A/n:
I don't own the fanart. Btw, Meanie fanarts are so cute. I had a hard time choosing it.
Mingyu and Wonwoo were at the orphanage where Mingyu volunteered weekly, in keeping with a meaningful tradition the Kims held dear. Wonwoo decided to tag along this time, not only to support Mingyu in his charitable efforts but also because they had planned a much-anticipated dinner date afterward. As Wonwoo captivated the children by reading a colorful children's book aloud, his animated voice filling the room with excitement and wonder, Mingyu's attention was drawn away. He noticed a small boy sitting quietly in a corner, absorbed in flipping through the pages of a drawing book, seemingly lost in his own world amidst the vibrant gatherings.
This little boy was new to the orphanage, having arrived shortly after his parents tragically died in a car accident a few months prior. The boy was originally from Japan, and he had moved to Korea with his parents two years ago when he was just five. Although his extended family in Japan wanted to take him in, legal complications had delayed the process, leaving the orphanage in temporary custody. Despite the language barrier and cultural differences, the orphanage staff and other children tried to make him feel welcome. He often sat by the window, gazing at the playground below, quietly clutching a small stuffed animal that had once belonged to his parents-a comforting relic from his happier days. Every now and then, he would whisper words in Japanese, as if calling out to his family, hoping to bridge the distance and the grief that weighed heavily on his young heart.
The boy was withdrawn, rarely speaking, which made it difficult for the caretakers to connect with him.Mingyu, one of the more compassionate caretakers, had made several attempts to engage him in conversation, offering him treats or fancy little toys in hopes of eliciting a smile or a laugh, but the boy only responded with a few hesitant words. Even the elderly caretaker who ran the orphanage, known for her nurturing and warmth, had tried to reach out to him but without much success. The situation tugged deeply at Mingyu's heart, making him even more determined to find a way to bring some light into the boy's life. Mingyu couldn't bear to see a child so young and already burdened by immense sorrow, and he resolved to help him find a glimmer of happiness, no matter how long it took.
"Don't worry, Haruto will be talking to everyone soon," Wonwoo reassured, his voice calm as he tried to ease his boyfriend's anxiety, rubbing his palm over the taller's back in a soothing manner. Mingyu got startled by the sudden deep voice behind him but soon relaxed upon recognizing the familiar tone that brought him comfort. "How are you so sure?" Mingyu asked, turning to face his boyfriend with a mixture of curiosity and lingering worry, before pulling him close by his waist for a sense of security. "I just know," Wonwoo replied confidently, a reassuring smile on his lips as he lazily draped both of his hands around the taller boy's neck, drawing him in closer in a tender embrace that spoke volumes of their trust and affection for each other.
"It's an orphanage, and you both know that, right?" a little girl's voice suddenly cut through their romantic moment, causing them both to flinch away from each other. The girl, with her dark, curly hair and sparkling eyes, looked at them as a mischievous smile played on her lips, her arms crossed over her chest in playful authority. "We do remember, Yuna. It's just...," Wonwoo trailed off, his words stumbling as he searched for the right explanation under the girl's playful scrutinizing gaze. She simply raised one eyebrow, the smirk still firmly in place, clearly enjoying having the upper hand and relishing in the moment. Her precocious confidence made it hard for him to muster a convincing excuse, leaving the air thick with the unspoken truth of their surroundings.
"You're supposed to help me with cleaning. Where were you off to, huh? Now come with me," Wonwoo finally managed to say without stuttering, determined not to lose face in front of a teenager. It would be a big blow to his ego if he couldn't even respond to a little girl. "Okay," Yuna agreed without missing a beat, grabbing Wonwoo's arm and pulling him away from Mingyu, who whined in protest at the separation from his boyfriend. Yuna glanced over her shoulder, sticking her tongue out at Mingyu to tease him, effectively taking the 'cat' away from the 'big puppy.' Despite the interruption, Wonwoo felt a tiny sense of relief knowing he had managed to keep his composure, even if it meant putting up with Yuna's playful antics.
Mingyu couldn't help but snort at himself for feeling jealous over a teenage girl. Yet, the jealousy simmered within him uncontrollably. When it came to Wonwoo, Mingyu was undeniably the most possessive person in the world. Wonwoo wasn't just anyone to him; he was his prince charming in shining armor, the one who made his heart race and his world brighter. Wonwoo had a way of turning mundane moments into magical memories, and the thought of anyone else sharing those experiences with him gnawed at Mingyu's insides. Their bond was special, and to Mingyu, it felt entirely irreplaceable, making his jealousy not only inevitable but almost justifiable.
Mingyu (last year of high school)
Mingyu always knew he was bisexual. He felt it deeply within himself, wondering if it must be in his blood since his cousins, Kim Namjoon and Kim Taehyung, were also bisexual. Being the youngest among them, he was showered with love and affection, which made him feel cherished and valued in their family circle. Mingyu idolized his cousins and would trail after them constantly, absorbing their wisdom and charisma. However, as his cousins were preoccupied with managing their large, flourishing business, Mingyu often found himself feeling lonely during his high school years. The busy lives of Namjoon and Taehyung meant fewer opportunities to spend time together, and Mingyu longed for their company, often missing the close bonds they shared during his formative years.
Despite this, Mingyu maintained a positive and understanding attitude. He knew his cousins cared for him and would spend time with him whenever they were free. These moments made him incredibly happy and he cherished the time they spent together. In high school, Mingyu also met his spirited friend Seokmin, who brought laughter into his life, his cherished older brother figure Jeonghan, who provided him with guidance and support, and later on, Joshua, who quickly became a trusted confidant. His friends adored him not just for his loving nature, but also for his playful, puppy-like demeanor, which brought warmth and joy to their lives.
Mingyu fondly remembered a particular moment where he had unintentionally embarrassed Seokmin by bringing up Seokmin's crush.It was humorous on Mingyu's part, but for Seokmin, it was embarrassing enough for him to warn Mingyu not to bring it up ever again, which Mingyu gladly did. In general, he was surrounded by a supportive network of friends who loved him just as much as his family did.
In his last year of high school, Mingyu's cousin, Kim Taehyung, brought him to his boyfriend's birthday party. It was at this event that Mingyu tried alcohol for the first time and discovered he really enjoyed it. Mingyu had met Jungkook, Taehyung's boyfriend, a few times before, and they were already close friends, given that they were the same age. The party was neither overly wild nor stuffy like a business gathering; it had a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, just as Jungkook had described. The laughter, light music, and genuine conversations made it a memorable evening for Mingyu. However, what made it truly unforgettable was the sight of the boy who caught his eye under those soft, glowing lights, sparking a connection that felt both magical and profound.
The venue was bustling with people, the energy of the crowd palpable and pulsating. Nevertheless, Mingyu's attention was captivated by a particular guy dressed entirely in black, from his snug black beanie down to his well-worn boots. The guy's glasses, perched delicately on his nose, added a touch of endearing vulnerability that Mingyu found particularly cute. Despite the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the party, the guy seemed isolated from the revelry, his ears cocooned by a pair of headphones that blocked out the pounding music. His eyes scanned the room with a detached, almost bored gaze, and he absentmindedly chewed on his lips. He held a cup in his hand, but Mingyu wasn't sure if it was water or beer.
The boy's uninterested eyes somehow confused him, and soon that confusion turned into a strange excitement as Mingyu's heart began to race in his chest. It felt as though his heart was pounding against his ribcage. Mingyu had an urge to approach this mysterious figure, but something in the person's bland gaze held him back. There was a profound sadness that seemed to emanate from him. Feeling a mix of curiosity and empathy, Mingyu decided it was best to ask the birthday boy, Jungkook, about the enigmatic stranger standing quietly in the corner.
"Jungkook-ah, who's that cute guy with glasses?" he asked, draping his arm casually over Jungkook's shoulders and completely oblivious to the unimpressed glare from his own cousin. "Yah, show some respect, that's my cousin you're talking about," the birthday boy replied sharply. Mingyu felt a flicker of panic, unsure of how he had offended Jungkook until the latter broke into a hearty laugh upon seeing Mingyu's worried expression. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. That's Wonwoo, my cousin," Jungkook said with evident pride, happy to show off his relative. Jungkook then playfully narrowed his eyes at Mingyu, a mischievous smirk curling his lips. "Why? Are you attracted to him?" he teased, certain he had hit the bullseye as he watched Mingyu's cheeks flush a deep red.
"Oh my god! My little cousin has grown up," Taehyung exclaimed, wiping away his fake tears with a dramatic flourish. "I'm definitely calling Namjoon to tell him about it," he rambled, already dialing his older brother's number. Meanwhile, Mingyu felt the heat rise to his cheeks and tried to blend into the background, wishing the floor would swallow him up before someone could draw attention to him. "Well, why don't you try talking to him then?" Jungkook suggested, tapping Mingyu on the shoulder with a knowing grin. "Should I?" Mingyu questioned uncertainly, pointing to himself while Jungkook rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Trust me, there are many people eyeing him tonight," Jungkook added with a chuckle. Almost on cue, someone indeed approached Wonwoo. "Look, there's one now," Jungkook remarked, his voice filled with amusement. Mingyu's neck snapped to the side with such force to catch a glimpse that he heard a small crack.
Mingyu watched nervously from a distance as Wonwoo engaged in a conversation with the new guy. Despite the distance, Mingyu could sense the intensity of their interaction, especially when he saw Wonwoo remove his headphones, a clear indication that he was giving the new guy his full attention. The pang of jealousy that washed over Mingyu was almost unbearable. He hadn't even spoken to Wonwoo before, but seeing the new guy close the gap between them stirred a possessiveness he couldn't control. All Mingyu wanted to do was march over there, push the new guy away, and claim that Wonwoo was his. However, he knew he couldn't act on his impulse; he had no right to intervene or claim someone he had yet to meet.
Mingyu's breath hitched in his throat as a wave of unexpected jealousy surged through him when the new guy casually wrapped his arm around Wonwoo's waist. He was fully aware that Jungkook's eyes were on him, but at this moment, he couldn't be bothered. His fists clenched tightly by his side as he tried desperately to control the fury that was boiling inside him. Mingyu felt like he could finally breathe when Wonwoo pushed that obnoxious guy away, clearly livid as he marched forward until they were standing toe to toes. He simply brought up his red plastic cup, pouring the content on the guy's styled hair before storming out and Mingyu felt his heart swell with deep affection for the boy he had first laid eyes on.
"Looks like you missed your chance to talk to him," Jungkook smirked, raising his plastic cup to his lips with a knowing glance. Mingyu let out a low chuckle, nodding subtly before casting a sideways look back at his friend. "I may have missed this chance, but that doesn't mean I won't see him later," he countered confidently, taking a sip of his cold beer. Just then, Taehyung returned, having spent the last few minutes gossiping about his cousin's latest love interest with his older brother. "Hey, where's that guy? Mingyu, you talked to him, right?" Taehyung bombarded Mingyu with questions, his eyes sparkling like a kid eager for his next treat. "Sorry, hyung. I haven't," Mingyu replied, watching as Taehyung's eyes widened in disbelief, almost as if his carefully laid plans had just been thwarted.
"Are you really my cousin?" Taehyung questioned in disbelief, shaking his head while staring at Mingyu. Mingyu, on the other hand, was left speechless by his dramatic cousin's reaction. Turning his attention towards Jungkook, Mingyu's eyes sparkled with excitement, as if he had just formulated his next move. "Hey, Kookie. Which university is he attending?" he asked eagerly. Jungkook, catching on to Mingyu's enthusiasm, answered with a knowing smirk spreading across his lips. "Same one as you, Pledis," he replied, making Mingyu's eyes light up even more. Taehyung, looking extremely proud of the plan he had concocted, interjected confidently, "We can actually expedite the process."
Taehyung had a well-thought-out plan to invite the Jeon cousins to join their upcoming trip to Thailand. Unfortunately, his plan unraveled when the Jeon cousins graciously declined, explaining that they had already scheduled their own trip to Japan. Consequently, it ended up being a cousins-only trip to Thailand, accompanied by Namjoon's husband, Seokjin. The group intended to return well before the orientation day. However, due to severe weather conditions, their flight was canceled, and they found themselves back in Korea on the very day of Mingyu's orientation.
Mingyu somehow managed to botch his schedule so badly that he ended up rushing into a building meant for a completely different department. As if his luck couldn't get any worse, he collided with a child, nearly knocking the poor kid over the concrete floor. 'How did a kid even end up here? Don't tell me he's lost,' Mingyu thought, a wave of panic swelling within him. Quickly, he checked the child over for any injuries. The child, however, had a different concern. Glaring up at the much taller Mingyu, the kid spat out with surprising fierceness, "You're lucky that my guitar's still alive, otherwise you'd be dead by now." Mingyu then noticed the guitar case slung over the child's shoulder, miraculously intact despite their collision. He couldn't help but feel a mix of relief and guilt, knowing how precious an instrument can be.
Ignoring glare, Mingyu extended a hand to help the kid up, who grumpily accepted the assistance without even a mumbled 'thank you.' Given that Mingyu had clumsily knocked the kid over in the first place, he hadn't been expecting any show of gratitude. "Are you okay? Did you get hurt? You're not lost, are you?" Mingyu's voice wavered with panic as he rapidly fired off questions. The kid shot him a venomous look, eyes practically launching daggers in his direction. "If you ever call me a kid again, you won't live to regret it," the kid hissed, their fierce glare sinking into Mingyu.
However, Mingyu was too caught up in his own rambling to notice the glare that was his last warning. "Oh my god, how am I supposed to take care of a kid now? Should I call the police?" he muttered to himself, anxiety creeping into his voice. Mingyu didn't know what happened after that, but he found himself backed into a corner of a locker room, panting heavily and desperately trying to shield himself from the guitar that was hurtling towards him. He squeezed his eyes shut in fear, bracing for impact, but the blow never came. Instead, he heard a commanding voice cut through the tension.
"Ji, calm down before I call Cheol here. You're gonna kill the boy," The voice was deep and authoritative, far deeper than his own, and it carried a weight of undeniable authority that made everything stop. Mingyu dared to open one eye, his breaths still shallow and rapid, to see the stern figure of someone who had just intervened, holding the kid back and preventing the situation from escalating further. His eyes widened when he realized who the other person was and even before he could stop his mouth he blurted out, "Jeon Wonwoo."
The kid, now held securely, stopped struggling and looked between the two of them with a mix of annoyance and confusion written all over his face. "Do I know you?" Wonwoo asked, clearly perplexed by the situation. Mingyu cursed under his breath, his mind racing. 'Shit, I'm talking my mind out,' he thought, trying desperately to avoid facepalming in front of everyone. "You still are," the kid taunted with a smirk that suggested he knew exactly what was going through Mingyu's mind or rather Mingyu was still talking his mind out. Flustered and mortified, Mingyu slapped his hands over his mouth in a futile attempt to stop his thoughts from escaping and bolted out of the building, leaving both his would-be attacker and rescuer standing there, bewildered and unsure of what had just transpired.
After missing the first 45 minutes of his class, Mingyu finally found his way back, thanks to Seokmin's help. The rest of the day passed in a blur of embarrassment and confusion, overshadowed by the anxiety of making up for lost time. However, later in the day, he got the chance to meet Wonwoo and the kid officially, this time with a little help from his hyungs. Much to his surprise, he learned that the irate kid was none other than Woozi, the infamous producer of PLEDIS, and, as it turned out, older than him. Mingyu found himself apologizing to the older man more times than he could count, each apology tinged with nervous laughter and genuine remorse.Despite the day's chaos, it was also the day he finally met the person he had been most eager to see- his prince in shining armor, his Wonwoo.
***
"Get in, babe," Mingyu said, opening the door of the passenger seat with a flourish, his eyes twinkling with excitement as he prepared for their much-anticipated dinner date. "I can do that myself," Wonwoo replied, folding his arms over his chest in a display of mild defiance, the corners of his lips quirking up in a half-smile. "How can I let my prince in shining armor do it," Mingyu insisted, his voice warm and teasing as he leaned in to give the older a gentle peck on the lips, leaving a lingering sense of affection between them.
"Yeah, prince in fucking armor," Wonwoo retorted, rolling his eyes playfully at his boyfriend before reluctantly getting into the passenger seat. Despite his sarcastic remark, Mingyu couldn't help but notice the faint blush that colored Wonwoo's cheeks-a gentle reminder of the affection between them. Mingyu's smile widened, warmth filling his chest as he admired the sight. He then slid into the driver's seat, starting the car and driving off, the streets illuminated by the city lights as they embarked on their romantic evening together, their laughter mingling with the hum of the engine.
Special respect to our great leader Scoups