The dim streetlights flickered gently as Ji-Won stepped out of the convenience store, locking the door behind him. His shift had just ended, and he was more than ready to return to his dorm. The chill of the evening air nipped at his skin, but it was a welcome change after the long hours spent on his feet, restocking shelves and scanning groceries for customers.
As Ji-Won shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket, the soft hum of the night seemed to settle around him, though his thoughts were anything but calm. The conversation with Uncle Baek still lingered in his mind, a tangle of emotions he hadn't quite unraveled. It had been a strange call—a strange story to finally tell about him and Youn-Jae.
Just then, a familiar black car rolled up to the curb, pulling Ji-Won from his thoughts. The engine cut off, and the door opened. Youn-jae stepped out, his presence commanding even in the quiet of the night. His dark eyes immediately found Ji-Won, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Long day?" Youn-jae asked, his voice warm, but there was a tired edge to it. He leaned against the car, waiting for Ji-Won to approach.
"Yeah," Ji-Won replied, his lips twitching into a small smile as he walked toward him. "Just a typical night at the store. But I'm glad it's over."
Youn-jae nodded, his gaze softening. He reached out, offering his hand, and without hesitation, Ji-Won took it. The warmth of Youn-jae's touch was a comfort, something Ji-Won had come to rely on
"You look tired," Youn-jae commented, his thumb brushing over Ji-Won's hand as they started walking. The street was quiet, the only sounds coming from their footsteps and the distant hum of traffic.
"I'm fine," Ji-Won muttered, glancing at Youn-Jae with a warm smile.
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, the cool night air brushing against their skin. The distance from the convenience store to Ji-Won's dorm wasn't near, but they didn't mind the walk. It wasn't just the fresh air—it was the time spent with Youn-Jae, time that felt both precious and complicated.
Finally, as they passed the first few blocks, Ji-Won spoke up, breaking the quiet between them. "I called Uncle Baek today."
Youn-jae's head turned slightly toward him, his eyebrows lifting in mild surprise. "You did?"
"Yeah," Ji-Won continued, his voice soft but steady. "I told him about... well, about us."
Youn-jae's fingers tightened around his hand, and Ji-Won glanced at him, noting the subtle tension in his expression. "What did he say?"
Ji-Won took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "He was shocked. He didn't believe me at first, thought I was messing with him. But then... he got serious." He paused for a moment, reflecting on the conversation. "He said we need to go to Jeju when we have time. He wants to hear the full story, wants to talk about it in person."
Youn-jae's gaze flickered to the ground, his expression unreadable. "I see," he muttered, though there was a hint of concern in his voice. "And... what did he say about me?"
Ji-Won paused to consider this for a moment. Uncle Baek was surprised, yes, but not angry. There had been a certain understanding in his tone, a quiet acknowledgment that what they shared couldn't be undone, and holding on to that was pointless. Still, Ji-Won couldn't shake the weight of Uncle Baek's words when he insisted, they meet in Jeju. The idea of facing him in person made Ji-Won nervous, but he knew it was inevitable, especially if Youn-Jae continued to insist on leaving together.
"He's not mad," Ji-Won said quietly, looking up at Youn-jae. "But he's definitely... surprised. He wants us to explain everything. Personally."
Youn-Jae's hand tightened around Ji-Won's, a comforting warmth radiating between them. "I'll make sure to set aside a day for us to visit Jeju," Youn-Jae said softly. "Don't worry—I'm here with you, and I'll explain everything to Uncle Baek."
A small smile tugged at Ji-Won's lips. "Thanks Hyung."
They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps the only thing filling the space between them. As they neared Ji-Won's dorm building, Youn-Jae slowed his pace, his expression thoughtful. "I've been wanting to say something," he began, his voice softer now. "I'll be busy for a while."
Ji-Won turned his head to glance at him. "Oh, it's okay, Hyung. Besides, I don't want to interrupt you. I know you have a lot on your plate with the company," he said sincerely.
"There's a big event coming up next month. A party," Youn-Jae explained, his tone shifting to a more business-like demeanor. Ji-Won made sure to listen closely, his expression showing he understood. "My father will be asking me to help with the preparations. It's... going to take up most of my time."
Ji-Won's heart skipped a beat as Youn-jae mentioned the big event. He knew exactly which one Youn-jae was referring to—the Vice Chairman's party, the very same one Ji-Won had been invited to. But he kept silent, a promise he'd made to both Mr. Kim and the Chairman echoing in his mind. He'd sworn not to mention it to Youn-jae. The Chairman had planned to surprise Youn-jae by revealing that Ji-Won would be attending the party.
"I understand, don't worry about me, Hyung," Ji-Won said softly.
Youn-jae's expression softened as he took in Ji-Won's words. He could see the quiet resolve in Ji-Won's eyes, but it didn't make him feel any less guilty. He slowed his pace, coming to a stop in front of Ji-Won. His hand gently reached up to touch Ji-Won's head, fingers lingering for a moment longer than necessary as he spoke, his voice low, almost pained with sincerity.
"I know," he began, his voice thick with emotion. "We're just starting to fill all the time we've been separated, and I feel guilty that I have to suddenly be so busy." Youn-jae took a breath, letting the weight of his words settle between them. His brows furrowed slightly, a trace of frustration at himself. "I promise, once this is done... all my time, all my attention will be yours." Youn-jae's gaze locked onto Ji-Won's, the intensity in his eyes undeniable. He gently patted Ji-Won's head, his touch tender, but there was an unmistakable desperation in his actions—like he was trying to hold onto something he was afraid might slip away.
Ji-Won looked up at him, the soft glow of the streetlights casting a gentle light on his features. When their eyes met, Ji-Won's smile bloomed—bright, genuine, and full of warmth. His heart melted, a gentle warmth washing over him at the sight. Youn-jae was mesmerized by the depth in Ji-Won's brown eyes, feeling his breath catch in his chest. The way Ji-Won looked at him, unguarded and trusting, was like a miracle—something he never thought he would have again.
You're so beautiful, your eyes, they beckon me—
a silent invitation
I crave them all,
a gaze I can't escape,
I want them,
your eyes,
to hold me in their depths.
You can stare,
look at me all you want,
for I promise,
my eyes,
they only seek,
only see,
the reflection of you,
and nothing more.
The story doesn't end here...
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