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Jungwon stood awkwardly by the couch, watching as Jay sank deeper into himself. The sight was jarring—Jay, the confident, cocky guy who always had a smirk and a witty remark, now reduced to this fragile state.

He hesitated before speaking, his voice gentle. "Jay, what's going on? Why are you like this?"

Jay didn't respond. Instead, he reached for the empty bottle on the coffee table, fumbling with it as if hoping it might magically refill itself. Jungwon stepped forward and gently took the bottle from his hand, setting it aside.

"Jay," he tried again, crouching in front of him. "Talk to me. I know something's wrong. You're not... like this."

Jay finally looked at him, his gaze unfocused but filled with a raw vulnerability that made Jungwon's chest ache. "You wouldn't get it," Jay muttered, his voice hoarse. "No one does."

"Then make me understand," Jungwon pressed.

For a moment, it seemed like Jay might say something. His lips parted, but instead of words, he let out a shaky breath and reached forward. Before Jungwon could react, Jay pulled him into a tight bear hug, his arms wrapping around him with surprising strength.

"Jay—" Jungwon's words were muffled against Jay's shoulder. He froze, unsure of what to do, but the sound of Jay's uneven breathing—on the verge of tears—made him relent. Slowly, he brought his arms up and patted Jay's back awkwardly.

"I don't want to lose you," Jay murmured, his voice cracking.

Jungwon stiffened at the words, his heart skipping a beat. "Lose me? What are you talking about?"

Jay didn't answer. Instead, he tightened his hold, burying his face in Jungwon's neck. Jungwon could feel the warmth of Jay's tears soaking into his sweatshirt.

They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, Jay clinging to Jungwon like he was the only thing keeping him from falling apart completely. Jungwon's initial awkwardness melted into concern, and he rested a hand on Jay's back, rubbing soothing circles.

"You're not alone, Jay," he said softly. "Whatever's going on... you can tell me. I'm here."

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Jay stirred awake hours later, the haze of alcohol slowly clearing from his mind. The first thing he noticed was Jungwon, sitting on the edge of the couch, scrolling through his phone but still glancing at him every few seconds. Jay groaned, sitting up and rubbing his temples.

"You're awake," Jungwon said, his voice soft.

Jay gave a weak nod, avoiding eye contact. "Sorry... for all that."

Jungwon shook his head. "Don't apologize. I'm just... glad you're okay."

Jay exhaled deeply, running a hand through his messy hair. He knew he owed Jungwon an explanation—after the scene he'd made, he couldn't just brush it off. But how much should he reveal? Could he tell Jungwon everything without letting slip how much he'd come to care about him?

"I... need to explain," Jay started, his voice low.

Jungwon tilted his head slightly, giving him his full attention.

Jay hesitated before continuing. "My dad has always been... controlling. He has these expectations, these rules, and they're impossible to live up to. And when I don't meet them..." He trailed off, his jaw tightening.

Jungwon frowned. "What kind of expectations?"

Jay leaned back against the couch, his gaze fixed on the ceiling. "He wants me to be the perfect son. To marry the 'right' person, uphold the family name, and all that nonsense. He doesn't care about what I want. It's all about him, his reputation, his legacy."

Jungwon's expression softened. "That's... horrible, Jay. You shouldn't have to live like that."

Jay chuckled bitterly. "Yeah, well, it's been my reality for as long as I can remember."

He paused, debating whether to say more. He couldn't tell Jungwon the whole truth—that his dad's visit had been about controlling him further, or that seeing Jungwon had set off alarms in his dad's mind. And he definitely couldn't admit that he was falling for Jungwon, that the thought of Jungwon walking away terrified him more than his father's threats.

"Why didn't you just say no?" Jungwon asked gently.

Jay smiled faintly, but there was no humor in it. "Saying no isn't an option with him. Not without consequences."

Jungwon reached out hesitantly, his hand brushing Jay's. "You don't have to deal with this alone, you know."

Jay looked at their hands, his chest tightening at the gesture. "Thanks, Wonnie," he said softly. "But some things... some things I have to figure out on my own."

Jungwon didn't push, sensing that Jay had shared as much as he was willing to. Instead, he stayed by Jay's side, offering silent support.

And though Jay didn't say it out loud, a part of him felt lighter, knowing that Jungwon cared enough to stay.

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