Chapter 18: chapter 17: he's mine

Gyuvin stirred awake in the middle of the night, his body still warm from sleep, but his mind suddenly alert.

Beside him, Ricky lay fast asleep, his breath slow and even, his usually sharp features softened by sleep. His hair was a little messy, strands falling over his forehead, his lips slightly parted.

Gyuvin propped himself up on one elbow, watching him. Ricky was always so put-together, so effortlessly composed, but here, like this—he looked different. Fragile, almost. Unprotected in a way Gyuvin had never really seen before. It made something deep in his chest tighten.

Slowly, carefully, Gyuvin reached out, brushing a few stray strands of hair from Ricky's forehead.

He didn't know how long he stayed like that, just watching, memorizing.

He didn't want to lose this.

Didn't want to lose him.

The thought settled heavily in his chest, but he didn't push it away. Instead, he let himself soak in the moment—Ricky's quiet breathing, the warmth between them, the feeling of something too big to name pressing against his ribs.

Gyuvin was about to drift back into sleep when a soft vibration broke the silence. His eyes flickered to Ricky's phone on the nightstand, the screen glowing faintly in the dark.

He hesitated. It could be something urgent.

Carefully, he propped himself up and reached for it, stealing a quick glance at Ricky to make sure he was still asleep. The screen lit up again.

A message from Jeonghyeon.

Gyuvin's breath hitched as he opened the notification.

Jeonghyeon: Can't stop thinking about you. Hope you're sleeping well. I miss you.

He turned his head sharply, staring at Ricky's peaceful face. Did Ricky miss him back? Did he text Jeonghyeon the same way, with that same quiet softness Gyuvin had convinced himself was just for him?

A slow, simmering anger bubbled in his chest. No. No, he didn't want to share.

His fingers tightened around the phone.

Without a second thought, he swiped up, entered Ricky's passcode—he had memorized it without meaning to—and pulled up the messages. His fingers moved on their own.

Ricky: Don't text me again. Don't come near me at university. Don't even think about me. It's over. I'm sleeping with someone else.

He hit send.

Watched the message deliver.

Then, without hesitation, he deleted the entire conversation.

The evidence disappeared as if it had never existed.

Gyuvin placed the phone back on the nightstand, exactly where it was before, and lay back down. His heart was pounding, his body tense.

Ricky shifted slightly beside him but didn't wake.

Gyuvin exhaled slowly, forcing himself to relax. It's fine, he told himself. It's for the best.

He turned his head, eyes tracing over Ricky's face.

He's mine.

Gyuvin groaned softly as Ricky nudged his shoulder. He squeezed his eyes shut tighter, willing himself to sink back into sleep, but Ricky's voice—low, warm, undeniably real—pulled him toward consciousness.

"Wake up," Ricky murmured.

Gyuvin blinked open his eyes slowly, adjusting to the dim morning light filtering through the curtains. Ricky sat at the edge of the bed, his back turned, the muscles shifting subtly as he ran a hand through his messy hair. His skin was kissed with the remnants of last night—faint marks Gyuvin had left along his shoulders and neck, blending into the inked design on his back.

Gyuvin reached out instinctively, fingertips tracing the tattoo with featherlight touches.

"I have to go, so do you," Ricky said.

Gyuvin whined. "Just a little longer."

"Gyuvin," Ricky sighed.

Gyuvin sighed dramatically, finally sitting up, his hair sticking up in all directions. "Fine."

Ricky moved around the room with practiced ease, getting ready with that natural, effortless grace that always left Gyuvin watching a little too closely. He disappeared into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the quiet space. Gyuvin stretched lazily, still half-wrapped in the sheets, blinking as he tried to memorize this—Ricky's place, the smell of his cologne lingering in the air.

It felt stupidly domestic. Stupidly right.

When Ricky reappeared, he was fully dressed, tucking a black shirt into his pants, fingers smoothing over the fabric.

"You're so boring," Gyuvin complained, sitting up with a dramatic sigh.

Ricky barely glanced at him. "What now?"

"We could hang out," Gyuvin said, flopping back against the bed.

"Some of us are actually employed," Ricky shot back, rolling his eyes as he fastened his belt. "Unlike you, who's somehow skating through life without doing any actual work."

Gyuvin gasped, pressing a hand to his chest. "That's so offensive."

"It's the truth," Ricky countered. "If you keep this up, you're getting kicked out of school."

"Then you'll be lonely," Gyuvin said smugly, sitting up again. "My parents will probably send me to the military."

Ricky huffed, shaking his head as he checked himself in the mirror. "I'd manage just fine, trust me."

Gyuvin narrowed his eyes at that. "Oh, yeah?"

Before Ricky could react, Gyuvin was on his feet, moving fast. He grabbed Ricky's waist from behind, squeezing tightly before yanking him backward with all his weight.

Ricky let out a startled noise as he was pushed onto the bed, Gyuvin falling with him, both of them landing in a tangle of limbs.

"What the hell—" Ricky started, trying to push himself up, but Gyuvin latched onto him, locking his arms around Ricky's torso.

"You're not going anywhere," Gyuvin announced.

Ricky twisted, attempting to break free, but Gyuvin only tightened his hold, resting his chin on Ricky's shoulder smugly.

"Gyuvin," Ricky gritted out. "I have to go."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"Nooo," Gyuvin whined, dragging out the word obnoxiously, rolling slightly so that Ricky was even more off balance. "You should stay here and do something fun with me."

"I have a job," Ricky reminded him, attempting once again to get up.

"I have you," Gyuvin countered with a grin.

Ricky groaned. "You're the worst."

"I know," Gyuvin beamed, tilting his head to nuzzle into Ricky's neck.

Ricky finally broke free and stood up, brushing off his shirt, giving Gyuvin one last look. "You are actually so annoying."

They stepped out into the crisp morning air, the sun barely rising over the city. Ricky adjusted the cuff of his sleeve, exuding effortless elegance even in the simplest motions.

"Well," he said coolly, slipping his hands into his pockets, "see you."

Gyuvin tilted his head, pretending to consider. "You're just gonna leave like that?"

Ricky raised an eyebrow. "How else am I supposed to leave?"

Gyuvin leaned in—quick, precise—and stole a fleeting kiss right on Ricky's lips. It was barely a second, just a ghost of contact, but when Gyuvin pulled back, Ricky was frozen in place, eyes wide.

"What—"

Gyuvin grinned, rocking back on his heels. "See you."

Ricky blinked, then scoffed, trying (and failing) to look unaffected. But his ears were tinted red as he turned away.

Gyuvin watched as Ricky walked off, effortlessly chic, every step dripping with quiet confidence.

Even as Ricky disappeared down the street, Gyuvin lingered, hands in his pockets, a soft smirk on his lips.

Suddenly, Gyuvin got a notification.

Hanbin: Gyuvin, hi! Do you want to have a breakfast tgt?

Hanbin's message had come at the perfect time—Gyuvin was starving. Ricky hadn't even bothered to feed him breakfast before practically kicking him out. So, the second Hanbin suggested meeting at a café, Gyuvin agreed instantly.

Gyuvin: Sure!

When he arrived, Hanbin was already there, sitting by the window with a bright smile, waving enthusiastically.

"Gyuvin-ah!"

Gyuvin practically bounced over, throwing his arms around Hanbin in a playful hug before plopping down across from him.

"How are you? How's uni? Have you been eating well? Are you sleeping enough?" Gyuvin fired off, barely taking a breath between questions.

Hanbin blinked at him, startled. "Why are you so hyper?"

Gyuvin grinned, leaning back in his chair. "Dunno. Just woke up like this."

Hanbin squinted, skeptical. "Are you sure?"

"Yep."

Hanbin huffed a laugh. "Alright. Then let's get you fed before you start bouncing off the walls."

Gyuvin dramatically sighed in relief. "Finally! Someone who actually cares about my well-being."

Hanbin just shook his head, amused, as they flagged down a waiter.

They placed their orders, and the conversation flowed easily. Hanbin talked about university, complaining about assignments and professors while Gyuvin half-listened, nodding along.

"...And you," Hanbin suddenly pointed at him with his fork, "are going to get kicked out if you don't start studying."

Gyuvin groaned. "Ugh, not you too. Ricky said the same thing this morning."

Hanbin narrowed his eyes. "Ricky?"

Realizing his slip, Gyuvin quickly shoved a piece of bread in his mouth and waved a hand. "I mean, just... people. Lots of people say that."

Hanbin let it slide, moving on to talk about Hao. "Living together has been way easier than I thought. I love it. We just—fit, you know?" His voice softened, a fond smile creeping onto his face.

Hanbin suddenly leaned in, eyes squinting. "Wait—what is that?"

"What is what?" Gyuvin instinctively pulled back, but Hanbin was already staring at his neck.

"Is that a—" Hanbin's face lit up with realization. "No way. That's a hickey."

Gyuvin's eyes widened, and he slapped a hand over the mark. "What? No, it's—it's a rash! I scratched myself in my sleep."

Hanbin deadpanned. "Gyuvin. I know what a hickey looks like."

"It's a bug bite?"

Hanbin scoffed. "In February?"

Gyuvin fumbled. "Uh—radiator burn?"

Hanbin snorted, shaking his head. "You're actually the worst liar I've ever met. Who is it?"

"Nobody."

Hanbin wouldn't let up.

"Come on, just tell me," he pestered, resting his chin in his palm. "I'm gonna find out anyway."

Gyuvin sighed, stubbornly chewing on his food. "There's nothing to find out."

Hanbin hummed, pretending to think. Then, out of nowhere, he casually asked, "Is it from Ricky?"

Gyuvin choked. He coughed violently, grabbing his water, while Hanbin just sat there.

"What—what the hell—" Gyuvin sputtered, voice way too high. "Why would you think that?"

Hanbin leaned back, looking way too pleased with himself. "I have my sources."

Gyuvin narrowed his eyes. "Was it Hao?"

Hanbin's smirk faded away.

Gyuvin groaned, slumping forward. "Hyung."

"What? Boyfriends tell each other everything."

Gyuvin buried his face in his palms. His whole body shivered at the realization that more and more people knew.

Hanbin reached across the table and nudged Gyuvin's arm. "Hey, it's fine. I'm not judging or anything."

Gyuvin peeked at him through his fingers. "Then stop asking."

Hanbin chuckled. "I'll stop if you tell me what's actually going on between you two."

Gyuvin sighed, staring down at his food. "I wish I knew."

Hanbin's teasing expression softened a little. "You really don't?"

Gyuvin exhaled slowly. "It's complicated."

Hanbin raised an eyebrow. "So... are you two dating?"

Gyuvin froze mid-bite, staring at Hanbin like a deer caught in headlights. "Uh."

Hanbin leaned in expectantly.

Gyuvin awkwardly poked at his food. "We'll see..."

Ricky walked into the university, exuding his usual effortless charm—cheek and cool as always. As he strolled down the hallway, several students greeted him in passing, and he acknowledged them with polite nods and small smiles, all while balancing a neat stack of papers in his hands. Everything was normal.

Just ahead, he spotted Jeonghyeon walking in the opposite direction.

Ricky quickly turned on his heel and called out, "Jeonghyeon."

Jeonghyeon paused for a brief second before exhaling sharply and turning around. "What?"

Ricky frowned, stepping closer. "Hi! Is everything ok?"

Jeonghyeon let out a humorless laugh, shaking his head. "Oh, I don't know, Ricky. You tell me."

Ricky's frown deepened. "What are you even talking about?"

Jeonghyeon's gaze darkened as he took a step forward. "Don't play dumb."

Ricky's breath hitched slightly, caught off guard. "What?" His grip on the papers tightened. "Jeonghyeon, what the hell are you—"

"I got your message," Jeonghyeon cut him off coldly. "Loud and clear."

Ricky stared at him, his mind scrambling. "What message?"

Before he could say anything else, Jeonghyeon shook his head, scoffing one last time. "Don't bother explaining. I'm done." Then, without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Ricky standing there, completely blindsided.

Ricky turned slightly to watch Jeonghyeon disappear down the hallway. His brows knitted together, confusion flickering across his face.

What was that about?

Ricky was leaving the university after work, still puzzled and confused about what had happened earlier. The encounter with Jeonghyeon lingered in his mind, the cold words replaying like an unsolved riddle.

What message?

He considered asking, but quickly dismissed the thought. If it was related to Gyuvin, there was no way Jeonghyeon would know. And Gyuvin... Gyuvin wouldn't tell him. Would he?

Ricky exhaled, shaking his head. It didn't matter. He wasn't about to chase after Jeonghyeon for answers like some desperate fool. He wasn't desperate.

Just as he pushed the thoughts aside, a sudden voice cut through the air.

"RICKY!"

Ricky flinched at the sheer volume, his body tensing as his name echoed through the open space. His head snapped up, eyes darting around—only to land on Gyuvin, grinning and waving enthusiastically from a distance.

Panic set in as he noticed a few students glancing their way, amused. Without a second thought, Ricky rushed toward Gyuvin, his steps quick and urgent.

Ricky placed a hand over Gyuvin's mouth. "Are you insane?" he hissed, his eyes darting around. "Do you have to yell like that?"

Gyuvin's muffled protests vibrated against Ricky's palm as he struggled against the grip, eventually managing to break free. He took a dramatic step back, catching his breath before blurting out, "Do you wanna go to the amusement park?"

Ricky blinked, caught off guard. "What?"

"The amusement park," Gyuvin repeated, rocking on his heels. "Let's go."

Ricky narrowed his eyes. "Why so suddenly?"

"Why not?" Gyuvin grinned.

Ricky scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "That's so childish. I have work to do." Without giving Gyuvin a chance to argue, he turned to leave, adjusting his bag strap coolly.

Gyuvin groaned, catching up to him and clinging onto his arm. "Come on, just for a bit. It'll be fun, I promise."

"No."

"Please?"

"Still no."

Gyuvin dramatically sighed, dragging his feet as he trailed behind Ricky. "You're so boring. I bet you'd actually have fun if you just let yourself."

Ricky stopped walking. He turned to Gyuvin with an unreadable expression, then exhaled through his nose. "...Fine."

Gyuvin immediately lit up. "Wait, really?"

Ricky rolled his eyes. "Just stop talking so loud."

The amusement park was alive with flashing lights and bursts of laughter, the air filled with the sugary scent of cotton candy and the occasional screams from roller coasters. Ricky stood at the entrance with his arms crossed, looking completely unimpressed. Gyuvin, on the other hand, was practically vibrating with excitement.

"Alright," Ricky sighed, glancing at Gyuvin's eager expression. "Why are we here?"

Gyuvin turned to him with a mischievous grin. "Because you never do anything fun."

Ricky scoffed. "I have fun."

"Yeah?" Gyuvin raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"

Ricky opened his mouth, paused, then frowned slightly.

"Exactly," Gyuvin laughed, grabbing Ricky's wrist and pulling him along before he could argue. "Let's go, old man. You're going to have the best time of your life whether you like it or not."

Ricky let himself be dragged along, sighing dramatically as Gyuvin bounced toward their first stop—a shooting game booth.

"I'm actually really good at this," Gyuvin declared confidently, picking up the plastic rifle.

Ricky smirked. "Are you?"

"Watch and learn," Gyuvin said, narrowing his eyes as he took aim. He pulled the trigger. The bullet completely missed the target.

Ricky's lips twitched. "Wow. So good."

Gyuvin grumbled and tried again. And again. Five more shots later, he had successfully missed every single one.

"This game is rigged," Gyuvin announced, stepping back in frustration.

Ricky, looking effortlessly bored, took the rifle from him. "Move."

He lazily aimed and fired three perfect shots in a row, knocking down the targets with ease. The booth worker handed Ricky a plush puppy as a prize.

Gyuvin scowled. "You've got to be kidding me."

Ricky smirked, twirling the plush in his hand. "Should I keep it?"

Gyuvin snatched it from him, hugging it to his chest. "You're an ass."

They continued wandering through the park, playing games (where Gyuvin refused to let Ricky win again), eating greasy snacks, and arguing over the best carnival food. Gyuvin insisted on getting a massive serving of churros, and Ricky stole one without asking, much to Gyuvin's horror.

"You don't just take a man's churro like that," Gyuvin gasped, holding the rest protectively.

Ricky chewed, unfazed. "I paid for them."

Gyuvin pointed at him with his last churro. "That's not the point. It's about respect."

Ricky rolled his eyes but let him have the last bite, and Gyuvin dramatically sighed in contentment.

They ended up in front of a mirror maze next, and Gyuvin dragged Ricky inside before he could protest.

Ricky navigated it smoothly, but Gyuvin kept walking into his own reflection.

"Are you serious?" Ricky deadpanned as Gyuvin bumped into another mirror.

"Shut up, it's confusing!"

At one point, Ricky's reflection lined up perfectly with Gyuvin's, making it look like they were standing impossibly close, almost nose to nose. Gyuvin blinked, suddenly feeling warm. Ricky noticed the shift in his expression and smirked slightly before casually turning away.

"You coming or what?" Ricky asked, his voice lower than before.

Gyuvin snapped out of it. "Yeah, yeah."

They finally made it out. That's when Gyuvin spotted the roller coaster—one of the park's most intense rides, filled with loops and near-vertical drops.

"Let's do that one," Gyuvin said with a grin.

Ricky frowned. "No."

Gyuvin gasped. "Wait. Are you scared?"

"Of course not."

"Oh? Then let's go."

Ricky hesitated for a half-second too long, and Gyuvin smirked. "You are scared."

"Shut up," Ricky muttered, but he followed him into the line.

When they got on the ride, Gyuvin was bouncing in his seat while Ricky looked suspiciously stiff.

"You can still back out," Gyuvin teased, nudging his arm.

Ricky scoffed. "Like hell I would."

The ride took off, and the moment the first drop hit, Gyuvin threw his hands in the air and screamed in exhilaration—while Ricky, who had been maintaining his cool act all day, let out a very unintentional noise of terror.

When they stumbled off, Ricky was visibly pale, and Gyuvin was barely holding in his laughter.

"I hate you," Ricky muttered, running a hand through his hair.

They kept walking around, playing more games and arguing about which ride to do next.

As they walked through the amusement park, Gyuvin swung the puppy plush in his hand, glancing at Ricky, who was scrolling through his phone with his usual cool expression.

Out of nowhere, Gyuvin asked, "By the way, how's Jeonghyeon doing?"

Ricky's grip on his phone tightened slightly, but his face remained unreadable. Without looking up, he replied, "He's fine." His tone was firm, almost dismissive, like nothing had happened.

Gyuvin frowned. "That's it? Just 'fine'?"

"Yeah," Ricky said flatly, slipping his phone back into his pocket. "Why wouldn't he be?"

Gyuvin studied Ricky's expression. It was too nonchalant, too composed. It almost felt like he was trying too hard to brush it off.

"No. Just asking," Gyuvin said.

He was fine?

That didn't make sense.

Gyuvin had seen the message with his own eyes—Jeonghyeon was supposed to be angry, heartbroken, done with Ricky. Gyuvin had made sure of that. So why was Ricky acting like nothing had happened?

Why was Jeonghyeon still acting normal? Why hadn't Ricky brought up the message? Did Jeonghyeon not believe it? Did Ricky actually explain things?

As the evening air grew cooler, the lights of the amusement park flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the winding paths. Gyuvin and Ricky sat slumped on a bench, exhausted from all the running around. The stuffed prize Ricky had won was now lazily resting on Gyuvin's lap, his fingers absently playing with its ears.

After a moment of silence, Gyuvin perked up. "Let's go on the Ferris wheel."

Ricky glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Why?"

Gyuvin shrugged, flashing a grin. "Why not? It's, like, the perfect way to end the night."

Ricky exhaled, then stood up. "Fine. Let's go."

They made their way to the Ferris wheel, the line moving quickly until they stepped into the small cabin. As it slowly ascended, a quiet settled between them. The sounds of the amusement park below grew distant, leaving only the soft hum of the wheel moving and the faint breeze outside.

Gyuvin sat across from Ricky, his head tilted slightly, studying Ricky's profile in the dim, ambient glow.

Then, Ricky suddenly broke the silence. "Jeonghyeon and I broke up."

Gyuvin blinked, turning his head sharply. He forced his expression into one of surprise, even tilting his head for extra effect. "Wait, what? Seriously?"

Ricky let out a short laugh, rubbing his temple. "Yeah. Seriously."

Gyuvin kept his act up. "What happened?"

Ricky sighed, looking out at the view instead of at him. "I don't know. Things just... didn't work out."

Gyuvin swallowed. His throat felt tight. "You don't seem upset," he said carefully.

Ricky let out a short, humorless laugh. "Should I be?"

He leaned back and stretched his arms over his head. "Well, good for you. You deserve better anyway."

Ricky glanced at him, unimpressed. "Oh? And what exactly do I deserve?"

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The Ferris wheel creaked as they neared the highest point, the city stretching infinitely beneath them. The space between them felt heavier than before—something charged and unreadable settling in the air.

Then, without thinking, Gyuvin spoke.

"Date me instead."

Ricky froze.

For a solid five seconds, he just stared, his mind visibly short-circuiting. "What?"

Gyuvin leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he grinned. "You should date me," he repeated, voice unwavering. "It makes perfect sense."

Ricky narrowed his eyes. "How does it make perfect sense?"

Gyuvin let out a breath, dragging a hand through his hair. "Because it makes sense. Because I— I know you, and you know me. I don't think there is someone better for you than me."

Ricky's expression faltered, something unsteady flickering in his eyes before he schooled his face back into something unreadable. "You're being ridiculous."

"Am I?" Gyuvin's voice was lower now, calmer. "Then why aren't you saying no?"

Ricky opened his mouth—then closed it again. His jaw tightened. His fingers twitched against his knee.

Gyuvin leaned in slightly, his voice quieter now, almost careful. "Ricky."

Ricky finally looked at him, really looked at him. The city lights outside cast shifting shadows across his face, his usually sharp expression softened by something almost fragile, almost hesitant.

Seconds stretched.

Then, finally—so softly it was almost lost in the hum of the night—Ricky whispered, "Fine."

Gyuvin's breath caught. "Fine?"

"Fine." Ricky's voice was firm, his gaze steady. "I'll date you."

Gyuvin didn't move, didn't react right away. He just sat there, watching Ricky as if trying to memorize the exact way he looked in this moment—somewhere between guarded and vulnerable, his hands curled slightly like he wasn't sure if he wanted to reach for Gyuvin or push him away.

The Ferris wheel descended slowly, the weight of everything they just said settling between them.