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墨書 Inktalez
"Do you have someone you like?"
When Kim Seungmin heard this question, his hand writing paused for a moment, and a figure inevitably flashed through his mind. He blinked, trying to push Lee Minghao's image away, then turned to look at Han Zhicheng, who was leaning on the table and seriously watching him, waiting for an answer.
"Not right now."
Kim Seungmin shook his head. When Han Zhicheng smiled, he followed suit and laughed. As Han leaned into his arm to rest, he turned his head back to continue writing. However, a sudden mark appeared on the paper, standing out awkwardly among the neat handwriting.
Inevitably, Kim Seungmin thought of Lee Minghao. He sighed and flipped over the top sheet of white paper to start writing again.
But that was in the past; it was a fact that Lee Minghao didn't like him, and there was no need for him to keep clinging to it.
"Let's go to the activity room together tomorrow afternoon; I have a gift for you."
Han Zhicheng's sudden words disrupted Kim Seungmin's rhythm once again, and scratches similar to those from a few minutes ago appeared on the paper.
Kim Seungmin vaguely understood the meaning of this sentence. Before Han Zhicheng lifted his head, he turned the page of the white paper and nodded when he met the other person's expectant gaze.
The afternoon sun of the summer camp shone on Han Zhicheng, making Kim Seungmin feel that he was a healer come to save him.
Letting go of oneself is quite nice, Kim Seungmin thinks.
However, Lee Minghao seems to think otherwise.
Kim Seungmin and Lee Minghao have known each other for over ten years. The times when Lee Minghao messages and calls him the most are during his relaxing period in Italy.
Perhaps Lee Minghao is just not used to suddenly being alone, which is why he often checks in on him. It's simply a brotherly concern for his younger sibling; there's no need to overthink it. Whenever Kim Seungmin sees that familiar name pop up, he always reminds himself of this in his heart.
Even when Han Zhicheng was on a date with Kim Seungmin, Lee Minghao's phone rang. Faced with the name "Brother Minghao" and Han Zhicheng's puzzled gaze, he calmly explained that this was his older brother.
After all, they were indeed brothers, Lee Minghao thought, and Kim Seungmin intended to go along with that idea as well.
Kim Seungmin hung up the phone with Lee Minghao for the first time and kissed Han Zhicheng while wrapping his arms around his neck.
After the confession in the activity room, they became a couple, and this was their first kiss.
Han Zhicheng's face turned red all of a sudden, but he wrapped his arms around Kim Seungmin's waist, slowly taking the initiative. He held onto the other person's hand and pressed him down on the table to kiss him.
For the first time, Kim Seungmin felt that loving someone without restraint was such a happy thing. Han Zhicheng's presence was truly the best gift for his eighteenth birthday.
The only regret is that Han Zhicheng did not celebrate his eighteenth birthday with Kim Seungmin.
Kim Seungmin found out that he had been accepted into the same university as Lee Minghao. Compared to the excitement he felt six months ago, he now had a mix of complex emotions.
Before turning eighteen, Kim Seungmin's heart and mind were filled with Lee Minghao. He wanted to stay by Lee Minghao's side, so he unhesitatingly applied to the same university as Lee Minghao. However, it now seems that this choice may have been a bit ill-timed.
After Lee Minghao found out, he gave his blessing over the phone, clearly pleased.
Kim Seungmin could only respond perfunctorily, his eyes fixed on Han Zhicheng, who was approaching the front door step by step.
Han Zhicheng brought Kim Seungmin some kimchi soup, not knowing where the other had found it in the market.
"I didn't expect Italy to have such delicious kimchi soup. When it's your birthday, I'll bring you some again, okay?"
Looking at Han Zhicheng, who was smiling as always and talking to himself about the future, Kim Seungmin felt that it must be because the steam from the kimchi soup was too hot, causing his eyes to sting.
Han Zhicheng watched Kim Seungmin, who lowered his head in silence, stirring the soup with a spoon. A wave of inexplicable anxiety surged in his heart.
"What's wrong?"
"Zhicheng, I'm sorry... I'll be going back to China to study in a few days."
Kim Seungmin pondered for a moment, then slowly raised his head and shared the shocking news with Han Zhicheng that felt like a bolt from the blue for their relationship.
Han Zhicheng's spoon suddenly fell onto the table, his expression gradually dimming. After a moment, he put on a casual facade and spoke up.
"Oh, you mentioned it to me before..."
When Kim Seungmin first met Han Zhicheng, he told him that he was just out for fun. Han Zhicheng never expected that this day would come so quickly, not even having the chance to celebrate a birthday with Kim Seungmin.
But Kim Seungmin gave Han Zhicheng an unforgettable eighteenth birthday.
Perhaps it was fate, as their birthdays were only eight days apart.
But these eight days seemed to have created an insurmountable chasm that separated their lives.
On Han Zhicheng's eighteenth birthday, only Kim Seungmin was by his side.
Kim Seungmin gave his complete self to Han Zhicheng.
When Han Zhicheng took the room card from Kim Seungmin's hand, he suddenly felt as if they were celebrating in the apocalypse. All the affection at that moment drowned out reason, and the center of the world was only them.
They kissed passionately, embracing each other tightly, lost in their affection and unable to part.
Han Zhicheng's tears fell onto Kim Seungmin's neck as Kim Seungmin wrapped his arms around Han Zhicheng's neck, kissing his eyes and softly comforting him in a hoarse voice.
"Don't cry, now I belong to you."
Kim Seungmin is a meticulous person. Whenever Han Zhicheng later thinks of the events in Italy, he will always think this way.
Before the confession, Han Zhicheng only asked probing questions, but Kim Seungmin allowed him to touch upon some traces of the past; during the ups and downs, Kim Seungmin comforted Han Zhicheng with a hint of rationality.
The word "now" is both romantic and cruel.
Kim Seungmin's phone rang in the middle of the night. Han Zhicheng, who had already covered the exhausted Kim Seungmin with a blanket, took out his phone. Upon seeing the message, his expression turned serious.
"Brother Minghao," a seemingly ordinary contact name, sent a message that was filled with concern.
"Xiao Min, shall I pick you up when you return to the country? Just let me know the exact time."
"Get some rest early, when you come back, we'll celebrate our birthdays together."
A series of missed calls from the morning until they checked into their room, all noted as "Brother Minghao."
Han Zhicheng sensed that this so-called "Brother Minghao" was someone special to Kim Seungmin, even though Kim Seungmin insisted he was just a brother.
Han Zhicheng kissed Kim Seungmin's hairline, pulled him into his embrace, and closed his eyes.
Seungmin said, "Ah, I won't let you go. Wait for me."
The corridor was filled with a surge of people, the noise echoing throughout the floors, signaling the chaos of class dismissal. Leaning against the wall, Lee Minghao took a deep breath, tugging at his tie for some air, while his gaze searched for a familiar figure.
When Kim Seungmin stepped out, Lee Minghao's spirits lifted. However, before he could fully embrace his excitement, someone came out behind Kim Seungmin and wrapped an arm around his shoulders, causing Lee Minghao's expression to cool.
Han Zhicheng's actions of embracing Kim Seungmin were too familiar, as if they were a couple. Kim Seungmin showed no signs of resistance and even laughed and chatted with Han Zhicheng.
Lee Minghao's mind recalled what Han Zhicheng had said to him over half a month ago on the basketball court.
"I not only kissed and hugged Seungmin, but we also went further."
Accompanying this was the contact note "AZhicheng Ni," and Kim Seungmin's hesitation when mentioning Han Zhicheng all showcased how good of a couple they used to be.
Lee Minghao even thought that if Kim Seungmin hadn't returned to his home country to study, perhaps he would have missed his chance.
But Kim Seungmin is back, back by Lee Minghao's side, which means he still has a chance.
"Xiao Min..."
Lee Minghao called out to him as Kim Seungmin and Han Zhicheng reached the stairway.
When Kim Seungmin heard Lee Minghao's voice, he thought he was imagining it. However, when he saw Lee Minghao standing right in front of him, his mind went blank, and he didn't even notice that the arm around him tightened a bit.
When Han Zhicheng met Lee Minghao's gaze, there was no hiding the hostility. He had never liked this uninvited guest even before they met, and after their last encounter on the basketball court, he regarded him with even less respect.
Han Zhicheng originally thought that Lee Minghao was the one who unilaterally liked Kim Seungmin, which was why he sent so many messages and made so many calls to show his affection. However, upon arriving here, he found that his thoughts were somewhat off.
It seemed that Kim Seungmin was the one who liked Lee Minghao first.
When Han Zhicheng first learned about this matter, he suddenly understood the meaning behind Kim Seungmin's previous words and gradually began to connect the entire storyline.
At first, Lee Minghao did not accept Kim Seungmin's love, but later realized that he had developed feelings for Kim Seungmin, only to find out that Kim Seungmin had already gone to Italy.
For this, Han Zhicheng also wants to thank Lee Minghao for giving him the opportunity to meet Kim Seungmin.
"Brother Minghao, why are you here? Didn't we agree to meet at the school gate?"
Kim Seungmin felt that Lee Minghao had been acting strangely lately, often calling him "Xiao Min," which left him feeling dazed every time he heard it, needing a moment to collect himself before responding.
Of course, Lee Minghao wouldn't tell Kim Seungmin this. He even went through their chat history to find the class schedule that Kim Seungmin had sent him at the beginning of the semester. He waited in the hallway for over half an hour, unable to sit still in his dormitory, wanting to see Kim Seungmin.
Especially today, Lee Minghao particularly wanted to see Kim Seungmin on his twentieth birthday.
When he heard Kim Seungmin say "we," Lee Minghao raised an eyebrow, feeling a sense of pride swell within him, and it intensified when he noticed Han Zhicheng's expression darkening.
"Passing by here, I had something to do, so I called you."
Lee Minghao smiled as he made up an excuse, but his gaze remained fixed on Han Zhicheng, who still hadn't released his grip on Kim Seungmin's shoulder.
"Oh... then let's go..."
Kim Seungmin didn't have time to consider the truth behind Lee Minghao's words. He was only thinking about their agreement to celebrate their birthdays together last night. He went along with what Minghao said, not realizing that his one sentence would cause their emotions to fluctuate dramatically.
When Han Zhicheng heard Kim Seungmin tell him to go back first, his gaze passed through Kim Seungmin and landed on Lee Minghao, who appeared calm and composed. Anger welled up inside him, but he could only pat Kim Seungmin's head and bid him farewell.
"Then I'll head out first. Stay safe, and call me if you need anything."
Kim Seungmin smiled and nodded, his calm acceptance stinging Lee Minghao's eyes.
It wasn't until Han Zhicheng's figure disappeared that Kim Seungmin turned to Lee Minghao, who was looking directly into his eyes with a hint of curiosity and an indescribable emotion. When their gazes met, he did not shy away.
"You seem to have a pretty good relationship with him."
Kim Seungmin lowered his head in confusion, trying to calm his racing heart. Upon hearing Lee Minghao's meaningful remark, he quickly raised his head, his eyes filled with panic.
"Bro..."
Lee Minghao Did you feel something?
"What's wrong? Do you really have something going on with him?"
Lee Minghao was once again stung by Kim Seungmin's panicked gaze, but he maintained a calm demeanor as he probed the other person.
Kim Seungmin was startled by Lee Minghao's sudden approach, and for a moment, he couldn't find the words to respond. When he finally regained his composure, he shook his head, but his gaze fell to the ground.
Lee Minghao let out a soft sigh. It turned out to be just as he had anticipated; he just hadn't expected that Kim Seungmin would actually lie to him in order to conceal his past with Han Zhicheng.
Xiao Min, do you really not want me to know, or are you thinking about Han Zhicheng?
Lee Minghao felt a bittersweet sensation in his heart. With a casual tone, he took Kim Seungmin's hand and walked away.
"Alright, I was just joking. Let's go eat."
Kim Seungmin looked at Lee Minghao holding his hand, as if he had returned to a few years ago. Back then, when Kim Seungmin had just realized he liked Lee Minghao, the simple touch of their palms could make him blush in the eyes of a teenage boy.
When Lee Minghao saw Kim Seungmin as a younger brother, Kim Seungmin was so happy about his brother holding his hand that he couldn't sleep at night.
During the ambiguous period of adolescence, young boys and girls often find themselves falling in love, including Kim Seungmin, who secretly liked Lee Minghao, while others openly confessed their feelings to Lee Minghao.
In middle school, many people confessed their feelings to Lee Minghao, and some even asked Kim Seungmin to help deliver love letters because of his good relationship with Lee Minghao.
Kim Seungmin was actually jealous, but he still handed the love letter to Lee Minghao.
Lee Minghao always frowned when he received love letters. Without even glancing at them, he would simply toss them into the trash can.
Kim Seungmin felt that this was a bit cruel, yet he couldn't help but feel a sense of joy inside, as Lee Minghao was still single.
Lee Minghao would also gently pat Kim Seungmin on the head and teach him how to handle such situations.
"Don't accept things like this in the future. Just refuse them directly and say that you're not in the mood for a relationship."
Kim Seungmin thought he should have a chance.
However, he didn't expect that before he was ready to speak up, Lee Minghao had already learned about the matter from someone else.
Because of that line on the last page of the draft that fell out, "Brother Minghao, I really like you."
"Kim Seungmin, is this true?"
When Lee Minghao confronted Kim Seungmin with that piece of paper, Kim Seungmin was completely stunned. It was the first time he had seen his usually gentle brother so angry.
But Kim Seungmin couldn't lie, especially not to Lee Minghao, especially since this was his long-hidden crush.
Kim Seungmin nodded as the paper was thrown at him by Lee Minghao. Lee Minghao's gaze was cold, and his tone was indifferent.
"I do not accept this. You are my younger brother, and I am your older brother. I have no other thoughts about you."
The figure of Lee Minghao leaving blended into the afterglow of the sunset, lingering in Kim Seungmin's heart.
Perhaps it is just temporary? Although Kim Seungmin was affected by Lee Minghao's words, he still remained the cheerful little puppy in front of his brother.
Until Lee Minghao started dating, Kim Seungmin wondered if he had been too much.
Kim Seungmin could always see Lee Minghao holding hands with that guy, seeing Lee Minghao smile at him gently, which made his heart ache and feel powerless. All of this used to belong to him, but now it no longer did.
Kim Seungmin didn't like him; it was quite normal to like someone else. With this thought, he comforted himself.
Kim Seungmin always had the utmost understanding and tolerance for Lee Minghao, not only because of love but also due to their years of relationship.
The only exception was during the summer vacation after Kim Seungmin's college entrance exam, when he ran into Lee Minghao on his way home and almost got kissed.
At that moment, Kim Seungmin really wanted to give up; if this love wasn't accepted, then there was no need to hold onto it.
Before returning home, Kim Seungmin had already mentally prepared himself to maintain a normal brotherly relationship with Lee Minghao, no longer overstepping boundaries.
However, Lee Minghao seemed to be actively approaching Kim Seungmin now, even more gentle and considerate than before, as if the person who had thrown paper at him no longer existed.
At first, Kim Seungmin thought that Lee Minghao had not yet adapted, so he was kind to him. Now it seems that this is not the case.
Taking the initiative to hold hands, calling affectionate nicknames, and frequently reaching out to him, Lee Minghao's actions repeatedly broke down the defenses in Kim Seungmin's heart.
What is this? Is he rekindling his old flame with Lee Minghao? What about Han Zhicheng? Kim Seungmin tried to untangle the relationships, but feelings are not simply black and white; it’s not something that can be understood all at once. Moreover, both his feelings for Lee Minghao and his past with Han Zhicheng hung over Kim Seungmin like the Sword of Damocles.
Kim Seungmin watched Lee Minghao's profile as he hailed a taxi with his phone, and couldn’t help but smile. His brother really was as handsome as ever.
Lee Minghao's appearance has not changed much from a few years ago, just more refined and mature. Every time Kim Seungmin sees their old photos together, he can't help but sigh.
The vibration of his phone brought Kim Seungmin back to reality. Just as he was about to check it, the car arrived, and Lee Minghao took his hand to get into the vehicle.
"Come back soon, and if possible, please bring me a box of chocolates."
This message was sent by Han Zhicheng.
Kim Seungmin struggled to type on his phone with one hand while the other was firmly held by Lee Minghao. Once he finished replying to the message, he realized he wanted to let go, but the grip on his hand remained strong. When he turned to meet the complex gaze of the other, his heart trembled, and he quickly gave up, lowering his head and allowing the warmth from Lee Minghao's palm to transfer to the back of his hand.
Lee Minghao's hand rested on Kim Seungmin's, forcing himself not to squeeze too tightly to avoid hurting him. He tried hard to calm himself, experiencing for the first time what it felt like to be swept away by emotions.
When the note "Aaaaa cute Zhicheng baby" caught Lee Minghao's eye, he wished he hadn't turned his head at that moment.
The overly intimate nickname was even more pronounced than before, and it was pinned at the top of his contacts. Everything Lee Minghao learned from Kim Seungmin was telling him how good he and Han Zhicheng once were, even the note was uniquely affectionate.
Han Zhicheng received a message from Lee Minghao that Kim Seungmin had never seen before.
Kim Seungmin looked at the text message contacts on his phone. After the other party wrapped up the conversation, he glanced at the notes and turned off his phone.
This note was changed by Han Zhicheng in front of Kim Seungmin using Kim Seungmin's phone.
"We are in a romantic relationship, so of course, it should be different."
At that moment, Han Zhicheng saw that his name in Kim Seungmin's phone was just the ordinary "Zhicheng," and he instantly pouted, saying he wanted to change the contact name.
With his round eyes and a face puffed up in grievance, he made Kim Seungmin's heart soften, prompting him to willingly hand over the phone. When the phone returned to his hands and he saw a name that matched his personality perfectly, he smiled and accepted it.
"That means we have a couple name now!"
Han Zhicheng excitedly pulled out his phone to show Kim Seungmin his contact note, which was consistently formatted as "Aaaaa Precious Seungmin Baby."
Precious.
Kim Seungmin always remembers this word, and he recalls the surge of emotions he felt at that moment when he directly embraced Han Zhicheng.
After returning to his country, Kim Seungmin was busy starting his new life and forgot to change the note on his phone, leaving it as it was until now.
On the night of his birthday, when that familiar note popped up, Kim Seungmin finally felt that everything in Italy was not a dream, but a beautiful and real reality.
The place where Lee Minghao brought him made Kim Seungmin feel as if he were in another dream.
The shop's name, written in elegant cursive, was illuminated by soft yellow lights. The exquisite European style featured seats arranged in pairs, allowing two people to face each other inside.
Promise, a well-known couple's restaurant in the area.
Kim Seungmin never expected that Lee Minghao would bring him to a couple's restaurant. He nervously swallowed and stared at the name of the restaurant, feeling at a loss. In contrast, Lee Minghao appeared calm and composed, confidently holding Kim Seungmin's hand as they walked inside.
In the past, on Lee Minghao's birthday, he would invite a few friends to gather together, in addition to Kim Seungmin. But today, only Kim Seungmin was present. After he sat down at the reserved table, his heart raced, and he couldn't bring himself to look into Lee Minghao's eyes.
Lee Minghao had done this on purpose. He turned down all the friends who wanted to celebrate his birthday and only invited Kim Seungmin to the couple's restaurant he had chosen a year ago.
On his 19th birthday, at this moment when he is close to turning 20, Lee Minghao wants his wish to come true.
Lee Minghao used to think of himself as a thorough man of action. He would immediately act on confirmed matters, but perhaps only in matters of the heart, there might be a delay, causing each step to seem casual, but in reality, he was careful.
Lee Minghao I have always believed that feelings cannot be rushed, they need to be nurtured slowly, even if both parties are in love. But now he doesn't want to deal with these anymore.
Since the crisis has already emerged, the timing he has prepared for is almost here, it's time to speak with Sincerity.
"Brother Minghao..."
Kim Seungmin tried to ask something, but he was interrupted by the waiter who brought out the cake. He could only watch as the cake, decorated with a cat design, was placed in the center of the table, topped with a candle shaped like the number "20."
Lee Minghao lit the candle, its flickering light dancing on Kim Seungmin's face, creating an atmosphere that was both ambiguous and intense.
Kim Seungmin looked at the hopeful Lee Minghao and smiled as he spoke words of blessing.
" Brother Minghao, happy birthday!"
"Thank you."
Lee Minghao looked at Kim Seungmin, who had always smiled the same way since childhood, and a smile spread across his lips.
"Make a wish..."
Kim Seungmin was flustered under Lee Minghao's tender gaze, his eyes fixated on the flickering candlelight, allowing the other to make a wish.
Lee Minghao, rarely obedient, followed suit without hesitation. He closed his eyes, clasped his hands together, and earnestly began to make his wish.
I hope that every year, the person in front of me will agree to my confession.
Kim Seungmin originally just wanted to take a glance at Lee Minghao, but unexpectedly got caught by him. Their eyes met, and an undercurrent surged between them as the candlelight flickered back and forth.
"Let's blow together."
Kim Seungmin instantly withdrew his gaze, wanting to wait for Lee Minghao to blow out the candle, but the gentle words from the other stirred his heart.
Lee Minghao leaned in slowly as Kim Seungmin got closer to the candle, pretending to blow it out while waiting for Kim Seungmin's move.
Kim Seungmin simply puffed his cheeks, thinking about letting Lee Minghao blow out the candle.
In that moment, under the candlelight, their gazes intertwined once more, only to part in silent understanding the next second.
Lee Minghao chuckled softly, while Kim Seungmin felt the heat rising in his cheeks.
"Blow it."
Lee Minghao The second time he said it, this time both of them did not hesitate, and blew out the candle together.
This year, Kim Seungmin celebrated his birthday with Lee Minghao, blowing out the candles together.
Lee Minghao wants to spend every upcoming birthday with Kim Seungmin. Since he missed Kim Seungmin's nineteenth birthday, he never wants to be absent again.
"Xiao Min, can you help me fulfill a wish?"
When Kim Seungmin heard these words, he felt more nervous than shocked. Lee Minghao had never spoken like this before, and he could vaguely sense the meaning behind the words.
"What wish?"
Kim Seungmin put down the cup, trying to speak calmly, but his hands resting on his lap involuntarily clenched tightly.
Lee Minghao looked at Kim Seungmin, who was trying to appear calm, pressed his lips together, and suppressed a smile at the corners of his mouth while encouraging himself internally.
Just say it, success or failure hinges on this moment; there is no turning back.
At the moment when Lee Minghao held Kim Seungmin's hand, his gentle and sincere gaze, serious tone, and the warmth of his palm made it impossible for him to escape.
On Kim Seungmin's wrist, where Lee Minghao held him, was a bracelet given by Han Zhicheng, the small accessory pressing against Kim Seungmin's skin.
On the eleventh birthday that Kim Seungmin spent with Lee Minghao, the sword of Damocles finally fell.
Lee Minghao's voice reached Kim Seungmin's ears, so clear and distinct.
"I like you, would you like to be with me?"
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