Yunho gets up that morning frustrated and longing for a certain someone's touch. He sits up on the bed, contemplating if he even wants to do this again today, but he figures having something to do at school with his friends beats staying here alone in this house, mulling over his thoughts once more.

So, he stands and glances at the clock on the wall, which shows that it's a little over seven o'clock. Which means Mingi would be done bathing by now. An advantage of being an elf means being able to regulate his circadian rhythm to whatever time he wishes to wake up.

Exhaling a deep breath, Yunho steps out of his room and readies himself for the day.

Like he'd predicted, Mingi isn't in the bathroom, but the rosy scent of the shampoo he usually uses lingers in the air, surrounding him like an embrace.

Instantly it brings Yunho back to five days ago when he and Mingi had kissed, the shorter holding and touching him in ways he'd never been touched before. Hell, Yunho had never gotten as close to anyone like that before Mingi, as his princely status in Starlight kingdom meant any sort of intimacy had to be reserved for his spouse and his spouse alone.

And Yunho had basically broken that code of conduct for a human, no less. A human who's been avoiding him since their kiss on Sunday; who Yunho seriously cannot stop thinking about even if it kills him.

It's only been a little over a month since Yunho's stayed here, a little over a month since he's known Mingi. But why does Mingi's refusal to acknowledge what happened between them hurt more than anything else? And why does Yunho miss Mingi terribly even when the shorter insists on giving him the cold shoulder?

Yunho has never felt this lost since his mother's death. As he lets the water gush over him, set to the coldest temperature, he thinks long and hard about what he should do to earn back Mingi's attention and make things alright again, but he comes back empty each time.

How can he fix things when he doesn't know what he did wrong in the first place?

A text erupts over the screen of his phone when Yunho pulls on his outfit for the day, which consists of ripped jeans and a black hoodie with funky designs on it.

Brushing through his blond tresses so he can then hide his ears, he takes the device, still not used to its smoothness when he types in his passcode to access it. His finger prints don't work because he isn't human.

- jongho🐼
hey yunho 👋🏻👋🏻
up for a rematch this afternoon?? 👀👀
wanna play a game with u today

Jongho's constant use of these 'emojis' sometimes confuse Yunho, but the male provides the distraction he so desperately needs, especially during these past few days. Jongho is also a genuinely nice guy, and with him Yunho can forget he's actually an elven prince who had to leave his home to remain safe.

- yunho
sure i guess

Yunho takes care not to add punctuation marks this time around, remembering the time Mingi told him how weird it came out when he texted like that. The thought of Mingi has Yunho's heart squeeze again.

- jongho🐼
sweet!
see u soon yun

- yunho
see u :)

At least there's someone who wants me around, Yunho can't help but think bitterly. He stands in front of the room's life-sized mirror, studying himself from head to toe. His hair is still strikingly blond and soft, framing his face perfectly. His emerald green eyes stare back at him, a replica of his mother's, and his chest aches, wishing he could see her again at least once in this lifetime.

I miss you, mum.

Yunho bites his lip, an infuriating lump growing at the base of his throat. With a clear of the throat he carefully puts on his coloured lenses, for a moment wondering if the people he talked with at school -- if Jongho -- would accept him if they knew his identity.

Mingi knew, and he pushed him away the moment they got closer.

Wanting to feel more connected to his homeland, to feel a little less alone, he grabs Star 1117 and puts it on, the ring shimmering brightly in the light.

Yunho exits his bedroom with his bag before long, hoping he doesn't run into Mingi on the way.

He makes it to the living room and sees the aforementioned male at the dining table, currently scrolling through his phone with a blank look on his face. San sits next to him with a plate of eggs in front, and he beams the second he catches sight of the elf.

"Hey Yunho," he grins, and Yunho can't help but smile. He's never met someone like San before. The boy has a way of filling him with joy even when he's in the worst of moods. The only other person that could do that was his mother.

"Hi, San," Yunho says. His heartbeat stutters when Mingi's gaze connects with his.

The shorter's eyes are lined with something dark and smokey, reminiscent of the intricate facial decorations the spell casters of his kingdom typically wear during special celebrations. Whilst Mingi's is much simpler, his features stand out even more with it. Yunho thinks he looks incredibly stunning.

"Yunho, good morning," Gia greets from behind, startling Yunho out of his feverish thoughts. The woman wraps an arm around him and drags him to the kitchen area. "I need to tell you something."

"...What is it?" Yunho asks, hesitant as he plays with the ring on his finger.

Gia notices this, but doesn't comment on it. "Your people, they contacted my work place earlier this morning."

At this, Yunho swears his heart stops. A feeling he can't exactly describe as positive flushes over him. "They did?"

"Mhm." Gia's brows are knitted, and now it's her turn to look hesitant. "They said you'll have to remain here for a bit longer."

Yunho doesn't know why relief is the first thing he feels right then. Guilt then pierces him from within because what is he thinking? He can't possibly be liking this place more than his own kingdom, now can he? "Really?"

"Yeah," Gia nods, sipping from her cup of tea. "They're still searching for the source of the sickness, still working on the magic to counter it. They don't want our help, however. They just want you to stay here for now."

"Alright," Yunho responds. He glances at his ring, at its sparkling green design. "Any word from my father or Junho?"

Gia's expression is the perfect image of apologetic as she places her mug on the counter. "No, not that I know of."

Of course. Yunho nods, disliking how disappointed he feels.

Gia picks up on his depleted mood, then gestures at the kettle at the side. "I can make you some of that tea if you'd like. I'm also gonna make some cheese sandwiches. Sounds good?"

"Yes, thank you."

Gia smiles, but it's obvious she feels bad for him. And Yunho wishes she wouldn't, because his relationship with his family has been strained for as long as he can remember. And at least in this world, he's free to do all that he pleases.

Mingi's eyes capture his when Yunho sits, and he inwardly sighs. Or do almost all that he pleases.

"You okay?" San asks him, resting his head on his palms. His dressing can't be any more different than Mingi's, his sky blue sweater clashing wildly with Mingi's monochrome outfit. San's happy desposition even differs from Mingi's sullen, inscrutable features.

"Yes, I am fine," Yunho lies, because while physically he may be more than okay, his emotions are unstable, a catastrophic mess of confusion and hurt.

San also seems to realize this, because some of his smile vanishes. Yunho doesn't like it and searches for a way to change the topic.

"About your dreams, San, do you still experience the same thing you did on Saturday?"

At this, San's smile disappears completely, an abashed expression soon taking over his features. He rubs his neck, while Mingi watches him, something like concern in his gaze.

Yunho wishes more than anything that Mingi would just look at him like that.

"I don't think I did. Um," San clears his throat. "I haven't transported or anything. At least, not to my knowledge."

He and Mingi share a look that Yunho is lost on, and once again he is reminded of how much of an outsider he really is.

Gia then brings in the sandwiches and tea, Mingi leaves the table, and Yunho loses his appetite, hating how much power this human has over him.

"Did something happen between you guys?" Is what San asks as soon as Gia leaves too.

Yunho blinks, caught off-guard. "W-What?"

"It's just..." San sighs, "it's something I noticed since Monday. Things felt really awkward when you were both in the same room. Things still feel awkward, if I'm being honest."

We kissed. Yunho gulps, a plethora of images from that night filling his mind's eye like a slideshow that just wouldn't end. He can still feel Mingi's hands in his hair, still feel his lips moving against his, hot and passionate and addictive. The way he felt when Mingi pressed their bodies together isn't something he'll ever forget for as long he lives.

"Yunho?" San sounds worried.

"I'm fine, San. Really," Yunho responds, sipping the black tea. The heat soothes his chest, its familiar taste comforting his senses. "No need to trouble yourself over me."

"I'm not troubling myself over you," San admits. "You're my friend, Yunho, and I care about you."

"Friend?" Yunho doesn't know why that word in particular affects him more than it needs to.

San nods. "Yeah. We are friends, aren't we?"

"...Yes, we are." Yunho tries taking another sip of tea, but the annoying lump in his throat doesn't want to give way. All of a sudden, swallowing seems like an unattainable feat as something wet and warm stings the back of his eyes.

"Oh Yunho..." San speaks, tone leaden with sympathy. "You aren't okay, are you?"

This simple question is more than enough to send a tear rolling down Yunho's cheek. Before he realizes what's happening, more tears start to trickle down.

Immediately, San dashes to his side, arms warm and secure around him when he holds him close.

"It's okay, Yunho. You got me," San reassures while the taller tries wiping off his tears, all to no avail. "You got me."

Footsteps approach, followed by a shocked gasp.

"What's going on?" It's Gia, the woman wide-eyed.

"Need some tissues," San utters, since Yunho really can't talk right now. In fact, he's all choked up on his tears, gripping onto San's arms like a vice.

Gia acts accordingly, bringing a box of tissues in no time. It's nothing short of embarrassing how Yunho's breaking down before these people, knowing very well how much he'd be reprimanded and looked down on if his father the king ever saw him like this.

"There, there, it's gonna be okay," Gia says, drying his cheeks with some tissues. Her touch is tender and considerate -- motherly. It reminds Yunho all too well of the nights spent at his mother's side, the woman telling him exciting stories of her childhood and more.

Yunho sniffs, and San holds him tighter like he's trying to ground him. Trying to let him know he isn't alone. "T-Thank you."

"No need to thank us, Yunho," Gia says with a shake of the head. "Mingi, honey, would you please get Yunho some water? He needs it right now."

Mingi? Yunho's pulse is erratic when said male walks past him to the fridge, opening it up in no time. Once he gets a bottle of water, he turns, his face unreadable for the most part. His jaw's clenched, however, as if he's holding himself back from something.

Yunho drowns further in his embarrassment when Mingi passes him the bottle, sniffing again so he won't risk getting all disgustingly snotty in front of the male. Ynita please help me.

He soon takes a sip, its iciness cooling the warmth on his face. He wipes away another tear, and San rubs his shoulder.

"Feeling better now?" The boy asks.

"Yeah."

"That's good," Gia says. "Now, I won't ask about what prompted this, but I want you to know you can count on us, okay? I'm here to keep you safe. We're here to keep you safe."

"Thank you." Yunho means it. Sincerely.

"You're welcome, Yunnie," San smiles, and Yunho doesn't think he'll ever forget this, ever forget their kindness for as long as he's alive.

"You should eat." To Yunho's astonishment, it's Mingi that says this, his deep voice sending pleasant shivers underneath the elf's skin. "You wouldn't want to get hungry."

"Yep, Mingi's right," Gia adds. "And I made the sandwich with love, so not eating it would feel like a massive, massive rejection. No offense, though."

Yunho chuckles, an airy sound that betrays how tired he is. He can't help but glance at Mingi once more, his heartbeat quickening when the other male is staring too. He shivers when Mingi abruptly looks away and rubs his nose, for once seeming regretful.

San lets Yunho go so the elf can eat, then busies himself with his phone so he won't feel self conscious when he's eating. Mingi on the other hand follows his aunt to the kitchen, the two of them talking about something Yunho can't hear.

"Did you do the writing assignment Ms Jang tasked?" San questions after a moment, intent on making Yunho feel as normal as possible. "The halloween-themed one she gave us on Monday? Cause it's kinda kicking my ass."

"Language," Gia comments from the kitchen, but her tone is playful. "So damn vulgar."

"But you just swore," San exclaims, while Yunho continues chewing on the sandwich, trying not to think about his and Mingi's kiss for the nth time.

"I'm an adult, and adults have their privileges."

"I'm eighteen, but alright, ma'am."

"Brat."

Yunho feels eyes on him again, knowing who it's from even before looking up. Mingi's always doing this, and even though Yunho knows he shouldn't, this only succeeds at making him want Mingi all the more.

• • •

"And he shoots, he scores," Jongho yells from the back, sounding rather excitedly despite the fact that Yunho's managed to steal the ball from him the fourth time this afternoon, securing a score once he dunks the ball through the hoop.

Yunho sighs as the ball bounces off the squeaky clean tiles of the school's indoor basketball court, shifting away the hair that gets in his eyes.

"You're really good, you know that right?" Jongho says, hands on his hips. His black shirt's been rolled over his shoulders, his arms coated in a light sheen of sweat.

Yunho nods, heading to the bleachers for his bottle of water. The area reminds him of the palace's assembly room, and his mood sours as he remembers the reason he's here in the first place.

"It's a shame you don't wanna join the team, though," Jongho continues, sitting next to him.

"I'm not that good," Yunho answers, staring down at his lap. The difference between his and Jongho's bodies is clear as day, his moon-touched elven blood handling him an almost unhealthy paleness that won't ever go away.

Jongho bumps their shoulders together. "Nah, give yourself some credit my dude. You rock."

Having spent enough time with Jongho to easily translate his frequent use of 'slang', Yunho smiles. "Thanks, I guess."

Jongho laughs, his gummy smile betraying just how young he is. It reminds Yunho of his brother, of how he used to smile in the past before their mother's passing changed him.

"What're you thinking about?" Jongho questions. "Is it about the fact that you're missing out on the best offer in the history of offers?"

"I can assure you, I'm not."

"Touché," Jongho chuckles. He rakes a hand through his black hair, his many ear piercings glinting in the light. It's something not all that common where Yunho's from but one the southern elven kingdom has in spades. "I like it, though."

Yunho watches him. "Like what?"

"How you're honest. I can tell you listen to your heart," Jongho reveals, staring off into the distance. "That's what's so likeable about you, Yunho. People can tell you're authentic. That you aren't afraid to be yourself."

"I'm not." And Yunho's telling the truth as he's hiding an integral part of himself from Jongho this very moment. "I'm not myself right now."

"And why do you feel that way?"

Maybe it's the fact that Yunho cried his heart out only this morning. Maybe it's because that the one person he likes so fucking much is always so out of reach from him. Because at that second, it gets easier to admit his troubles to the male beside him.

"I can't do the things that I want to with the person I want," Yunho says, fists clenched. "It's always so difficult knowing where I stand with them, but I still like them. So...so it hurts more when they push me away."

Jongho stays silent for a bit, all contemplative. "...I think I'm in a similar situation, actually," he confesses. "They don't always give me the time of day even through I crave their attention."

Yunho's interest is piqued, relieved that Jongho, his friend, can relate to him. "Really?"

"Mhm. But when that happens, I just give them some space, so I don't pressure them too much. Eventually, they come around, because they love me and want me to be happy."

Yunho soaks up the male's words like a sponge, internally repeating it to himself for good measure. "Does it work?"

"It works. Sunshine always comes around in the end, even though it's because of treats more than half the time."

Yunho blinks. "Sunshine?"

"My puppy. She's an aggravating little thing, but I love her so much," Jongho grins, and just like that Yunho realizes that they're both talking about very different things.

"But really -- " Jongho adds, nudging Yunho's side. "Just be as you are right now: authentic. I'm sure this person of yours will come around."

He really hopes so. Yunho rolls up his sleeves, a way to keep his hands busy. "Thank you."

"No problem, Yun. Up for another round?"

"I think I'm going to head home now," Yunho replies, grabbing his things. "Do you have any other person to play with?"

"It's more fun with you. Easier," Jongho replies, his grin a little dimmer now. He stands with Yunho, and pats his back. "Got practice soon anyway. I hope you and your person sort things out."

Yunho releases a small smile. "Thanks."

"You're welcome. See you tomorrow." Jongho takes the discarded basketball, and waves at him as he exits.

Yunho makes it to school gates before he halts in his tracks, because in front of him is Mingi, the male absentmindedly playing with his bag's straps. He's staring off into the distance, the orange sky giving his face a soft peach glow. It clashes with his eye decoration, but works so well at the same time.

Swallowing thickly, Yunho walks up to him.

"...Hey," he begins, his voice instantly gaining Mingi's attention. "Are you...waiting for San?"

Mingi's jaw tenses as he chews his lip. Yunho hates how he's drawn to it. "San left a while ago, actually."

Yunho's surprised. "Oh."

"I was waiting for you," Mingi goes on, shuffling on his feet. He looks all fidgety, like he's readying himself to get rejected.

"Waiting for me?" Yunho dumbly repeats, but he can't help how rapidly his heart is beating.

Mingi zips open his bag and pulls out this golden rectangular box. His fingers lightly tremble as he opens it, displaying a multitude of what appears to be...small bears stationed inside plastic. Only, they're not alive, and they smell quite nice. Like cocoa.

"You can take some if you want," Mingi says, peering up at him through his lashes.

"Oh."

"You're not allergic to nuts, are you?"

Yunho has no idea what that means. "...No?"

"Then take some."

Yunho listens, sweetness enveloping his entire mouth once he bites into the three bears he chooses. A little awkward, he clears his throat. "It's good."

"I know." Mingi shuts the box, gaze avoiding Yunho's. "We should get going."

Yunho nods, following suit after Mingi as they descend the steps and cross the road. They're both silent for a couple minutes, right until Yunho can't take it anymore.

He trudges forward on the sidewalk, only stopping once they're side by side. "Mingi."

Mingi stops walking.

"Why are you doing this?" Yunho asks, his voice shaky in the wind. He wraps his arms around himself, hating how vulnerable he feels right now. How vulnerable Mingi makes him feel. "Is it because you felt bad for me earlier? Because...because you pitied me?"

Mingi's breath hitches. "I don't pity you."

"Then tell me why you're suddenly so nice to me after you ignored me after what happened that night -- "

"Let's not talk about this here," Mingi interrupts, staring right at Yunho. His gaze is sharp, intense. "Okay?"

He starts moving again, only for Yunho to grab him by the arm.

"No," Yunho says. "I want you to tell me why you're being like this. Why you... kissed me."

Mingi's eyes dart everywhere, features relaxing when their surroundings are free of people. Yunho wishes it didn't bother him as much as it does right then.

Mingi then faces him. "I don't wanna talk about this right now, Yunho."

"I knew it," Yunho whispers, unable to control how rough his voice sounds. How hurt. "You're nice just because you pity me."

Mingi's jaw clenches, and when their eyes meet, Yunho sees it as clear as day. He's guilty. "I don't pity you, Yunho. And I'm sorry."

Yunho's grip loosens on Mingi's arm. "For what?"

"I'm sorry for kissing you."

Yunho looks down, not knowing what to say.

"And I'm sorry for pretending nothing ever happened for days afterwards," Mingi adds, tone nothing less than remorseful. "I'm so fucking sorry, Yunho."

It's unfair how pretty Mingi looks right then, the late afternoon sun making him appear all golden and unreal.

"What are you trying to say?" Yunho asks.

Mingi is quiet for some seconds, biting his bottom lip. Then he jerks his head towards the bus stop in the distance. "Follow me."

Yunho is drowning in confusion and hurt, but does as Mingi asks anyway. They soon enter the bus, the shorter heading for the seat at the very back. Yunho follows, and once he sits, Mingi glances out the window.

Yunho figures Mingi isn't going to give him a real answer, so he places his bag on his lap and prepares to overthink for the rest of the ride.

Only...something warm engulfs his hand right then, sliding through the gaps between his fingers. Yunho looks down, unable to breathe when he spots Mingi's hand in his. The shorter's hand isn't that soft, his fingers are painted black and there are a few marks lining his palms and wrists -- like scars -- but it fits just right, perfect enough for him.

It's perfect enough simply because it's Mingi.

So Yunho doesn't mind that Mingi keeps looking through that window, because now he's a little more sure of the human's feelings for him.

Even if it isn't definite, and Yunho doesn't know what the future holds for them, right now this is more than okay for him.