"... and a pack of pens for Hanni."

Jisung stared off into the distance as he leaned over the shopping cart, barely paying attention to what Minho was putting into the cart. Minho tugged on the metal bars on the front to guide Jisung forward as he looked along the shelves for things they needed for dinner.

"How did you end up with a highschooler as your best friend, if I may ask?" Jisung asked, finally zoning back in to start a conversation with the older. "In hindsight, it's a little strange."

"Hanni's sister and I were close, but Hanni saw me as an older brother because I cared for her more often than what her own family did," Minho replied. "I took her to school, bought her lunch, contributed to her stationary, and even supported her when she came out as bisexual. She feels like a daughter more than a sister, really. I care about her quite a bit."

"And it really shows that you're such a good older brother to her," Jisung smiled, earning a grimace from the other. "What, does it sicken you to be called a good person?"

"I don't want to be recognised for my good actions - just appreciated," Minho replied. "I don't want good deeds to be my only reputation. I still want to be known as Lee Minho's entirety. A simple 'thank you' suffices - I don't expect to be worshipped and praised, for goodness sake. Just... appreciate that someone has gone out of their way for you."

"You're just humble."

"No - I'm human."

Jisung admired Minho's strong mentality. A gentle smile overcame his lips as he nodded. "Yeah - thank you, Minho."

"No problem," Minho hummed, suddenly turning around to face the other. "Now that's being humble. Anyway, I can't find the mirin I usually use, so I'll have to settle for something else. Tell me if you see rice wine that your mom uses."

Jisung kept his eyes peeled as he glanced around for anything familiar. Minho joined him by his side, squinting as he read the small brand names. Jisung hardly contributed to anything, since he wasn't really aware of any difference in brands regarding food. "You have good sense."

"Been cooking for years, Sungie - obviously I've learned a thing or two by now," Minho replied, looking at the other with a smile. "You're going to help me prepare dinner, right?"

"No-"

"Aw, come on, just tonight," Minho urged, gently grabbing onto Jisung's wrist. "Hanni's coming over, so I want you to occupy her until I'm done with dinner. I'll do it on my own, then, but you have to babysit her. Deal?"

"Can I bring my PS5?"

"Yes."

"Deal."

Jisung grinned as Minho skipped off happily, walking over to the next aisle while Jisung joined him quietly. Minho stopped by another shelf, glancing at the various brands of brown sugar quietly. "I meant to ask... how are you feeling? Did you take a shower this morning? Did you eat something?"

"I showered and I ate," Jisung replied. "I... ate of the leftovers from last night. And I took a shower at your apartment. Sorry if I wasn't supposed to-"

"No, no, it's fine," Minho replied, shaking his head. "I gave you the pass code for a reason, so use it. Whenever you feel like you're... alone, you can just come over. And I mean it, Jisung. Any time you feel out of place, I'm right here. It's the worst thing to feel lonely - and I should know."

Jisung was quiet, simply looking at the older male in front of him. He gentle eyes displayed such genuine care that Jisung wasn't used to. He felt odd, but comforted at the same time. "You're a good person, Minho."

"I wish I was a good person, Jisung. I'll say time and time again that I'm just being human," Minho replied with a smile. "Good people don't... pride themselves in being a good person, which is why I don't call myself a good person. Good people want everyone to be happy - I just want everyone to not be sad. See the difference?"

"I am deeply in love with you."

"Haha, very funny. Let's go pick up the toilet paper and then head to a cafe for something to drink. You'll cover coffee, right?"

"Sure - seeing as this is a date and all."

Minho widened his eyes, ears slowly turning pink in embarrassment. "I thought you'd forget that."

"I almost did," Jisung laughed, leaning forward against the cart. "I know you were joking, it's fine. I didn't intend on taking it to the heart, anyways."

"Yeah, obviously it was a joke. I constantly make jokes about dating my friends."

Jisung frowned slightly as he caught sight of Minho's small smile. "You sound... sarcastic."

"If you're covering coffee, then I won't call it a date." Minho looked at him with a chuckle. "Deal?"

"... deal."

Jisung watched as Minho pulled the cart forward toward the end of the store as they finished their shopping. He was quiet. The air had become ever so slightly awkward, and Jisung knew it was his fault. Maybe it was just a playful joke after all, and Jisung made it weird by being serious about it.

"Hyung-"

"Don't overthink it, Jisung. I know what you're thinking. Really, it was just a joke. Don't take me seriously, I'm rarely ever serious."

Jisung felt embarrassed. He looked down, cheeks tinting as he sighed to himself. "Sorry for assuming things..."

"Eh - doesn't matter," Minho shrugged, grinning suddenly. "I'm going to make the best meal you've ever eaten and you're going to cry while eating - I promise. Wait, no, that'd be embarrassing in front of Hanni, don't do that."

Jisung smiled softly to himself - he wondered how he and Minho were able to become so close so quickly. Maybe their vibe just matched. Maybe Jisung was just desperate to have someone by his side. He hoped it was just that they matched well - he feared losing someone if he became too attached.

Because Minho meant a lot to him.