Strings - Minsung

14

It was nearing 8 on a Tuesday. They both had places to be tomorrow morning, whether that was school or work, but they went out anyways. Even if it has been snowing for hours, and their shoes sunk in the fresh snow that felt like pillows. The moon was full and it lit the space nicely. The street lamps would've been creepy but their light illuminated against the crystal snow as if it was glitter and you could hardly tell it was nighttime. They made it a point to put on extra layers, and Jisung still had Minhos scarf in his possession. It didn't cross Minhos mind even once to ask for it back, it looked better on the younger anyways.

Everyone was skeptical of the idea at first, everyone but Jisung. Chan being a parent tried to reason, but Jisung said that sometimes you have to be borderline idiotic for magic to happen, and so Minho followed him blindly.

At least as blindly as possible without a use of a blindfold. Even though the lights and the moon did a good job lighting up their path, areas that lacked artificial lighting were dark and empty. Jisung took him somewhere past the bus station, and Minho was confided he has never infiltrated that territory before. He was surprised when they stumbled upon a pretty decently crowded street, with food stops and shops.

"I didnt know there was such a place here."

Minho watched in amazement the night life he had just discovered. This was different from the Itaewon area he worked at. This one felt a lot more peaceful and homey, and although loud it wasn't one that would give you a headache. It was a pleasant mix of chatter, music, and life.

"Hyung you need to leave the house more often. You're missing out on many amazing places." Jisungs voice somehow blended perfectly with this kind of atmosphere, his laugh adding substance to the background noises.

Minho doesn't remember when, but sometime along the way Jisung started dragging him behind. His fingers wrapped tightly around his wrist as he guided them through the crowd. Thinking back on it, he actually couldn't remember a moment when he didn't feel that extra tug on his arm, and maybe they're been like this since they left the apartment. The thought made him smile, and he felt warmer in his thick layered clothing.

Keeping his eyes locked on Jisungs bandaged hand, he didn't notice when the younger turned to him to point something out. Next thing, he felt the tight grip loosen.

"Sorry, was I hurting you?"

He wasn't hurting him. In fact, he didn't want Jisung to let go of him. If anything, he wanted Jisung to be closer, feel him more.

His hand chased Jisungs, and maybe it's because the two of them were equally cold, but his touch felt incredibly warm.

"Not at all. Keep going."

They continued walking hand in hand, smiling like idiots and Minho felt like a teenager all over again. They discussed everything they saw, and were grateful that they already had dinner because this place was packed with street food. Minho wouldve dropped a paycheck here within minutes. They agreed they will come back again to try everything some other day.

They went inside a few shops. If they couldn't buy food that didn't stop them from spending money on other less essential things. As it appears, both were suckers for cute tokens.

"What's your favorite animal?"

"Aliens."

"Aliens aren't animals!" The elder scoffed.

"What are you saying?!" No no. That couldn't be true. "Of course they are. They're my spirit animal!"

Minho sighed. This boy. "Jisungie, I'm gonna hold your hand when I tell you this.."