Minjae's legs pounded against the wet pavement, water splashing beneath his shoes with every desperate step. Jiho's arms wrapped loosely around his shoulders, his weight resting against Minjae's back as he carried him. Jiho's breathing was shallow, his skin ice-cold from the river water. Panic twisted in Minjae's chest, tightening with every labored breath.
"Minjae... is that you...?" Jiho's voice emerged barely above a whisper, muffled against his shoulder.
Minjae's eyes widened. "Yeah, idiot. Who else would it be?"
Jiho released a small breath, then tightened his grip, hugging Minjae's neck more firmly. "You feel... warm," he murmured.
Minjae's heartbeat skipped. "Yeah, well, maybe, don't almost drown next time, idiot."
They were close now—almost too close. Jiho's cheek brushed against Minjae's, and even in the middle of chaos, their faces were only inches apart. Jiho's wet eyelashes clung to his skin, his breath tickling Minjae's jaw.
Then Jiho whispered, "Is... is that kitten okay?"
Minjae almost tripped. "What the—?! You nearly drowned, and you're asking about a cat?!"
Jiho didn't answer. He just nuzzled into Minjae's shoulder, holding tighter as if Minjae were his only anchor in the world.
Minjae sighed. "Aish... jinjja... you're unbelievable."
---
Instead of taking Jiho home, Minjae headed to his own apartment—it was closer, and Jiho's body was still dangerously cold. The moment they stepped inside, Minjae kicked off his soaked shoes and gently lowered Jiho onto the couch. Jiho blinked up at him, pale and shivering.
"You're freezing," Minjae muttered. "I'm getting you changed."
He reached to pull off Jiho's wet shirt—but Jiho slapped his hand away. "What are you doing?! You pervert!"
Minjae froze, then burst into laughter. "Yah, what kind of imagination do you have? I'm trying to help you before you catch a fever! You're the one being weird!"
Jiho's ears turned crimson. "T-Then why'd you bring me here, huh?"
"Because you passed out," Minjae said flatly, grabbing a towel. "My place was closer. I thought you were gonna die out there, arasseo?"
Jiho mumbled something but didn't resist again as Minjae helped him change. He unbuttoned Jiho's shirt carefully, trying not to look—but he couldn't help noticing.
His eyes lingered.
Jiho's skin was pale and soft under the light, almost translucent. His chest rose and fell gently, his stomach smooth and flat with the slightest hint of bone and curve.
God... he looks like a doll, Minjae thought, swallowing hard. His skin's so white... like porcelain. And his waist—damn. Is it normal for a guy to have a waist that tiny?
Minjae shook his head. Aniya... control yourself. He's cold. He's scared. Don't be a creep.
"C-Can you not stare so hard...?" Jiho mumbled, voice barely audible.
"I'm not staring," Minjae lied instantly.
"You're literally holding your breath."
"I'm concentrating!"
"On what? My ribs?"
Minjae coughed and looked away. "You have... nice ribs, okay?"
Jiho's jaw dropped. "Who says that?!"
Minjae smirked, focusing on drying Jiho's hair. "Be thankful I didn't say something weirder."
Jiho narrowed his eyes. "Like what?"
Minjae muttered under his breath, "Your waist."
Jiho turned bright red. "Yah!"
Minjae shoved a hoodie and sweatpants into his arms. "Just shut up and change before I say something worse."
Jiho struggled into the oversized clothes, drowning in fabric.
Minjae burst out laughing. "Oh my god, you look like a lost baby ghost. That hoodie could fit three of you."
Jiho pouted. "You always tease me! I'm going home."
He tried to stand, but Minjae pulled him into a hug without warning.
Jiho froze, wide-eyed. His heart thudded against his chest.
Minjae's arms were strong and warm, his chest firm. Jiho could feel the steady rhythm of his heart, hear the quiet hum of his breath. He smelled like sandalwood and mint,a subtle cologne that lingered on his skin.
"I'm sorry," Minjae whispered. "For being late. You must've been so scared."
Jiho didn't reply, just clutched the hoodie tighter, letting himself melt into the warmth.
"Calm down, baby... just for tonight, stop fighting me. Hit me tomorrow if you want."
Jiho smiled softly. "You really are stupid."
Minjae chuckled. "Geurae(Yeah), but I'm your kind of stupid."
They sat like that, Jiho curled into Minjae's chest as if he belonged there. The heater buzzed faintly, filling the comfortable silence between them.
"Hey, Minjae?" Jiho whispered.
"Yeah?"
"Thanks... for finding me."
Minjae ruffled his hair. "Always."
"I'm still mad."
Minjae grinned. "It's okay! You're cute when you're mad. Like a kitten ready to bite."
"I will bite you."
"I dare you."
"You're impossible."
"Yet here you are. In my arms. Wearing my clothes."
Jiho laughed, then yawned and leaned deeper into his chest.
His voice came out small. "Minjae... promise you'll always find me."
Minjae pressed his chin to Jiho's head and whispered, "Promise"
Jiho slowly drifted off to sleep, his fingers curled into Minjae's sleeve.
Minjae looked down at him—at the peaceful curve of his lips, the flutter of his lashes. His heart ached in a way he didn't expect.
He whispered into the quiet, "Let's end this... this fake relationship..."
---