mintyrina

They were walking side by side.

“Oh, I forgot The London Eye was around here,” Yan said casually, though the slight excitement in his voice didn’t go unnoticed by Min.

“Ah, The London Eye. Ferris Wheel ‘yan ‘di ba?” Min replied, glancing in the direction Yan was looking.

“Looks like it.”

“I have to tell you som-”

Yan suddenly grabbed his arm, his fingers gripping Min’s sleeve as he bounced slightly on his toes.

“Can we get on it?” Yan asked, eyes shining with excitement. “Please, Min? Ferris wheels are just one of those things that are so romantic! Arantxa and I passed by here before, and I wanted to ride it ever since. I know all about its history, but—”

Ah, yes. Yan always cared more about the romance of things rather than the history. Not that it really mattered. His excitement was contagious, and Min couldn’t help but chuckle. He should’ve known this was coming. Paul had mentioned something about it last time, and Min—being the man that he was—had already prepared. The moment they got back to their place, he had gone online and booked two tickets for the ride.

Yan’s warm fingers slid between Min’s own cold ones, squeezing gently as he leaned in closer. Min had always told himself that Yan’s charm didn’t work on him, but moments like these made it hard to believe that lie. Yan’s eyes sparkled with so much life that Min couldn’t help but get lost in them.

He would never say that out loud.

Then, unexpectedly, Min leaned in and pressed a quick kiss against Yan’s cheek. It was brief, but it was enough to leave a soft blush across Yan’s face.

Min preferred to keep his affections private—behind closed doors where no one else could see. He didn’t mind holding hands, giving small forehead kisses, or brushing fingers together in public, but sometimes, Yan is still caught off guard.

“Min?” Yan murmured, tilting his head slightly.

Min cleared his throat, snapping out of his thoughts. “Yeah, yeah, we can get on it. The view of London is nice—”.

“It’s okay kung di mo gusto, Min. Baka Low na Social Batt. mo.”

“No baby, I want to. I was actually about to tell you—I bought tickets online so we don’t have to wait in line. Dalawang beses mo na ako ininterrupt.”

Yan’s eyes widened. “You did??? Hays, you make me so happy talaga.”

Min just laughed.

Before heading to their destination, they made a quick stop at a small café. Yan was practically bouncing with energy as he chattered away, gesturing with his free hand while holding his drink in the other. The hot liquid threatened to spill over the rim, earning a few glares from passersby, but Yan was oblivious to it.

Min watched him with quiet amusement. Yan had such an impressive range when he told stories—his tone, his expressions, the way his hands moved to emphasize every little detail. He spoke so quickly, barely leaving any space for Min to reply with anything more than a nod or a chuckle. Not that Min minded. Yan loved to talk, and Min loved to listen to him.

Finally, they arrived at the London Eye. As soon as they stepped into the capsule, Yan fell silent. His usual stream of words came to a halt as he marveled at the spacious, glass-enclosed pod.

“Parang bubble,” Yan whispered, pressing his fingers lightly against the glass.

“Oo nga,” Min agreed, watching as Yan took it all in.

Slowly, the Ferris wheel began to ascend. Yan leaned forward, pressing himself slightly against the glass as he took in the view. Min smiled.

This was why he loved bringing Yan to places. There was a certain kind of wonder in Yan’s eyes whenever he discovered something beautiful, and Min couldn’t look away. It was like being drawn to a flame, completely captivated.

After a quick glance around their capsule to make sure no one could see them from the other pods, Min stepped closer, placing his hands gently on Yan’s hips.

“Ang bagal pala nito,” Min murmured.

Yan chuckled. “Too bagal nga for my liking. But it’s okay because you’re here.”

“Yuck. Sweet.”

Yan playfully pinched Min’s thigh. “Sabi ng nagplano ng Valentine’s date namin.”

Min just shook his head, smirking. Then, as if remembering something, he reached into his pocket.

“I got something for you.”

“An-” Yan turned to face him, shocked.

Min pulled out a small box and opened it, revealing a ring.

Yan’s breath caught in his throat.

So this is what Min had been up to. He had picked something up in London. And not just anything—it was the ring. A well-known design from a famous jewelry store here. Of course, Yan knew it. He had been eyeing that exact ring for a while now.

“Baby…” Yan whispered, unable to hide his shock. He didn’t know what to say, didn’t know how to move.

Min let out a small laugh, tilting his head as he looked down at the ring in his palm. Then, meeting Yan’s eyes, he spoke with a teasing smile,

“Pwede po bang isuot ko to sayo?”

Yan swallowed hard. He was still in shock, but he slowly lifted his hand, letting Min take it.

Min carefully slipped the ring onto Yan’s right hand. Not the left. Not the ring finger. And that meant something.

This wasn’t an engagement ring.

Yan knew that.

They were still too far from that.

“Ang ganda,” Yan breathed out, staring at the ring, fingers brushing over the smooth metal.

Min hummed in agreement, but instead of looking at the ring, he kept his gaze on Yan.

“Ang ganda nga,” he murmured.

And then, Min kissed him.

It was slow and gentle, the kind of kiss that made Yan melt. Min’s lips pressed softly against his own, lingering just long enough for Yan to feel his warmth.

Min held him closer, just a little tighter.

When they finally pulled away, Yan let out a small sigh and rested his head against Min’s chest.

“Thank you, Min,” he whispered. “I love it. I love it when I’m with you.”

Min didn’t say anything. He just ran his fingers through Yan’s hair.

Yan snuggled deep into his arms.

After a moment, he looked up with a bright grin. “Pasyal pa tayo pagkatapos nito, right?”

Min chuckled, pressing a small kiss to his forehead.

“Of course, baby.”

Yan’s grin widened. Excitement bubbled up inside him at the thought of spending more hours with Min.

The moment their feet touched the ground again, Yan started talking nonstop, following closely behind Min as they made their way to their next destination—fingers still intertwined, hearts beating in sync.