away in a closet and a TV that picked up three local channels. ey ended up slouched on the couch, watching talk shows and eating cereal. I am going to kill myself if we watch another episode of Dr. Phil, Jaehyo muttered after the rst hour. We could go to the library, Minhyuk oered, thinking back to his meeting with Yukwon a few days ago. Jaehyo twisted his head around to give him a skeptical look. What, Minhyuk said. ey have free internet. Jaehyo perked up at the mention of the internet. Seriously? he asked. Come on, then, lets go! He got o the couch and apped his hands at Minhyuk to make him hurry up. Once they arrived, Jaehyo sped straight to the information desk to get the computer login information, then straight to an empty computer. Minhyuk followed behind more slowly. Leaving Jaehyo to check his twitter, Minhyuk wandered into the stacks. He dragged his ngers along the spines of the books, not really stopping to look at the titles. ere werent many people at the library that day; Minhyuk only saw one other patron while he was roaming the aisles. He walked up to an abandoned book cart at the end of an aisle, looking around, but no one seemed to be nearby. Minhyuk realized he was hoping to see Yukwon, but almost instantly realized how stupid that thought was. He had no idea when Yukwon was working, or if hed even want to talk to Minhyuk. He was nice enough the time they talked, but that was probably just him being polite. Minhyuk rested his head on one of the shelves, rolling his eyes at his train of thought. When had he turned into such a girl, he wondered. Need help nding something? a voice asked from immediately beside him. Minhyuk jumped in surprise and hit his head on the shelf above the one where he was resting. He cursed, smoothing a hand over his hair, and looked at the source of his shock. It was Yukwon, who looked like he was holding in his laughter. Are you okay? he asked, and yeah, that was denitely restrained laughter in his voice. Im ne, Minhyuk said, smoothing down his hair once more before dropping his hand.

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Bored of the beach already? Yukwon asked. He reached around Minhyuk to return a book to the shelf behind him.

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Jaehyo needed to check in on his legion of fangirls, Minhyuk said. Jaehyoone of your friends? Yukwon asked. Minhyuk realized that he was the only one whod met Yukwon. Yeah. Pretty boy over at the computers, Minhyuk said. I think I saw him earlier. He has fangirls? Yukwon asked, his lips curling into a grin. Minhyuk found himself smiling back without realizing it. Yeah. He was an ulzzang back in high school, pretty well-known if you believe what he says. Minhyuk rolled his eyes. Its been like three years since he modeled at all, but they still love him. Interesting, Yukwon said, drawing out the word. He looked back down at the book cart, drawing his ngers over the edges of the books. Um, my mom is having a cook out tomorrow night. You guys are invited. She wanted me to tell you if I saw you. Your mom is the one who wants us to come? Minhyuk asked, regretting the words almost as soon as they left his mouth. eyd only had two short conversations; he did not need to be irting with the kid. Yukwons eyes icked up to Minhyuks, though, and his smile grew a little wider. I wouldnt have mentioned it if I didnt want you to come, he answered. Jaehyo and Taeil were denitely interested in the promise of free food, so the next night, they walked over to Mrs. Kims house. ey stood at the edge of the backyard for a minute, taking in the crowd of people it seemed like half the town was there. You came, someone said from behind them. ey turned to nd Yukwon there with a pleased smile on his face. Yeah, Minhyuk said, smiling back. Oh! ese are my friends, Taeil and Jaehyo, he said introducing the others. is is Yukwon, Mrs. Kims son. Nice to meet you, Yukwon said with a nod. Foods over there, he said, pointing towards the porch. And my friends and I are over there, if you want to join us, he said, pointing towards a group of boys nearby. Cool, thanks, Minhyuk said. e three of them went to grab some food, then made their way back towards Yukwon and his friends. Hey, Yukwon greeted them again. He gestured towards the three boys standing with him. Minhyuk recognized them as the boys on the beach the rst time hed seen Yukwon. ese are my friends, Jiho, Kyung, and Jihoon. And these are the guys renting one of our houses, Minhyuk, Taeil, and Jaehyo. Congratulations, Jihoon! someone called out from across the yard. Jihoon turned and waved, shouting thanks back.

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Yukwon noticed Minhyuks quizzical expression. Jihoon just graduated from high school, he explained.

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Oh, congratulations, Taeil said. Jihoon smiled and nodded. Minhyuk was hit with a sudden thought if Jihoon just graduated from high school, how old was Yukwon? He didnt say he had just graduated. Did that mean he was younger than Jihoon? Jaehyo nudged him, pulling him from his thoughts. What is up with you, he muttered. You have the weirdest look on your face. Im ne, he assured his friend. Jaehyo just gave him a look before focusing back on the groups conversation. Yukwon was smirking at Minhyuk. Need another drink? he asked, nodding at Minhyuks empty cup. Come on. Minhyuk followed him towards the cooler and Yukwon relled his cup for him. He had just taken a sip when Yukwon asked ohandedly, Afraid Im jailbait or something? Minhyuk choked on his lemonade. He spluttered and coughed. No, uh, I Yukwon was laughing at him again. Minhyuk briey wondered if this would keep happening for the rest of the trip he would make a fool of himself in front of Yukwon, Yukwon would laugh at him, he would want to go crawl under a rock. As Minhyuk nally regained his breath, Yukwon stopped laughing. He was still smirking at Minhyuk, though. Dont worry, he said. Im nineteen. Jihoons a year younger than the rest of us. atsgood to know, Minhyuk said faintly. Although now Im curious, Yukwon said. He gave Minhyuk an appraising look. How old are you, if you were so concerned? Twenty one, he answered. ats what I thought, Yukwon said. Youre not that much older. Yeah, Minhyuk said awkwardly. He avoided looking at Yukwon, instead choosing to look over the crowd in the Kims backyard. He looked back at Yukwon when the other started to speak again. Um, listen, Yukwon said, suddenly sounding a little shy. I dont know if you guys have lots of plans while youre here, but he trailed o. No plans, Minhyuk said. No plans at all. He realized he may have sounded a little too eager, but he didnt really care. e look of renewed condence on Yukwons face was worth losing his own pride. We should hang out sometime then. Yeah, denitely.

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Cool, Yukwon said with a grin. Yukwon came over the next afternoon. Minhyuk had woken up late to

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nd a note from the other two on the kitchen table, saying theyd gone to the beach and he should come nd them once he was up. Instead, feeling lazy, he sat in the shade of the back porch, reading one of the books hed found tucked away with the board games. Shortly after noon, Yukwon stopped by. Minhyuk didnt notice at rst, engrossed in his novel. Yukwon rapped his ngers on the wooden railing, catching Minhyuks attention. Lets go for a bike ride, was all Yukwon said. Minhyuk set his book down. I dont have a bike here. I gured, Yukwon answered. He pointed to the side of the porch, where a second bike was leaning. So I brought you my brothers old one. Minhyuk chuckled. Okay, lets go for a ride. Yukwon led them back to the main road. ey turned left, headed away from the center of town. e neighborhood thinned out the further they rode, until there was just a single row of houses on the left side of the road, the beach on the other side. After riding for nearly twenty minutes, they stopped in front of a low metal gate. is is the very end of the island. It used to be a coast guard base, Yukwon explained, lifting his bike over the gate and hopping over himself. But that was way before I was born. Minhyuk followed Yukwon, lifting his own bike over the gate. So its justabandoned now? e road continued past the gate, but was obviously o-limits to cars. e land was empty, just covered in scrub grass with trees rising up in the distance. Yeah. ey tore down most of the buildings except a few foundations, but the lookout is really pretty, Yukwon answered, pointing further down the road. ey got back on their bikes and continued riding down the road. e trees got closer and closer to the road before converging into a wall where the road nally ended. Leaving the bikes propped against a tree, Yukwon led the way down a small pathway beaten through the trees. e trees gave way to dunes, and they nally emerged at the beach. is beach was nothing like the ones Minhyuk had seen on the island so far. It was completely deserted, and the waves seemed rougher here than anywhere else. Huge pieces of driftwood littered the sand. A rock jetty wound its way out towards the water. Making his way over to the jetty, Yukwon sat down on one of the rocks and took o his backpack. I made us sandwiches, he said. He pulled out a massive plastic bag lled with sandwiches and waved them at Minhyuk, looking rather pleased with his handiwork. Minhyuk sat next to him. You made them? Not your mom? he teased.

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Yukwon pouted. Im a master chef, okay. Here, try one. He handed a sandwich half to Minhyuk. Minhyuk looked, but couldnt tell what was in

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it. He took a bite and chewed slowly, just barely stopping himself from spitting it out. It tastedawful. With diculty, he swallowed. Yukwons hopeful expression dropped. You dont like it he said quietly, looking down at the bag still in his lap. Minhyuks heart clenched at Yukwons crestfallen expression. No, no, its good, he said. See? Yukwon looked up. Minhyuk took another bite, bigger than the rst. is time he couldnt stop himself from gagging slightly, but he swallowed it. As soon as he had, Yukwon started laughing. Your face, he managed to choke out between laughs. I cant believe you ate it. Minhyuk looked confused. Oh god, it was awful, wasnt it? Im sorry. Minhyuk looked down at the sandwich in his hand, suddenly realizing what Yukwon had done. Yukwons laughter was infectious, and Minhyuk started to laugh a little too. Here, you should have a taste of your masterpiece, he said as he pushed the sandwich at Yukwons face. Yukwon leaned further and further away, twisting o the jetty and jogging away a few feet, still cackling. He came back after Minhyuk had tossed the sandwich in the direction of some seagulls nearby. Are they all like that? Minhyuk asked, looking pitifully at the bag of sandwiches. No, just that one, I swear, Yukwon chuckled. e rest are good. He picked another one out and handed it to Minhyuk. Minhyuk made a big show of peeling the bread apart and examining the contents before deciding it was safe to eat. As he chewed, Yukwon picked out a sandwich for himself and settled back on the rock next to Minhyuk. You must really like me, huh? he asked, watching Minhyuk from the corner of his eyes. Minhyuk pretended to think it over as he chewed. Hmmm he murmured. Yukwon shoved his shoulder. Laughing, he conceded, Yeah, yeah. I must like you a lot.

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e day after Yukwon showed Minhyuk the deserted beach, Jaehyo insisted Minhyuk not ditch him and Taeil again, so the three of them spent the day at the beach. at night after going out to dinner, they

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retreated back to the peace of the back porch, watching the shadows grow longer and longer as night fell. Rationally, Minhyuk knew that Yukwon had two jobs and thus was probably innitely busier than Minhyuk. ey also barely knew each other, despite the few times theyd met. Still, though, he wondered when he would see Yukwon again. Not too long after he had that thought, Yukwon rounded the corner from the front yard. Hey, he called out easily. He stopped at the bottom of the stairs. Just hanging out? Yeah, Jaehyo answered. Unless theres something else going on you came to tell us about. Nothing tonight, Im afraid, Yukwon replied with a smile. I was just passing by on my way home from work and thought Id see what was up. Absolutely nothing, Jaehyo said. But youre welcome to join us, of course. Yukwon glanced at Minhyuk, who still hadnt said anything. Seeming to come to a decision, he came up the stairs. Want a beer? Taeil oered. Yukwon shrugged. Sure, thanks, he said, reaching out for the proered bottle. Jaehyo swiped it rst. Tsk, tsk, you know hes underage, he said, widening his eyes at Taeil. Taeil rolled his eyes and grabbed the bottle back. Like you really give a shit, he said, handing it to Yukwon. Sorry, he thinks hes funnier than he really is. Im hilarious, okay, Jaehyo said. Yukwon laughed a little, twisting the cap o the beer. He settled onto the railing next to Minhyuk, close enough that Minhyuk could feel the heat from his leg. Minhyuk watched as he took a long swallow, eyes on his throat. His gaze moved back up to Yukwons face, and he realized Yukwon was watching him back, a small smile on his face. Minhyuk raised his eyebrows. Yukwons smile grew wider as he looked away from Minhyuk, back towards the other two who were still bickering. ey hung out like that for a while. Eventually Yukwon set aside his empty bottle and nudged Minhyuk. Hmm? Minhyuk murmured, ducking his head towards Yukwon. Come with me, Yukwon whispered back. e low light from the lamp over the back door glinted o his teeth as he grinned. Minhyuk slid o the railing and stretched his arms up over his head casually. Im going to walk Yukwon home, he told the other two. Oh, really, Jaehyo said with a shit-eating grin on his face.

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See you later, Minhyuk said, ignoring his friend. anks for the beer, Yukwon said. No problem, Taeil replied, raising his own bottle. It was good seeing you again. Yeah, you too, Yukwon said with a wave as he and Minhyuk walked down the stairs. ey wandered the empty streets, not saying much, and Minhyuk eventually realized Yukwon was leading them towards the beach. ey took o their shoes and left them near the boardwalk, digging their toes into the cool sand. e beach was dark, except for the moon and the distant lights of the pier. eir shoulders brushed as they walked in the direction of the pier. A midnight walk on the beach, Minhyuk said. How romantic. Yukwon looked briey embarrassed before he realized that Minhyuk was teasing. Shut up, he said, his smile turning shy. No, no, its nice, Minhyuk insisted, amusement in his voice. At least you arent trying to poison me today. Yukwon narrowed his eyes. You know, I think I liked you better when you were still awestruck by me, he said. Minhyuk laughed and nally reached across, tangling their ngers together. Dont worry, he reassured him. Im still denitely awestruck. Yukwon stopped walking and faced Minhyuk, eyeing him speculatively. Good. Minhyuk took a step closer. Yukwon was the one to close the distance between them, pressing his mouth to Minhyuks. Minhyuk felt something rise up in his chest, and he slid his free hand around Yukwons neck. When they nally pulled apart, a slow smile spread over Yukwons face, and Minhyuk couldnt have stopped the grin from spreading over his own face even if he tried. For the next two weeks, Minhyuk and Yukwon spent more and more time together. Yukwon worked almost every day, so they would usually meet up at twilight to go for a walk or to ride their bikes down the deserted streets. On days when Yukwon didnt have to work, he would take Minhyuk somewhere new on the island, showing him his favorite places. Minhyuk would drop by the library when he knew Yukwon was there to distract him from work and steal lazy kisses in the quiet stacks. Today was one such day. Minhyuk didnt see Yukwon near the information desk, so he walked towards the back of the library. He heard Yukwons voice and was about to round the corner but stopped when he heard Kyung reply angrily.

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All youve been doing lately is hanging out with that guy! Kyung exclaimed.

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Be quiet, will you? Yukwon whispered harshly. Were in a library. Sorry, Kyung said, voice much quieter. Im just worried about you, okay? People like him come and go; they dont stick around. Youre just a summer ing to him. is coming from the guy whos been hooking up with summer girls for the last four years, Yukwon retorted. What Kyung means to say, Jihos voice cut in, is that we care about you and we dont want you to get hurt. Its pretty obvious how much you like this guy. And hes leaving in a couple of weeks. Ill be ne, Yukwon said shortly. You guys should go. I actually have work to do. Before Minhyuk could duck away, Kyung and Jiho walked into the aisle hed been eavesdropping from. ey stopped short when they saw Minhyuk. No one said anything, Kyung nally shrugging past Minhyuk and leaving. Jiho nodded his head, wordlessly asking Minhyuk to come with him. Minhyuk followed him until they were at the other end of the library, out of the range of Yukwons hearing. Im assuming you heard most of that? Jiho asked. Minhyuk nodded. Sorry about Kyung, Jiho apologized. Hes a cool guy, but he gets really protective of his friends. Understandable, Minhyuk said. We all kind of worry about Yukwon a lot, Jiho explained. Hes technically the oldest out of all of us, but he can be prettyinnocent. Im not going to hurt him, Minhyuk said. You might not want to, but you are going to hurt him when you leave, Jiho said. Minhyuk opened his mouth to respond, but Jiho cut him o, waving his hand. I know you wont mean to. But its kind of inevitable. You know its going to suck for me, too, right? Minhyuk said. Yukwon might not do this, have ings or whatever, but neither do I. Jiho just looked at him for a long moment before giving him a lopsided smile. I guess if it was going to be anyone, Im glad its you, he said. Minhyuk looked blankly at him. I heard about the sandwiches. Its kind of sweet, how dumb you are when it comes to him. Minhyuk groaned, covering his eyes. Did he tell everyone or something? Jiho chuckled. No, just me. He pulled his phone from his pocket to check the time. Damn, I have to get to work, he said. He started to leave, then turned back towards Minhyuk. Im sure Kwon will tell you, too, but Kyung and I are having a party at our place this weekend. You and your friends are welcome to come.

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Minhyuk raised an eyebrow skeptically. Im not sure Kyung would agree.

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Hell get over it, Jiho said. Its my party, too. Ill invite who I want. You make Yukwon happy, and I like to see my friends happy. Okay, then, Minhyuk said. anks. Dont mention it, Jiho said with a nod as he left. Minhyuk walked back towards where hed last heard Yukwon and found him shelving books with a pensive look on his face. Hey, he murmured, slipping his arms around Yukwons waist. Yukwon tensed for a moment before leaning back into him. Hey, he replied, turning his head to look at Minhyuk. Did you just get here? Yeah, Minhyuk lied. Take a left here, Yukwon said, pointing over Taeils shoulder. He and Minhyuk were in the backseat of the jeep, Taeil and Jaehyo up front. It was Friday night, and they were headed to the party Jiho had invited them to. Jiho and Kyung shared an apartment over on the mainland, about a fteen-minute drive from the island. Yukwon had come over around ten oclock that night to get a ride and to show them the way there. ey parked a few blocks away from the apartment and walked the rest of the way. Yukwon let them inside the apartment, which was packed. Minhyuk recognized some of the people from Mrs. Kims barbeque a few weeks ago, but not many. Yukwon seemed to know everyone, though, receiving high ves and shouting greetings over the music. He introduced them to people as they worked their way towards the keg in the kitchen. Kyung seemed to come from nowhere, nodding at them. Five bucks a cup if youre drinking, he said. Yukwon raised an eyebrow at him, and Kyung rolled his eyes. Fine, three bucks for childhood friends and their guests, he said, nally cracking a smile. ats more like it, Yukwon said. Kyung left them after collecting their money and handing out cups. Jiho turned up soon after. I saw Kyung over here, he said. Was he being a dick? Yukwon gave a short laugh. No, he was ne, he said. Good. He ought to be, hes about to get lucky, he said, jerking his head at Kyung, who was leaning against a wall talking to a girl who was laughing and touching him. e four of them hung out with Jiho for a while. A steady stream of people stopped by to say hi to Jiho and Yukwon, and a girl eventually struck up conversation with Taeil, pulling him away from the group. Minhyuk had his hand on Yukwons shoulder, which slipped down to rest around his waist as the night wore on. Jaehyo and Jiho seemed to be getting along, and were immersed in their own conversation when Yukwon interrupted them. Can I show Minhyuk the Impala? he asked.

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Jiho smirked. Yeah, sure, he said, pulling his keys out of his pocket. He unclipped a keychain from the main set and held it out for Yukwon. He pulled it just out of reach when Yukwon stretched out his hand for it, though. Dont have sex in my car, he warned. Or on it. Yukwon rolled his eyes and shrugged the comment o, although Minhyuk could detect a slight blush under his tan. Were just going to look at it, he said, grabbing the keychain. Sure, Jiho said. Jaehyo was watching them with a smirk of his own now. Yukwon grasped Minhyuks hand, leading him back through the crowd of people and out the front door. Where are we going? Minhyuk asked once they were outside. Yukwon glanced over. Jihos garage, he answered. Its on one of their landlords other properties. He let Jiho rent it so he could work on restoring his car. Were almost there. e house they stopped at was obviously vacant, with no lights on and no cars in the driveway. e garage was separate, behind the house. Yukwon unlocked the door to the garage and let them inside, icking the light switch so light ooded the space. Minhyuk shut the door behind them while Yukwon worked on removing the tarp covering the vehicle in the center of the garage. Under the dusty cloth was a gleaming black 1967 Chevy Impala. Pretty cool, huh? Yukwon asked. Yeah, Minhyuk said, walking over. Jiho bought it o some guy who used to work with him. Hes been restoring it for about a year now, Yukwon said. He came over to stand next to Minhyuk. Hes almost done, I think. ats really cool, Minhyuk said. Id have no idea how to do something like this. I dont really know anything about cars. Me neither, Yukwon said with a laugh. Jihos a mechanic, though, so this is his thing. Just then, the single light bulb ickered and went out, leaving them in near total darkness with just dim orange glow of the streetlights outside ltering in through the windows. Minhyuk turned to look at Yukwon and noticed how close the other boy was. He could feel Yukwons breath fanning across his face. He was about to lean forward and close the distance between them when Yukwon spoke. We should probably cover the car back up, he said softly. Minhyuk took a step back. Yeah, he agreed. ey managed to relocate the tarp and get it over the car. Minhyuk turned towards the door, assuming they were going to leave, when Yukwon grabbed his hand again. Where are you going? he asked. Minhyuk could hear the smile in Yukwons voice and grinned to himself. I dont know, he mused, turning back towards Yukwon. Back to the

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party? But why? Yukwon tugged Minhyuks hand, and Minhyuk took a step closer, then another, until he was right in front of Yukwon. I have no idea, he answered. He pulled his hand from Yukwons, resting his hands on the others hips. He slipped his ngers up under Yukwons shirt, running his thumbs over his hipbones. Yukwon breathed in sharply, and Minhyuk took the opportunity to push Yukwon slightly, backing him up against the wall of the garage. He leaned in close again, about to kiss Yukwon but holding back, teasing. Yukwon sighed in frustration and leaned forward, pressing his lips rmly against Minhyuks. He twined his arms around Minhyuks neck to pull him closer. Minhyuk chuckled lightly through the kiss, and Yukwon bit his lip in retaliation. Minhyuk slid his hands further up Yukwons shirt, resting his palms on his ribcage. Yukwons breath caught and he rolled his hips up once, twice. Minhyuk could feel Yukwon, already hard and hot pressing against him. He pushed his thigh up against Yukwon. Yukwon let out a slight whimper and broke the kiss, dropping his head back. e sound rushed straight to Minhyuks cock, and he pushed up against Yukwon again. Dragging his mouth down the column of Yukwons neck, he left a trail of bite marks, wanting more of those sounds. Yukwon let out another small, choked o moan when Minhyuk dropped his hand to Yukwons waistband, fumbling with the zipper then slipping his hand inside his boxers. Minhyuk pressed his mouth back to Yukwons as he gripped the other boy, tongues dragging lazily together. Yukwon wasnt focused on the kiss, just letting Minhyuk do what he wanted. Minhyuk ran his thumb over the head of Yukwons cock, and Yukwon had to break the kiss again, catching Minhyuks lower lip between his teeth and tugging. Wait, Yukwon panted out. Minhyuk stilled his hand and pulled away slightly to look at the other boy. Yukwon was breathing hard, his lips swollen and slick, his eyes looking liquid black in the low light. What, Minhyuk asked, hoping Yukwon wouldnt make him stop. You, too, he murmured with a smirk as he reached down to Minhyuks jeans, pushing them down a bit and pulling him out of his boxers. He rolled his hips forward so their cocks rubbed against each other. Minhyuk dropped his head to Yukwons shoulder with a groan, watching as Yukwon wrapped a hand around both of them, jerking them o together. Yukwons hand rubbed over the heads of their cocks, catching their precum and slicking it back down, so each pull was a smooth slide. Minhyuks hands were wandering again, running over Yukwons hips before dipping down the back of his jeans to grab his ass. Yukwons hips stuttered and broke their smooth rhythm when Minhyuks ngers brushed over his crack. Minhyuk noticed and reached lower, brushing against Yukwons entrance. Yukwons grip faltered at that and went slack,

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and Minhyuk drew his hand back to grasp them both. I bet youd let me, wouldnt you? he said hoarsely into Yukwons ear. Let me fuck you? Yukwon shuddered against him. I Ive never, he said breathlessly. Minhyuk knew if Yukwon werent so turned on, hed be embarrassed by the admission. But now, like this, he met Minhyuks gaze, his eyes glazed and lips parted. Yeah, but youd let me, Minhyuk murmured. Yukwon didnt answer right away, so Minhyuk tightened his grip and twisted his hand on the upstroke. Yukwon let out a whine and choked out, Yes! Fuck, yes. Minhyuk couldnt resist teasing the other boy some more. He loosened his grip and slowed his strokes. Do you want me to? he asked, nipping at Yukwons collarbone. Yukwon turned his face away and rolled his hips, trying to make Minhyuk move faster. He was so on edge, and what Minhyuk was doing wasnt enough. Please, he bit out. Yes, please, anything, just do something. He bit his lip and looked down at their cocks sliding together in Minhyuks broad hand. Maybe later, Minhyuk said, tightening his hand again. Right now, I want you to come all over my hand, he breathed into Yukwons skin. Just like this. Minhyuks words had Yukwons hips stuttering again. With a low moan, he came, head tipping back against the wall. Minhyuk slowed his strokes, drawing it out, watching Yukwons throat as he tried to catch his breath. e look in Yukwons eyes when he nally opened them and refocused on Minhyuk was almost enough to send Minhyuk over the edge. A dangerous smile spread over Yukwons lips as he knocked Minhyuks hand away from their cocks, gripping Minhyuk rmly. He gathered some of his own come in his hand and smoothed it over Minhyuk, jacking him slowly until Minhyuk bit at his lips threateningly. Come on, Minhyuk said, voice rough. Yukwon let out a small laugh and obliged, quickening his pace. It didnt take long for Minhyuk to come. Yukwon rubbed his thumb over the head of Minhyuks cock twice and Minhyuk was coming with a harsh gasp against Yukwons neck. Minhyuk lifted his head and pressed his mouth against Yukwons. ey kissed languidly, Yukwon breaking o to press kisses across Minhyuks face. Fuck, Minhyuk said with a slight laugh. Yeah, Yukwon murmured back. Minhyuk looked at his sticky hand, then around the garage. He didnt see anything to clean them o with, so he pulled his tee shirt over his head, leaving him in a black wife beater. After cleaning himself up, he passed the shirt to Yukwon, who took it and cleaned himself o with a smirk. He handed it back to Minhyuk.

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You know, Yukwon said with a laugh, I have a bandanna. Minhyuk looked over, and Yukwon pulled a printed handkerchief out of his pocket. Minhyuk looked back down at his now ruined shirt. Oh, he said, concentrating on folding it up so the stain didnt show. He laughed then, too, shaking his head and tucking part of the shirt into the back pocket of his jeans. We should get back, Yukwon said. Probably, Minhyuk agreed. Yukwon slid his body up against Minhyuks deliberately when he pushed past him, headed for the door. Minhyuk followed and watched while Yukwon locked the door to the garage behind him. Yukwon reached over and slid his hand down Minhyuks arm, intertwining their ngers together. ey walked slowly through the empty streets, clasped hands swinging loosely between them as they headed back to the party. A few days before Minhyuk and the others left, Yukwon spent the night. Nearly an hour after theyd turned out the lights, Yukwon shifted and looked back at Minhyuk over his shoulder. Minhyuks eyes were closed and he was breathing evenly, apparently deep asleep. Minhyuk, Yukwon whispered. No response. He sighed, dragging his ngertips over the arm Minhyuk had slung over his waist. You must really like me, huh? He paused, as if waiting for an answer. I like you a lot, too. He slipped his ngers between Minhyuks. I miss you. ats weird, right, missing someone whos right here? He sighed again. As he closed his eyes, thinking he should try to fall asleep, Minhyuks arm tightened around his waist. I miss you, too, Minhyuk whispered into Yukwons neck, pressing his lips there softly. Yukwon shuddered and tightened his hold on Minhyuks hand. Minhyuk tossed his due bag into the back of Taeils jeep, checking the time on his phone again. Hed told Yukwon when theyd planned to leave, but Yukwon wasnt there yet. Taeil threw his bag in next to Minhyuks. He knows were leaving today, doesnt he? he asked lightly. Minhyuk nodded, looking down the street. Taeil clapped his hand on Minhyuks shoulder. Im sure hell be here soon, he said before going back into the house. Minhyuk sat on the jeeps bumper, his shoulders dropping. He waited like that for nearly ten minutes, still with no sign of Yukwon. Just as he was about to give up and go back into the house to help the other two nish cleaning up, he saw Yukwon coasting down the road on his bike. Sorry Im late! he called, dismounting quickly and dropping his bike on the grass. Some kid slipped and hit his head on the edge of the pool right before I was supposed to get o, so... He caught sight of Minhyuks shocked expression. Oh, the kids ne! Just a scratch, really. He waved his hand dismissively.

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ats good, Minhyuk said as he stood. He walked to Yukwon and stopped in front of him. I was kind of afraid you werent going to show, he confessed softly. He ran a hand over the back of his neck self-consciously. Yukwon smirked and hooked his ngers in Minhyuks belt loops, pulling him closer. Like Id let you leave without a farewell kiss. Oh, so thats all youre here for? Minhyuk pretended to sco. I knew you were just using me for my body. You like it, Yukwon teased, tipping his chin up. Minhyuk gave in and dropped a kiss to Yukwons mouth. He meant to keep it short, but Yukwon hummed and parted his lips, drawing it out. ey broke apart when a wolf whistle sounded from the porch. Taeil and Jaehyo were hanging over the railing, leering at them. Oh, dont stop on our account, Jaehyo called, wiggling his eyebrows. Taeil gave an exaggerated a-ok sign. Yukwon laughed and hid his face in Minhyuks neck. Were going to take the keys back over to Mrs. Kim, Taeil said, coming down the steps with Jaehyo. Yeah, so feel free to make out for another ten minutes or so while were gone, Jaehyo added. We wont tell her all the unspeakable things youre doing with her son. I appreciate that, Minhyuk shot back. Yukwon lifted his face back up once they had left. So, he said, wrapping his arms loosely around Minhyuks waist. Minhyuk smiled at him. So. I hope you had a good vacation. It was pretty good, Minhyuk said. Hung out at the beach a lot, got a tan. Caught some sh, drank some beer. Yukwon was looking at him expectantly. Yeah, I think thats about it. Yukwon pinched his side. Laughing, Minhyuk said, And I met a guy. Oh, really? Yeah, he was pretty cool. at sounds nice, Yukwon said. He backed Minhyuk up a few steps until his back hit the side of the jeep. Mmhmm, it was, Minhyuk murmured, eyes dropping to Yukwons mouth. Yukwon leaned in and they kissed lazily for a few long minutes. Jaehyo catcalled when he and Taeil returned, and Yukwon and Minhyuk reluctantly drew apart. We should hit the road if we want to get back before midnight, Taeil

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said. Yeah, Minhyuk sighed. It was good to meet you, Jaehyo said, dropping his hand on Yukwons shoulder. Taeil nodded and held out a hand for Yukwon to shake. Yukwon shook it. It was good to meet you guys, too. Jaehyo raised his eyebrows at Minhyuk and said, Shotgun. Yeah, yeah, Minhyuk conceded. Jaehyo smirked and got inside the jeep. Taeil walked around to the drivers side, leaving Minhyuk and Yukwon. See you, Minhyuk said quietly. See you, Yukwon replied with a small smile. Minhyuk squeezed his hand before letting go and climbing into the backseat. Taeil started the car and backed them slowly out of the driveway. Minhyuk twisted around to look out the back window of the jeep. Yukwon lifted his hand in a wave. Minhyuk waved back and kept his eyes on the other boy as they drove down the street. Yukwon stood at the end of the driveway, watching as they drove down the street. en they turned, and he dropped out of sight. eyd stopped for a late dinner at a diner just o the highway after driving for three hours. Back in the car, Minhyuk reached for his backpack, looking for a piece of gum. Instead, he found an envelope tucked in the front pocket of his bag. Puzzled, he pulled it out and opened it. A small stack of photographs was inside. e rst one was from the Kims barbeque. Yukwon was talking and laughing with someone outside the picture frame. Minhyuk was standing nearby staring at him with a look on his face he could only describe as a little bit love struck. He turned the photo over. Its kind of cute how obsessed you were with me, Yukwon had written. Minhyuk laughed a little under his breath. He pulled out another photo. It was of the jetty at the deserted beach. You must really like me, huh? ^^ was on the back of this one. All the photographs were like that of them, or of some place theyd been. Yukwon had written on each of them. e last photograph was taken from the bridge connecting the island and the mainland. e sun was setting and the scenery was blurred; Yukwon must have taken it while driving. Minhyuk turned the photograph over. See you around

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