Yeosang was staying over at Seonghwa's place for the first time ever since they started dating, five months ago. He was sitting on Seonghwa's bed, rather tense but tried to calm down. They had spent a lot of time and it wasn't awkward at all. The older was in shower after Yeosang took one after dinner, it didn't take long for Seonghwa to finish showering. Clad in loose pajama pants and sleeping shirt, he laid beside Yeosang and pulled him closer. Hands going under his shirt immediately.

Seonghwa knew that Yeosang was nonverbal for the moment, as he sometimes found it challenging to express himself verbally, especially during moments of intimacy. But Seonghwa understood him well; he knew the subtle language of Yeosang’s body, the way his breath quickened, or how he leaned into his touch.

“I missed you today,” Seonghwa murmured softly, his fingers brushing against Yeosang’s skin gently, mapping the ridges of his abs. He felt the teenager relax a bit under his touch, but the tension was still present, like a tiny spark igniting every nerve ending in his body.

Yeosang turned his head toward Seonghwa, eyes wide and glimmering in the dim light of the room. He leaned in closer, their foreheads almost touching. The warmth radiating from Seonghwa was comforting, yet electrifying. With a small sigh, Yeosang closed his eyes, allowing himself to indulge in the moment.

Seonghwa smiled, feeling a rush of affection for the younger. He brought his hand up to Yeosang’s face, gently lifting his chin to meet his gaze fully. “You okay?” he asked, even though he could see the answer in the softness of Yeosang’s features, the way his lips curled into a small, shy smile.

Yeosang nodded slowly, a soft blush creeping up his cheeks. It was new, this intimacy, but it felt right. He reached out with a tentative hand, laying it against Seonghwa’s chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath. The rhythm was calming, a reminder that they were here together, safe in each other’s presence.

Seonghwa shifted slightly, his body brushing against Yeosang’s, seeking closer contact. “You can tell me if you want to stop or if you’re not comfortable,” he whispered, his breath ghosting over Yeosang's skin. Their connection had gotten deeper over time, built on trust and understanding, and Seonghwa wanted to make sure he respected Yeosang's boundaries.

But tonight, Yeosang didn’t want to stop. His heart was racing, and though words escaped him, his body was speaking louder than ever. He shifted closer, fitting perfectly against Seonghwa, their legs entwined and creating a cozy cocoon of warmth.

Seeing this, Seonghwa couldn’t help but smile wider as he let his hand venture lower, fingertips dancing against the waistband of Yeosang’s pajama pants. He could feel Yeosang’s breath hitch, the subtle shudder that went through him. It was a reaction that made Seonghwa feel powerful yet tender, wanting to protect this delicate moment between them.

“Just relax,” Seonghwa murmured again, reassuringly. His fingers moved deftly, each caress deliberate, coaxing both comfort and excitement from Yeosang. He loved every moment of discovery, the way Yeosang responded to him, shy yet yearning.

Yeosang closed his eyes again, leaning into Seonghwa's touch, letting the tension fade away. It was like a song, the subtle rise and fall of their intimacy, and for Yeosang, it became easier to express in silence what words sometimes could not convey. In this quiet space, while wrapped in the warmth of each other, they were exploring the depths of their affection—no words necessary.

..

Seonghwa blinked away the remnants of sleep, the soft morning light filtering through the curtains, casting a warm glow across the room. He reached out instinctively, expecting to find Yeosang’s warmth beside him, but the bed was empty. A jolt of concern flitted through him, but he quickly shook it off. Yeosang would be around somewhere; he always was.

Wiping the sleep from his eyes, Seonghwa swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood up. After a brief stretch, he padded quietly out of the room, his bare feet whispering against the cool floor. As he moved toward the balcony, he could hear the faint sound of the soft breeze and the low murmur of the city awakening outside.

When he stepped outside, the sight that greeted him made his heart swell. Yeosang was leaning against the balcony railing, a cigarette poised delicately between his fingers. His hair was tousled, still damp from the shower, and the early morning sun highlighted the delicate features of his face, making him look almost ethereal.

“Hey,” Seonghwa called out softly, careful not to startle him. Yeosang turned his head slightly, a surprised look on his face that melted into a smile as he met Seonghwa’s gaze.

“Good morning,” Yeosang replied, his voice laced with a hint of warmth and sleepiness. He took a slow drag from the cigarette before exhaling a thin stream of smoke into the crisp air, watching the wisps dance away with the wind.

Seonghwa approached him, leaning against the railing beside him. “You’re up early,” he said, glancing at the half-burned cigarette. Yeosang gave a small shrug, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

“Just needed some fresh air,” he admitted, the smile fading a little as he focused on the view beyond the balcony. “I didn’t want to wake you.”

“You could never wake me,” Seonghwa chuckled softly, nudging Yeosang’s shoulder playfully. “I think I could sleep through anything if it’s you next to me.”

At that, Yeosang’s cheeks flushed, and he flicked his gaze down, a bashful smile reappearing. He relinquished the nearly finished cigarette, careful to snuff it out in the small ashtray on the balcony. As the last remnants of smoke dissipated, Seonghwa turned toward Yeosang fully, the concern that fluttered within him as he noticed the subtle stress lines on the younger's face.

“Everything okay?” Seonghwa asked gently, searching Yeosang’s eyes for any signs of distress. Though the younger had always been expressive, especially around him, there were moments where his silence spoke volumes, and Seonghwa learned over time to read him like a book.

Yeosang took a deep breath, his brows knitting slightly. “Just thinking,” he said, his voice soft. “About us. About what this means.”

Seonghwa nodded, taking a step closer, allowing their shoulders to brush. “Yeah, it can feel overwhelming at times, can’t it?” He reached out, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Yeosang's ear. “But I want you to know that I’m here, whenever you need to talk or think. We can figure it out together.”

The warmth of Seonghwa's voice wrapped around Yeosang like a cozy blanket, easing some of the tension coiling in his chest. He had always been the one to ponder their future, the uncertainty wrestling with the excitement that came with being in a relationship for the first time. But having Seonghwa by his side made it feel less daunting.

“Thanks,” Yeosang murmured, his heart swelling with affection for the older. “I just— I don’t want to mess this up.”

“You won’t,” Seonghwa assured him, his gaze steady and sincere. “We’re in this together. We’ll figure out the ups and downs as they come.”

With newfound courage, Yeosang leaned into Seonghwa’s side, his head resting against the older’s shoulder. The morning sun warmed them both, and for the first time that morning, Yeosang felt a sense of peace wash over him. They didn’t need all the answers right now; they just needed each other. And under the soft, golden light of a new day, everything felt like it was falling into place.

Yeosang didn't want to leave Seonghwa but his mom called over to dinner because it was a family reunion and he respected his family, after all, his mom worked hard to pay for his college fees.

"I'll be back after dinner, I promise. I'll not talk to my uncle or those weirdos about you either, you'll see me in no time. I promise," Yeosang said as he put on his shoes, Seonghwa taking his car keys to take him home.

"How about i join the dinner? It's faster to come back here after eating, and I promise if they say something about our age, I'll shut them," Seonghwa suggested.

Yeosang paused, his fingers hovering over the laces of his shoes as he considered Seonghwa's offer. The idea of having Seonghwa with him at the family reunion both thrilled and terrified him. He loved the thought of sharing his world with the older, but he also knew how his family could be. They meant well, but their comments could sometimes feel suffocating, especially when they veered into uncomfortable territory.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel obligated to come just because I’m going,” Yeosang replied, glancing up at Seonghwa. He could see the determination in the older's eyes. Seonghwa squeezed the car keys between his fingers, a playful smirk on his face.

“Come on. It’ll be fun! I’ll be your shield against any weird comments,” he joked, raising his eyebrow in a teasing manner, which made Yeosang chuckle despite the nerves bubbling in his stomach.

“I just…” Yeosang hesitated, biting his lower lip. “What if they don’t take it well? What if they mention our age or something? I really— I don’t want to put you in an awkward position.”

“Hey,” Seonghwa interrupted softly, stepping closer and placing a comforting hand on Yeosang's shoulder. “I can handle it. Plus, I’m pretty good at deflecting awkward questions. And if it gets too uncomfortable, we can always leave together. It’s not a big deal.”

Yeosang studied Seonghwa's expression, the sincerity and warmth radiating from him. He admired how willing Seonghwa was to step into his world and make an effort. It tugged at his heartstrings. After a moment of internal debate, Yeosang nodded, feeling a rush of courage.

“Alright, let’s do it,” he agreed, a small smile breaking free. “But if it gets too chaotic, we bail. Deal?”

“Deal,” Seonghwa replied, his lips curving into a triumphant smile. “Now, let’s go show your family how cool I am.”

With a playful roll of his eyes, Yeosang rushed to finish putting on his shoes. As they headed out the door, the anxiety in Yeosang’s chest eased slightly. Having Seonghwa by his side filled him with a sense of support and reassurance, and he couldn’t wait to see how the evening would unfold.

The car ride was filled with light banter, the radio softly playing tunes that made the atmosphere feel alive. Yeosang stole glances at Seonghwa, his heart swelling with affection. How fortunate he felt to have someone so understanding beside him.

Upon arriving at his family’s home, Yeosang's stomach twisted slightly in anticipation. The lively sounds of laughter and chatter floated through the air, welcoming them as they made their way to the door. Seonghwa shot him a reassuring smile, which helped ease some of the nerves.

As they stepped inside, Yeosang was immediately greeted by familiar faces, including his mother, who lit up when she saw him. “Yeosang! You made it!” she exclaimed, pulling him into a warm embrace.

Seonghwa stood slightly behind Yeosang, observing the lively interactions. As Yeosang introduced him to his family, the playful teasing and curious glances began.

"Who's this young man?" His dad asked with a twinkle in his eye, his teasing tone evident. “Yeosang, I didn’t know you were bringing a friend. A very *handsome* friend, I might add!”

Yeosang felt the heat rise to his cheeks. He glanced back at Seonghwa, who was smiling good-naturedly, clearly enjoying the playful attention.

“This is Seonghwa,” Yeosang replied, trying to keep his voice steady. “He’s, um, a friend of mine from school.”

“From school, eh?” His dad raised an eyebrow, clearly not letting that simple introduction slide. “So, are you in the same classes? You must be quite the scholar if Yeosang’s bringing you around.”

“Yes, sir,” Seonghwa answered, his confidence shining through. “We’re in a couple of classes together, but Yeosang is the real star of the show. He helps me catch up sometimes.”

“Is that so?” Yeosang's mom chimed in, smiling at Seonghwa. “Well, you must be good for my son then! He has a habit of getting lost in his thoughts. You have to make sure he keeps his head in the game!”

As Yeosang’s family continued to chat and laugh, the atmosphere quickly turned lively. Surprisingly, Seonghwa seemed to fit right in, making small talk with Yeosang’s cousins as they shared stories and jokes that made everyone chuckle.

“Okay, okay,” Yeosang’s uncle interjected, his grin stretching wider. “But let’s talk about something serious: Is Yeosang finally getting a girlfriend, or what? You know he’s at that age—”

“Uncle!” Yeosang interjected quickly, his face burning. “We—um, we—”

“Come on,” Seonghwa interrupted smoothly, stepping in front of Yeosang protectively. “If you must know, I’m more of a boyfriend type than a girlfriend one?” He added a playful wink at Yeosang, causing a ripple of surprise followed by laughter.

“Ah, I knew it!” His uncle laughed heartily, clearly taking the comment in stride rather than reacting negatively. “Well, it’s about time someone caught your attention, Yeosang! You were getting too old to be single.”

Yeosang felt a mix of relief and admiration for Seonghwa, who had seamlessly turned a potentially awkward moment into lighthearted humor. The tension that had coiled in his chest had lessened significantly.

“Everyone’s been so busy with their lives,” Yeosang started, trying to take control of the conversation again, “that I haven’t really thought much about dating. But Seonghwa, he brings a whole new perspective to things.”

“Ahh young love,” his grandma chimed in, her eyes twinkling. “It needs to be celebrated! Just make sure to keep your grades up and don’t let romance distract you too much!”

The evening rolled on with more stories and laughter, and before Yeosang knew it, he was starting to relax. He felt a sense of pride having Seonghwa beside him, not just as a shield against uncomfortable topics but as a partner he could share this part of his life with.

After a while, Seonghwa leaned over and whispered playfully in Yeosang’s ear, “See? I told you it’d be fine. And honestly, your family isn’t that bad!”

Yeosang chuckled, shaking his head slightly. “You really are something else,” he murmured back, warmth spreading through him.

But as the dinner progressed, the subject of age popped up again, more pointed this time. Yeosang's aunt leaned closer and said, “So, Seonghwa, how old are you exactly? Yeosang’s a grown man, but we wouldn’t want him getting involved with someone too much older, would we?”

Seonghwa’s expression shifted slightly but remained composed, and with a calm smile, he replied, “I’m twenty-four, actually. Just a few years older than Yeosang. But he’s wise beyond his years, so I think we’re pretty well matched.” His tone held a playful charm, clearly meant to deflect any tension that might arise.

The table chuckled, and the tension in the air seemed to dissipate again, allowing the conversations to flow freely. Yeosang felt gratitude bubbling within him. He wrapped his fingers around Seonghwa’s under the table, squeezing gently, as if to say, “Thank you for being here.”

The evening rolled into a series of anecdotes and laughter, and as dessert was being served, Yeosang felt his heart swell with happiness. He had worried about how this might go, but having Seonghwa beside him turned what could have been a stressful reunion into a warm memory he would cherish.

After dinner, as they stepped outside for some fresh air, Yeosang turned to Seonghwa, his eyes shining. “You were amazing in there,” he said, awe dripping from his voice. “I can’t believe how you handled it all.”

Seonghwa chuckled softly, brushing a hand through his hair. “Honestly, I enjoyed it. Your family is lively, and you’re not so bad either.”

“Really?” Yeosang asked, the vulnerability creeping into his tone.

“Really,” Seonghwa confirmed, his gaze softening. “I’m glad I came. It was nice to see your world for a bit. Now, let’s go somewhere quieter. I think we deserve a little peace after that family circus, don’t you?”

“Definitely,” Yeosang replied, a genuine smile spreading across his face. And as they walked towards the car, hand in hand, he realized just how much stronger their bond had grown through this experience.