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Wonbin awoke to the steady tapping of rain on his window. He blinked at the clock—it was 8 p.m. Rubbing his eyes, he felt the weight of his restless nap. The gloomy, cloudy sky filtered into his room, casting a dull, lifeless light. He stretched, intending to shake the grogginess away, but the tiredness from hours of studying clung to him.
His stomach rumbled loudly, reminding him he hadn't eaten since breakfast. He winced, resting his palm on his abdomen. Skipping grocery shopping in favor of a nap now seemed like a mistake. He sighed, grabbed his jacket, and looked out at the rain-soaked streets. The convenience store wasn't far, but the thought of trudging through the rain made him grimace.
His scooter, predictably unreliable, had broken down earlier that morning, adding to the frustration of his already stressful day. As he stepped into the rain, the freezing droplets quickly soaked through his clothes, making him feel every bit the miserable college student.
When he stepped into the brightly lit convenience store, his mood soured at the sight of Song Eunseok stacking shelves. Their interactions in their shared college classes were often tense, with Eunseok’s unpredictability clashing with Wonbin’s need for structure. Despite their disagreements, Wonbin couldn't deny the flutter in his chest whenever Eunseok was around—a crush so secretive he could barely admit it to himself.
Eunseok’s eyes narrowed at Wonbin’s soaked appearance. “You’re dripping everywhere,” he remarked dryly.
“In case you haven't noticed, it's pouring out there,” Wonbin snapped back, gesturing toward the automatic doors. “It's not exactly by choice.”
“Still, wet floors are a hazard,” Eunseok replied, unfazed by Wonbin’s irritation.
“My whole life is a hazard,” Wonbin grumbled. As he turned to walk away, he added over his shoulder, “Better put up a wet floor sign.”
His soaked shoes squeaked obnoxiously on the tiles as he walked off, a small smile forming when he heard Eunseok mutter something unkind. At least he wasn’t the only miserable one today.
Heading for the soda aisle, Wonbin grabbed a case of Cherry Cola Kombucha, his lifeline on days like this. As he turned back, he noticed that Eunseok had vanished from sight, leaving only a yellow wet floor sign where he had been stacking shelves. Wonbin smirked, feeling a small sense of satisfaction.
He hesitated for a moment, debating between ramen and his other convenience store favorites, gimbap and baked eggs. The thought of spicy chicken cheese ramen ultimately won out, and he headed toward the instant noodle aisle, eager for his go-to lazy meal. But as he reached for the last pack of five, another hand grabbed it simultaneously.
Wonbin looked up, meeting Eunseok’s eyes. “Of course, it’s you,” he muttered under his breath.
Eunseok’s lips twitched in what might have been the beginning of a smile. “It seems we both have the same taste in comfort food.”
Wonbin tightened his grip on the packet. “Let go. I need this more than you.”
Eunseok’s expression softened, but his grip remained firm. “Sure, you look like you’ve had a rough day, but I’ve had a pretty bad one too.”
“Rock, paper, scissors for it?” Wonbin suggested, half-joking, half-desperate.
Eunseok shook his head, his grip holding firm. “How about we just share it at my place? I’ll cook.”
“No way, not going to happen,” Wonbin shot back, trying to tug the ramen packet toward him. However, Eunseok pulled it back to the center between them.
“Look, it's been a long shift, and I have a car,” Eunseok continued. “If you agree to share, at least you won't have to walk back home in the rain again.”
Wonbin paused, considering this. The thought of slogging back through the downpour was far from appealing.
Reluctantly, he nodded. “Fine. We'll share.”
Eunseok smiled and released his grip on the packet. “Smart choice.”
At the counter, Eunseok silently took out his wallet and paid for both the ramen and Wonbin's kombucha.
Wonbin quickly fumbled for his own wallet, intending to pay him back. His cheeks warmed as he ducked his head, feeling unsteady. His heart began to beat a little faster as he glanced at Eunseok, struck by the unexpected kindness.
When Wonbin tried to offer him money, Eunseok waved him off dismissively. “Don't worry about it,” he said casually, as if it were no big deal.
They left the store, with Wonbin huddling the crate of kombucha in his arms while Eunseok swung a carrier bag with their ramen inside. Normally, the casual swinging would annoy Wonbin, but tonight he didn’t seem to mind it too much.
Wonbin braced himself for another drenching as the rain continued to pour, but to his surprise, he felt an unexpected cover.
He glanced up to find Eunseok holding an umbrella over both of them. Wonbin’s eyes quickly flitted to Eunseok’s face, taking in the determined set of his jaw and the focused look in his eyes. For a moment, their gazes locked, and Wonbin felt a flutter in his chest. His heart pounded, and a warmth spread through him, countering the chill of his soaked clothes.
“Come on, my car's this way,” Eunseok said, his voice cutting through the steady beat of the rain.
Eunseok’s apartment was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the rainy weather outside. As Wonbin stepped inside, he glanced around the open space. Eclectic artwork adorned the walls, and quirky knick-knacks dotted the shelves, giving the place a unique charm. It was distinctly Eunseok, and it brought a smile to Wonbin's face. Despite the warmth, he shivered as his damp clothes clung to his skin.
Wonbin felt Eunseok's eyes on him, taking in his soaked appearance. His wet t-shirt outlined his torso, making him feel self-conscious. He awkwardly crossed his arms over his chest, rubbing his shoulders.
Eunseok noticed immediately. “Wait here,” he said, disappearing into another room. Moments later, he returned with a stack of towels and a change of clothes. Handing them to Wonbin, he gestured towards the bathroom. “Go ahead and take a hot shower to warm up, and change into these. I'll put your wet clothes in the dryer.”
Wonbin nodded, accepting the items gratefully. “Thanks,” he murmured, heading towards the bathroom.
The hot shower was a welcome relief, steam washing away the day's stress. Wonbin grabbed the shampoo, its fresh, sweet scent filling the air. As he lathered his hair, his thoughts drifted to Eunseok. How had he never noticed that Eunseok smelled this good? He inhaled deeply, feeling his composure slip. He closed his eyes, imagining Eunseok in the same shower, the scent clinging to his hair and skin. His heart raced, a thrill coursing through him. It felt almost too intimate, too close, but he couldn’t stop picturing it.
Wonbin’s hand fell from his hair to touch the base of his neck, then drifted down his chest, slowly moving lower. Just as his fingers brushed his abdomen, the sound of clattering pots from the kitchen pulled him back to reality. He stood there, slightly breathless and embarrassed by how close he had come to losing control in Eunseok's shower, of all places. Shaking his head, he quickly finished rinsing the shampoo from his hair and turned off the water. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stepped out, trying to steady his racing heart.
As he dressed in Eunseok’s clothes, Wonbin’s thoughts kept drifting back to him—the way Eunseok’s eyes softened mid-conversation, the moments of kindness that broke through his usual aloofness. The oversized t-shirt fit Wonbin comfortably, but the trousers were a bit long, so he rolled the bottoms up into cuffs. He couldn't help but savor the feeling of being wrapped in Eunseok’s clothes, the fabric soft and comforting against his skin.
He wiped a hand across the condensation on the bathroom mirror, revealing his flushed cheeks. The closeness of wearing Eunseok’s clothes and being in his space made his crush all the more undeniable. “Get a hold of yourself,” he mumbled, still staring at his reflection.
As Wonbin emerged from the bathroom, he found Eunseok in the kitchen, busy preparing their meal. Seeing Eunseok, usually so composed and reserved, now humming softly as he moved around, stirred something deep within Wonbin. He stood there for a moment, watching, a small smile tugging at his lips.
“Where should I put these?” Wonbin asked, holding out the bundle of wet clothes.
Eunseok startled slightly at Wonbin's voice, turning around with a surprised look. Wonbin giggled, enjoying the rare sight of Eunseok caught off guard, a stark contrast to his typical calm demeanor. He wondered what it would take to see Eunseok flustered again.
Eunseok approached slowly, and Wonbin couldn't look away from his face as he drew closer. He noticed how Eunseok’s expression softened, the faint curve of his lips hinting at a smile. There was an earnestness in his gaze that made Wonbin's heart race. The proximity made Wonbin acutely aware of every detail—the gentle rise and fall of Eunseok’s chest, the slight flush on his cheeks, and the subtle scent of his shampoo lingering in the air. Wonbin couldn’t tell if the scent was coming from Eunseok or himself, since he had just used it in the shower too. It was overwhelming, yet he found himself wanting to drown in it.
“I’ll take them,” Eunseok said, gently taking the clothes from Wonbin’s grip. He moved to the tumble dryer, bending slightly to fit the clothes inside. Wonbin averted his gaze, rolling his eyes as he tried to convince himself that his feelings for Eunseok weren't as deep as they seemed. After all, they didn’t even get along most of the time.
Eunseok hurried back to the pot on the stove, lifting the lid and peering down at the bubbling ramen. “It’s almost ready. Take a seat,” he said, gesturing to the small table already set for two.
Wonbin nodded and sat down, feeling surprisingly at ease while he waited.
Eunseok placed the pot in the middle of the table, signaling for Wonbin to dig in. They started eating, the warm, spicy broth comforting and warming Wonbin from the inside out. As they shared the meal, conversation flowed naturally between them.
“Do you always walk to the store in the rain, or was today special?” Eunseok teased with a playful glint in his eyes.
Wonbin chuckled, shaking his head. “Only when my scooter decides to die on me,” he said. “What about you? Do you always bring drenched guys back to your place and feed them dinner?” He tried to sound casual, suppressing the slight unease the thought gave him.
Eunseok laughed, the sound warm and infectious. “Only the ones who look like they need it,” he replied, nudging Wonbin’s shoulder lightly.
Wonbin smiled, hiding it behind his bowl and a mouthful of ramen. “So, what do you do when you’re not working or studying? Do you even study?” His tone was slightly teasing. It annoyed Wonbin how Eunseok seemed to do the bare minimum in classes and still get good grades, while he had to work so hard.
Eunseok leaned back in his chair, thinking for a moment. “I like gaming. It helps me clear my mind. And, well, I sketch sometimes. It’s something I’ve done since I was a kid.”
Wonbin's eyebrows raised in surprise. “Sketching? That’s so cool. I never would have guessed. Can I see some of your work?”
Eunseok shrugged modestly. “Maybe someday. What about you? Besides being a caffeine addict, what else keeps you going?”
Wonbin tilted his head, curious. “How do you know I drink a lot of caffeine?”
Eunseok shrugged mysteriously, spreading his hands in a gesture that said, Who knows? “I have my ways,” he said with a smile.
Wonbin laughed, shaking his head. “Playing guitar and composing my own songs is kind of my main passion. There’s just something I love about creating music that tells a story.”
Eunseok’s eyes lit up. “Really? I love music too. I used to play the drums when I was younger.”
“Do you still play?” Wonbin asked, intrigued.
“Not as much as I’d like to, but I try to keep up with it when I can,” Eunseok replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice.
They continued to talk, finding more common ground in their love for music. They shared stories about their favorite pieces to play, the joy of creating something new, and the comfort music brought them during tough times. Wonbin found himself more and more intrigued by Eunseok’s effortless laughter and the way his eyes crinkled at the corners whenever he smiled.
Eunseok suddenly chuckled. “You know, I’ve always admired how quickly you think on your feet. Like that time, you saved me from getting caught sneaking in late.”
Wonbin paused, the memory surfacing vividly in his mind.
It was the first day of their Mobile Journalism module. The professor, known for his strictness, had already started the lecture when Eunseok’s face popped up at the window in the door, peering into the lecture hall and distracting Wonbin.
Eunseok carefully opened the door; the creak of the hinges was barely audible. He swiftly scanned the room, patiently waiting for the professor to turn his back before stealthily entering. He crouched down, moving as softly and quickly as he could toward the closest empty seat, which happened to be across the aisle from Wonbin.
Wonbin's eyes flicked from Eunseok to their professor, who was beginning to turn back toward the class. Wonbin, sensing the professor was about to catch Eunseok, knocked his pencil case off his desk, sending pens and pencils scattering across the floor. The noise drew the professor’s attention, allowing Eunseok to pretend he was helping Wonbin gather his spilled belongings. Afterward, Eunseok dropped into the empty seat, breathing a sigh of relief, leaving the professor none the wiser about the latecomer to his class.
Embarrassed by the attention he had drawn to himself—something he usually avoided as he preferred to blend into the crowd—Wonbin felt his face heat up. He glanced at Eunseok, who subtly reached out his fist for a fist bump. In return, Wonbin bumped his fist and gave him a single nod. Eunseok then leaned back in his chair and shut his eyes as if he were going to sleep, leaving Wonbin irritated and wondering why he’d bothered to help someone so indifferent.
Back in the present, Wonbin looked at Eunseok, unsure. “I didn’t think you’d remember that.”
Eunseok laughed softly. “Of course I do.” His expression grew more serious as he met Wonbin's eyes and said, “I remember everything about you.”
Those words hit Wonbin like a jolt of electricity, sending a shiver down his spine. His heart raced, and he felt his cheeks heat up again. He swallowed, trying to steady his voice. “Oh yeah? What else do you remember?”
Eunseok made a noise, a mix of amusement and exasperation. “Are you seriously fishing for compliments?”
Wonbin continued to stare at him, waiting. His gaze was unwavering, almost challenging.
With a sigh, Eunseok stood and picked up the now-empty pot from the table. “You,” he began, “you’re always early to class, always prepared. You take the most detailed notes and even color-code them. You can’t stand it when people are late or when they don’t take things seriously. And you drink way too much coffee, which makes me worry about your blood pressure.”
As Eunseok moved toward the kitchen, Wonbin got to his feet and hurried after him, following him as he continued.
“You have this habit of tapping your pen when you’re deep in thought. And when you’re frustrated, you run your fingers through your hair like this,” Eunseok mimicked the motion with a small smile.
Eunseok placed the pot in the sink, and Wonbin, who had grabbed their bowls, placed them down next to it. They stood close together, and the kitchen suddenly felt even smaller.
Wonbin’s mind raced. He analyzed every interaction they’d had tonight. Was he reading too much into it, or was there something real between them?
His hands trembled slightly as he reached out, gripping the front of Eunseok's t-shirt. Without thinking any further, Wonbin pulled Eunseok closer and pressed his lips against his.
When Wonbin pulled away, Eunseok’s hands were just reaching for his waist. Panic flashed across Wonbin's face. His heart pounded wildly, and he avoided Eunseok’s eyes, staring instead at the wooden floor. His mind was a storm of confusion and regret. This wasn’t him; he didn’t act impulsively, especially not with something as significant as a kiss.
His thoughts raced, replaying the moment over and over. What had he done? He had kissed Eunseok—something he’d fantasized about but never imagined he’d actually do. And now, faced with the reality of it, he felt vulnerable and exposed, the fragile shell of his self-control shattered in an instant.
He couldn’t look at Eunseok; couldn’t bear to see the reaction in his eyes. What if he’d ruined everything? What if Eunseok was disgusted or angry? The fear of rejection clawed at his chest, making it difficult to breathe.
When he saw Eunseok’s foot move forward, panic surged through him. He spun around, bolting for the door. His hands shook as he shoved his feet into his still-wet boots and grabbed one of Eunseok's hoodies hanging on a hook by the front door. He fled down the stairs, the rain pelting him as he burst onto the street.
He kept running until he was far enough away from Eunseok’s place. Wonbin's stomach twisted, and his breath hitched as he leaned against a wall, trying to steady himself. He swallowed hard, fighting the wave of nausea that threatened to overwhelm him.
Two days had passed since Wonbin’s impulsive kiss, but the memory still haunted him. Each time he walked across campus, he found himself glancing over his shoulder, his eyes searching the crowd for any sign of Eunseok. His heart raced whenever he thought he saw a familiar figure, only to realize it was someone else. It was unbearable.
In their shared classes, Wonbin’s routine had drastically changed. Instead of arriving early to settle into his favorite seat, he now slipped into the classroom just as the lecture began, choosing seats at the back or in the far corners, as far from Eunseok as possible. Throughout the class, he could feel the weight of Eunseok's stare, but he never looked up, too scared of what he might see written on Eunseok's face.
The moment class ended, Wonbin was up and out the door in a flash, his belongings hastily stuffed into his bag. He moved with purpose, not daring to look back, always wondering if Eunseok even noticed his abrupt exits. Did Eunseok actually want to talk to him, or was he glad that Wonbin was avoiding him? The uncertainty was like a thorn in his side, but the fear of finding out kept him running. The mere thought of facing Eunseok and hearing what he might say about the kiss made Wonbin’s stomach churn. He couldn’t bear the potential rejection or the possible mockery.
At lunchtime, Wonbin tried to find some peace by sitting on a low wall outside with his best friend Anton. The sun was shining, but he felt no warmth from its rays. He thrust a bag of Eunseok’s freshly washed clothes toward Anton.
“I need to ask you for a favor,” Wonbin said, his voice laced with desperation. Anton eyed the bag suspiciously. “Can you return this to Eunseok for me?”
Anton nearly choked on his food. “Song Eunseok?” he asked, opening the bag slightly with his fingertips and peering inside. “How did you end up with his clothes?”
“No questions,” Wonbin replied quickly, his tone almost pleading. “Can you just take them over?”
Anton raised an eyebrow, skepticism clear in his eyes. “Maybe if you tell me what’s going on, I thought you hated him.”
“Hate's a strong word,” Wonbin groaned, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Please, don’t make me say it.”
Before Anton could respond, Wonbin’s eyes widened as he spotted Eunseok walking down the hill with his friends Sohee and Sungchan. His stomach twisted, and he pushed the bag further toward Anton. “I need you to do this for me,” he said urgently.
Anton hesitated, glancing from the bag to Eunseok. “You know I find him super intimidating, right?”
“Thanks, Anton, you’re the best,” Wonbin said hurriedly, already scrambling off the wall and starting to speed walk in the opposite direction. Over his shoulder, he called out, “I’ll be in music room 7 when you’re done!”
Anton groaned, pushing himself off the wall and grabbing the bag. He watched Wonbin’s retreating figure, shaking his head in exasperation. Taking a deep breath, he steeled himself and began walking toward Eunseok and his friends, the bag of clothes feeling heavier with every step.
Anton stood in front of the trio, feeling awkward under Eunseok's questioning gaze. Clearing his throat, he mumbled, “This is from Wonbin,” and held out the bag.
Sohee and Sungchan immediately seized the opportunity to tease. “Well, well, Eunseok,” Sohee said with a playful grin, “is there something you're not telling us?”
“Yeah, have you finally made some progress with Wonbin?” Sungchan added with a smirk.
Eunseok's cheeks reddened slightly, and he shot them a look. “Shut up,” he muttered, clearly embarrassed. He then turned his attention back to Anton. “No.”
Anton blinked, confused. “No? What do you mean, no? They're yours,” he insisted, shaking the bag for emphasis.
Eunseok stared at him, unyielding. “Tell Wonbin if he wants to return my clothes, he can do it himself. He’s the one who borrowed them.”
Anton let out an indignant whine. “Come on, just take them. I'll never hear the end of it if I have to go back with this bag.”
Eunseok shrugged nonchalantly and turned away, effectively dismissing him. Frustrated, but realizing Eunseok wasn’t going to change his mind, Anton retreated, dragging his feet as he made his way back to music room 7.
When Anton entered the room, Wonbin's eyes lit up with hope, only for his expression to fall when he saw the bag still in Anton's hand. “No, no, no! Anton, what happened? You were supposed to get rid of that,” Wonbin exclaimed.
Anton grumbled as he flopped down onto one of the benches. “Eunseok is stubborn. You two are a perfect match,” he muttered, dropping the bag onto the floor.
Wonbin groaned, burying his face in his hands. His embarrassment burned through. What had he expected? That Eunseok would just take the clothes back from Anton without any questions? He should have known better. Eunseok wasn’t the type to accept half-measures or intermediaries. He would want answers directly from Wonbin.
His mind spun, replaying the events of that night. Wonbin had always tried to be careful and in control, but now he felt lost. Could he fix this? And what would that even mean? Did he want to go back to their old routine of bickering and barely speaking, or did he want to try to reclaim the unexpected warmth and friendliness they had shared that night before he’d ruined everything?
Wonbin knelt beside his scooter, tools scattered around him as he struggled to fix the stubborn engine. Light rain began to fall, and he cursed under his breath, frustration mounting. He stared at the engine, realizing with a sinking feeling that he had no idea what he was doing.
Suddenly, he became aware of someone standing nearby. Looking up, he saw Eunseok holding an umbrella. Without a word, Eunseok crouched next to him and began examining the scooter.
Wonbin opened his mouth to speak, his mind racing to find the right words. “Eunseok, I—”
Eunseok held up a hand, silencing him. “Just let me fix this,” he said gruffly, his focus on the engine.
Wonbin watched in silence, his heart pounding. Eunseok worked efficiently, moving his hands with skillful confidence. Within minutes, the engine roared to life.
Eunseok stood up, wiping his oily hands on his jeans. “There,” he said simply.
Wonbin reached out, his hand grasping Eunseok’s arm. “Your jeans…”
Eunseok glanced down at the oil stains, then shrugged. “It’s fine,” he replied calmly. He picked up his bag from the ground and slung it over his shoulder.
Wonbin tugged gently on Eunseok’s sleeve. “I don't know—”
Before meeting Wonbin's gaze, Eunseok looked him over, his eyes lingering for a moment.
“Wonbin,” he said, his gaze steady.
Wonbin felt a wave of relief, grateful for the interruption, as he had no idea where he was going with the thought. He didn't feel ready to confront Eunseok just yet.
“Think about what you really want to say, and then come find me,” Eunseok advised, his voice calm and even.
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Wonbin standing alone in the rain, the engine's steady hum and Eunseok’s parting words echoing in his mind.
A few more days passed before Wonbin finally gathered the courage to approach Eunseok. He couldn’t do it at college; there were always too many people around, and he couldn’t stomach the thought of humiliating himself in front of a crowd. So, he turned up at the convenience store where Eunseok worked. The rain was pouring down again, giving Wonbin a sense of déjà vu as he stepped inside, his heart pounding with every step he took.
As he approached the counter, he saw Eunseok leaning over it, flipping through the pages of a graphic novel. Eunseok’s hair fell slightly into his eyes, damp from the rain, and his expression was relaxed, completely absorbed in his reading. Wonbin’s heart skipped a beat at the sight, reminding him of a time in class when they were supposed to be working on a group project. Eunseok had been staring down at the pages of a graphic novel instead of contributing, and it had annoyed Wonbin.
“Eunseok, can you focus for a second? We need to get this project done,” Wonbin said, frustration clear in his voice.
Eunseok looked up, a lazy grin spreading across his face. “Relax, Wonbin. We have plenty of time.”
Wonbin crossed his arms, glaring at him. “Not if you keep slacking off. We’re supposed to be a team, remember?”
Eunseok leaned back in his chair, still holding the graphic novel. “You worry too much. Besides, I work better under pressure.”
“Or you just like to procrastinate,” Wonbin muttered, trying to hide his irritation.
“And you like to nag,” Eunseok retorted, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Wonbin sighed, shaking his head. “You’re impossible.”
“And yet, you still put up with me,” Eunseok said with a smirk. “You could have moved seats months ago or asked for a different partner.”
Their classmates watched with mild interest, but to Wonbin, those moments of sparring were oddly enjoyable. He always pretended to be annoyed, but deep down, he enjoyed the way Eunseok’s eyes lit up whenever he made a particularly biting comment, and the subtle smiles they exchanged when no one else was looking.
Maybe he’d never truly disliked Eunseok after all.
Sensing his presence, Eunseok looked up with his helpful yet vaguely disinterested expression—the one he gave customers when he was trying to look professional. But the moment he realized it was Wonbin standing in front of him, his face hardened, giving nothing away.
Wonbin held out the bag, his voice wavering slightly. “Thanks for letting me borrow them, I—”
Eunseok interrupted, his tone firm. “I can’t talk now. I finish in half an hour though. We can go back to my place and talk there.”
Wonbin tried to protest, shaking his head. “No, really, I just want to return the clothes.”
Eunseok’s expression softened slightly, but his tone remained insistent. “Have you eaten yet?” He paused, his eyes searching Wonbin's face, then added, “You haven't, have you? You always forget to eat when you're overthinking.”
Wonbin felt his breath hitch, heart pounding. There he goes again, knowing Wonbin better than he knows himself. It was unsettling how Eunseok could see right through him. He stared at Eunseok, confusion crossing his features. How did he always manage to notice these things?
Eunseok sighed. “Come to mine. I'll make the ramen you like.”
At the mention of ramen, Wonbin’s stomach grumbled, betraying his hunger. He hesitated, anxiety gnawing at him, but when he met Eunseok’s eyes, the determination there made him pause. The intensity of Eunseok’s gaze left him no room to argue. Wonbin found himself nodding slowly, a soft “Okay” escaping his lips.
Back at Eunseok’s apartment, Wonbin sat at the table, watching Eunseok move effortlessly around the kitchen. The space felt both familiar and new. He noticed details he had missed before: the basketball Bearbricks on the bookshelf and the neatly stacked film books on the coffee table. His eyes lingered on Eunseok’s back, an unexpected sense of comfort and domesticity making his chest tighten. The atmosphere between them was different now; the tension remained, but there was an unspoken understanding that things had undeniably changed.
Eunseok placed the steaming bowls of ramen on the table, and they began to eat in tense silence. The warmth of the meal did little to ease the knot in Wonbin’s stomach. He found himself sneaking glances at Eunseok, trying to gauge his mood.
When he finished his ramen, placing his chopsticks on top of the empty bowl, Eunseok immediately broke the ice.
“Why did you run away? Why did you kiss me in the first place?” Eunseok asked, his voice gentle but probing.
Wonbin looked down, his cheeks burning with shame. “I ran because I panicked, Eunseok. And I kissed you because... because I've wanted to for a long time.”
Eunseok sighed, the sound shaky and breathless, as he shifted his chair closer. “Do you seriously not know?” he asked, his voice tinged with frustration.
“Know what?” Wonbin replied, his pulse racing.
“That I'm crazy about you,” Eunseok said, his gaze intense. “You drive me mad. Ever since we met, I can't stop thinking about you. Your meticulousness, your nagging, your insistence on perfection.”
Wonbin pouted. “This doesn't sound like you like me.”
Eunseok let out a short, almost bitter laugh before softening his eyes. “That's just it. With anyone else, I'd be pissed. But with you, I liked it. All of it. I like you, Wonbin. More than you can imagine.”
Wonbin's heart swelled, his chest tightening at the confession. “I like you too, Eunseok,” he said, voice shaking. “I’ve always liked the way you challenged me, how you never backed down. It was kind of... hot.” His face burned as he stared down at his hands. “But I was confused about what I was allowed to feel for you because I could never figure out what you were thinking.”
Eunseok shrugged slightly, a grin spreading across his face as he reached out, playing with Wonbin’s fingers. “I like to keep you on your toes. You're cute when you're flustered,” he said, his voice teasing yet warm.
Eunseok leaned in, his eyes locked onto Wonbin’s, and slowly closed the distance between them. He cupped the back of Wonbin’s neck with a gentle but firm touch, and their lips met. The kiss started soft and exploratory, but quickly grew more intense.
Wonbin responded without hesitation, his hands reaching out to grab at his waist, his fingertips gripping onto the fabric of Eunseok’s sweater, pushing it up slightly and exposing skin as he tried to pull Eunseok closer.
Their lips moved together with a fervor of the pent up emotions they had kept hidden for so long. Wonbin felt a shiver run down his spine as Eunseok’s tongue teased his lower lip, coaxing his mouth open. The kiss deepened, becoming a dance of tongues and gasps, filled with heat and urgency.
Wonbin’s heart raced as he nudged his knee between Eunseok’s legs, trying to close the remaining distance between them. He could feel the heat of Eunseok’s body pressing against him, every touch igniting a fire within.
Eventually, they reluctantly pulled away, their breaths mingling as they panted softly, still clinging to one another. Eunseok’s eyes bore into Wonbin's, and suddenly Wonbin felt exposed, like he was under a spotlight. An uncomfortable heat rose to his cheeks, he dipped his head, avoiding Eunseok's gaze, but then he felt fingers brush across his cheek before they settled at his chin and tilted his head up, forcing him to meet Eunseok’s eyes again. The touch sent butterflies fluttering in Wonbin’s stomach.
“I like when you look at me,” Eunseok murmured, his voice soft and sincere.
Wonbin groaned, a smile tugging at his lips. “You're impossible.”
Eunseok gave a playful smirk. “Hmm, you tell me that a lot, you know.”
With that, he leaned in and captured Wonbin’s lips again. The air rushed from Wonbin’s chest, making him feel weak.
A Few Weeks Later
The sound of gentle laughter filled the small coffee shop where Wonbin and Eunseok sat, side by side in a corner booth. Wonbin sipped his latte, sneaking glances at Eunseok, who was intently studying the menu.
Since that night at Eunseok’s apartment, things had changed between them. They were still figuring out the dynamics of their new relationship, but the awkwardness was fading, replaced by a growing comfort.
Eunseok looked up from the menu, a thoughtful expression on his face. “You know, this place reminds me of the café we came to when we worked on our first group project together.”
Wonbin rolled his eyes with a fond smile. “That's because it's the same place. Honestly, your memory is terrible,” he teased with a laugh.
Eunseok chuckled. “You almost drove me insane back then with how much you talked. It was like you just loved the sound of your own voice.”
Wonbin scoffed, shaking his head. “Me? I drove you insane? Please. You just loved to argue with me over every little detail.”
Eunseok grinned, nudging Wonbin playfully. “And yet, here we are.”
Wonbin felt a warm, fuzzy feeling settle in his chest. “Yeah, here we are,” he echoed softly. “Who would've thought we'd end up like this?”
They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, laughing, and planning their next dates. Their relationship was filled with small gestures and quiet moments. Eunseok would casually brush a stray hair from Wonbin's face, or their fingers would linger just a bit longer when handing over a coffee cup. They shared quiet smiles over inside jokes and enjoyed the simple pleasure of each other's company, every shared glance and gentle touch bringing them closer together.
As they left the coffee shop, Eunseok wrapped an arm around Wonbin’s shoulders, pulling him close.
“You know, I never thought you’d be the romantic type,” Wonbin teased, leaning into Eunseok's touch.
Eunseok laughed, bumping his side playfully. “And I never thought you’d stop arguing with me long enough to find out.”
The rain had started again, but this time, it felt different. Instead of running for cover, they walked slowly, enjoying the gentle drizzle. Hand in hand, they were ready for whatever came next.