The car just stopped in front of an unfamiliar building. Mingyu heard the door lock click open before he saw, in his periphery, their manager/driver getting off their vehicle to take out their baggage from the passenger side. Outside, there’s another manager and a bodyguard waiting for them, probably waiting in pressure as to when two members of Seventeen will come out of the car. He took a glance of the time in their dashboard, it says half past three in the afternoon. Their plane to Bangkok’s leaving in twenty minutes and they still have to go through all the usual immigration stuff.

Normally, Mingyu would be the one rushing out of the car. He has always disliked sedan vehicles because “it’s too small for his frame”. However, today is not the day where his comfort comes first. Another manager and a bodyguard was already standing outside their car, as if asking them silently when they’re getting off; but Mingyu paid no heed. There is something more important he needed to attend to that very moment.

“Love, ok ka lang?”

The younger man turned his head towards his right, his upper body shifting along. Immediately, his eyes were graced with a close view of his own definition of serenity, in the person of Jeon Wonwoo – his co-member, his best friend, his lover. Despite the limited lighting inside the car, Mingyu still allowed himself a few seconds to bask in the beauty of those feline-like eyes, thin kissable lips, and exquisite cheekbones – all owned by the person he has committed his whole heart to.

“Huy love,” Mingyu fondly broke the silence. “Pansinin mo naman ako.”

Wonwoo clicked his tongue and bit his lower lip in quick succession as he brushed his slender fingers through his dishevelled hair. He woke up a bit late so he wasn’t really able to prep up, all thanks to why he’s being abnormally silent since that early morning.

A small sigh escaped his lips as he moved closer to the younger one, who automatically wrapped an arm around his thin physique. As if on cue, Wonwoo immediately leaned on Mingyu’s shoulder and buried his nose on the side of the latter’s neck.

As his right arm wrapped around his lover’s waist, the older pulled away a little to silently look up – his eyes now glistening with unshed tears which Mingyu thought must be due to not being able to sleep well the night before. “Sorry love,” Wonwoo softly whispered. “Hindi pa rin kasi mawala sa isip ko yung panaginip ko kagabi.”

Mingyu met the elder’s stare with an affectionate gaze; and almost immediately, the corners of his lips lifted up as he let out his soft, signature chortle. He then tightened his embrace on the elder’s shoulder as he planted an undemanding kiss on the top of the latter’s head. He knew it was about last night.

“Pinagod ba kita?” The younger teased. “Gentle naman ako ah?”

Wonwoo pinched Mingyu’s upper thigh, earning a rather loud squeal from the latter. “Gago, kala mo naman pinagbigyan kita talaga?” Wonwoo pulled himself away from the embrace. He leaned back on his seat and blew a gentle raspberry.

In spite of the loss of physical contact, Mingyu comfortably shifted back to his own place in the car. “Ilang beses ko bang sasabihin sa`yo na hindi ko hahayaan na mangyari yung mga naiisip mo?” He whispered in a still engaging tone, but this time, with more gravity on it. “Mukha bang hahayaan kitang masaktan?”

Wonwoo looked up at his lover, his eyes gazing with what Mingyu now identifies as unshed tears. “Last time we were in Bangkok, we were almost caught. I saw what they’re all saying on Twitter. The company must have seen the comments too,” he paused. “Pano kung magkatotoo yung panaginip ko na paghiwalayin tayo?”

A deep sigh escaped Mingyu’s lips the moment he saw one stray tear fell down from Wonwoo’s eyes. Sensing the looming anxiety attack, the younger immediately held the other’s hands and gently caressed it, providing all kinds of assurance.

“Una sa lahat, love,” Mingyu brought cupped Wonwoo’s face and made their eyes meet. “Alam naman ng lahat kung anong meron tayo.”

Wonwoo nodded in understanding. He knew that, he really knew that. But still, he can’t help but feel anxious knowing what kind of detrimental powers their current mother company has, especially now that they’re gaining traction in the West. He just fears for the possibility of their relationship turning into a collateral damage, the price they have to pay for the fame they never actually asked for. It’s what happened with other idols they know, after all.

“Tangina kasing panaginip yon eh,” he murmured in annoyance. “Ayoko na nga matulog.”

Suddenly, Wonwoo felt soft lips planted on his. It lasted for a few seconds before he realized what was going on. The moment he did, Mingyu was already pulling away; and he was beginning to gain himself back.

The younger smiled. “Sa panaginip mo lang tayo kayo paghiwalayin ng kung sinong Poncio Pilato,” Mingyu assured as he pulled a black mask from the car door’s pocket slot. “Nangako ako sa`yong hinding hindi kita hihiwalayan. Ikaw ba? May balak ka bang iwanan ako?” He asked while putting the mask on the face of the older.

Wonwoo shook his head as he stared at his lover. “Never,” he softly replied.

Suddenly, they head a few knocks on the car window before the door was pulled open. It was their manager asking if they’re ready to go. Mingyu was the one who answered and asked for just a few more seconds.  

As soon as the door closed again, Mingyu chuckled as he reached out to plant another kiss, this time on Wonwoo’s forehead. “E di isuot mo na tong bucket hat mo kase iniintay na tayo nung manager sa labas,” he said. “Baka si Seungkwan pa sumundo sa`tin dito, sige ka…”

For the first time that morning, Wonwoo genuinely smiled. The thought of Seungkwan nagging them to get out of the car was funny, but it’s something he wouldn’t want the public to witness. So he grabbed his bag and before he opened the door to get off the car, he looked back at Mingyu who was also fixing his things.

“Sumunod ka agad pagbaba ha?” Wonwoo requested, still with a hint of anxiety on his tone.

Mingyu nodded. "Syempre naman,” he replied with a smile. "Hinding hindi kita iiwanan."

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been so long since I posted here, and since I wrote a short story.
please don't mind this. lol.