Archive of Our Own

“Nakipag-break siya sa’yo?”

Mingyu Kim only coughs out a huff in response before downing his beer in a gulp. Across from him, his best friend, Wonwoo Jeon, watches quietly, his eyes beneath his thick glasses fixed on his friend’s slouch.

He already had an inkling something was wrong the second he got Mingyu’s text — a simple, yet vague ‘Inom?’ at the quiet bar they frequent, just the two of them. Wonwoo usually never refuses a few free bottles of beer, but that night, those bubbles seem a bit too dull and thick for his throat.

After finishing his second neckful, Mingyu sighs arduously before finally speaking. “Won.”

Wonwoo’s head slants a bit. “Oh?”

“Hindi ko na alam ang gagawin ko.”

Mingyu undeniably looks defeated, confused, frustrated. And that tinge of sadness in his voice prompts Wonwoo to tap the other gently on the shoulder.

“Gyu… Maybe…” Wonwoo starts to say something, but stops himself quickly. He wants to offer his usual words of comfort — maybe you’re just not meant to be, may iba pa naman diyan, it’s not the end of the world, bata ka pa naman — but something about the way Mingyu looks so utterly torn at that moment makes the words unable to escape him.

“Ako nga siguro ang problema,” Mingyu says with a bitter smile, scoffing at himself. “This is the third time, Won…”

“Third time na ano?”

“Na sabihan ako na hindi ako magaling sa kama.”

This frowns Wonwoo. He remembers Mingyu mentioning it briefly before, but back then, even the latter brushed it off like it didn’t really matter. Now, it seems to be gnawing at his friend. Apparently, this has now become somewhat of a dealbreaker for people dating Mingyu, the so-called campus heartthrob.

“Sinabi talaga ni Seungkwan ’yan?” Wonwoo asks to clarify.

“Last year, when I was with Minghao,” Mingyu starts, tone lower and quieter now. “We broke up because of that. Siyempre, disappointed ako no’n, but I respected his decision. At least, he was honest with me. Then with Seokmin, we fought. Bumalik siya sa ex niya. In his words, ‘his ex satisfies him in bed even more.’ Now, Seungkwan…”

Wonwoo sits in silence as Mingyu swallows the lump lodged deep in his throat.

“Seungkwan… what he said was the worst.” Mingyu’s voice finally falters. “Sabi niya, I’d be better off if I was a bot. Kasi wala daw akong kwenta. Sayang daw ‘tong tite kong malaki, pero hindi naman pala siya nasasarapan.”

Wonwoo’s fist clenches right then and there, but he forces himself to stay calm for Mingyu’s sake. Who the hell says that to someone? Clearly, Seungkwan doesn’t deserve his friend.

Mingyu suddenly laughs hard, albeit empty and flat. “Tangina, Won. Imagine that. Gumuho pagkalalaki ko.”

The rest of the night, Wonwoo lets Mingyu drink some more, all the while staying sober himself so he can make sure his best friend gets home safe. This wasn’t Mingyu’s first heartbreak, and probably wouldn’t be his last, but every time someone breaks up with him, Wonwoo’s always there — to listen to him whine and rant about his failed relationships, and quietly pick up the pieces. 

They met back in freshman year and instantly became close, mostly because they were both gay. Wonwoo didn’t even expect to get close to Mingyu at first as they were basically from different worlds: Mingyu was the star basketball player, while he was the guy who streams games twice weekly on Discord. But that apparently never really mattered between them.

Over time, Wonwoo found comfort in Mingyu. He genuinely liked being around the 6’2’’ dark-skinned student athlete with a fangy smile and a surprising talent for cooking. Whether it was a quiet hangout on the rooftop at midnight with beers on hand, long walks around parks talking about nothing and everything, or spontaneous horror movie nights at his or the other’s apartment — he simply loved spending time with him.

And perhaps… that’s why he eventually fell in love with Mingyu, too.

But Wonwoo chose to keep his feelings hidden, and he never planned to confess. He didn’t want to mess up their friendship, he didn’t want to risk and lose what they already had. So like any other person, he started dating other men too. He figured he had to move on quickly before the quicksand of one-sided love buried him.

But just like Mingyu’s boyfriends, no one really stuck around. And Wonwoo liked to think he was to blame too.

As none of them could truly replace Mingyu in his heart.

“So, hindi ka pa rin talaga aamin kay Mingyu?”

“Tigilan mo ‘ko.”

“Just saying…” says Seungcheol Choi on the other end of their video call. “Single na siya, Won. Chance mo na ‘to.” They were in the middle of a shooting game, but clearly, Seungcheol had other things on his mind to adamantly ask Wonwoo about.

“I’m not going to take advantage of my best friend, Cheol,” Wonwoo answers a bit sharply. “Vulnerable siya ngayon. Ayokong dumagdag sa dinadamdam niya.”

“Sabagay…” Seungcheol hums, finally backing off a bit. But still not entirely. “Pero Won, payag ka ba talaga sa cycle na ‘yan? Him finding someone, then getting his heart broken, you being there to comfort him, then he moves on — tapos uulit na naman?”

Wonwoo doesn’t answer right away. Because he hates the fact that Seungcheol's right. That has indeed been the cycle for the last three years. Over and over.

But what can he do? Can he really break it? Can he really be the one to change things for Mingyu?

“As long as kailangan niya ako…” Wonwoo clears his throat. “Nandiyan ako.”

“Grabe ka, Won,” Seungcheol chuckles in disbelief.

Just then, ‘Game Over’ flashes across Wonwoo’s screen, like the universe decided to chime in to the conversation by sending him a teasing sign. 

Was it really game over for him if he doesn’t do anything now?

Meanwhile, Mingyu’s outside, finishing up an essay on his laptop while seated at one of the benches near the school garden. Across from him is his classmate and friend, Jihoon Lee, casually tuning his guitar.

“Sa totoo lang,” Jihoon suddenly says without looking up, “’Di ko talaga bet ‘yang Seungkwan na ‘yan para sa’yo. I’m sorry for saying this, but I’m honestly relieved na wala na kayo.”

Mingyu’s fingers freeze over the keyboard. He looks up blinking, caught off guard by Jihoon’s bluntness — especially coming from him, the quiet one in the friend group. The guy who only observes, and rarely gives his opinions unless it completely matters.

“What do you mean?”

Jihoon gently sets his guitar on the table, finally meeting Mingyu’s eyes. There’s something serious in his expression that makes Mingyu sit up straighter.

“Remember nung birthday ko? Dinala mo siya sa bahay. He kept pulling you away every time nag-uusap kayo ni Won.”

Mingyu crinkles his brows. He honestly hadn’t noticed that. “Talaga?”

Jihoon bobs his head. “I think napansin niya na sa aming lahat, si Won talaga ang pinaka-close mo. Another time, nung nag-inuman tayo sa bahay ni Joshua, grabe kung makatingin kay Won. Parang naiinis na ewan.”

“Ba’t ‘di mo sinabi agad?”

“Gyu, hunch ko lang din naman ‘yon,” Jihoon says with a small shrug, though there's a flit of guilt in his pale face. “Baka mali lang din ako. At ayokong mag-away kayo nang dahil sa hunch ko.”

Mingyu nods slowly. He genuinely gets it as he probably would’ve done the same. But still, something clicks: this strange feeling settling in his chest… like a thread knotting into place.

“Teka lang,” he utters, brows drawing closer midway. “Bakit si Won?”

Jihoon opens his mouth to respond, but then he hesitates in a quick second. Mingyu senses the other’s pause.

“Jihoon?”

Jihoon exhales like he knows he’s about to spill something he shouldn’t. But he gives in. “I… I think Seungkwan thinks Wonwoo likes you.”

“What?!”

“I mean, I’m not saying he does, but—”

“—But what, Ji?”

Jihoon’s composure starts to crack. He looks away and finds himself fiddling with the strings of his guitar nervously. He doesn’t have proof to show, but he knows. Then, he finally speaks in a slight tight, hoping Mingyu would bite whatever lie bait he’s about to say. “Huwag mo na lang isipin, Gyu. Baka… baka mali lang din assumption ko. Wala naman akong ebidensya.”

Unbeknownst to him, Mingyu wants to push. He could, but he chooses not to. Instead, he just leans back, his laptop already in idle mode.

Wonwoo… likes me?

Of course, it should sound ridiculous, Wonwoo’s his best friend. But all of a sudden, his heart begins to thud harder inside his chest, and he can’t explain why.

Later that night, Mingyu lies on his bed in the comfort of the dark. He stares at the ceiling, eyes blank, though his mind is definitely anything but. He’s been thinking about his conversation with Jihoon earlier, and the latter’s words slowly begin to affect him more and more.

But before he could even process Jihoon’s assumption about Wonwoo liking him, his thoughts suddenly drift to Seungkwan… and the day they broke up.

“Maybe we’d be better off apart, Gyu.”

“Ano bang pinagsasasabi mo, babe?”

“Gyu. Before we started dating, I was honest with you. Importante sa’kin ang sex, and if I’m not satisfied with you, I’d leave. Kaya lang naman ako nagtagal sa’yo kasi ayokong magmukhang masama sa mata ng mga fans mo.”

“Babe—”

“—Has anyone told you you’re terrible in bed?”

That stops Mingyu cold, hard — like he’s just been slapped with an icy hand. But Seungkwan doesn’t even look guilty. Not one bit.

“Ni hindi ka nga makatagal sa’kin, Gyu. Nilalabasan ka kaagad. I don’t think even you are satisfied. Tama si Seokmin. Why did I even bother with you?”

Mingyu’s speechless at this point. But what Seungkwan says next doesn’t feel like a slap anymore — it feels like a piercing gunshot to the chest. 

“Subukan mong mag-bottom. Baka may tumagal pa sa’yo.”

He kind of laughs at it now. But he admits: Seungkwan’s words still sting. And knowing him, he probably really meant it. Like a truth covered in cruel, unstoppable words. A slap of feedback Mingyu needed to hear.

Not just in bed — but in relationships, in intimacy, in love.

Maybe that’s why no one stays.

This very thought creeps up to him. And then he wonders, what if I actually tried?

A few days later, while walking home from class with Wonwoo, the thought returns — not that it ever really left. Just like always, they talk about random things: their professor’s bizarre teaching style, that new milk tea booth at the cafeteria, how Jihoon won’t stop ranting about his songwriting. And then, out of nowhere, Mingyu blurts it out.

“Won.”

“Hmm?”

“I’ve been thinking…” he starts, eyes peeled to the pavement. “What if… tama si Kwan?”

Wonwoo slows his pace, turning slightly toward him. “What do you mean?”

Mingyu awkwardly scratches the back of his neck. “Like… maybe the reason my relationships don’t last is because I don’t really know how to satisfy my boyfriend during sex. I mean, mahalaga din ang sex sa’kin. It’s part of intimacy, right?”

Wonwoo doesn’t answer just yet. He just listens, quietly, patiently.

“At hindi lang naman si Kwan,” Mingyu continues. “Si Hao, si Seok, they all said the same thing. Akala ko nung una, they were just making excuses. But now I’m starting to wonder… what if tama nga sila?”

Wonwoo exhales, sensing now’s his time to speak. “Gyu,” he begins. “You just haven’t found the right person yet. Yes, sex is important, you’re right. But it’s not the only thing that keeps a relationship going. There’s communication, trust, compromise, understanding… and of course, love. Your relationships didn’t work out not because of one thing — and definitely not just because of you. Don’t carry all the blame, it’s not fair to yourself. Maybe they just weren’t willing to take the risks with you.”

Mingyu stops walking, his head digging lower. He knows Wonwoo’s right — he has been too hard on himself. But he’s also thought about this more than Wonwoo might realize.

“Alam ko naman ‘yan, Won,” Mingyu says with a faint smile. “I really do. But I’m also willing to be open to change. And I’m not doing this to win Kwan back. I know our relationship ended before I even realized it. Maybe… I just want to shift how I approach things in my next relationship. Maybe it’s time I try bottoming, for once.”

There’s a beat of silence between them.

“That’s…” Wonwoo stammers a little. “Sure ka ba, Gyu?”

Mingyu cackles. “I mean, as long as it’s not something I’m being forced into… why not?”

Hearing that ease in Mingyu’s voice, some tolerated weight lifts from Wonwoo’s chest too.

“If that’s what you feel you need,” Wonwoo says, “Then I’m here to support you. Always.”

And somehow, after hearing those words, Mingyu feels lighter. He doesn’t know exactly where this epiphany will take him, or where he’s trying to step into. But for the first time, he feels open and unafraid to it.

Whatever will be, will be, he thinks.

That night, Wonwoo lies in bed, staring at the ceiling like it might somehow take him to another dimension. But before he can get there, maybe he could at least stop his mind from replaying what Mingyu said earlier — about being open to change, about trying something new in his next relationship.

About bottoming, for once.

But it’s not even the topic itself that sticks — Wonwoo’s queer, after all, and sex isn’t taboo in his mind. It’s the reason behind it. It’s the fact that Mingyu is seriously entertaining the idea that he might be the reason his past relationships fell apart.

“Kung ako lang jowa niya, hinding-hindi niya mararamdaman ’yon,” Wonwoo mutters into the air. “Masyado ko siyang mahal para hayaan ko siyang isipin niya ’yon.”

But it’s not like the night, nor the air, nor the ceiling, could provide their inputs about his seemingly unrequited love.

Tangina.

His heart shouldn’t be pounding this hard, this fast, this endlessly. And yet it is.

He sighs helplessly, and buries his face into the pillow. He tells himself, again, not to push past what’s necessary. To protect his own heart the way he always has.

But with Mingyu…

How can he protect a wall that’s already starting to crack?

The next afternoon, there’s a knock at Wonwoo’s door. He’s still in his hoodie and glasses, editing a video for his Discord. He wasn’t expecting anyone, but he opens the door anyway.

There, in front of him, is Mingyu, hands shoved into his pockets, awkwardly fidgeting.

“Hey…” Mingyu greets softly. “Pwede bang pumasok?”

Wonwoo blinks, but steps aside without a word. Mingyu walks in quietly, then stands in the middle of the living room for a moment, like he’s gathering courage. Wonwoo watches him and waits. Finally, Mingyu spills.

“Okay… This will sound ridiculous,” the taller starts, heaving in a breath. “Pwede kang mag-no, okay?”

Wonwoo crosses his arms, already sensing something big. “Bakit?”

Mingyu inhales. “I’ve been thinking… ‘Di ba, sinabi ko sa’yo na gusto kong subukang mag-bottom?” Wonwoo tilts his head. Mingyu continues anyway. “Ayun… naisip ko na… What if subukan ko muna siyang gawin? What if I do it before entering into a new relationship?”

Wonwoo’s smart, but at that moment, he still has no idea what Mingyu’s implying.

“I don’t wanna try it with some random guy, Won… What if I do it with you?”

A pause. Neither of them dares to move, speak, or breathe. For a moment, it feels like they’re frozen, like statues. Wonwoo doesn’t respond right away — more like he can’t. Heat rushes to his face, his ears, his neck.

Finally, Wonwoo snaps himself out of it. “Gyu… Tangina… you can’t just say shit like that.”

“I-I kn-know. I-I’m sorry,” Mingyu stumbles over his words. He clears his throat, trying to gather himself, but barely scrapes through. “I know it’s a lot. Alam kong mahalaga sa’yo ang friendship natin. You’re important to me, too, Won. Lagi kang nandiyan tuwing kailangan kita, tapos pinapagaan mo ang loob ko. Kada heartbreak ko, ikaw ang kausap ko. You make me feel safe, feel heard. And I trust you with my life, Won.”

Wonwoo stares at him intently, the other unaware how fast his heart is beating. Then Wonwoo laughs — dryly, as if he’s just exhausted.

“You want me to fuck you,” he says bluntly, to confirm.

Mingyu slowly nods.

Another heavy silence. Wonwoo averts his gaze, rubbing the back of his neck to ease the tension inside him. He’s wished to hear Mingyu need him… but not like this. Definitely not like this.

“Gyu…” Wonwoo starts and returns to Mingyu’s way, stepping forward. “I need to tell you something.”

Mingyu doesn’t flinch; Wonwoo takes the cue.

“Mingyu Kim, I like you.”

Mingyu stares at him, mouth agape at the sudden confession. Wonwoo feels he finally has to put it out there; no use hiding anymore.

“I’ve liked you for a long time. Gustong-gusto kita to the point na nasasaktan ako kapag nakikita kitang umiiyak. Pero takot akong mawala ang pagkakaibigan natin, kasi hindi ko kayang mabuhay nang wala ka. So I chose not to act on it. I chose to just be your friend instead. I would rather see you happy. That’s how much sacrifice I’m willing to take.”

Mingyu can feel tears forming at the corners of his eyes, but Wonwoo’s loving gaze doesn’t waver.

“But no. I’m not gonna sleep with you like I’m your trial, only for you to fall for someone else later,” Wonwoo admits. “Hindi ko kakayanin ‘yan, Gyu. Baka ikamamatay ko pa.”

Mingyu’s tears finally fall. He looks down, guilty for even suggesting the idea.

“I see…” Mingyu whispers, just loud enough for Wonwoo to hear. “Pasensya ka na sa sinabi ko, Won… Masyado akong nadala… Nung isang araw, nadulas si Jihoon, implying you like me. Ayoko namang mag-assume kasi wala ka namang sinasabi sa’kin… Pero Won, ‘di ko alam… Kasi mahalaga ka din sa’kin… At ayokong hanggang dito lang din tayo…”

Wonwoo can’t handle the sight anymore, so he wipes the tears off Mingyu’s cheeks. “You can reject me, Gyu. Maiintindihan kita.”

“I want to think about it…” Mingyu finally sobs. “I’ll think about it.”

Wonwoo exhales, now cupping both of Mingyu’s cheeks. “Gyu… I’d rather you think about me. Me, Gyu, not just sex. And I hope you can be honest with me once you have the answer.”

A few days later, Mingyu’s walking back from the gym. After that talk with Wonwoo, he figured the other needed time alone, just as much as he did. But he were to be honest to himself, he hopes Wonwoo could wait a little longer, because truthfully, he’s still figuring things out.

He’s mindlessly scrolling through his phone when his eyes catch something from across the street, specifically at the cafe with the glass windowpanes. His eyes immediately widen.

It’s Wonwoo.

He’s seated with someone Mingyu doesn’t recognize — a guy around their age, with papers and sketches scattered on the table between them. They’re giggling at something, the guy leaning in a little too close to hear what Wonwoo’s saying.

Mingyu freezes.

His breath staggers, heart jumping in a strange, sharp way. He tries to look away, but the pull’s stronger. That painful twist in his gut — jealousy? He doesn’t want to believe it at first, but it’s unmistakable. Especially with the echo of Wonwoo’s voice still ringing in his ears when he said, “I like you, Mingyu Kim.”

Mingyu swallows hard. He forces himself to keep walking. Hoping the pounding in his chest slows down.

That night, he couldn’t sleep. But this time, it’s not because of Seungkwan, or sex, or bottoming, or even Jihoon’s words.

It’s just Wonwoo. Wonwoo. Wonwoo.

His heart won’t—can’t quiet down. And all he can think of is how much he hated what he saw earlier. Not because he didn’t trust Wonwoo, but because, for the first time, he realized something terrifyingly true:

He didn’t want to see Wonwoo with anyone else.

His mind drifts to the rooftop beers. Their midnight walks. Those dumb horror movie nights where he pretended to enjoy it, but Wonwoo would just laugh back at him.

All those years, Wonwoo was just… there. His safe space. His constant. His comfort.

And now, in this slow, agonizing walk towards clarity, Mingyu finally gets it.

It’s Wonwoo. It has always been Wonwoo.

How dare he not realize this sooner? He presses his eyes shut and laughs breathlessly.

He doesn’t want Wonwoo as an experiment. Not as a friend he leans on just to heal. He wants Wonwoo in the way that hurts, or won’t. Joy or sadness, sun or storm, cold or hot.

He wants to kiss him, to hug him when he’s tired, to look for him every second of his life. The comfort, the warmth, that bliss Wonwoo’s given him all these years.

And for the first time in what feels like forever, Mingyu closes his eyes. Because he knows now.

He’s in love with Wonwoo too.

The next afternoon, Mingyu shows up at Wonwoo’s apartment again. This time, with a purpose, though he can’t stop his fingers from nervously tapping against his leg.

Wonwoo opens the door, brows lifting slightly. “Gyu?”

“W-Won… Pwede ba tayong mag-usap?”

Wonwoo’s expression turns serious at once. “Pasok.”

Mingyu doesn’t sit. He lingers near the couch instead, eyes on the floor, lips pressing into a small pout. “Na-nakita kita kahapon,” he starts meekly. “Sa café malapit sa gym… may kasama ka.”

Wonwoo nods. “Ah… si Soonyoung? Kasama ko siya sa Discord. We’re planning for the gaming fest next month.”

Mingyu’s brows knit together. “Gaming fest?”

“Yeah.” Wonwoo chuckles softly, trying to ease the tension. “Tatlo sana kami, kaso ‘yung isa naming kasama hindi natuloy kasi may biglang lakad. Bakit?”

Mingyu exhales, a small, self-deprecating laugh spilling out of him. “Ah haha… Akala ko date, eh.”

“A date?”

“Sorry,” Mingyu says quickly. “Akala ko talaga may ka-date kang iba…” He reaches back, rubbing at the nape of his neck. “Ano kasi… Won… Ah…”

Wonwoo just watches him, blinking slowly, patiently waiting for him to go on.

“Pagkatapos nung nakita ko kayo, nakaramdam ako ng… selos,” Mingyu finally admits, his voice barely breaking the air.

Wonwoo blinks, caught off guard. “Huh?”

“Won, I’ve been thinking,” Mingyu breathes out, finally lifting his eyes. “About things. About us.” His shaky gaze meets Wonwoo’s directly.

“Won, I realized I don’t just want you because… because I need someone to sleep with. Ayoko pala nun. Kasi, Won… gusto kita. I want you, I really do.”

Wonwoo’s heart stutters, blinking faster now. “Gyu…”

“I’m still figuring it out,” Mingyu confesses. “Pero nung nakita kitang may kasamang iba kahapon, doon ko naisip. Ayoko na magkunwari na kaibigan lang kita. Won, I… I’m scared of losing you.”

Wonwoo feels his chest warming, whole body strumming with nerves and emotions. He can’t believe Mingyu is saying all this. Still, he asks quietly, “A-anong gusto mong mangyari, Gyu? Please tell me.”

Mingyu’s eyes stay glued on his, sure and honest now. “Can we give this a try? Us?”

Wonwoo’s eyes widen slightly, heat steaming in his stomach. “Are you sure, Gyu?”

“I’ve never been more sure, Won. Basta kasama kita.”

And just like that, Wonwoo feels he can finally breathe again.

“Okay,” he says softly. “Let’s try.”

It’s been weeks since Wonwoo and Mingyu decided to give their relationship a try. But this time, unlike their previous ones, they chose to take things slow.

They still hang out like best friends — because that’s exactly what they still are. Rooftop nights under the stars, quiet walks side by side, movie marathons at Wonwoo’s place, and sometimes Mingyu watching Wonwoo stream his games.

But now, there are new, sweet things between those moments: fingers intertwined as they walk across campus, soft kisses between breaks, warm hugs and cuddles during movie nights, and Mingyu resting his head on Wonwoo’s shoulder as they watch the city lights glimmer from the rooftop.

They’re still figuring it out, together, no rush. But it’s still the same bond, just in a different light — two people genuinely caring for each other, enjoying each other’s love and company.

Then, one Friday evening, after a long, exhausting week of school activities, Wonwoo sits in his gaming chair, tired as he edits his latest stream video. The soft glow of blue LED lights surrounds him, calming the nerves.

Suddenly, the door opens.

Mingyu enters, humming softly in his thick, damp hair, wearing a loose t-shirt and boxers. Without a word, he walks over and suddenly settles on Wonwoo’s lap, catching the other stunned.

“Gyu?”

Mingyu smiles, wrapping his arms around Wonwoo’s broad shoulders, then rests his forehead against Wonwoo’s. Wonwoo can smell the fresh mint of Mingyu’s toothpaste.

“Won, may gusto pala akong sabihin sa’yo.”

“Ano po yun?” Wonwoo asks gently, his hands sliding to Mingyu’s waist, his thumb circling gently on Mingyu’s skin.

“Wonwoo Jeon, I love you.”

Those words have to be the sweetest thing Wonwoo has ever heard — and it comes from the person he truly loves the most.

So, of course, he has to say it back.

“Mingyu Kim, I love you, too.”

Mingyu giggles, and just seeing his happiness makes Wonwoo’s emotions swell. He pulls Mingyu closer until Mingyu buries his face against Wonwoo’s neck.

“Tangina, Mingyu, mahal na mahal kita,” Wonwoo whispers again, cradling Mingyu’s back with one hand while the other remains on his waist.

Mingyu smiles into the shadow of Wonwoo’s neck, content and calm. “Thank you for waiting, mahal ko.”

Wonwoo closes his eyes, pure joy written all over his face. “Basta ikaw, mahal ko.”

Mingyu pulls back from the hug, just enough to take in his view of the man in front of him. There’s something in Wonwoo’s eyes underneath those square-shaped glasses: delicate, sincere, comforting. And they tell him they’re exactly where they’re meant to be.

They don’t say it out loud, though their silence tells it for them: they intend to stay right by each other’s arms.

Unable to hold it any longer, Wonwoo leans in to capture Mingyu’s lips in a kiss that feels like the beginning of something they’ve both been yearning for. It’s careful, tender — the whole night is theirs to declare their love.

Mingyu’s hands slide up to cradle the back of Wonwoo’s neck, while Wonwoo’s arms tighten around his back, holding him even closer.

They kiss like their lips already know the words their earnest hearts haven’t said yet. Like the years of those soft glances, sunny laughter, and late-night conversations have all led to this fateful evening.

When Mingyu parts his lips slightly, Wonwoo responds with a more desperate push, his mouth seeking in to suck on Mingyu’s tongue gently. This makes Mingyu moan, but Wonwoo muffles it right away with his lips.

This is their most feverish kiss yet, but neither dare to pull away. Wonwoo doesn’t spare Mingyu even a huff of breath as he used to long for this moment. He doesn’t wanna risk wasting a second as their mouths and tongues dance and sing of love.

With surprising strength, Wonwoo lifts the bigger Mingyu into his arms, and the latter intuitively wraps his legs around Wonwoo’s waist. They make their way to Wonwoo’s bed, where Mingyu ends up on his back against the mattress, waiting for Wonwoo to hover above him.

They pause for a moment to catch their breaths they’d stolen from each other. Wonwoo gazes down at Mingyu with a loving smile — like the person beneath him is the most beautiful creature in the world. And to Wonwoo, Mingyu truly is.

Eyes shining, Mingyu looks up at him, silently anticipating Wonwoo’s next move. “Won?” Mingyu pouts.

“Yes, mahal ko?” Wonwoo pokes that pout with his own lips.

Mingyu bites his lower lip this time, seemingly inviting the other. “I-Ikaw na bahala, ha?”

Wonwoo lifts a corner of his mouth in a teasing smirk. “Kahit magdamag pa, eh.”

Mingyu’s whiny laugh is then cut short when Wonwoo bends down and kisses him again. Wonwoo supports himself with his right hand, while his left gently caresses Mingyu’s smooth cheek. For a few minutes, they share gasps and moans into each other’s mouths, and Wonwoo finds himself aching to let his lips wander further.

He walks his soft lips along Mingyu’s face, making sure not to miss a single inch of skin.  

Mingyu’s eyes flutter shut, heat rushing through him as Wonwoo slowly begins to ignite him. Then, Wonwoo pulls back just enough to look down at him with that same loving stare.

“Ganda mo,” Wonwoo whispers.

Mingyu smiles back. “Alam ko.”

Then, a flicker of something dark tease of amusement appears on Wonwoo’s face as he tugs at Mingyu’s loose shirt. Mingyu gets the message and instantly removes it for him.

Wonwoo’s eyes glimmer intensely at the sight of Mingyu’s chest. He’s seen it countless times over the years — but this time, it isn’t on display for the world. It’s just for him to kiss and mark and consume.

He slowly traces his fingers along the lines of Mingyu’s cleavage, and Mingyu flinches at the touch. Wonwoo lingers there for a minute or two, letting his fingertips memorize every inch by feel alone. And he can’t help but fall for the sweet, heaving look on Mingyu’s face every time his finger sliding misses those nipples.

“M-Mahal…” Mingyu calls out softly, still breathing in and out. “Yung utong ko…” 

Wonwoo instantly chuckles at the request, his hand returning this time to settle right in the middle of his breast. His eyes focus on the way his fingers run up and down on it, making Mingyu shiver even more.

“Tangina, kung alam mo lang… I’ve dreamed about playing with your tits.”

Mingyu gasps at Wonwoo's honesty and slaps the other’s arm in retort. “Bastos ng bunganga mo!”

“Mahal ko, we’re about to do something bastos dito sa kama ko. Ngayon ka pa ba magrereklamo?” Wonwoo teases back.

Mingyu has no answer to that, instead he just rolls his eyes.

“Sus,” Wonwoo laughs again. “Fine, I’ll play with your nipples.”

And Wonwoo does exactly that. His lips goes on to latch onto one nipple, while his hand rolls over and thumbs on the other.

“Ah-Wo-on…” Mingyu pants to the sensation. Wonwoo’s warmth seems to sink into his chest, and with the way his lips and teeth cling to his bud, Mingyu feels himself slowly breaking down beneath him. He’s not a virgin by any means — but this is the first time he’s ever been touched like this. And he loves every bit of it. Loves the way he’s kissed, he’s bitten, he’s claimed.

By Wonwoo, of all people.

Wonwoo shifts to the other nipple and Mingyu’s whole body heats up even further. Wonwoo proceeds to lick and mark Mingyu’s entire chest, hoping the latter wouldn’t go to the gym topless the next day. But he’s proud of his work of art, and Mingyu does not seem to mind it… well, his room’s too dark for Mingyu to notice at that moment.

Once satisfied, Wonwoo reaches for Mingyu’s boxers and begins to peel them off. Mingyu doesn’t resist at first. But suddenly, his hand jumps out, grabbing Wonwoo’s wrist.

“Why po, mahal ko?” Wonwoo asks.

Mingyu bites his lip. “‘Di ba… ‘di ba masakit?”

Wonwoo takes a deep breath and leans in to peck a kiss on Mingyu’s lips.

“Medyo masakit talaga sa una,” he murmurs. “I’ve bottomed before, so I know. But don’t worry, mahal, mawawala din naman yung hapdi, I’ll make sure of it. Prep na kita?”

Mingyu nods meekly.

“Dapa ka, mahal.”

Mingyu slowly rises to his hands and knees on the mattress. Wonwoo pauses for a moment, unable to help himself. The sight before him is truly delectable, he shamelessly drools. Mingyu’s nakedness on all fours is definitely like a memory Wonwoo will store in his mind for the rest of his life.

“W-Won?” Mingyu turns back as it’s been a minute since he positioned himself.

“S-Sorry, mahal,” Wonwoo stammers. “Na-distract ako sa katawan mo, tinigasan ako bigla.”

“Bastos ka.”

In Wonwoo’s defense, Mingyu’s position is undeniably tempting — those thick thighs, those plump ass cheeks, and the way his back arches unintentionally is the icing on the cake.

The cake Wonwoo’s about to devour.

Wonwoo reaches for the lube in the drawer, but just before he can use it, he suddenly comes up with something.

He settles and kneels down right behind Mingyu, his face now only inches away from Mingyu’s butt cheeks. Without a word, he digs his thumb on the skin and parts the curve apart, revealing that pink hole Mingyu’s been hiding all along.

“Tanginang butas ‘to, ang ganda… puta, parang masarap lamutakin” Wonwoo whispers to himself, unable to hide his excitement any longer.

Mingyu already has an idea what’s about to happen: he’s rimmed holes before. He's already imagining how it would feel, but his curious thoughts are abruptly cut short when Wonwoo’s tongue and mouth finally meet the most sensitive entrance of his body.

“A-Ah! Nngg!” Mingyu gasps, his upper body immediately digging onto the mattress.

Wonwoo feels like he’s in a buffet, except he’s only eating a single meal. And he’s salivating proudly as he continues to devour that tight hole. He makes sure it gets wet and pliant enough to entering he’s about to do. Meanwhile, Mingyu couldn’t stop himself from moaning throatily, and those slurping, sipping kisses he hears from Wonwoo don’t help.

From teasing and wetting the brim, Wonwoo goes ahead and glides the tip of his tongue inside.

“Ah! Nngg!” Mingyu shivers through, his body arching up some more like a reflex. As soon as Wonwoo’s rimming fastens, Mingyu instinctively moves his butt along, meeting that tongue and mouth like a submissive prey.

“Sarap ba?” Wonwoo chuckles in delight. “Want me to eat you everyday?” Wonwoo spends the next few minutes blessing that hole religiously with his tongue and mouth, cycling through entering, sucking, biting, and kissing — continuing the pattern until Mingyu surrenders by tapping his hand on the mattress.

Wonwoo quickly leans back from the ass-eating. “Y-You okay?”

“I…” Mingyu barely answers. “I… came.”

Wonwoo slides his head sideways and sees Mingyu’s come splattered on the sheets.

“Did it feel good?”

Mingyu nods, his head still buried down. “F-First time kong labasan ng ganito.”

Wonwoo exhales into his smile, somehow feeling proud. He adjusts himself to stand this time. “I need to loosen you up, mahal.” He doesn’t wait for Mingyu’s response and begins wetting his fingers with the lube. After his fingers are coated slick, he slowly sides one finger inside the wet hole.

Mingyu immediately reacts, his butt shaking again that Wonwoo has to hold him down.

Wonwoo’s middle finger starts slowly, making sure the sensitive walls inside get used to the stinging friction this hole’s about to get. 

“W-Won… o-one more, p-please,” Mingyu begs. It’s only one finger, and he’s already desperate and breathless. He can’t help but wonder how it will finally feel if it’s Wonwoo’s rod this time.

Wonwoo’s index finger joins in, and the pleasure instantly multiplies. Mingyu’s breathing grows ragged and helpless, and he gasps even deeper when Wonwoo finally locates his prostate and starts to hit and tease it relentlessly.

“W-Won, m-mahal! Ah!” Mingyu cries out.

Wonwoo glances at Mingyu in front of him and smiles like an accomplished driller. The way Mingyu moves lewdly to his touch sparks something hot inside him that he can no longer bear his own hardness from growing. So while he’s busy scissoring Mingyu, he removes his own shorts with his free hand and he begins stroking his own cock.

“T-Tangina,” Wonwoo groans to himself. Sure he’s had plenty of pleasure from his previous partners, but this is the first time he meant his sexual acts. Because for the first time, he’s doing it for love.

Wonwoo’s working double-time at this point; finger-fucking Mingyu’s hole and hand-fucking himself to filth. Strangely enough, their moaning syncs up, and more sounds come out of them that fills and echoes the room up. Good thing, Wonwoo’s room’s a soundproof one, as he streams his games online in that very space… Interestingly, he can also now use it for some other bedroom activity involving two people.

“W-Won-Ah! Nngg! Ah” Mingyu’s barely audible at this point. Desperate to climax again, he grabs onto his own length and begins jerking it off.

“Gyu, tangina, ganda mong tingnan mula dito,” Wonwoo stops his self-stroking to focus on his fingering.

“M-Mahal!”

“Yes, mahal?”

Mingyu, whose eyes are now white at this point, turns back to him with his trembling lips.

“F-Fuck m-me. P-Please!”

Wonwoo sighs in relief; he’s on the itching verge of thrusting himself. Mingyu’s already loose in his estimate, so he finally lines the tip of his cock up by the fingered hole.

Mingyu patiently watches Wonwoo, his eyes fixed on the latter’s large, veiny cock about to penetrate him. Seeing it for the first time, he gulps in his throat.

Wonwoo notices the other’s gaze. “Malaki ba?” He smirks directly at Mingyu, all the while he proceeds to tease his hole by rubbing his tip against it.

Mingyu winces at the rubbing play and whines. “Wonwoo naman eh… P-Pasok mo na kasi.”

Luckily for him, Wonwoo immediately obliges. The latter goes ahead and presses his head. The initial breach’s unsurprisingly challenging that both of them groan in chorus.

Wonwoo has only entered the head, but his vision’s already as blurred as it was naturally… despite still wearing his glasses. Mingyu’s also unbelievably tight and warm it automatically chokes on the circulation of his penis.

But he needs to enter him entirely.

He pushes another inch inside, and Mingyu instantly explodes and screams out in pain. “AAAHHH!”

“M-Mahal, I’m sorry…” Wonwoo whispers guiltily, kneading the other’s butt cheeks to soothe him.

Mingyu’s hole’s absolutely stinging and burning in pain, and his arms and shoulders are giving up on him slowly, but he doesn’t want to let Wonwoo down on their first night. “K-Kaya ko pa, m-mahal. P-Push some m-more.”

Seeing the determination in Mingyu’s face, Wonwoo continues pressing in, inch by inch, painfully slow and patiently as he doesn’t want to inflict much more pain than necessary.

Mingyu bites his lip, trying his very best to relax and take in Wonwoo’s length. He feels full and invaded, but this is still just the beginning.

“Ah…” Wonwoo breathes out as soon as he’s finally inside entirely. Mingyu’s hole’s still taut and stiff, but its warmth surely makes up for it that Wonwoo feels like his rod is melting.

Mingyu continues to breathe in and out for a minute more to adjust, and Wonwoo just waits for him patiently. Their sweaty bodies are now connected at this point, but Mingyu realizes they have to move — now.

“W-Won, galaw n-na.”

Wonwoo internally nods. He begins with a single slow thrust, and this groans them out to the friction. Despite the lubing, he still could feel the veins of his cock getting dragged inside the fleshed walls.

Then he does another slow one, then another slow one, and then another, until he finds the perfect slow rhythm that he knows Mingyu could conquer.

Mingyu turns his head to the side, moaning to each thrust his hole’s way. He could still feel the burn, the drag, the itch… but at the second or third minute mark, he finally feels it.

“Ah! Ah! Nngg…”

Even Wonwoo can tell: the shift in Mingyu’s moaning. He figures his lover’s starting to feel pleasure.

“Moan for me, baby… I want to hear you moan for me. Sa’kin ka lang umungol, mahal ko…” Wonwoo encourages darkly. Somehow, the flirty words work as Mingyu seems to be listening to him.

“W-Won… Nngg… Ah…”

Mingyu’s lewd sounds grow louder, yet needier. His ass also begins to quiver to meet Wonwoo’s fucking.

Wonwoo takes this as his cue to pick his pace up. And it clearly pays off by the way Mingyu cries out, not in pain, but in deep utter pleasure.

“W-Won, s-sarap…” Mingyu manages to say, his fingers now digging onto the sheets.

“Init ng butas mo, mahal. Tangina, parang matutunaw tite ko sa’yo. Sarap mo, Gyu.”

This undeniably turns Mingyu on so much that he turns and fixes his back to intensely gaze at Wonwoo while the latter fucks him from behind.

“Tangina, mahal, huwag mo akong titigan ng ganyan,” Wonwoo chuckles, clearly enjoying Mingyu’s lustfully tormented face his way.

“M-More… W-Won, f-faster,” the bottom whiningly begs, turning his boba eyes on.

“Puta, sige, gusto mong mas mabilis? Madali naman akong kausap,” Wonwoo attempts to taunt, except that he follows through with it and decides to fasten his thrusting even further.

He starts to up his ramming, and this sends Mingyu into a crying frenzy.

“Ah! Ah! W-Won! Ah! M-Ma-hal!”

But Wonwoo’s on a turbo mode to care, basically running the hell out of that hole, proudly hitting Mingyu’s prostate.

Meanwhile, Mingyu’s tears won’t stop coming out, and he could feel every part of his body going hot and getting drowned in sexual ecstasy. Wonwoo’s fucking him harder and deeper now, so utterly merciless that Wonwoo’s tip begins bulging through his stomach.

“Mingyu, fuck! Sarap mong araw-arawin! Ah!”

Too dazed yet focused, Wonwoo suddenly pulls Mingyu's upper body up to lean against his chest. And as soon as Wonwoo resumes, Mingyu cries and trembles on a whole another level.

“Nngg, nngg…” It’s a different angle, hence, a different type of sensation this time. The rhythm of their sex turn more natural and comfortable, that Mingyu slants behind and let Wonwoo catch his entire body as the other continues to fuck him.

Wanting to give Mingyu the best first sex possible, he crawls his hands up to thumb Mingyu’s nipples once more. Mingyu shivers and winces in his chest, whispering ‘more’ and ‘please’ and ‘Wonwoo’ in alternates.

Wonwoo can’t help but smile at this. Maybe the books he’s read and the movies he’s watched were right: sex indeed feels amazing with the one you love.

“Mahal, I’m coming,” Wonwoo whispers in Mingyu's ear.

“A-Ako din, m-mahal…” Mingyu responds, words coupled with pants at this point.

Wonwoo quickly grabs the other’s neglected cock. “Let’s come together, baby… I love you so damn much.”

Mingyu manages to turn sideways, just enough for Wonwoo to see his face. “I-I love you, Wonwoo… S-Salamat s-sa pagmamahal m-mo…”

And after a few more thrusts, they finally come to their climaxes. Mingyu bursts out first, spilling and squirting onto Wonwoo’s hand and to the sheets. Wonwoo follows a few seconds later, pumping and releasing deep inside Mingyu’s now-red and bruised hole.

They stop moving for a minute to soak it all in. Wonwoo takes Mingyu’s chin to fully face him, then there they share yet another passionate kiss… until Wonwoo’s cock hardens again, and they continue into the night.

EPILOGUE

“Nngg… Nngg…”

Wonwoo smirks in satisfaction as he sits on the toilet cover, while Mingyu’s riding on his cock that Friday afternoon at the men’s campus restroom.

They have to do it quickly and without a noise, though, and Wonwoo has a solution for that: his thick thumb as Mingyu’s pacifier.

“Galing naman sumakay ni Mahal,” Wonwoo teases, occasionally thrusting up to meet Mingyu’s bouncing. Meanwhile, the taller keeps on sucking on the thumb as his pace begins to quicken. 

They have been dating officially for three months now, and so far their relationship feels good and secure. When they had to tell their friends, all of them were genuinely happy for them; some weren’t even that surprised. It turned out they could see the chemistry between them, before even each of them realized their feelings for each other.

Mingyu pulls the thumb out of his mouth. “I’m near…” And sure enough, he shivers to his orgasm a few seconds later. But of course, he has to continue riding as Wonwoo’s still hard and erect.

Despite the wetness in between them from Mingyu’s come, Wonwoo leans closer to kiss those moans still coming out of his boyfriend. A minute or two later, Wonwoo also reaches his high and spills inside Mingyu’s hole.

They then spend the next few minutes cleaning themselves up. Good thing Mingyu brought some fresh shirts to his basketball practice.

After almost an hour inside, they finally step out of the bathroom. But before Wonwoo can take a single step, he receives a hard slap on the shoulder from Mingyu.

“Aray ko, mahal,” Wonwoo pouts in fake pain.

“Araw-araw na tayong nagkakantutan dito sa school!” Mingyu scolds him.

“Well, it’s your fault for changing in front of me.”

“So ako pa sisisihin mo, animal ka!”

“Pero aminin mo, masarap akong kumantot. Pustahan tayo, magpapakantot ka ulit sa bahay mamaya.”

“Tangina ka! Ewan ko sa’yo.”

Spoiler: Wonwoo was right. Mingyu indeed would ask the other a few hours later before they sleep… they did four rounds before Mingyu, ironically, begs Wonwoo to stop.

END