×Heeseung's pov×

"Maybe… maybe we could watch something else?"

Sunghoon suggested, his voice still soft and a little hesitant, and Heeseung smiled.

"Sure. Whatever you want."

As they settled into a new movie, a rom-com this time, Heeseung felt a warmth spread through his chest.

And for the first time in a long time, he felt a surge of hope, a belief that maybe, just maybe, he could find happiness again. And it was all thanks to the boy who was currently curled up beside him, his soft breaths a soothing melody in the quiet room.

And at that moment, as Heeseung hummed a soothing tune, a realization struck him like a lightning bolt.

It was a sudden, undeniable clarity that had been slowly forming in the recesses of his mind, a truth he'd been subtly avoiding.

He had been thinking about it for days, trying to decipher the peculiar flutter in his chest whenever Sunghoon was near, the unexpected surge of protectiveness that arose whenever he saw a hint of sadness in the other's eyes.

It wasn't just fondness, it wasn't just a close friendship. It was…  It was love. He was in love.

The word resonated in his mind, a whisper that blossomed into a full-fledged shout. He was in love with Sunghoon.

A smile bloomed on Heeseung's face, warm and soft, as he pondered this newfound truth.

He hadn't expected it, not really, but now that he acknowledged it, it felt perfectly right. It felt like a missing piece finally falling into place.

Heeseung chose his words carefully, leaning into the narrative of the film, yet subtly weaving his own emotions into the conversation.

"It's interesting how…"

He began, his voice soft, as the movie showed a couple falling in love, making Heeseung wanting to talk about it even more.

"…when you truly care for someone, you find yourself wanting to protect them from anything that might cause them pain. You want to be there for them, be their comfort, like a safe haven."

He glanced at Sunghoon, a flicker of nervous anticipation in his eyes. Thr younger, oblivious to Heeseung's veiled confession, nodded thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I guess so. It's… important, to be there for the people you care about."

Heeseung nodded, his heart drumming a hopeful rhythm in his chest. Was he right?

"And sometimes, you realize that those feelings are deeper than you initially thought. You might start to see them in a different light, a light that makes your heart race and your stomach flutter."

He saw Sunghoon's ear slightly redden, a subtle shift in his expression. Heeseung's heart soared. Was this a hint of recognition? A response to his indirect confession?

"It's a scary thing, isn't it?"

Heeseung continued, his gaze lingering on Sunghoon's profile. He was beautiful.

"To admit that you might feel something so… strong for someone. It's vulnerable, but also incredibly rewarding."

He waited, holding his breath, for Sunghoon's reaction.

"It is. That's what love feels like."

Sunghoon murmured, his voice barely audible, his gaze fixed on the screen but his cheeks a shade of pink. He seemed lost in thought, a subtle smile playing on his lips.

So, Heeseung was right. He was in love with Sunghoon, he had fallen really hard for him.

But although he wanted to tell him because he never experienced the feeling of love before and he felt like he should say it, he couldn't.

Just as the rom-com reached a particularly heartwarming scene, a sharp ring cut through the quiet atmosphere.

Heeseung's brow furrowed slightly as he heard the distinct sound of Sunghoon's phone ringing from the coffee table. He glanced down, noticing the caller ID: Jay.

Heeseung took the phone, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. Sunghoon, who had been leaning against him, simply watched him, a serene expression on his face.

It wasn't an inquisitive or annoyed look, just a soft gaze that seemed to be solely focused on Heeseung. It was a look that made Heeseung's heart flutter.

Heeseung, after a moment, handed the phone to Sunghoon. Sunghoon didn't react much to the fact that Heeseung had seen his phone, nor did he ask anything about it.

He simply took the phone and stood up, his eyes still fixed on Heeseung. Then, without another word, he walked towards his room, the soft click of the door closing behind him.

A wide, brilliant smile bloomed across Heeseung's face. He remembered Jake's words from a few weeks ago, how Sunghoon was extremely protective of his phone and only allowed those he considered genuinely close to touch it.

'Sunghoon only lets people really close to him touch his phone.'

It was a small gesture, but it carried a significant weight. They had only known each other for five days, yet Sunghoon already considered him close enough to allow such intimacy.

It was a silent declaration of trust and acceptance, further cementing the warmth that had been blooming in Heeseung's chest.

Heeseung leaned back against the couch, a happy sigh escaping his lips. He was in love, and it felt right, perfectly, beautifully right.

Sunghoon returned after a few minutes, his earlier apprehension seemingly forgotten.

He found Heeseung still watching the movie, but a soft smile played on his lips. It was a sight that was both familiar and new, a warmth that radiated from Heeseung's eyes.

"Why are you smiling like that?"

Sunghoon questioned, his voice soft as he placed his phone back on the coffee table. Heeseung, startled but quick to recover, offered a casual explanation.

"Oh, it's... the movie. It's quite heartwarming."

Sunghoon, seemingly satisfied with the answer, crawled back onto the couch and settled right beside Heeseung.

He rested his head on the elder's chest, his soft breaths a gentle rhythm against Heeseung's skin. He closed his eyes, finding comfort in the warmth of Heeseung's presence.

Heeseung's heart pounded in his chest. He wrapped his arm around Sunghoon, pulling him closer.

He tried to breathe as lightly as possible, his chest barely rising and falling so as not to disturb the younger boy's sleep.

He continued watching the movie, his gaze occasionally drifting to Sunghoon's peaceful face.

Sunghoon's peaceful breaths were a soothing melody in the quiet room. Heeseung watched Sunghoon, the soft light illuminating the gentle curve of his eyelashes, the subtle rise and fall of his chest.

Why did you have to be this beautiful? It aches my heart knowing that I might not be able to make you mine. You drive me crazy.