The fountain light painted soft yellow light over Hongjoong's sparkling eyes. Seonghwa was finding it hard not to stare. He was breathtaking. How had he really not noticed this before?

He watched as a group of little boys ran by, engaged in a game of tag. Their little squeals filled the pavilion and stirred annoyed looks from many of the patrons nearby.

But not Hongjoong.

Seonghwa watched his smile as he let out a soft laugh. He looked at the boys so endearingly.

Seonghwa couldn't help but smile to himself.

Then Hongjoong turned and their eyes met.

"What?"

Seonghwa's cheeks warmed a bit but he wasn't ashamed. He felt like just having Hongjoong's undivided attention was the greatest blessing in the world.

"Nothing."

Hongjoong cocked an eyebrow.

"Just—taking in the view," Seonghwa smiled boldly and Hongjoong's face went red as he laughed awkwardly.

Seonghwa's smile didn't falter.

"What's gotten into you!? You can't just say things like that!"

"Why not?"

"Wha!? Because—because I said so!"

"If the view is worth taking in, I think he should know."

Hongjoong punched Seonghwa in the arm.

"Stop it!"

Seonghwa kept staring. He couldn't help it. Under the city lights, Hongjoong was the most ethereal human being he'd ever witnessed.

His eyes traced the soft turn of his full lips, the lilt of his angled nose, his doughy chocolate eyes. The night air had him feeling bold.

"Aish—I'm gonna go back to the hotel if you keep teasing me!"

"I'm not teasing."

"Seriously Seonghwa, you can't keep saying stuff like this to me! You're hurting me..."

Seonghwa was suddenly pulled out of his trance.

"Wha—I'm hurting you?? What did I do? I don't want to hurt you," Seonghwa said, concerned.

"There's—it's nothing. Sorry."

"No, Hongjoong, tell me! What am I doing?"

"I shouldn't have said anything."

"Hongjoong, you can tell me anything. You know that."

"Even if it's going to ruin our friendship?"

Seonghwa felt the words like a dagger but he nodded, trusting his friend.

"Nothing could ruin our friendship."

Hongjoong looked at the ground, wringing his hands.

"It's something I haven't said for a while."

"You can tell me."

He sighed deeply before continuing.

"I think—I'm in love with you."

Seonghwa's face flushed red. This was not what he had expected at all. He was relieved and excited and overwhelmed all at once. He didn't know how to respond.

"—and I understand you don't feel the same way but I can't just be friends anymore. I know you don't mean anything when you tease me—you've said many times you just want to be friends and I respected that but I can't do it anymore. I—I really like you, Hwa."

Hongjoong couldn't bear to turn towards Seonghwa and kept his gaze on the ground, feeling tears starting to well up in his eyes.

He realized he shouldn't have said anything. He realized what he'd done. He panicked and moved to get up—to run away—to go anywhere but here.

But a hand stopped him. He turned back to see Seonghwa's hand sitting on his own. He looked up, making eye contact as Seonghwa's other arm reached for his back and pulled him towards him.

And their lips met.

Hongjoong sat back on the bench, reaching his arms up to Seonghwa's soft, silky hair. His lips savored each shared breath as they moved in time with Seonghwa's.

The kiss was magical. It was more than he'd ever expected. It was everything he'd ever wanted.

Eventually they pulled apart. Hongjoong rested his forehead on Seonghwa's, looking deep into his eyes. He was searching for any sign of doubt. Any sign of hesitation.

But there was none. His eyes stayed steady.

"Did—did you really mean that?"

Seonghwa laughed pulling Hongjoong into a soft embrace.

"Do you want me to put it into words? Would that make it easier for you?"

"Yes."

Hongjoong still looked unsure. Seonghwa shook his head before placing a hand on Hongjoong's cheek and looking him straight in the eyes.

"I think I'm in love with you, too."

Hongjoong gulped, his heart still beating out of his chest.

Then, cautiously, he brought his face forewarned, placing a hand on the back of Seonghwa's neck as he pulled him into another kiss.