one hundred nine

"Minho!" Someone called, drawing their attention to the other demons that had just come through the door. They arrived just in time and had also brought presents, ranging from candy over books to a pickle...

"Happy birthday! I hope you have a lot of fun today," Felix said and held his present in front of Minho's face.

He had put it into a red gift bag and when Minho reached into it, he felt something soft. Pulling it out, he discovered a cute brown bear plushie.

He wasn't really fond of these kind of things, but it wasn't like he would complain though. He wasn't such an ungrateful brat, after all.

Chan threw himself at Minho, embracing him affectionately. "Happy birthday!" he gushed. "Look, Seungmin and I got this for you."

He gave Minho a gift wrapped in cellophane. Behind the transparent wrapping, Minho noticed something adorable.

It was a photo frame containing a selfie they had taken during their double date at the amusement park, and underneath it was a big assortment of snacks.

"Thank you," he beamed. "This is really cute. We should go on another double date soon," he suggested.

"I agree," Chan smiled and even Seungmin who stood right beside him didn't look adverse to the idea. "Whenever you have time."

They ordered drinks and snacks for everyone, and Minho made it his mission to keep an eye on Jisung to make sure he wouldn't end up drunk again.

He remembered how Jisung acted like a silly child the last time he was intoxicated—it haunted him. He didn't want to be a babysitter tonight.

However, Minho was soon distracted by Felix, and Jisung found himself in the company of Chan and Seungmin.

"By the way, how's your cat?" Chan asked. "I miss the little one."

"Ah, you mean Mochi?" Jisung smiled. "Doing great! Only recently, it managed to make Minho jealous again."

"Sounds like we missed something interesting," Seungmin smirked.

"Oh yes, you did," he giggled. "He got very upset with the poor kitty and they uh... they growled at each other."

"Why am I not surprised?" Chan smirked, taking a sip of his drink and throwing Minho a sly look. The latter didn't notice his gaze since he was still busy talking to Felix.

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It was already late by the time the demons left, but Minho was more awake than ever. He hadn't laughed so much in a long time and couldn't be happier with how the evening had gone.

Jisung and he left the bar, walking down to the nearby river. They found a quiet spot where they could be alone and undisturbed.

The water was calm tonight, mirroring the brightly illuminated cityscape surrounding them. Countless lights shimmered on the dark surface.

Minho marveled at the sight, letting his eyes wander as he took everything in. "It was a perfect day," he beamed. "I don't think I've ever had so much fun at my birthday."

"Your friends are good at partying," Jisung said.

"Yeah, they sure are," he grinned. They both went silent for a moment, observing the place. They usually didn't come here at night which was why they wanted to enjoy the view the river had to offer.

They hardly saw any people and nobody bothered them. "Minho," Jisung said to gain his attention. His cheeks flushed and he drew in a breath. "I have a gift for you."

Minho's eyes widened. "You got me another present? Really?!"

"Of course." He reached into the pocket of his pants and held his hand out to Minho, showing him a slim black box that didn't give any hints as to what was hidden inside.

Minho took it, holding it in his hands. He lifted the lid of the box and looked inside. A delicate silver ring laid on the velvet cushion of the box.

It had an elaborate design, and he could tell that it had been custom made since it was adorned with the very same star that he had on his wrist before.

Tears welled up in his eyes, spilling over and running down his face. He tried to compose himself, but he couldn't. His emotions were all over the place—he couldn't even speak.

"Why are you crying?" Jisung asked and frowned. "Don't you like it?"

Minho sniffled, rubbing his eyes. "I do like it," he breathed. His lips curved up, forming a genuine smile. "I love it! Thank you." He leaned in closer to plant a kiss on Jisung's lips.

"Thank you, really," he said once more, hiding his teary face at Jisung's chest. "I love you. I really do."

"Anything for you," he murmured as he rested his chin on Minho's head. "I love you too. Let's be together forever."

To be continued...

: )