We're almost at the halfway point of the story! Writing this has been rather beneficial to my mental health; it's like my safe place to unwind and relax :3 As for this chapter, it's kind of a transitional one that's just a tad bit short. It's the start of a major plot point, which isn't meant to be angsty, I promise: it's about growing in a relationship. I guess you'll know what I'm talking about when we get there hahha for now, let's go to Minami's place for lunch~


Having regular weekends off makes my weird schedule easier to handle; it's not so stressful when I know I can have two days of relaxation in a row, often with my coworkers. Once my show ends in the wee hours of Friday mornings, Celestino takes over with his playlists until early Monday mornings when Mila and Yuri take over again. This particular Sunday afternoon is dedicated to catching up and hanging out with the weekday crew since we only see each other in passing and exchange scarce words. Minami volunteered his apartment for us while Mila and Yuri are picking our orders up from a cheap takeaway place on their way over. I've never asked how Minami affords this place: it's in the ritzy part of town, minimalistic and trendy from its front desk to the sleek bathroom tiles. His kitchen has a high counter, shiny marble, with bar stools on either side; the one I'm sitting on gives me a great view from out of the large, uncovered window. I point out at the clouds, fluffy and grey. "Looks like more snow." I mutter. Yuuri shrugs and Minami pouts, turning around to see for himself.

"Not more already!" When he turns back, he rests his head in his hand, elbow on the counter. "We need a longer break. I'd be fine if it just stayed cold and that's it. What do you think, Yuuri?"

Yuuri smiles at Minami and sits up straighter. "Maybe soon, we'll get some sun."

I don't get the chance to add to the conversation: the door swings open for Yuri to stomp through, Mila calmly shutting it behind them. Yuri drops a bag in the center of the counter, taking the seat on the end between Minami and Yuuri, rolling his eyes so far that he leans back. "I am never getting takeaway from that place again." He groans. Mila sets her bag on the table, too, unwrapping the items with a patient smile.

"What happened?" I ask before getting up to grab utensils.

"Don't get him started." Mila chuckles. She only sits after all the food is passed out and the bags are set aside. Yuri leans forward, scowling right at her.

"Yes, get me started!" He shouts. "Minami: you made the order an hour ago, yeah?" Yuri doesn't wait for Minami to answer. "They said it would be thirty fucking minutes, okay? Half an hour. This bitch was even running, like, fifteen minutes behind, too." He gestures at Mila, frowning at him.

I try not to laugh, especially with Mila scowling like that. "Watch it, you."

Yuri swiftly ignores her, continuing his story of inconvenience and incompetence. He's so animated while talking, his blonde hair looks disheveled after every grand gesture. Mila confirms his complaints with a smirk here and there, mostly busying herself with her lunch or intentionally riling him up further. Yuuri laughs between bites of food, claiming to be laughing with Yuri and not at him. Minami tries to avoid getting hit in the head during all the theatrics, giggling even when being told there's nothing funny. Sometimes I forget how nice it is to just sit with this group of people; we don't get many opportunities to see each other outside of work. I mean, texting and stopping by each other's places is good and all, but it's not the same as all five of us getting together. I smile, appreciating the life in their eyes as the chatter continues, feeling at home here. "For hating on their service, you sure are enjoying their food." I comment, noticing how quickly Yuri's eating.

His insult comes without any venom: "Fuck you, I'm hungry."

The past month or so, everyone's been so busy that I feel like I've missed what's gone on in their lives. "It's been too long since we've done this. What's everyone so busy with?" I ask after the energy in the room has become calmer.

"I try to get out of the city as much as I can." Mila shrugs. She didn't grow up around here and likes exploring neighboring towns for old record shops and local music events. "Last week, I finally got to see a performance in the old theater over in the next town. You guys remember how busy it got after that musical came through?" If anybody can find a diamond in the rough, it's Mila: she can almost sense musical talent before hearing it. Back in the day, she apparently made quite a sum through selling unique mix CDs at her high school, but you didn't hear that from me. I think she was in a band in college, but dropped out when it interfered with her grades.

Yuuri smiles like he has a secret, pink tinting his complexion. "Speaking of getting away, I've been trying to plan a visit to see my family." Like Mila, Yuuri hasn't always lived here. When I met him, he was struggling to be apart from him parents and his sister; he hadn't been away from home for such a long period of time, and was terribly sad. Being a student, he couldn't afford to visit them more than once or twice a year, so I became his family. It didn't happen overnight, but we're like family now and he can pay for himself, and even Victor, to fly out whenever the homesickness is too much to bear. "It hasn't been that long, but it's a new year and I'd like to start it off right." I happen to know that they would've gone earlier this month, but Victor was constantly booked and Yuuri insisted they make the trip together. "Travel might be nice in February."

"You certainly deserve it." Minami nods. "I'll wait to holiday until spring gets here. Finding which clubs have the best music to dance to will keep me warm." Since he's only been out of university a few years, Minami isn't used to the weather here. He became an Eros fan long ago, and because he had a shining referral from his school's radio station, he was hired before he even held his diploma. He also made the move almost entirely on his own. When I learned this, I wondered why his family didn't help, but I think it has something to do with pride; perhaps he was encouraged to follow a different path but forged his own and strained his relationships, but that's all just speculation. Oh, and his calls to his parents are always brief and he never brings them up in conversation, but that's not my place to get involved. "The place where the old roller rink was has been pretty fun. You all should stop by sometime." One thing Minami loves more than fanboying over Eros and chatting up friends is dancing. During any music, he taps his feet or sways his hips, or makes any movement to sync with a beat: watching him in the booth during his shift is a riot. We agree that it sounds like fun, and we can work out details later.

Yuri clears his throat, doing a poor job of holding back a smile. "Now that we're all in one place, I wanted to talk about something I have coming up."

Uh, when does Yuri Plisetsky ever have big news? "We're all ears." I nod.

"So, like, my anniversary is coming up next month, and it's nothing too big, or anything, but we're going to have a party and you should all come, or whatever."

Or whatever. I think he means 'because it would mean so much,' but I won't correct him. I smile instead, bouncing in my seat. "Has it seriously been three years already?" Time sure does fly! I attended this wedding and haven't seen Yuri as happy as he was on that day.

He nods, hiding his blush by resting his face in one hand, the other arm crossed over his chest. "Yeah, three years."

"Wait, what's the traditional gift for the third anniversary?" Mila asks, brushing her red hair from her face.

Minami frowns, tilting his head to one side. "Traditional gift?"

"Yeah, every wedding anniversary has its own symbolic gift that the couple traditionally gives each other in some cultures." I explain. "I think the third year is crystal. Oh, Yuri: you could decorate with that in mind! Crystal chandeliers, crystal glasses, crystal centerpieces..." That would be stunning to see! Well, I think so; the sour look on Yuri's face leads me to believe he doesn't see my vision in the same light.

"None of that. And, not that I care about that tradition crap, but I think the third year is jade." Yuri rolls his eyes.

Mila shakes her head. "No, I think it's leather." She shoots Yuri a smirk that's bordering on devilish. "You could have all the guests in head to toe leather. Won't that be fun and sexy?"

"No, and I'm going to forget you ever suggested that."

Everyone but him and Mila laugh, used to their typical banter and bickering. "You gotta have a theme, or something, right? It'll be fun."

"What're you talking about?"

When she can't seem to get a rise out of Yuri, Mila's grin only grows. "Oh, I get it: you'd rather keep the leather stuff for the bedroom. Just wink if I'm right." She demonstrates this gesture with exaggeration. "That way I'll know what to buy you two as a gift."

"How about no, followed by shutting the hell up?" Yuri glares, red in the face.

"It's not even a leather year." I sigh. "I'm sure it's crystal."

"I'm sure you're wrong." Mila argues.

"I thought he said it was jade." Minami gestures at Yuri.

"It is." Yuri mumbles.

"No it's not!" Mila laughs. "It's leather."

Before another word can fly across the counter, Yuuri taps his cup with a fork, stealing our attention. He has that soft smile on his face, the one I've grown used to seeing when I need cheering up. "This is their special day, and regardless of what traditions some people might have, it's their choice on what they want to do." We sober at his words, remembering that Yuri didn't have to invite us to, or even tell us about, his party. "Do you have a date or venue yet, Yuri?"

He'll never thank him, but I know Yuri's grateful for the change in the conversation's direction. He gives us more details about this party, promising to update us, excluding Mila, when he gets more details and makes more decisions. There's plenty of time to get things settled, so all we have is a tentative date and a warning to act right or be uninvited.

"Can we bring a date, or is this a smaller type of thing?" Mila asks, one eyebrow arched.

Yuri shrugs, looking slightly bored. "I don't know. It's probably cool to have a plus one, but I'll check and let you know."

Mila squeals, suddenly excited. "I hope we can! I finally have someone to bring." She's been dating a friend she's known for years but was too nervous to ask out. If asked, Mila will talk for what feels like an eternity about this girlfriend of hers. I'll admit, the woman is stunning, but I don't need to know that she never wears anything less than a four-inch heel or that her favorite season is summer.

"Would she be interested in going?" Yuuri asks.

"Oh, hell yeah! Sara loves social events."

"I'm glad for all of you, but then I'd be the only solo one." Minami frowns. "That kind of sucks."

I reach across the counter, patting his hand. "You're still young, hon. You have the rest of your life to find someone special." My comment brightens his dark eyes enough to know I've said the right thing.

"Phichit, you have someone, too?" Mila asks. I shrug, winking for decoration.

"Like, a boyfriend?" Yuri asks. "Does he know you're fucking your boss?"

With an eye roll, I exhale my annoyance out and inhale some tolerance in. Yuri knows I've been seeing someone and knows better than to think I'd keep my benefits with Celestino at the same time. "I'm doing no such thing. Anymore." I clarify. "Besides, he knows about my past arrangement and also knows that it's absolutely over."

"So this is the one you've been seeing for a couple months, or so?" Mila narrows her eyes like she's cracked a code. I nod; it's been two months already? Well, over a month, I think.

"Is that why you've been so busy on weekends?" Yuri mutters.

"Maybe."

"Tell me more about him." Mila leans over with interest. "I feel like I know so little."

I'm not sure where to begin, so I start with telling them about how we met and how we got to talking, and answer the small questions they pepper in. There's a lot I could say about Seung Gil, but I feel like none of it would do any justice unless they met him in person. I could tell them that he's considerate, but it's not the same as having him hold a door open or being offered some of his food. I could also say that he's smart, but it's not the same as holding a complex conversation about bees or nuclear fission with him. Telling them he's honest is one thing, but hearing him say exactly what's on his mind is another. The same could be said about his curiosity, his patience, his intensity; none of it can be understood until one spends time with Seung Gil and uncovers these things for themselves.

Later, when we're winding down, they indulge me in more selfies than I know what to do with. It's silly and fun, and I'm still laughing by the time Yuuri and I carpool back to my place. "I love hanging out with everyone. These are awesome." I scroll through the images, past the ones of Yuuri looking caught off-guard, Mila being too close for Yuri's comfort, Minami posing dramatically, me at the center of it all, until I reach one from my last date: Seung Gil and I made a proper snowman together.

"If I ask a question about Seung Gil, will you get defensive?" Yuuri asks out of the blue.

What kind of question does he have in mind? I feel some of my giddiness slipping away at his tone, humorless and concerned. "I guess it depends on the question, but you know I can't stay upset with you. What's up?"

His pause doesn't inspire much confidence. "Why is it that he won't meet me?"

"Who says he won't?"

Yuuri ignores my pout. He's driving, but if we weren't in the car, he'd probably do the same. "Okay, then why haven't I met him?" He spares me a glance. "I always met your boyfriends before you were even dating them, so why is this time different?"

I tuck my phone away: this requires my full attention. "What exactly are you worried about?"

"I'm worried that you're hiding him, or he's avoiding getting to know people who matter to you and I don't know why either of those things might be."

Damn, I didn't realize that's how things look to him. I wish he would've asked sooner! I squeeze his shoulder, keeping my hand in place. "Yuuri, you don't have to worry about any of that." There's no need, really. "It's just that Seung Gil isn't really a…well, he's introverted. He doesn't like being around big groups of people, and I didn't want to throw him into my social circles so soon." Especially because I didn't even know he was into men at first, if I'm being honest.

"I don't want you to think I'm picking on him, or anything, because I don't know him and have nothing against him." Yuuri sighs. "I know what it's like to not always be sociable and stuff, but it just seems weird none of us have met him."

"It's not like I've mentioned meeting you and he declined, or anything. I'm just taking things slow."

"Is this because of Chris?"

Where the hell did that come from? "What're you talking about?"

"You sacrificed your happiness for his."

Yeah, maybe I allowed a pretty face to bend and shape me into what worked for him just so he could smile, but that's got nothing to do with this. "I know I did. That was a mistake." I sigh, knowing he's only being a best friend and looking out for me. "I do appreciate you caring, but my relationship with Chris couldn't be more different from my relationship with Seung Gil. Chris didn't have my back like I needed him to and I was blind to it; I can admit that now." It took me a while to understand that I wasn't stupid, I was just smitten. "This time is different."

"Why is it different?"

Oh, don't get me started; I could go on and on about how unlike Chris and Seung Gil are. "Seung Gil is a calming presence: he doesn't make me feel like we're in constant competition for attention, or that I always need to be on my toes. He lets me be who I am." I poke Yuuri's shoulder. "You know how hard it is to find people who get you, and who you can let your hair down around." He nods in understanding. "Seung Gil's a great guy. He treats me well, and I'm happy."

Yuuri can't resist reflecting my smile back at me: I know he only wants what's best for me, the same way I do for him. "So he isn't avoiding me, and all your friends, on purpose?"

"Not at all. It'll just take time to get him integrated." I take my phone back out to return to my photo gallery, coming across a picture of Yuri scrambling out of Mila's hug, right in the middle of a shout. I turn the phone so Yuuri can see, making him chuckle. "Would you want to meet these people?"

He laughs and shakes his head. "I see your point."

When I get to my apartment, I shuffle through the newly fallen snow fast enough to get out of the cold, but slow enough so I don't slip and eat asphalt. My hamsters haven't been fed yet, and I feel bad for making them wait so long. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!" I shout to them while scooping a cup of seeds from the bag. "Lunch took longer than expected, and I really meant to be back sooner, but I'll make it up to you." How will I do this? Apples, of course! After a dash to the kitchen, washing, peeling and cutting the fruit, I return to the cage. "One at a time so I know you're all even." I mutter, offering my hand to Maphrao. After climbing aboard, my offering of a tiny bit of apple is accepted with excitement. "Better than Sunday vegetables, right?" I repeat the process with Khing and attempt it with Pheuak, but instead of a patient hamster, I get a lively one that climbs up my arm. "Want to come with me while I patch my yoga bag?" The other day, I tore a hole in the damn canvas and had to safety pin it together. Pheuak and I make our way to the sofa, project in my lap and shoulder being used as a bed. Back in college, I learned how to sew when one of my friends needed help with their drag costume. I begin mending the fabric when I notice an unread message on my phone:

'What do you do with socks you can't find a match for?'

Does Seung Gil's question have a punchline, or is he seeking laundry advice? "I don't think he's making a joke, Pheuak." I giggle, admiring my own fuzzy socks. I've never been one to police the garments; as long as I have two on, I'm good. 'Match them with another lost one? lol'

'What if there are two different kinds, or I can't find another lone sock?'

I'm starting to wonder if this is a hypothetical question or a real problem he's facing. 'I guess you'll have to set it aside and wait for one to show up!' When there's a pause in responses, I pick my mending back up and get to sewing. "This thread doesn't even match." I mumble, noticing the light blue doesn't match the turquoise very well. The more I look at it, the more I'm okay with the contrast. If the hole is fixed, then I've done my job.

A few minutes later, I receive a picture of a black sock and a short white sock with accompanying text: 'This is the shit I'm dealing with…ha ha'

I laugh at his horrible dilemma. He can be quite silly sometimes, even if he'd never know it. It's an adorable quality to have. My friends will all see that sometime in the near future. They'll see that Seung Gil is his own brand of charming and undeniably thoughtful, and they'll get to know his sly humor and quiet confidence; then they'll understand why I'm beginning to adore him so much. I pluck my hamster from off my shoulder, cradling little Pheuak in my palms. "When they all meet, they'll love him. He's a good person, and he'll fit right in. Don't you think?" My pet doesn't respond, peeking over the ledge of my fingers. Hamster feet tickle, especially against softer skin like palms. "I think he'll like them, too. At least, I'm sure he'll get along with Yuuri. Who doesn't?" I stand from the sofa, taking Pheuak back to the others. When I return, I send a message to Seung Gil: 'Babe lmao I'm sure you'll survive'

'Not if I'm wearing these together.'

He's so ridiculous, I can't suppress my laughter. During the first few conversations we shared, it wasn't always clear when he was being serious and when he was joking. Obviously there are still times when I'm uncertain of his tone, but when I recognize his humor, the laughter spills out. 'Hahahaha omg I can't with you X,D you headed somewhere?'

There's a chance he mentioned his plans at some point and I forgot them. He could also be doing laundry, or organizing his clothes. Seung Gil responds: 'Just out to the store. I feel like juice. Want anything?'

What'll happen if I say yes? 'What would you do with it if I asked for a hot chocolate lol'

'In theory, I could come over. I was also thinking we could go together. Sorry if that's putting you out; I know you were out all afternoon and might want to rest.' Seung Gil is asking me to go with him to pick up groceries? That's terribly cute of him! Not to mention considerate: checking on me and doting just a little.

Not for the first time, I see the softness of Seung Gil and smile. 'That's sweet of you :))) Maybe I can go get you and we could come back here? After you get your juice lol'

Seung Gil has been over many times now, sometimes for a short visit and other times for the night or two. He has his own drawer in the bathroom, even. 'Okay, but if you make fun of my grape juice again, I won't share.' He doesn't have to tell me that he isn't joking: he doesn't like to share. I laugh anyway, enjoying our text conversation before we agree on a time and general plan. There's no vague "I don't care" about location, no "you decide" on time; Seung Gil is direct and concise in what he wants. What he wants right now is to spend time with me, and that makes something as mundane as a grocery run something to look forward to.


The next chapter takes us back to the radio station, with a special guest on Phichit's show. It's not heavy, so that's cool XD Sometimes it's nice to take a break from serious plot and break up the story with stuff that's a little lighter, you know? Also, don't forget that I respond to comments every Thursday and update Mondays! I love you for reading and wish you all well :D