As he slipped out of the car with his things, he rushed up to the front door. Before he could knock, Mingi opened the door with a raised brow.

Oh, ****, he looked hot. Also wearing designer, Song Mingi stood in front of him clad in a very… compressing Ralph Lauren polo, along with pleated beige pants and a lovely belt to top it all off.

Yunho thought he would die.

“I thought I told you to be cool off that engine.” Mingi leaned with his hand against the doorway and the other on his hip.

“Not my fault the Lamborghini is loud.”

It’s always a treat when Mingi dresses up. His usual boyish charm is replaced by this hot, masculine persona that would make anyone swoon, and Yunho was absolutely fawning over him. It was downright sinful to feel this way. His crash-hot attitude powered over the rest of him. It was truly captivating.

“You look good, Yunho.” Mingi smiled, his pearly teeth sparkling in the sun. Yunho could swear he heard the ting !

He softly hummed, smiling before being dragged inside and upstairs, straight for Mingi’s bedroom. The mansion was almost silent, save for the ventilation and bouncing echo from the marble floors and walls. Mingi held onto Yunho’s hand, guiding him up the grand staircase that they were so familiar with.
Yunho's casual stride felt so natural, though he knew he was overthinking every step, all for the sake of impressing Mingi today– tonight, really. The pressure was on, and not only because Yunho had to offer an entertaining ride, as well as pull off practically suicidal tricks.

Yunho let himself be pulled, his gaze fixed on Mingi the whole time. His bedroom was as big as Yunho’s, if not bigger. It felt so lived-in, with clothing draped over a plush armchair in the corner and books neatly stacked on the nightstand. The subtle scent of his musky cologne was so sensual, almost animalistic.

Mingi finally released Yunho’s hand, letting him set down his bag. “So,” he began, turning to face the younger. A troublesome smirk played on his lips, a pure indicator that he would be picking up the charm.

“You looked like you were enjoying yourself at lunch. You always get so.. spirited when Hongjoong is around.” His eyes glittered, a challenge in their dark depths.

Yunho sheepishly shook his head, a nervous flutter stirring in his stomach. “Me ? Spirited ? You were the one practically glowing from all of the attention. And don’t tell me you didn’t enjoy being fed.”

“You’re like a prince.” He stepped closer, invading Mingi’s personal space. His gaze dropped to Mingi’s full lips. “You look hungry for something else, though.”

Mingi chuckled, a low, breathy sound that sent a shiver through Yunho. He didn’t back away. Instead, he reached out, his fingertips tracing the collar of his Burberry top, just barely brushing his defined collarbone.

“Mm, well, unlike some people, I don’t try to bite the hand that feeds me.” His tone was light, but his dark eyes held Yunho’s. “Though, I admit you were awfully bold today. It’s almost like you had something to prove.”

Yunho swallowed, the heat rising in his face again. Mingi’s touch was feather-light, barely there, yet it felt like a brand. He leaned in, his gaze dropping to Mingi’s chest. “Maybe I did,” he mumbled, his voice audibly rougher than intended.

The younger’s hand moved to Mingi’s hip, his fingers slightly tightening around the fabric of his pants. He could feel the warmth of the elder’s skin, the tautness of his muscle. He took in a shallow breath, Mingi’s scent overwhelming his senses.

Mingi’s eyes fell to Yunho’s hand placement, but he made no move to remove it. A faint flush touched his own cheekbones, his lips parting slightly. Yunho’s thumb began to gently stroke the small dip there, between his hip and his thigh.

Mingi leaned in, moving to whisper in the younger’s ear, but before he could get a word out, a small, discreet knock interrupted. All of the tension in the bedroom had practically dissolved, as if all of that just didn’t happen.

A soft, polite voice followed the knock. “Mingi-ssi, would you like your tea now, or later ?”

The elders eyes, which were still clouded with intensity, snapped back to focus. He let out an irritated sigh, clearing his throat. “Later, thank you !” He said, forcefully returning the tone, betraying absolutely nothing.

He finally glanced back at Yunho, who had put a bit of distance between them. He had a knowing glint in his eyes, a small smirk painting his face.

“Some things just have to wait, Yunho-ah.”

Frustration coiled tight in Yunho’s gut. God, he’s enjoying this.

“Right.” Yunho responded with a stiff nod. His eyes drifted around the room, trying to find something to focus on so he didn’t seem as awkward as he felt. “Well, it’ll be dark soon. Should we… head out to the warehouse ?” Yunho beamed, his blood rushing at just the thought of adrenaline.

Mingi smiled at him, taking his hand. “Yeah, let’s go.” He nodded, walking him to the door.

“I’ve been looking forward to this all day. You’re gonna love it. My car’s ******* amazing.” Yunho boasted, giving Mingi that roguish look.

As he got it ready, he glanced up to watch the Master and the horse.

Yunho was standing just to the side of Lucie’s head. He held out the sugar cube with a fond smile. Unlike with the apple, Lucie didn’t need encouragement. She saw the delicious treat and turned her head to pluck it off his palm with her moist lips. The ticklish sensation made him giggle. His voice was whisper-soft as she nuzzled against his palm and twitching fingers.

“Un pour toi, un pour moi.”

Mingi silently observed the boy as he stuck his hand in his pocket. He pulled it out and uncurled his fingers to reveal a second sugar cube. He brought it to his lips. His fingers were wet from the mare’s slobbering drool as they slipped inside his mouth to place the little treat on his tongue. When he pulled them free, a strand of commingled spit stretched from his fingertips and then snapped down onto his chin.

As the hard cube dissolved, Yunho scrunched up his face with a giddy sound. His lips parted to show almost every single tooth, and his eyes narrowed into slits. The intense sweetness made his fingers twitch and curl at his sides.

The noise he made caught the attention of Lucie. She turned her head again to bump her muzzle against his cheek. Yunho lifted his hands to hold her face.

He pressed his round cheek against the strong wing of her hollow cheek as his fingers scratched and stroked around her ears and down her neck.

Mingi thought he was about the sweetest foal he had ever laid eyes on. The thought made him snort under his breath and drop his head to focus back on the machine.

“Love is a smoke raised with the fume of sighs; Being purged, a fire sparkling in lovers' eyes; Being vexed, a sea nourished with lovers' tears.”* The officiant began, looking between the two of them.

Hongjoong broke his gaze, looking towards the man. “Romeo and Juliet ?” He inquired, tilting his head. Seonghwa turned his head as well, listening and letting the words fill him with the truth.

“Yes, that’s right. Act 1, Scene 1. That line is known to compare the duality of what real love can make us feel. It explains that initially, love is like a suffocating smoke developed in the mutual longing between two, becoming passionately full of soul and fire when purified. However, if you disrupt that, it introduces a vast problem. That metaphor illustrates the pain that can come when love isn’t returned.”

He paused, his eyes flickering between the both of theirs. “Love is truly a dual thing. As it is beautiful, it is painful. As it is intense, it is fragile. It must be treated with caution.”

A smile sprouted on his lips as he specifically directed his attention to the both of them. “What you two share is sacred. It is something that took root when you were children, and has continued to bloom over the span of a decade. This milestone is well deserved and I’m positive that everyone in this room says the same.”

“We are gathered here today to join Kim Hongjoong and Park Seonghwa in marriage. This speaks on their dedication to the commitment and dedication they’ve put into each other. You two are so blessed.”

They both looked back at each other, their gaze locked on each other’s face, filled with admiration for the other.

“Do you have your vows prepared ?” The officiant asked, leaning forward with a smile. Hongjoong had to resist the urge not to burst into tears, full of so much emotion and readiness to call Seonghwa his.

“Yes, I do,” he sniffled, pulling the slip out of his pocket. “Am I okay to start ?” He questioned, looking towards the man. “Whenever you’re ready,” he softly spoke, giving Hongjoong a reassuring nod.

He took a deep breath, looking at his soon-to-be, then down at the paper.

“Seonghwa, my love. For years, I’ve watched you, waited for you, known in my gut that you were always meant to stand here, before me, by my side. After all of these years, –preparation, too– it’s finally real. I vow to be the rock in your world, the man who always provides, protects, and keeps you safe within the luxurious life you deserve.”

“I promise to cherish your timeless beauty, your spirit, and every inch of your body and soul, forever. My heart, my home, my name– they are all yours, completely and without question or any doubt.” He reached out to hold his hand, intertwining their fingers and softly stroking his knuckles.

“All I ask, all I demand is your unwavering devotion. Be mine, Seonghwa. Be my wife, my darling, now and always.”

Once he looked up, the sight of Seonghwa’s tears streaming down his soft cheeks was enough to make his chest heave. Hongjoong snatched the hankerchief out of his suit, leaning in and dabbing the salty drops off of his face. They were almost there.

“Seonghwa ? Your vows ?” Yeosang tapped him, holding his vows between his fingertips.

“Oh, right…” he giggled, turning to accept the small paper from his man of honor. “Thank you, Yuyu.” He said, letting out another melodious laugh, the guests returning his humor.

He looked up at Hongjoong with his sparkly eyes, squeezing his hand once, out of affection. “Hongjoong, my dear From the moment I first saw you, a boy I shared my high school experience with, my heart knew you were my destiny. I’ve dreamed about this day, countless of times. Since the first time I fantasized about signing my name ‘Kim Seonghwa’ on my papers, and now, standing here, giving myself wholly and completely.”

“Today, that dream finally becomes our reality. I vow to trust you implicitly, to adore you without end, and to surrender myself fully to your care and your guidance. My body, my spirit, my every breath– they are yours to command, to cherish, and to fulfill. I promise my devotion, my loyalty, and my deepest love ‘til my dying day. I am yours, Hongjoong. Your wife, forever devoted to you.”

If there was one thing that Seonghwa did, it was practically rip his heart out and willingly hand it to the other. Hongjoong couldn’t– he wouldn’t escape the feeling of passion that Seonghwa truly conveyed to him through his loving surrender.

This was a dream come true.

“Do you, Kim Hongjoong, take Park Seonghwa to be your lawfully wedded wife, to live together in matrimony, to love them, comfort them, honor and keep them, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live ?”

“I do.” He promised.

“Do you, Park Seonghwa, take Kim Hongjoong to be your lawfully wedded husband, to live together in matrimony, to love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold, from this day forward, as long as you both shall live ?”

“I do.” He whimpered, fanning his tears.

Hongjoong softly chuckled, then turned his back momentarily to accept the ringbox from his best man, Yunho, who sweetly handed it over, followed by an affectionate hand on his shoulder. He took the first ring out, a glimmering, white gold ring, a princess cut diamond resting elegantly at the top.

“Repeat after me, Hongjoong,” the officiant said, Hongjoong nodding in response. “With this ring, I thee wed,”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he softly repeated, sliping the diamond on Seonghwa ring finger.

“–and pledge you my love, now and forever.”

“And pledge my love, now and forever.” He softly said, bending down to place a chaste kiss on the ring.

“Seonghwa, repeat after me.” He turned, just as Seonghwa took the matching wedding band from the box, before it got handed back to Yunho.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he began.

“With this ring, I thee wed,” he smiled, taking Hongjoong’s hand and putting the ring onto him.

“–and pledge you my love, now and forever.”

“And pledge my love, now and forever.” He finished, looking back at Hongjoong.

The officiant grinned ear to ear, stepping back and placing a hand on his heart out of adoration for the newlywed couple.

“By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the–”

Hongjoong didn’t hesitate to yank Seonghwa by the wrist, pulling him in his embrace. He wrapped his arms around his waist, Seonghwa’s arms flying around Hongjoong’s neck as he sealed it with a kiss.