Archive of Our Own

When Joshua and Seokmin broke up, it felt like the end of the world. 

Well— for Seokmin it did. Joshua seemed okay, for the most part. He put on a sad face for Seokmin, said that they should, “Stay friends, because that’s what we were always meant to be, don’t you think?” and exited stage left. 

It took Seokmin a good week to gather the strength to get out of bed. Another month to leave the house. Three to show up to friend group functions again. To face Joshua for the first time. 

Ironically, that very first gathering Seokmin braved post-breakup was the same one Joshua brought his brand new boyfriend to. 

To classify that night as awkward would be a gross understatement. 

“Seokmin!” Joshua said, his eyes wide with surprise— absolutely full of pity. “I didn’t know you’d be here! You’ve been pretty scarce!” He laughed awkwardly. 

“Well, I’ve been busy with work,” Seokmin lied. It felt like he had gotten stabbed in the stomach in the middle of Seungkwan’s living room, choking up blood and keeling over, the whole nine. In reality, he was standing there, perfectly still, being super normal. 

Joshua looked at him like he didn’t believe him, but he didn’t press it. He finally mentioned the man on his arm. “Seokminnie, this is Wonwoo— my boyfriend.” 

“Nice to meet you,” Wonwoo smiled, holding out his hand for Seokmin to shake. “I’ve heard a lot about you!” 

Seokmin shook his hand, and laughed awkwardly loudly. “About how good I am in bed, I’m sure,” he said. 

Wonwoo didn’t flinch, so, that’s something. Joshua tsked, “Seokmin—” 

“Sorry. Just trying to keep the mood up!” Seokmin shoved his hands into his pockets as soon as Wonwoo dropped his hold. “Soonyoung asked me to cut his hair, so I’m gonna—” He jerked his thumb over his shoulder. “Go do that.” 

Soonyoung hadn’t asked Seokmin to cut his hair, and Seokmin definitely wasn’t qualified, but it was the only excuse he could think of on the fly as he was bleeding out all over Seungkwan’s fancy Persian rug. 

That night, Soonyoung left Seungkwan and Hansol’s place with uneven bangs, and Seokmin left with a hole straight through his chest, right where his heart should be. 

Four months after that, Seokmin logged into Facebook to see photos of Wonwoo on one knee, and Joshua with a ring on his finger. 

The same day Joshua got engaged to another man, Seokmin got so wine drunk that he couldn’t remember his own name, and he promised himself that he would get over his ex-boyfriend— Seungkwan and Soonyoung cheering him on. 

Seokmin is a goal-oriented person. He likes reaching for specific things, and achieving them— so, telling himself he’d have a date for Joshua’s wedding didn’t seem too far out of question. He could prove to himself, and everyone else, that he was over it. Over Joshua, and his beautiful smile, and pretty hands. Damn him. He’s nearly perfect. A nearly perfect man. 

One year and two months after the breakup, just one month before the wedding, Seokmin found himself, once again, wine-drunk, and sad, and painfully single. 

Was he over Joshua? Sure— like, ninety percent over him— but he figured there was no way he was going to meet his goal with those stats. 

“Just ask someone to go with you and pretend for a night,” Soonyoung slurred from his place opposite Seokmin on the couch. “It’ll be fine. Then you can stop worrying about it.” 

“That’s so pathetic—” Seokmin hiccuped. “I can’t get a date naturally? God, this is probably why he broke up with me. I’m unlovable!” 

Soonyoung jammed his heel into Seokmin’s stomach, and Seokmin groaned. 

“Look— you just need to show Shua that you’re doing well without him. He’s worried about you, too, so this will make him stop paying such close attention.”

“Who would I even ask?” Seokmin whined. “I don’t know anyone he doesn’t know.” 

Soonyoung grinned. “Remember, like, six months ago, when we met Wonwoo’s ex-high school sweetheart at his birthday party? Super hot. Tall. Muscular…” 

“Soonyoung— no.” 

In all fairness— Seokmin placed the call when he was way too wine-drunk to remember his own name. And, he doesn’t remember much of it, but he remembers Mingyu saying, “Yeah, I know who you are—” and also, “Sounds fun.” Which is enough information for Seokmin to determine that Mingyu must be a sociopath or something else equally unsavory. 

Seriously, what kind of freak agrees to attend their ex-boyfriend’s wedding with the ex-boyfriend of their ex-boyfriend’s new boyfriend? It’s borderline criminal. 

But, Seokmin didn’t contact Mingyu in the four weeks directly preceding the drunken mistake to call it off. Not at all. 

Actually, he responded to Mingyu’s text that said, Do you know what color suit you’re wearing? I want to make sure we’re somewhat coordinated, and told him the exact shade of emerald he’d be wearing to his ex-boyfriend’s wedding. And then they bantered back and forth for a little bit about how stupid the dress code on the invitation is (Formal, but no black or white. If you wear black or white, you will not be allowed in) and Seokmin still didn’t call it off. 

The closest he gets to calling it off is when he’s standing on the curb outside his apartment, all dressed and ready to go, waiting for Mingyu to arrive. He pulls up Mingyu’s contact, and his thumb hovers over the call button— and then a cherry-red Jeep pulls up to the curb, and it’s much too late to stop the shitshow. Seokmin has missed his chance to find his sanity before the first note plays. 

Mingyu rolls down his window, one arm hooked outside, smiling brightly, and Seokmin realizes just how fucked he is. 

Really, Seokmin only met Mingyu once before. It was at Wonwoo’s birthday party back in July, in Joshua’s apartment. Seokmin was too busy staring at the couch where he and Joshua shared their first kiss to think about much else— but then Soonyoung started rapidly smacking his shoulder and telling him to look at your five o’ clock. (Mingyu was at Seokmin’s seven o’ clock, but Soonyoung tried.) 

It’s impossible to ignore how Mingyu looks. He’s tall, and dangerously handsome, and his canine teeth are pointy enough to make his already gorgeous smile all the more perfect. His eyes are lively, and he clearly works out, and he’s definitely way out of Seokmin’s league. Like— eons out of it. 

Seokmin immediately filed that one away as a never gonna happen. He was already punching up with Joshua— and obviously that one didn’t work out. 

If Soonyoung could hear Seokmin’s inner dialogue right now, he’d say something idiotic like, “Did Shua really tank your self confidence that much? That’s depressing. Do I need to fuck you to get it back up?” and Seokmin would consider it for two seconds, because he’s lonely and horny, before deciding that he definitely shouldn’t sleep with his best friend. Again. 

That’s how this started, and Seokmin doesn’t want to be bringing a fake boyfriend to Soonyoung’s wedding next year because he’s unable to keep his heart safe whenever he gets close to anyone. He’s easy to fall, and easier to break. It’s a bad combination. 

Joshua and Seokmin had been getting closer for about six months before they kissed. And Joshua kissed Seokmin, not the other way around. He kissed Seokmin, and said, “Don’t you ever… wonder?” and Seokmin had, in fact, been wondering. 

So, they tried it. For six months they tried it, and Seokmin fell in love, and Joshua didn’t, apparently, and— well— now Seokmin is standing on the curb in front of Joshua’s new boyfriend’s ex to go to Joshua’s wedding— which, at one point, he definitely thought he would be an active participant in (read, the groom). It’s fine. 

“You look great!” Mingyu says, eyes dragging up and down Seokmin’s body. He isn’t even shy about it— it’s very brazen. Seokmin kind of wants to melt into the pavement. 

“You don’t have to start complimenting me now, we’re not pretending yet,” Seokmin grumbles, rolling his eyes. 

Mingyu’s face pinches up, head cocking like a confused puppy. “I wasn’t pre—” he starts, but he doesn’t finish. He waves his hand. “There’s an extra hanger in the back for your jacket. It’ll take us an hour and a half to get there.” 

Seokmin huffs. He can feel a blush crawling up his cheeks, but he refuses to acknowledge it— shucking off his jacket and hanging it in the back as instructed, right next to Mingyu’s burgundy one. Good thing Mingyu told him to, or Seokmin wouldn’t have even thought about it, and he’d look like a dork with a wrinkled suit at the wedding. His bag lands sadly on the seat next to Mingyu’s. 

Mingyu is smiling again when Seokmin gets into the passenger’s. He waits for Seokmin to close the door, and buckle in, and then he says, “Ready?” all cheerfully. 

“Ready as I can be,” Seokmin tries his best to return a smile, but he’s pretty sure it comes off pained. 

The beginning of their drive is a little awkward. Mingyu navigates through the compact city streets, trying to follow his GPS to the highway. Seokmin adjusts the ruffles on his blouse, wondering if it’s too much. Seungkwan promised him it’s not too much, but, it’s Seungkwan, so… 

“Alright!” Mingyu says once they’re on the road, smooth sailing. “So— tell me about yourself.” 

“That’s really how you’re going to go about this?” Seokmin shoots him a look.

“How else? I figure we might as well start at the beginning.” 

Seokmin’s eyes follow the line of Mingyu’s arm to the steering wheel. His biceps are pressing against his dress shirt— bulging out. Oh, hell. Seokmin needs water. “Uh,” he says awkwardly. ”I’m a high school history teacher. I’m twenty-eight, and Joshua Hong broke up with me fifteen months ago.” 

Mingyu’s brow wrinkles slightly. “Are you really tying your identity to Josh breaking up with you?” 

“Josh,” Seokmin mocks lightly. That’s what Wonwoo calls Joshua sometimes. Josh. “No— I’m over him— It just felt relevant for the current situation. How about you? Why do you want to get back at Wonwoo?” 

“Eh,” Mingyu shrugs. “It’s not like I want to get back at him— it’s just— well…” he trails off, frowning a bit. He huffs. “Okay, so, I kinda wanna get back at him a little bit. We broke up a long time ago, and we’re still really good friends— but, he really screwed my life up when he dumped me! We lived together!” 

“Oof,” Seokmin lets out a low whistle. 

“Yeah!” Mingyu agrees, gaining energy as he goes. “Like, he’s a year older, obviously, so it was his apartment, technically, and it was fair for me to move out— but, like, I was twenty-two, and we’d been together for six years— it was just kind of shitty. It’s fine, I’m over it. I’m doing well now— but, the chance to mess with him a bit is just… too good to pass up.” Mingyu beams. His pointy canines are really… so cute, in Seokmin’s opinion. “And, you sounded super desperate over the phone.” 

“I was super drunk!” 

“Still sounded desperate. And, you obviously weren’t desperate enough to call it off afterwards, so…” Mingyu purses his lips, eyebrows raising. 

Seokmin sighs. He flips down the overhead mirror to fix his already meticulously arranged hair. Flips it back up. “I’m not pathetic.” 

Mingyu makes a surprised, offended expression. “I never said that you are!” 

“I just promised myself that I’d have a date to the wedding, and I like to follow through on my promises to myself.” 

“That’s a good standard to live by.” 

“Mhm.” Seokmin nods resolutely. More sure of himself. “I think my friends don’t believe that I’m over him. Like— they give me looks, you know? Like I’m a kicked puppy they need to take care of.” 

“God, I know that feeling.” Mingyu blows out a long breath. “After Wonwoo dumped me, it was like that for, like, two years. I was taking time to myself— because I’d just left a six year relationship— but everyone was acting like I was moping.” 

“Exactly!” Seokmin perks up. “Except— I only dated Shua for six months.” 

“Oh!” Mingyu blinks. “Well, that’s okay too. Some people know they’re in love right away. It happens.” He offers Seokmin a shy smile. Seokmin hates that. 

“Why did Wonwoo dump you?” Seokmin turns it back on Mingyu to get some of the heat off himself. Mingyu laughs, which is nice of him, even if he doesn’t mean it. 

“We wanted different things. We got into a routine, and he realized that we’d grown up, and we weren’t the same people we were when we were kids— and it just kind of fell apart.” Mingyu shrugs. “It happens. Again— we’re still friends.” 

“Joshua dumped me because he thinks we’re better as friends,” Seokmin blurts. He stares straight ahead at the road afterwards. Refusing to turn to Mingyu. 

“Oof,” Mingyu says. “I’m sorry.” 

“It happens,” Seokmin echoes, though he sounds more bitter about it. 

They lapse into stilted silence again until Mingyu clears his throat. “I’m twenty-eight, too. I’m an actuary—” 

“An actuary?” Seokmin interrupts. “That’s a real job?” 

Mingyu lets out a laugh. “Yes! It’s very real! I do it every day! It makes good money!”

“I’m sure it does. No one wants to do math that much.” 

“Shut up,” Mingyu whines. “I like math. I’m good at it.” 

“Okay, this might lower your datability by a few points, actually,” Seokmin fiddles with the radio, trying to find a station that isn’t mostly static. “Maybe you’re closer to my league than I thought.” 

“Huh?” Mingyu makes that same confused puppy face again. 

Seokmin ignores him. “Let’s stay on track. How are we saying we met?” 

“I think we should just modify the truth,” Mingyu says. “Like— say we hit it off at Wonwoo’s birthday— and we’ve both been keeping it pretty down low, because we didn’t want it to be a big deal.” 

“Sure.” 

“We can say we’ve been together for seven months… if that helps… One month more than six.” 

“Wow, there’s that math you’re talking about,” Seokmin jokes weakly. 

He chews on his bottom lip. Seven months. Seven months ago, he was making a promise to himself that he’d have a date to Joshua’s wedding— and that he’d be over him by the time today rolled around. He’s at half of a date, and ninety-six percent over him— so, that’s something.  

“Alright, sure.” Seokmin nods. He doesn’t mention that seven months would be his longest relationship ever, because usually people get tired of him around month six. He doesn’t mention that he’s been in love, like, five times, and he’s pretty sure only one of his exes was ever actually in love with him. He doesn’t say any of that. 

“Perfect,” Mingyu says cheerfully. Then he has the audacity to wink. “So, we hit it off— and then I charmed you— convinced you to give me a shot— and it stuck. Easy.” 

“Are you sure anyone is going to believe that?” Seokmin winces. 

“Yeah. Why wouldn’t they?” 

“I don’t know,” Seokmin lies breezily. Maybe because you’re way too perfect for me? “Soonyoung already knows we’re faking it, by the way— which means Seungkwan already knows— just a heads up.” 

“Okay. No one knows that I’m doing this. It’ll be a fun surprise.” 

Seokmin takes a deep breath. “Wow. I cannot wait.” 

“Don’t sound too excited, Seokminnie— I might pee myself.” 

“What the hell is wrong with you?” 

Both of them break into laughter after that, and for the first time all day, Seokmin feels like maybe he’ll survive this without dying a sudden and violent death. 

༝༚

The venue Joshua picked is a rustic farmhouse attached to a more established bed and breakfast. It’s quaint, and quiet, and perfectly classy, just like Joshua. 

Seokmin has no doubt that Wonwoo contributed little to the actual decision making. Joshua always knows exactly what he wants, and Wonwoo always seems perfectly happy to be agreeable. 

If Seokmin were a party to a wedding, he’d have just as many opinions as Joshua. Maybe that’s why they were destined to fail. Or, maybe Joshua just didn’t like him all that much. That’s fine too. 

Mingyu parks in the back corner of the lot, kicking up a light jog to open Seokmin’s door for him. Seokmin doesn’t say anything, but he so badly wants to make fun of Mingyu. Mingyu looks at him so innocently, though, all smiley and sweet, so he keeps his mouth shut. Mingyu opens the back door and pulls Seokmin’s jacket off the hanger for him, holding it out so Seokmin can slide it on one arm at a time. Does his own right after. 

There’s a bit of shuffling around before they’re good to go. They have to check into the hotel portion of the place for their one night stay— separate rooms, thankfully— and then meet back up in the lobby. Mingyu smells different when he comes back down. Like he’s put on some fancy cologne. 

Seokmin must wrinkle his nose, because Mingyu gives him a sheepish smile. “Sorry, I didn’t want to put it on before we got in the car in case you’re sensitive to smells.” 

What a considerate, gentlemanly thing to do. Seokmin cannot believe Mingyu is real. He just huffs, straightens his jacket. “So, we should, like, hold hands, right?” 

“Whatever makes you most comfortable,” Mingyu hums. “I’m good with anything. Just act how you normally would with a date.” 

Seokmin blinks. He’s never had a date to a wedding before that isn’t Seungkwan or Soonyoung. He just laughs, and waves Mingyu off like he’s a seasoned pro. Says, “I know that, silly.” 

“O—kay,” Mingyu’s nose wrinkles, still smiling. 

He holds out his hand for Seokmin to take. Seokmin stares at it for an awkwardly long time before committing. He slots their fingers together— his long, bony ones through Mingyu’s thick, strong ones. They’re a nice compliment to each other, actually. Mingyu’s hands are warm and soft. He squeezes Seokmin— a small reassurance. 

“Okay,” Seokmin nods. His nerves dull just a little bit with Mingyu holding onto him. “Do I look alright? We look okay together, right?” 

“Seokmin,” Mingyu says very seriously. “We look perfect.” 

“Well don’t you two just look like Christmastime!” Seungkwan coos as soon as he sees them. 

Seokmin and Mingyu had trekked outside, on their way to the grove where the ceremony space is set up, when they ran into Seungkwan and Hansol standing in the grass. Seungkwan waved like a madman until Seokmin dragged Mingyu over. 

“Oh my god, do we really?” Seokmin gasps, looking down at his green suit next to Mingyu’s burgundy. Seokmin feels a wave of horror, this is a disaster—

“No— Seokmin, it’s fine—” Seungkwan corrects hurriedly. He must have seen the fear on Seokmin’s face. “You look classy. Very well matched! You’re a handsome couple! How long have you been together?” He gives a very chalant wink. 

“Seven months,” Mingyu says automatically. Just as he practiced. 

Seungkwan whistles with an impressed look. “Very nice!” He finally turns to acknowledge his boyfriend on his arm— whacks Hansol’s chest and says, “Tell them they look great together, Hansollie.” 

Hansol blinks. “You two look great together,” he repeats with a big thumbs up. 

“Thanks, Hansol,” Seokmin grumbles. Hansol gives him a two-fingered salute. 

The sound of shoes on gravel announces Soonyoung’s arrival. He’s flying towards them at a borderline uncouth speed, wearing an insane, orange patterned suit that he insisted is in style, arms flailing around him. 

“Oh my god!” he says, eyes wide, clutching Seokmin’s arm tightly. He’s speaking directly to Seokmin, actually. “I am going to fuck Wonwoo’s best man.” 

“Ew, Soonyoung, no you’re not—” Seokmin tries to shake him off, but Soonyoung holds steady. 

“I am!” Soonyoung insists. “Look at him— unnnnnggg— he’s just my type!” he lifts one hand off Seokmin’s arm just to bite his own fist. The group of them turn to look down the grove to where some of Wonwoo’s friends are standing. 

“Which one is he?” Seungkwan squints. 

“In baby blue,” Mingyu provides. Seokmin almost forgot that he’s probably an expert on the subject. “His name is Chan.” 

“Oh my god, Mingyu, I didn’t even see you there—” Soonyoung shakes his head like he’s clearing it of fog. “Wow! You two actually went through with it— that’s crazy— and you look like Christmas! Fun!” 

Seokmin groans, willing the ground to open up and swallow him. Mingyu squeezes his hand gently. 

“What do you think my chances are?” Soonyoung asks. He shifts, letting go of Seokmin’s arm to attach to Mingyu’s instead. “Like, fifty? Seventy-five?” 

“With Chan?” Mingyu confirms, looking Soonyoung up and down. When Soonyoung nods, Mingyu says, “One hundred.” 

“Oh, fuck yeah!” Soonyoung shouts much too loudly. Some of Joshua’s elderly family members that are walking past give him a nasty look, but he doesn’t mind at all. He’s practically vibrating. “Oh my god, awesome. This is why I always bring condoms and lube to weddings. Weddings are great places to get laid. If any of you need condoms or lube, let me know—” 

Seungkwan steps across the gap between them and fastens his hand over Soonyoung’s mouth, effectively muffling his stream of consciousness. 

“Okay. You need to be muzzled in public places where people over the age of fifty are present,” Seungkwan whisper-shouts. 

“Five minutes to showtime, people!” someone who Seokmin can only assume is a wedding planner shouts as she runs by. 

Seungkwan sighs, releasing Soonyoung’s mouth and affixing himself back to Hansol’s arm. Soonyoung trots ahead— probably to try to get a good seat to stare at the best man’s ass from. Mingyu and Seokmin linger behind, a little slower.

“Don’t you want to say hi to your friends?” Seokmin asks quietly. 

“Eh. They’re not going anywhere.” 

Seokmin snorts. “Alright.” 

There’s a string quartet at the front of the aisle, playing light, pretty music. Another thing Seokmin is sure Joshua decided on. Seokmin and Mingyu file into a row after Seungkwan and Hansol, somewhere around the middle of the seats. 

Mingyu doesn’t stop holding Seokmin’s hand after they sit down. He catches Seokmin staring. Smiles out of the corner of his mouth. “I thought you’d appreciate the moral support.” 

Seokmin huffs, but he doesn’t move. 

The music kicks up about five minutes later, as promised. A classical rendition of some modern love song that Seokmin is sure has some disgustingly romantic and significant meaning to Joshua and Wonwoo. Honestly, Seokmin just feels a little sick. 

He’s well aware that it’s stupid. He’s well aware that he’s not in love with Joshua anymore. It just… stings. He’s green over never being the right choice. This event is like a carefully crafted dance to pull out each of his insecurities and make him deal with them one by one. 

The best men— Chan, and Jeonghan, Joshua’s college roommate— come first. They seem to be bickering even as they walk arm in arm. They’re the only wedding party, apparently. They split at the end of the aisle, pockets heavy with ring boxes. 

Wonwoo appears shortly after— on his father’s arm. He’s smiling brightly, dressed in white. Mingyu doesn’t wince like Seokmin is sure to do when Joshua appears. He smiles politely, and laughs when Wonwoo and his dad exchange a cutely awkward handshake at the end of the aisle. 

Everyone shifts again to watch Joshua walk next. Seokmin’s heart drops to the bottom of his chest. Joshua looks perfect. He’s in a matching white, his hair a bit longer than normal, softly curled around his ears. His mom looks at him like she’s endlessly proud— and she probably is. What isn’t there to be proud of? Joshua has met a handsome man who adores him, and who has a good, stable job. 

As expected, Seokmin winces anyway. Mingyu’s thumb runs over the top of Seokmin’s hand, a sad attempt at soothing him. 

Seokmin sort of dissociates for the rest of the ceremony. It’s beautiful, sure. Trees frame the arch Joshua and Wonwoo stand under, and the flowers are gorgeous. Having everyone dress in colors was a lovely decision, once the crowd is gathered. The weather is nice, and the sun is shining— because Joshua Hong would have bullied God if the weather wasn’t perfect for his day. 

At the end, Joshua and Wonwoo kiss, and everyone gets to their feet and cheers— including Seokmin. It’s the closing of a chapter, an opening of a new one— all sorts of cheesy shit like that. Seungkwan puts a hand between Seokmin’s shoulderblades and rubs his back encouragingly, and Mingyu slings his arm around Seokmin’s waist and hugs his hip. Seokmin just kind of wishes everyone would quit acting like he’s fragile. Mingyu doesn’t even know him, for god’s sake. 

After Joshua and Wonwoo escape for photos, everyone else is left to meander over to cocktail hour— set up on the back patio of the farmhouse. 

Groups naturally separate. Friends, family, etcetera. Seungkwan and Hansol get dragged into a conversation with some of Joshua’s cousins that they know, and Seokmin and Mingyu linger off to the side until Mingyu’s friends notice them and start hollering at them to come over. 

It’s slightly intimidating— but Seokmin has always been a people person. Five in total— Seokmin can handle meeting five people. He’s charismatic, god damnit, even if no one wants to marry him. Gathered around a table, sipping drinks as Mingyu and Seokmin sidle up, is a tall, lanky guy, standing next to Minghao, who Seokmin knows from Wonwoo’s birthday party — then Chan, the best man, and a short guy with the most beautiful woman Seokmin has ever seen on his arm. She towers over him in sky-high heels. 

Mingyu goes first, Seokmin lingering behind a bit. 

“Hey!” Chan grins— he’s got a show stopping smile— Soonyoung will love that. “I was wondering where you were hiding!” 

Mingyu laughs, reaching out to smack Chan’s hand and do that weird half-hug thing that straight men do. Seokmin sees it all the time in his classroom. When he’s free again, Mingyu turns and corrals Seokmin by his waist, raising his eyebrows expectantly at him before he turns to the group at large and announces, “Guys, I’d like to introduce you to Seokmin— my boyfriend—” 

“Oh!” the tall one blurts immediately. “You’re Joshua’s ex!” 

“Junhui!” Minghao scolds, his face going sour as he smacks Junhui’s arm. Then, with a placating smile, “Sorry, he has no filter.” 

“No, it’s alright—” Seokmin laughs weakly. “He’s right, so—” 

“No, you’re Mingyu’s boyfriend,” the short one interjects firmly. “Stand on that.” He nods seriously. Seokmin feels a little threatened, or something. 

“Okay, I’m… standing…” he says. 

“Well, okay— so— that’s Junhui,” Mingyu laughs, pointing to the tall one. He goes in a circle— “Minghao, Chan, Jihoon, Jungeun—” 

“Nice to meet you all!” Seokmin chirps, cheerfully as he can muster. 

“I love your suits, by the way,” Jungeun smiles. Seriously— she’s so gorgeous— Seokmin feels a little bit like a teenager. “Reminds me of rhubarb.” 

“Rhubarb,” Mingyu repeats. He looks at Seokmin like he’s asking for approval. If that’s better than Christmas. 

“Mhm.” Jungeun nods. 

That is, in fact, much better than Christmas. 

“I think I like you guys better than my friends,” Seokmin jokes. 

He gets big laughs, and everyone relaxes into whatever conversation they were having before. Mingyu gives Seokmin a not-so-subtle thumbs up and a bright grin. Seokmin holds back the roll of his eyes. 

༝༚

Whatever anxiety Seokmin had managed to diffuse returns full force when the wedding planner announces that the couple of honor will be arriving soon! 

A heavy pit in the bottom of his stomach opens, threatening to suck him in and destroy him. He downs two cocktails in quick succession just before the doors to the reception area open, and then slips out from under Mingyu’s arm to try to find a bathroom to hide in. 

His shined shoes creak against the wooden floors of the old house, hallway seemingly never ending. He looks through a couple of doors but finds only closets— fuck. 

Then he hears Joshua’s laugh echoing from somewhere down the way. Of course. Just his luck.

Seokmin goes to turn around, but ends up face planting right into Mingyu’s chest. 

“Woah—” Mingyu says, steadying him with hands on his hips. “Are you okay? You disappeared.” 

“I’m— fine,” Seokmin lies. He glances over his shoulder. 

“If you’re nervous about talking to them, we can do our best to avoid it— they’re going to be busy, anyway—” 

“It’s… I’m not—” Seokmin groans. “I’m not nervous to talk to them— that would be stupid—” One lie, one truth. He is nervous, and it is stupid. 

“Okay?” Mingyu’s brow wrinkles. He licks over his bottom lip, tongue leaving a bit of a shine in the center that Seokmin is definitely not looking at. “Are you sure? Because—” 

Behind them, a door opens. Seokmin panics. He drags Mingyu into the alcove for the nearest window, fisting his hands into the lapels of Mingyu’s suit jacket. He gives Mingyu a silent warning— just the widening of his eyes— before he yanks him in and kisses him. 

It’s clear that Mingyu is surprised, but he adapts well. He makes a little noise, but it easily melts into a hum. He bends down to meet Seokmin’s height, and Seokmin tips his head up. Mingyu’s hands are huge— one of them splayed against Seokmin’s lower back, tucked beneath his suit jacket, and the other finding his jaw, cupping his face and urging Seokmin to slow down with the press of his thumb on the hinge of Seokmin’s jaw. 

Seokmin slows after the initial shock. He takes a short breath between kisses, and then dives back in. Mingyu is a good kisser. Of course he is— he must be good at everything. Math. Dressing himself. Being hot. Kissing. 

Some people are just frustratingly perfect. 

He follows Seokmin’s lead— doesn’t pry open Seokmin’s mouth until Seokmin opens up for him all by himself. Then Mingyu hums, sliding their tongues together easily, hand on Seokmin’s back applying a bit more pressure. 

Seokmin feels hot all over. The low burn of a wildwire, almost. He nearly forgets why he kissed Mingyu in the first place. He wishes he could forget it entirely, actually, and just float away with this. Mingyu’s tongue in his mouth and his hands clutching Mingyu’s jacket, hanging on for dear life. 

Unfortunately, Seokmin’s life is very, very stupid. 

“Oh my god!” Joshua gasps. Then, when Seokmin and Mingyu break apart, flushed and disheveled, “Seokmin?” 

“Mingyu?” Wonwoo adds, his mouth opening and closing like a fish. 

The two grooms stand hand in hand, twin expressions of shock on their faces. 

“Um,” Seokmin blurts at the same time Mingyu says, “Good thing you guys still remember our names!” 

Seokmin pinches Mingyu’s arm as hard as he can, and Mingyu yelps before his bright smile returns. 

“Wow!” Joshua chokes out another laugh. He looks both of them up and down, lingering on Seokmin for a few seconds longer. “Well… We’re glad you could both make it— I just had no idea that you were…” He points between them, finger waving in the air. “Together!” 

Mingyu, very classily, wipes his mouth free of Seokmin’s spit with the back of his hand. He hooks an arm around Seokmin’s waist and tugs him in until they’re flush together, side by side. “Yep,” he says. He grins down at Seokmin like Seokmin hung the moon in the sky. It’s too blinding to look at dead on. “It’s actually been seven months now— right, baby?” 

Seokmin swallows the lump in his throat. He slides his hand into Mingyu’s back pocket, because he has no idea what else to do with his arms. “Yeah, just about.” 

“Really?” Wonwoo’s face scrunches up. He tilts his head a bit to one side, just like Mingyu does. Seokmin wonders how many mannerisms they share like that— spending so many formative years together. “You never mentioned it.” 

“I mean,” Mingyu laughs sheepishly. “Can you blame us? We didn’t want it to be a thing unless we were sure it would stick.” 

Seokmin nods along in agreement like a bobblehead. 

“Okay! Well—” Joshua is trying his best to sound positive. Seokmin can read him easily. He’s not jealous. Certainly not. He’s more annoyed. “The seating chart is…” 

Ah. There it is. Joshua’s control-freak tendencies coming out. Seokmin would usually let Joshua micromanage, because it was easier than dealing with the drama of changing things unless he had a strong opinion that something should be different. Then he’d push back, and Joshua would make things dramatic anyway. 

“It’s alright,” Wonwoo says diplomatically. He brings his and Joshua’s joined hands to his mouth to lay a kiss on the back of Joshua’s palm. “We can shuffle a few things around, no big deal.” 

Joshua immediately relaxes. He settles into a soft smile, going all gooey next to Wonwoo. Seokmin was never able to make him do that. “We can figure it out,” Joshua says cooly. “I hope you guys enjoy the dinner— the food is great.” 

“I’m sure we will,” Mingyu says. 

“If you’re not already full from sucking face,” Wonwoo adds. 

“Wonu—” Joshua scolds lightly, but his lips are curved up into a little smile. 

“What! I’m looking out for them!” Wonwoo beams. He pushes his glasses up his nose, and gives Mingyu and Seokmin a cheeky wink before turning to keep walking. “Stay safe, kids!” he calls, dragging Joshua with him. Joshua gives them both a goofy little wave, following behind Wonwoo. 

Mingyu waits for them to disappear around the corner before he turns to Seokmin. Smiles like a dork. “That went great!” 

“Did it?” Seokmin narrows his eyes. 

“I think yes.” 

“I think you’re toxically positive.” 

Mingyu sticks his tongue out at Seokmin, and then giggles as he starts walking away, hands in his pockets. 

Seokmin takes a deep breath, and forces it out, fists clenched at his sides, and then he kicks off the floor to hurry and catch up with Mingyu. 

༝༚

True to his word, Joshua shuffles some things around. He switches Chan and Seokmin’s seats (much to Soonyoung’s delight) so that Seokmin and Mingyu are seated together.

Joshua’s friends are at one end of the long banquet table, and Wonwoo’s at the other— just with Chan and Seokmin switched. The entirety of Joshua’s lesbian book club is on the other side of the table, which Seokmin is slightly miffed about, because he really wanted to hear about Jinsol and Sooyoung’s trip to Iceland— but— alas. He’s stuck between Mingyu and Jihoon’s incredibly stunning girlfriend. 

The food is, as Joshua promised, good. A three course, plated dinner with a selection of Joshua and Wonwoo’s favorite wines. 

The entire time they’re eating, Mingyu’s arm is slung around Seokmin’s chair, or his hand is resting on Seokmin’s thigh as he laughs and talks to his friends. Seokmin loosens up a bit as he drains his glass of wine, his head buzzing slightly. He leans a bit more into Mingyu’s side, warm and solid. 

Mingyu is a good guy— that’s what Seokmin has determined. He’s here with Seokmin because Seokmin sounded desperate, but he hasn’t mentioned it besides that. He’s played his part dutifully. Held Seokmin’s hand, and kept him close. He keeps smiling at Seokmin whenever he catches Seokmin staring— and he’s attentive to whenever Seokmin’s drink needs to be refilled. 

When Seokmin was with Joshua, their dynamic was a bit of push and pull. Most of the time, it felt like Seokmin was chasing Joshua— which was fine, and good, but Seokmin thinks he likes this better. He likes being doted on a bit, even if it’s just for a night. Even if Mingyu is hamming it up for their friends, he’s still doing a good job of it. Seokmin likes having a perfect boyfriend, even if it’s just for today. 

“And what’s with the dress code? I had to go rent this fucking suit because everything I own is black,” Jihoon tsks, shaking his head. 

“I know, right?” Mingyu commiserates. His hand is still on Seokmin’s thigh, creeping a bit closer to the inside naturally. Seokmin is having to try very hard to stop his legs from spreading further. “It’s like a pride parade threw up in here.”  

“We are— quite literally— all gay,” Minghao says. 

Jihoon raises his hand. “I’m not gay.” 

Minghao rolls his eyes. “We are— quite literally— all gay except for Jihoon.” 

Seokmin laughs, and Jungeun reaches over and pinches Jihoon’s cheek— which he tolerates for her only, because the second Junhui tries the same thing he almost gets his hand bitten off. 

Jeonghan and his husband, Seungcheol, are seated between the two groups of friends, a bit of a meeting of the groups. It’s Jeonghan that turns to Seokmin— locks in on him— and asks, “So, Seokminnie, how did you and Mingyu get together? I didn’t know you were seeing anyone.” 

The man has always been a bit evil. Seokmin doesn’t believe it to be out of true malice, but a mischievous spirit. His eyes dance as he asks— supremely pleased with himself. Incredibly nosy, too. 

“Well—” Seokmin starts, glancing over and Mingyu. 

Mingyu smiles at Seokmin like he’s in love (perfect boyfriend), and squeezes his thigh, jumping in and taking over— “We met back at Wonwoo’s birthday party… hit it off—” Mingyu laughs like he’s incredibly fond— “I charmed him— it took me a bit, but I convinced him to give me a shot— and it stuck. The rest is history.” 

“Awww,” Minghao coos, setting his chin in his hand. “Mingoo, our big puppy— I’m sure it was love at first sight.” 

“Absolutely,” Mingyu doesn’t hesitate. He looks at Seokmin again, catching his eyes, studying his face, and then adds, “I mean— look at him.” 

“I love love!” Jungeun raises her glass for a cheers, everyone else following behind. 

Seokmin’s hand shakes a little bit, and his brain is still stuck on the way Mingyu looked at him— almost like he wanted to eat him. Like he meant what he said. 

He wonders if Mingyu has ever taken an acting class. He’s really good— it’s really got in here. 

Seokmin downs his second glass of wine, the tipsiness hitting him just as the lights dim, for Wonwoo and Joshua’s first dance. The middle of the room is cleared for a dance floor, and one of Joshua’s cousins is controlling the music from a little setup in the corner. It’s charming. Cute. The dance is romantic, and everything is fine. Seokmin feels a little sick again. 

He gets up, excusing himself to the bathroom and grabbing Seungkwan on his way. He doesn’t bother with interrupting Soonyoung— he’s too wrapped up in what looks like an incredibly horny conversation with Wonwoo’s best man. 

“Are you alright?” Seungkwan asks as soon as they’re locked in a stall. “How’s Mingyu?” 

“Those are two vastly different questions, Seungkwan.” 

Seungkwan pouts. “Well! I want the answer to both!” 

Seokmin takes a deep breath, sagging against the stall wall. “I’m— fine— and Mingyu is— perfect— and it’s fucking with my head.” 

“Oh no,” Seungkwan’s eyes go wide. 

“Oh no what?” 

“You could totally fall in love with him, couldn’t you?” 

Seokmin reaches out and punches Seungkwan in the shoulder. “Why would you say something like that! I wasn’t even thinking about that!” 

“Oh my god,” Seungkwan grabs Seokmin’s shirt and shakes him a little bit. “You totally could. This is great! You’re not even being weird about Shua, you’re being weird about your fake boyfriend!” 

“Can’t I be weird about both?!” 

Seungkwan laughs like a maniac, and then screams when someone starts banging on the stall door. 

“Guys—” Soonyoung begs. “Let me in!” 

Seokmin takes a tight breath and reaches over to unlock the door. Soonyoung bursts in, shutting and locking it behind him. “Oh my god, I’m going to marry the best man,” he says, completely sure of himself. 

“You just met him, Soonyoung—” Seokmin tries, but Soonyoung doesn’t care to let him finish. 

“So what? When you know you know. That’s how it goes—” 

“This is perfect,” Seungkwan says sagely. “Soonyoung is going to marry the best man, and Seokmin is going to marry his fake boyfriend.” 

“Oh! Are you really?” Soonyoung lights up. He shoves his hand in his pockets and comes out with a strip of condoms and a couple sachets of lube. “I knew you’d need this. Weddings are a great place to get laid.” 

“I do not need that, Seungkwan is delusional!” Seokmin tries to push him away, but Soonyoung is too fast. He’s already gotten everything into Seokmin’s pants and pulled back, hands raised innocently. 

“It’s okay to admit that your fake boyfriend is hot, Seokmin,” Seungkwan says slowly, running a hand up and down Seokmin’s arm. 

“I’m not arguing that he’s hot— that’s stupid! All of us have eyes—” 

“Is it the insecurity thing?” Soonyoung frowns. “Wow, Joshy really did a number on you, huh? I’d totally fuck you to prove to you how hot you are if I wasn’t betrothed to another man...” 

“Okay— this is getting out of hand— I just wanted to complain to Seungkwan about how weird I feel,” Seokmin breathes. 

“You know, it’s okay to feel weird watching someone you used to love get married,” Soonyoung says, incredibly level-headedly. One of his rare, completely sane moments. “Honestly, it’s probably weirder if you don’t.” 

“I know that— I just don’t love it.” 

“That’s normal too.” 

“Ugh,” Seokmin groans, head dropping back against the stall wall. “What am I going to do?” 

“Pony up,” Seungkwan claps. “Go back in there, ask your fake boyfriend to dance, and have fun, god damnit. Even if it doesn’t go anywhere, you might as well enjoy it while it lasts, right? This is such a good start to your new chapter, Seokminnie! You deserve to have fun.” 

“Yeah— okay—” Seokmin nods, licking over his lips. His heart starts beating a little faster. Damn, Seungkwan is great at pep talks. “Maybe I do!” 

“Yeah!” Soonyoung whoops. 

“Okay! I do! Let’s do this!” Seokmin bounces up and down on the soles of his feet, shaking his hands out. 

He’s fine. This is great. Good. Perfect. He’s going to allow himself to have fun, because he’s been holding himself back from it for the last fifteen months, and that’s way too long— he’s smart, and kind, and charismatic, god damnit! 

“Okay— I really can’t do this—” Seokmin stops in the hall as soon as the three of them pile out of the bathroom. 

“You can,” Seungkwan insists. He tries to drag Seokmin back towards the ballroom, but Seokmin holds his ground. 

“I just— I’m going to go get some air— then I’ll be ready—” 

Soonyoung and Seungkwan look at him skeptically. 

“I swear!” he says, injecting feeling into it. Really, he’s going to go outside and consider just walking back to the hotel and calling it early. But— he’ll decide once he’s out there. 

Seungkwan opens his mouth to say something else, but Seokmin is already gone. Spinning on his heel and striding outside. 

“Just let him go, Kwan—” he hears Soonyoung say. “At some point, if he wants to go, he’s just gonna go.” 

Seokmin shakes off the uncomfortable feeling the words leave him with, shoving through the first door to the yard. He runs his hands through his hair, lifting the lapels of his jacket to try to get some air— he’s way too hot— he’s still tipsy— god, this sucks. 

“Fancy running into you here.” 

Seokmin’s hand flies to his chest in surprise. He turns around and immediately shoots a silent prayer up to whoever is listening to please smite me on the spot.  

Joshua leans up against the house, cigarette burning between his fingers, suit jacket left behind inside. He nods Seokmin over, just like he used to. 

“Don’t you have things to be doing inside?” Seokmin asks sourly. He huffs when he falls against the wall next to Joshua, arms crossing his chest. 

Joshua shrugs. “Not for a second. Wonwoo understands.” 

“Right,” Seokmin mutters. He always hated when Joshua smoked. He wanted Joshua to quit— but Joshua refused. 

“How was dinner?” Joshua asks. 

“It was good.” Seokmin shifts uncomfortably. Is this really what they’ve fallen to? Close friends to awkward aquaintances? And it’s all Seokmin’s fault, too. He’s the one that refused to act normal afterwards. He hid, and disallowed himself to fully move on, and made it worse for everyone. He swallows down the bile creeping up his throat. 

“You know,” Joshua laughs a little bit. “I always kinda wanted to set you up with Mingyu.” 

Seokmin blinks. He stares into the yard— the sun has just set, lightning bugs starting to come out. “What? Why?” 

Joshua shrugs. “You two just make sense. Wonwoo agrees with me.” 

“Okay,” Seokmin says blandly. His throat stings, and so do his eyes. He speaks before thinking about it when he blurts, “And we didn’t make sense?” 

Immediately afterwards, Seokmin winces at himself, clenching his teeth. Joshua doesn’t seem offended, though. He takes another drag of his cigarette— smoke drifting up into the air. 

“I don’t think we did,” he says. “And, I think you know I’m right, but it’s hard to admit, because you’re you.” 

“What is that supposed to mean?” 

“You’re a romantic, Seokminnie,” Joshua sighs. He smiles— a pretty smile— but it’s not pitying. It’s almost grateful. “You have so much love to give, and you see the best in everyone— it’s lovely. But, you don’t have to give up parts of yourself to get that in return. And you shouldn’t have to, for the right person.” 

Seokmin deflates like a balloon. He hums absentmindedly. 

All he’s wanted this entire time is to feel like Joshua understood him at all— that he didn’t make up their connection, or the time they spent. That it was worth something, and that Joshua cared about Seokmin, too, even if it wasn’t as deep as Seokmin’s feelings for him. 

All he’s wanted is confirmation that Joshua knows him, and sees him. 

Seokmin sees now— his I am over Joshua Hong meter ticking up to one hundred percent, that Joshua has always known Seokmin perfectly well. They were best friends. They tried. It didn’t work. Now they’re here— trying to figure out what does. 

“Can I take a drag of that,” Seokmin murmurs, reaching for Joshua’s cigarette. 

Joshua passes it over easily. He watches Seokmin with an easy smile as he inhales. Takes his cigarette back afterwards and ashes it on the concrete beneath their feet. 

Seokmin exhales— expelling the heat in his lungs. He doesn’t hate smoking as much as he should. He just likes being safe. 

“After our honeymoon, we should go out together. Double date. Me and Wonu— you and Mingyu. It would be fun.” 

Seokmin smiles, and it doesn’t feel forced. “Yeah,” he agrees. “It would be.” 

That’s where Joshua leaves him, leaning against the side of the house with the fireflies and stars to keep him company. A few minutes after he goes, Soonyoung and Chan tumble out of the door, laughing between hurried kisses— so completely in their own world that they don’t notice Seokmin at all as they make for the hotel. They must both have a feeling. It’s romantic. 

Seokmin looks up towards the moon, and takes in a lungful of air. For the first time all day— he feels like he can breathe. 

༝༚

“Hey, where’d you disappear to? Are you alright?” 

Seokmin feels a little bad. Mingyu looks genuinely concerned— brow all wrinkled and mouth turned down. He looks Seokmin up and down like he’s checking for wounds. 

“I want to dance with you,” Seokmin says, still a bit out of breath from rushing back inside. 

Mingyu’s face scrunches in question, but then he relaxes. Laughs. He takes Seokmin’s hand, and grins, pointy canines making his smile all the more perfect— “You do?” 

“I really, really do,” Seokmin confirms. 

Seokmin didn’t think it was possible for Mingyu to glow any brighter, but he’s proved wrong. Mingyu beams— he looks like he’ll split in two from the force of it. He sticks his hand out for Seokmin, and Seokmin fails to fight back his own smile as he takes it. 

Whatever song is playing is fast-paced. They shove their way into the crowd and start bouncing, dancing wildly to the beat. Seokmin is laughing, and Mingyu is sticking by his side, eyes fixed on Seokmin’s face like there’s something interesting to watch. 

Seokmin loves to dance. It seems like Mingyu does too. That’s good. Seokmin had alcohol to burn off— and he’s feeling a little looser. More carefree. 

At one point, Seokmin almost gets knocked over by Seungkwan, which he suspects is a ploy to get Mingyu to catch him. It works. Seungkwan winks, and Mingyu’s arms are wrapped around Seokmin’s waist— he’s looking at Seokmin with bright eyes asking, “Are you good?” 

“I’m fine—” Seokmin says, ready to wiggle out of Mingyu’s arms— and then the song changes to something slower. 

Mingyu smirks. He adjusts his grip, tugging Seokmin a little closer, hands settling around his waist like they’re meant to be there. 

He leans in, voice low in Seokmin’s ear, just for him. “Is this okay?” he breathes, sending a shiver down Seokmin’s spine. 

Seokmin winds his arms around Mingyu’s neck, keeping their bodies flush together. Mingyu is so sturdy, and warm, and hot. “Perfect.” 

Mingyu licks over his bottom lip, looking down at Seokmin as they sway slowly on the floor. His hand tightens at Seokmin’s hip, keeping him near. His eyes are dark— intense— stirring up something dangerous in Seokmin’s gut. His gaze roves over Seokmin’s face— sticking to his mouth. 

“What?” Seokmin asks, even though he already knows the answer. 

Mingyu’s throat bobs when he swallows. “I just—” he starts. Then he stops. His gaze flicks down again, and Seokmin is so sure that he’s about to be kissed that he lets his eyelids get heavy— And the music changes again. 

Some high-energy club sound— bodies around them coming to life, jostling them out of place. Seokmin scowls at being interrupted, and Mingyu laughs out loud, his cheeks pink with a blush. 

Maybe Seokmin is a little bit stupid, or maybe he had one too many glasses of wine— but he doesn’t know why Joshua’s shitty playlist should stop him from what makes sense. 

He gets closer to Mingyu, one hand cradling the back of his skull, fingers pushed into his hair— and Mingyu’s lips part with a tiny gasp, eyes widening. He moves his hands further back, hedging the curve of Seokmin’s ass. Shifts so that one of his legs is fitted between Seokmin’s thighs— it’s kind of obscene. Seokmin is kind of humping Joshua’s husband’s ex-boyfriend on the dance floor— but Joshua owes Seokmin one. 

“Mingyu—” Seokmin says, fingers tightening in Mingyu’s hair as he chokes back a groan, his dick majorly interested in what is happening with the pressure situation and Mingyu’s thigh. 

“Yeah?” Mingyu returns, just as fucked up as Seokmin. He gets closer, his nose bumping Seokmin’s.

“Did you mean it— when you complimented me before? Did you really, really mean it? Not as part of the act?” 

“I meant it every single time,” Mingyu says, his breath hot on Seokmin’s lips.

Seokmin covers the rest of the distance for them. He presses into Mingyu with so much force that their teeth clack for a second— but then Mingyu accommodates. He moans into Seokmin’s mouth, and runs a hand up his back, holding them steady. He licks Seokmin’s mouth open at the seam of his lips, and Seokmin sets on fire again— much brighter than before. 

Seokmin’s hips kick forward, chasing some sort of relief— and Mingyu’s teeth sink into his bottom lip— and Seokmin is going to need to take this somewhere else before they get a public indecency charge. 

“Take me to your room,” he requests when they part. Then, he questions his confidence for a second— “I mean, unless you don’t want to—” 

“I’m taking you to my room, Seokmin,” Mingyu says, completely sure of himself. 

It’s a bit of a blur from there. They’re holding hands, and grabbing their things as they book it for the hotel. Running across the grass, hand in hand— it feels particularly romantic— but maybe Seokmin is stupid, or maybe he’s had one glass too many. 

Still, when Mingyu gets him inside his room and presses him up against the door, he looks Seokmin in the eye and asks, “Are you drunk?” 

“No,” Seokmin’s breath comes quick and heavy. He can’t quit smiling. “I had four watered down drinks over six hours.” 

It’s the truth— which means that Seokmin has just been stupid this entire time. 

Mingyu kisses Seokmin like he means it. Like he’s desperately into it. Like he’s feeding off of every breath and noise he manages to pull from Seokmin’s throat. 

They lose their jackets in the entryway, stumbling to the bed. 

Seokmin pauses to pull out the condoms and lube Soonyoung gave him. Mingyu laughs gleefully and kisses Seokmin again, just as passionate as he has been the whole time. 

“Which way do you—” Seokmin starts, words cut off by kisses peppered over his lips. 

Mingyu doesn’t back off. He’s handsy, and needy, and he’s all over Seokmin like Seokmin is the best thing he’s ever felt or tasted. “Either— I don’t mind— Anything—” he manages between kisses up Seokmin’s jaw. 

“Eager—” Seokmin sighs, tipping his head up to let Mingyu access his throat. 

Mingyu laughs again, breath tickling Seokmin’s skin. He lays another wet kiss against Seokmin’s pulse point. “Can you blame me?” His teeth drag along Seokmin’s neck. 

Seokmin doesn’t mind, either, which way they do this. He’d be happy either or— but he’s a little tired, and he can’t stop thinking about Mingyu’s hands— so—

“Then you won’t mind doing most of the work,” Seokmin teases. He shoves Mingyu off of him for long enough to flop down on the bed, fighting with his pants to wiggle them off. 

“Fuck—” Mingyu hisses, working his shirt out of his pants. He looks down at Seokmin, breath labored, eyes dragging down the length of him— pantsless with a frilly dress shirt on— and he looks like he wants to swallow him whole. “Absolutely not.” 

Seokmin has to take a minute to catch his breath when Mingyu takes his shirt off. And then another when Mingyu rids himself of his pants. Mingyu just grins at him cockily. He knows how he looks, Seokmin is sure. A dangerous thing. 

Just before Mingyu goes to pull off Seokmin’s shirt, Seokmin stops him. “You can leave it on—” he cringes at himself. “I’m not—” 

“Seokmin,” Mingyu says seriously. “You’re fucking gorgeous. Let me show you.” 

He waits for Seokmin’s approval before he continues, but then he’s unbuttoning Seokmin’s shirt, kissing up from his navel, every new bit of skin he exposes, laying little praises onto Seokmin’s stomach. Pretty boy. Beautiful. I can’t take my eyes off you. Stunning.  

By the time he’s done, Seokmin is writhing underneath him, breathless and wanting. His hands are twisted into Mingyu’s hair, and he’s hard and leaking a wet spot into his briefs. 

“Can I?” Mingyu asks, fingers wiggling under Seokmin’s waistband. 

Seokmin swallows down a moan and nods. He blinks some wetness from his eyes, wanting to see Mingyu clearly. Mingyu tosses his underwear away once they’re off, immediately going back in, hands spread around Seokmin’s thighs, slowly parting his legs. He looks at Seokmin like he’s hungry.

“You’ll let me finger you, right?” Mingyu blinks up at Seokmin, then, begs, “Please, Seokmin—” 

“God— yes—” Seokmin throws an arm over his face to hide his embarrassment, but Mingyu pulls it away. He kisses Seokmin as he fumbles for the lube. Kisses Seokmin until Seokmin is a bit dizzy, and he’s almost forgotten what comes next. 

Mingyu grins as he rips open the packet. He squeezes the lube into his hand, warming it up. “Relax,” he purrs, just before his fingers meet Seokmin’s entrance. 

Seokmin tenses up— but then he lets himself go on his next exhale. 

Like everything else, Mingyu is good at this, too. He’s gentle, but firm when he needs to be. His fingers feel just as good as Seokmin expected them to— curled up inside of Seokmin and pressing against his prostate. Seokmin arches off the bed, cock drooling helplessly over his stomach as his hands fist into sheets. 

Mingyu pulls out just before Seokmin thinks he’s going to cum— leaving Seokmin breathing heavily, sweat rolling down his forehead, stomach clenched. 

“You’re mean—” Seokmin complains. 

“I think you’ll like the real thing better, baby,” Mingyu says, smile pulling at his lips. He steps out of his boxers, and Seokmin almost passes out at the sight of his dick. Of course Mingyu has a perfect cock. That’s just— so on par with this entire experience. 

Seokmin goes to turn over, but Mingyu stops him with a hand on his hip. He bites his bottom lip like he’s nervous. Says, “I want to kiss you— is that alright?” 

Is that alright? Seokmin could die. 

“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard,” Seokmin babbles. 

“Really?” Mingyu cocks his head. He positions himself between Seokmin’s legs, prodding against his hole— stealing Seokmin’s breath from his lungs. “We’ll have to work on that, then. I can do better.” 

When he presses in, Seokmin nearly blacks out. His hands slide against the bed, and then scramble around trying to find something to hold onto, before he grabs Mingyu’s shoulder’s, nails biting into skin. 

“Fuck— Seokmin—” Mingyu hisses, clearly just as affected. He goes slowly, doesn’t stop until he’s fully seated inside of Seokmin. Then he drops down to kiss him, just like he promised. 

Seokmin does his best to kiss back through his cockdrunk haze— but it ends up getting a little sloppy. There’s a lot of spit, and tongue, and Mingyu moaning into his mouth. By the time Mingyu starts moving— slow, measured thrusts to work Seokmin up to the real thing— they’re both a bit of a mess. 

“Faster,” Seokmin begs right away. 

“Patient,” Mingyu returns. He has the audacity to smile. That changes quickly when Seokmin clenches around him, earning a strangled whine. 

Mingyu picks up the pace after that. He adjusts, throwing Seokmin’s ankles over his shoulders and pressing into him, fucking Seokmin exactly how Seokmin likes it. It’s like Mingyu can read his mind. Or, maybe they just make sense. 

Seokmin sees stars every time Mingyu thrusts into him— Mingyu manages to angle himself perfectly to catch Seokmin’s sweet spot every few strokes. He kisses Seokmin, and looks in his eye when he wraps his hand around Seokmin’s cock. 

It’s not long after that— Seokmin is burning up from the inside out. His stomach coils, and he finishes with a sob of Mingyu’s name. Mingyu manages to hold it together long enough to work Seokmin through it, and then he’s finishing into the condom, as deep inside Seokmin as he can manage. 

They sit for a moment, catching their breath. Then Mingyu pulls out. He ties off the condom, goes to the bathroom to grab a wet washcloth. 

When he comes back, Seokmin is still half-dead. Mingyu carefully wipes the insides of his thighs, and his stomach. He hovers over Seokmin, and smiles sleepily, and says, “Hi.” 

“Hi,” Seokmin replies with a weak laugh. 

Mingyu takes that as a sign to give Seokmin another kiss. And another. Another. 

Seokmin lets himself have it, basking in the post-orgasm haze. He slings his leg over Mingyu’s hip and kisses him right up until they’re too sleepy to continue. 

They fall asleep tangled together on Mingyu’s bed, Seokmin curled around Mingyu’s back and holding him tight. 

༝༚

Seokmin has always been an early riser. 

He’s also always been the type of person that reflects as soon as he opens his eyes. Unfortunately, the morning after the wedding is no exception. 

Seokmin wakes up with his face burrowed into Mingyu’s neck, chest plastered to Mingyu’s back. He breathes, letting his body catch up— and then the reality of the situation hits him. 

Oh, god. He fucked his fake boyfriend. 

Oh, god. Mingyu is definitely someone he could fall in love with. 

Oh, god. Mingyu is probably going to regret this all when he realizes that Seokmin is easily attached, and a little crazy, and hopelessly romantic. 

Seokmin pries himself out of bed as fast as he can without jostling Mingyu too much. He grabs his underwear and shirt from the floor, slipping into the bathroom. He makes the shower scalding hot and steps under the stream. Scrubs his body free of any evidence of last night. Then, when he gets out, the bathroom completely fogged up and sticky, he shoves on his underwear, and rubs his face half raw washing it over the sink. 

This is bad, to say the least. 

Mingyu is perfect. He’s the perfect man, and Seokmin already has an overwhelming, gut wrenching crush on him. Like— the sort of crush that will take him at least a month to get over, if he tries to be rid of it. Mingyu is so nice, and sweet, and he made Seokmin feel special last night— but now it’s the morning, and they have to go back to real life. 

Shame on Seungkwan for telling Seokmin to indulge. 

Seungkwan knows that Seokmin is crazy! That his heart is bigger than his stomach. Right now, his stomach is turning over, threatening to make him sick. 

Seokmin wipes some of the fog off the mirror with the heel of his palm, just to stare at himself in the mirror, throat raw, eyes growing wetter by the second. He sniffs. No tears fall, but they’re pretty damn close. 

This wouldn’t be the first time that Seokmin has fallen for a guy that’s pretending to like him. It’s just that this one is going to hurt more, probably, because Mingyu is Mingyu. 

Seokmin jumps when a soft knock sounds at the door. “Can I come in?” Mingyu asks. 

All Seokmin can manage is a wet laugh— which Mingyu seems to take as permission. He pads inside, wearing nothing but his boxers, and Seokmin expects him to walk right past to the toilet, or something— but he doesn’t. 

He steps up right behind Seokmin and wraps around him like a koala. His lips meet Seokmin’s shoulder, and his arms wind around Seokmin’s middle, and he starts kissing a soft line up his throat. 

“Good morning,” he murmurs against the nape of Seokmin’s neck. 

Seokmin doesn’t mean to go stiff— but he’s a lot a bit thrown off. Mingyu pulls back at the stillness to look at him in the mirror, brow furrowing in confusion. 

“You’re— still kissing me—?” Seokmin chokes out. 

“Oh, should I not?” Mingyu’s eyes go wide, releasing Seokmin all at once. He stands up straight, taking a step back. “I guess I kinda thought that… we’d stopped pretending after you asked me to dance last night—” 

Seokmin stares— he doesn’t even have it in him to blink. His throat is raw. He’s not convinced he’s not being pranked right now. “You stopped pretending?”  

Mingyu stares right back. He rubs his neck awkwardly. “Did you?” 

“I asked you first!” 

“Well… I did if you did…” Mingyu cringes at himself. His shoulder hunch up before he forces them down again. “I don’t want to be the only one that stopped pretending. I could have just pretended to stop pretending… if you were pretending the whole time…” He’s rambling now. 

Seokmin can hear his heart beating in his ears— loud and strong. He shakes his head to try to straighten his thoughts. “Mingyu—” he whispers. He’s still not convinced that this is real. That Mingyu is real. 

“Seokmin,” Mingyu whispers back. 

Seokmin whirls around so they’re face to face instead of looking at each other through the mirror. Mingyu is still a bit wilted, like he’s waiting for a blow. 

“Mingyu, I don’t know if you get it—” Seokmin says. He rights his posture, trying to be brave. “I’m not perfect. I’m emotional, and sensitive— I fall too fast, and I get attached— and I’ve never been with someone for more than six months— but I’m always the one that gets dumped, not the other way around.” 

Mingyu nods shortly. He looks like he’s processing everything. “Okay.” 

“And, I’m a hopeless romantic! I’ve got these big ideas, and I’m all over the place, and I’ve already got such a big crush on you that I’m imagining us falling in love in my head— after only one night!” Seokmin lets out a wild laugh. “I just— you have to know these things—” 

Slowly, a smile crawls across Mingyu’s face. He takes half a step forward. Nearly chest to chest with Seokmin again. “You have a crush on me?” 

“Is that all you got from that?” Seokmin scoffs. “I’m trying to warn you of my fickle nature! I’m a fall risk!”

Mingyu’s smile widens. He reaches out again, his hands finding Seokmin’s waist. “Hey, Seokminnie— how much do you know about what I do for work?” 

“What?” Seokmin frowns. “Nothing! I didn’t think that being an actuary was a real job, I told you—” 

“It’s stats. Math and stats— but, stats,” Mingyu cuts him off. “I assess and measure risk and uncertainty in economics. I manage risk and uncertainty. Negate it.” 

“What’s that have to do with me?” 

“God—” Mingyu huffs. He’s still smiling, shaking his head fondly. “I’m saying— yes— any relationship is a risk. It’s scary, and uncertain, and we don’t know what will happen— but the thing is— usually, when it feels right, it feels right. I really like you, Seokmin. I’m locking that in right now. I don’t care what the risk is, I want to lean in and see where it takes us. I think we’re both equally fall-risky right now, to be completely honest.” 

“Oh,” Seokmin squeaks. His breath shallows out when Mingyu sways forward. 

“I’m good at communicating. I’m not going to hide from you if something’s wrong. I think you’re super hot, and incredibly sexy, and your smile makes me melt a little,” Mingyu continues. His forehead is pressed against Seokmin’s now— they’re sharing breaths. “I knew I wanted to ask you out at Wonwoo’s birthday party, but you kept running away, so I figured it wasn’t the right time. And, when you called me and asked me to come here with you— of course I said yes— I’ve had a massive crush on you since the first time I saw you. Love at first sight, just like I said.” 

“The only time you saw me,” Seokmin mumbles. 

“Yep,” Mingyu agrees. “And, while I’m being real— I don’t give a fuck about getting back at Wonwoo. I just wanted an excuse to get closer to you. I’m not gonna let that go without a fight. Not unless you tell me to fuck off.” 

“I’m not gonna tell you to fuck off.” 

“Are you going to kiss me?” 

Seokmin doesn’t respond, he just does. He yanks Mingyu in and kisses him resolutely on the mouth. It’s perfectly real, and passionate, and everything it was last night (and more). Mingyu is so good at kissing, and Seokmin really hopes he's right about the risk thing.

Then the kiss starts tasting like salt, because Seokmin’s tears have spilled over— and Mingyu pulls back and starts fussing over him, kissing away every single drop with careful attention. 

“We can never tell anyone that we started dating at the wedding of our ex-boyfriends,” Seokmin exhales shakily. 

“What are you talking about?” Mingyu clicks his tongue. He kisses Seokmin’s nose. “We’ve been together for seven months. We met at Wonwoo’s birthday party and started dating shortly after.” 

“But—” Seokmin whines. He leans into Mingyu’s chest a bit. “Our anniversary has to be accurate… I'm a hopeless romantic, Mingyu—” 

“Eh,” Mingyu shrugs. He grins so brightly that Seokmin can feel a brand new fire starting in the center of his chest. “Our anniversary will reset once we get married, so we don’t have to be too attached to this one.” 

Well. Seokmin can’t argue with that. 

He kisses his boyfriend’s goofy, pointy-toothed smile right off his face. 

God, he’s going to marry his ex-boyfriend’s husband’s ex-boyfriend, isn’t he?

༝༚

“This is going to sound mean, but I think we should put Chan and Soonyoung as far away from each other as possible.” 

“I floated the idea of a shock collar,” Seokmin says, chewing on the end of his pen. He’s got his feet in Mingyu’s lap on their couch as they take on the momentous task of creating their wedding reception seating chart. “Like, give Seungkwan the remote so he can shock Soonyoung if his hand grows too near to Chan’s weiner.” 

Mingyu’s face screws up. “Ew, please don’t say that word.” 

“Weiner.” 

“I hate you,” Mingyu whines. 

“You love me.” 

Mingyu sighs overdramatically. He pats Seokmin’s shin. “I love you so much, that’s why I’m not letting you put a shock collar on your best friend. It’ll ruin all of our pictures.” 

“Ugh, you’re right,” Seokmin frowns. 

“I think we should just put Soonyoung next to Jinsol, then he’ll be too preoccupied talking to her to even think about Chan’s weiner. At least for long enough to get through the dinner portion. I don’t care what they do after the main events.” 

“Ahh—” Seokmin gasps. “You’re so right— absolutely genius. I love you.” 

Mingyu perks up, smile blinding. He lifts Seokmin’s leg up and kisses the sole of his foot— which is kind of gross, but Seokmin just showered, so he's not too worried about it. 

“Okay, now, we have…” Seokmin drags his pen down the list of RSVPs. “Wonwoo and Shua.” 

“Well, there’s only one obvious answer…” Mingyu starts, rolling his head back on the couch to look at Seokmin.

Seokmin raises his eyebrows, waiting patiently. 

“We need to seat them as far apart as possible,” Mingyu finishes. “Like, I think we could put Shua with your family, and Wonwoo with the lesbian book club, and just really rub it in. Threaten to shoot them if either of them attempt to cross the dance floor.” 

Just like that, Seokmin starts on fire from the inside out. He breaks into a massive smile, tossing his notebook and pen indiscriminately to the floor of their apartment, launching across the couch to straddle Mingyu’s lap. 

“Oof—” Mingyu huffs, but he’s ready and willing when Seokmin kisses him. He hums happily into Seokmin’s mouth, hands sliding down to palm Seokmin’s ass. 

“That’s the most romantic thing I’ve ever heard,” Seokmin says between kisses. 

Mingyu laughs, and Seokmin greedily swallows it down. 

“What about when I proposed?” Mingyu asks. 

“That was fine. It was more romantic when you came to bed last night and told me you did the dishes already.” 

“Seokmin— I fear we’re already boring—” Mingyu teases. 

“No,” Seokmin argues, dropping another kiss on the corner of Mingyu’s mouth. “This is everything I’ve ever wanted.” 

If anyone asks, Seokmin will say he knew he was going to marry Mingyu that very first night they started dating. It doesn’t really matter if the timeline is a little (seven months) skewed. What matters is that he was right. He just knew. 

“I really want pizza for dinner,” Mingyu murmurs as he mouths down Seokmin’s throat. 

Seokmin openly moans. “Mingyu, stop, I’m going to get hard.” 

They just work.