59: High school crush.

Days turned into weeks and weeks turned into a month as the husbands got busy with their work. Minho with his company's new survival show, along with his shoot for some commercial and Jisung with his exam.

No matter how busy they were, they both have never once failed to at least ask about each other's day, either through a text or voice mail, yet they still felt the urge to see each other, to hug, to sink in each others' comfortable warmth although it at the moment was impossible.

Jisung celebrated his birthday by having a video call with Minho, and the elder was sad with the fact that it was Jisung's first birthday after their marriage, but Jisung assured him that they will get the chance to celebrate next time.

In the end everything was worth it as Jisung finished his exam with confidence -as for him- the questions were simpler than he thought. He had the chance to stay a few more days, however the urge to see Minho was taking a huge toll on him and since it was still a vacation season, flight tickets weren't available for the next three days.

Therefore he booked for the fourth day which according to him was such a luck because the same day the airport tickets were filled.

The following two days, he has done some shopping for Soon-young; Chan, Jeongin couple's newborn baby boy. It was such shocking news since Soon-young was born before the due date and his arrival was something the couple didn't expect to be early, but they were happy.

Jisung could still remember an excited Minho calling him at an unexpected time, squealing and fanboying over his newborn nephew. Jisung, however, refused to hang up the video call as he whined about how cute the baby was and the urge to hold the tiny human in his arms made him say that he will be coming back to Korea.

Minho scolded him, reminding him of his purpose and the fact that he will have the chance to carry his nephew after the exam which made Jisung pout.

He chuckled, recalling the events as he entered the Asian cafe, the doorbell jiggling as he opened the door to welcome the cosy atmosphere and the vintage theme it shows off.

He smiled, walking towards the familiar person and tapped his shoulder making them look up from their phone.

"Oh! Jisung," Said Rei, telling Jisung to take a seat which Jisung did. "You didn't get lost, did you?"

"Nope, I didn't." Rei nodded, waving his hands at a waiter. They ordered their drinks and snacks, which -no matter what- was delicious as it was the most known cafe on this side of the street. After placing the order - garlic bread, chips, hot chocolate, creamy coffee- Rei started initiating the talk as he was aware of the fact that Jisung needed a small push to start a conversation.

"How was your exam?"

"Good, how was your work?"

"Tiring." He paused, trying to pull another question. " I heard that you were a vet then why so sudden?"

"Ah, something happened which made me have a plan for shifting here." Said Jisung shrugging his shoulders. Jisung suddenly got a notification which made him take out his phone to check who it was. He smiled looking at the baby pictures of his adorable nephew and he couldn't help but coo at the human.

Rei stared at the smiling Jisung as awkwardness started consuming in. He decided to scroll down through Instagram instead as they both started spending their time on the device instead of creating an actual conversation.

Their individual moment got interrupted as the waiter came back, serving their snacks and drinks. They thanked the waiter and started digging in.

"So," started Jisung, "Are you living here alone?"

"Nope, I have a pet dog." Jisung's face lit up at the mention of the pet.

"Oh really!? What breed?" Rei was startled by the enthusiasm but somehow concluded the enthusiasm as a veterinarian's knowledge.

"It's a chihuahua."

"Oh! My husband have three cats. They're so cute!" Rei froze on his spot, looking at Jisung in disbelief. Rei snapped out his daze when the waiter started placing their order over the table. Rei forced himself out to say a small thanks to the waiter who smiled and left to take another order.

Rei took a glance at Jisung who was taking a picture of the food to send it to Minho. He glanced down to Jisung's hands, noticing the shining ring. He gulped feeling a strong weight being dumped into his shoulder as he stared at the shining ring adoring around Jisung's finger.

So he is happy now huh.

"Rei… Rei!" Rei snapped out of his thoughts.

"Oh what?" Jisung tilted his head, a suspicious frown taking over his face, making Rei nervous.

"I was asking why you called me here?" Rei took a final glance at Jisung's ring then at his face, his heart thumping fast upon seeing Jisung's face. He has changed a lot.

The boy who wore braces now doesn't have one. The boy who had a small frame now looked more manly. The boy who was shy around him was no longer there. The boy in front of him was the Jisung he admired in their highschool days, but he changed not for the worst but for the best.

Rei smiled. "Well I have some deep talks to share with you. So you have to promise me that you would listen to me calmly without causing any recklessness, okay?" Jisung nodded.

They stayed in silence, as Rei started collecting his thoughts. He fidgeted thinking of the possible outcomes and how to say the words without startling the latter, however he couldn't think of anything easier than he thought. Jisung on the other hand was waiting patiently for Rei to start speaking and in the midst of the silence he thought about taking a bite off the garlic bread.

"I'm gay." Jisung's hands froze midway as the words made his heart skip a beat. He remained motionless, trying to process the words.

"Since when?" Rei closed his eyes, letting out a sigh.

"Middle school." Jisung's eyes widen like saucers.

"What!? But you... ah? How is that possible? You clearly were straight during highschool."

"Pretending as one." Jisung's eyes soften knowing very well of the situation, because once Jisung was a victim of bullying during their highschool days.

"I came out during middle school and my parents were good with it, however the school wasn't as many parents said that they will change their kids' school which made the management to directly call my parents to move me out. Then I came to your place." Jisung stayed mute, wanting Rei to say more, occasionally nodding, making sure that Rei did know that he was listening.

"My parents warned me not to reveal my preference which I did, but my heart didn't." Rei paused looking up at Jisung who was staring at him, " I loved you," He watched Jisung's eyes widening in shock. "Even before I know your feelings."

"W-what... then why did you?" Jisung wanted to feel hurt but he wasn't. In fact he felt a bit startled with the truth which shocked him.

"Our friend circle was toxic and I thought you would be the same, so I silently admired you. However the moment I came to know about your crush on me I felt happy." Rei gulped, " But everything came crashing down like a cold water when I realised my past experience, so I deliberately said those words as I thought at least I will be able to watch you from afar."

"I planned on telling you about my feelings, but before I could you dropped out of school and rumours started spreading that you and Seungmin had a big fight which made you take the decision." Jisung nodded.

"Me and Seungmin got into a major misunderstanding but it's all solved now." Rei smiled softly. "I'm happy it's resolved." Jisung smiled.

"After you left, Seungmin isolated himself from everyone and never socialised ever since then. For me, I felt heartbroken. I felt like I was inside an underground aquarium; my least favourite place. It was like I was all alone, stuck while miserably watching the fishes around me swimming freely without any care of where they are."

"After graduation, college was another challenge for me. Again I tried to keep it a secret, but I bursted out when I reached my limit. I realised that unless I don't start fighting back the more they throw me around as dirt."

"You are brave." Rei blushed, feeling shy and embarrassed.

"Am I?" Jisung chuckled, nodding.

"Yes, you are. Not everyone would have the courage to do that. Also during our time the community wasn't that much known among people and it was considered a sin. It still is to some, but overall we are moving good." Rei nodded, remaining silent for some time.

"Are you... are you angry with me?" Jisung chewed down the bread and shook his head.

"Why should I?" Rei blinked his eyes, disbelief evident in his expression making Jisung laugh.

"I know what you are thinking." Jisung sighed, " If it was the past me, I wouldn't have forgiven you." Rei's shoulders slumped, " But after getting into a relationship with my husband, I learned many things and one of them was, give a chance for the past and to acknowledge it as a lesson for the future." Jisung stared at Rei and asked,

"Are you happy with what you have now?" Rei immediately nodded, making Jisung smile widely.

"There is your answer. Maybe we didn't end up because I wouldn't have found my husband and you wouldn't have found your happiness. So let it go." Rei's eyes started tearing, making Jisung panic. "Hey,why are you crying!?"

"I'm not crying." Rei chuckled, sniffing as he rubbed his tears away, "I'm just happy that my past wouldn't be any more painful." Jisung grinned.

"Okay, let's stop with the deep talks. My husband always says that I am not that good with deep talks."

"Your husband is right though."

"Hey!" Both of them broke into a series of laughs filled with joy and relief.

I still love you, but I am happy that you are happy. Rei smiled as they chatted with one another laughing at the moment.