"Your boyfriend's coming," San announced.

"What do-"

"Hiii," Yeosang grinned as he hugged Jongho tightly, kissing his temple. "How are you, sweetheart?"

"He's not my boyfriend, San," Jongho insisted yet still hugged Yeosang back, feeling warmth spread through him at the affectionate gesture. "We're just friends."

"Sure, just friends," San replied, rolling his eyes playfully. "You can keep telling yourself that."

Yeosang chuckled softly, pulling back from the hug but still holding Jongho's shoulders. "Friendship can be pretty affectionate too, you know. But if you say so..."

Jongho felt his cheeks heat up as he looked away, trying to hide a smile. "Maybe so, but it's not like that between us."

"Whatever you say, Jongho," San teased, winking at Yeosang.

Yeosang flashed a mischievous smile, leaning closer to Jongho again. "So, do you want to do something today? We could grab lunch or go for a walk in the park."

Jongho's heart raced at the thought. "Lunch sounds good," he replied, trying to sound casual, though excitement bubbled beneath the surface.

San clapped his hands together, breaking the tension. "Perfect! I know this cute little café not too far from here. Let’s go!"

The three of them headed out, with San leading the way, while Yeosang walked beside Jongho. As they strolled, Yeosang occasionally nudged Jongho playfully, keeping the mood light. Jongho found himself laughing more than usual, grateful for the company.

As they reached the café, the cozy atmosphere welcomed them. They found a table by the window, sunlight streaming in, and the aroma of fresh coffee enveloping them.

"Okay, let’s order," San said, glancing at the menu. "What are you thinking, Yeosang?"

Jongho watched as Yeosang leaned forward, his expression animated as he discussed the options with San, but he couldn't help but steal glances at Yeosang, feeling a sense of contentment wash over him. Maybe friendship could be confusing, but moments like these made it all worth it.

"So, what are you going to get, Jongho?" Yeosang asked, breaking Jongho from his thoughts.

“Uh, I think I’ll have…” Jongho began, but as he looked into Yeosang's bright eyes, a realization dawned on him. Whether they were just friends or something more, he couldn't help but feel a connection that was undeniable. Maybe it was time to embrace it, whatever it was.

×

"Yeosang, can I stay at your place tonight?" Jongho asked timidly as they were saying their bye's for the day.

"Well, I'm going home," San shrugged, but Jongho didn't miss the courage in his eyes that seemed to urge him on despite the casual tone.

"Sure, you can stay," Yeosang replied, his voice warm and inviting. There was a spark in his eyes that made Jongho's heart race.

“R-really?” Jongho stammered, surprised by Yeosang's response. He had half expected Yeosang to say no or offer some excuse.

“Yeah, it’s not a problem,” Yeosang said, brushing back a strand of hair that had fallen into his eyes. “We can watch a movie or something, just like old times.”

“Yeah, old times,” Jongho echoed, a hint of nostalgia creeping into his voice. He remembered all the late nights spent huddled under blankets, laughing and talking for hours.

San leaned against the wall, crossing his arms with a grin. “I’ll let you two lovebirds have your night. Don’t do anything I wouldn't do!”

Jongho's cheeks flushed at San's playful jab, and Yeosang laughed, nudging Jongho lightly in the ribs. “We’ll keep it PG, promise.”

As they walked toward Yeosang's apartment, the air was filled with an easy tension. Jongho felt nervousness building in his chest, but there was also an undeniable excitement. What did staying over mean for them? Were they stepping into new territory, or was it simply a friendly sleepover?

Once they arrived, Yeosang opened the door and let Jongho in first. The space was cozy, decorated with soft lighting and plants that made it feel inviting. “Make yourself at home,” Yeosang said, pointing toward the couch. “I’ll make some popcorn.”

“Do you still have that weird seasoning?” Jongho joked, remembering the last time they had popcorn at Yeosang's place, where he had tried a peculiar blend that actually turned out to be delicious.

“Of course!” Yeosang laughed, disappearing into the kitchen. Jongho took a moment to let the atmosphere sink in, feeling both excited and nervous. This could be a pivotal moment for them.

When Yeosang returned with a big bowl of popcorn, he plopped down beside Jongho on the couch. They settled in, and Yeosang scrolled through the options for a movie. Jongho's heart raced, not only from being so close to Yeosang but also from the thought of what might happen throughout the night.

“Do you have a preference?” Yeosang asked, glancing at Jongho with a hopeful expression.

“Uh, maybe a comedy?” Jongho suggested, mentally kicking himself for sounding so unsure. But Yeosang nodded enthusiastically, picking a movie they both loved from a previous gathering.

As the opening credits rolled, Jongho felt Yeosang's arm brush against his own. It sent a jolt of electricity through him. He didn’t want to overthink it; he just wanted to enjoy the moment. As they settled deeper into the couch, Jongho felt a sense of calmness wash over him. They were together, and for now, that was enough.

“Jongho?” Yeosang said softly a little while into the movie, glancing sideways at him. “I’m really glad you’re here.”

“Me too,” Jongho responded, his heart pounding. He briefly touched Yeosang’s hand and felt a thrill at the simple contact, wondering if perhaps this was the first step to something more.

"I'm gonna sleep..." Jongho whispered, eyes closing around the middle of the movie. He felt Yeosang shift slightly but not entirely, then soft lips on his. The unexpected kiss sent a shockwave through Jongho, instantly waking him from his drowsiness. His eyes flew open, and he found Yeosang inches away, his gaze steady and searching.

“Uh…” Jongho breathed, his heart racing. “Did you—”

“Yes,” Yeosang admitted, a hint of vulnerability in his expression. He pulled back slightly, gauging Jongho’s reaction. “I’m sorry if that was too sudden. I just...”

Jongho’s mind raced as he processed what had just happened. The warmth of Yeosang’s lips lingered, and his heart thrummed wildly in his chest. He had always felt a special connection with Yeosang, but this was different—more intimate, more real.

“You don’t have to apologize,” Jongho managed to say, his voice barely above a whisper. “I… I’ve been thinking about it too.”

Yeosang’s eyes widened slightly, a mix of surprise and joy. “Really?” he asked, his tone hopeful.

Jongho nodded, feeling a smile tug at the corners of his lips. He had always cherished their friendship, but over the past few months, those feelings had blossomed into something deeper. “Yeah, really. I just didn’t know how to say it.”

In that moment, all the uncertainties and nervousness melted away. With a newfound courage, Jongho leaned closer, tilting his head slightly. He closed the gap between them, pressing his lips against Yeosang’s again—this time, more confidently. The kiss was soft, gentle, and filled with the promise of what was to come.

Yeosang responded right away, leaning into Jongho as the kiss deepened. Jongho's heart soared as Yeosang's hand found its way to the nape of his neck, fingers threading through his hair. It felt natural, as though they had been meant to do this all along.

When they finally pulled apart, both were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other. Jongho felt a rush of warmth spread through him—a mix of affection and relief. “Wow,” he said softly, a shy smile on his lips.

“Wow,” Yeosang echoed, his own smile matching Jongho’s. “So… does this mean we’re—”

“Can we just take it slow?” Jongho interrupted, feeling a little bashful. “I really like what we have. I just want to make sure we’re both on the same page.”

“Of course,” Yeosang replied, his expression earnest. “I like what we have too, and I don’t want to rush anything. I just—” He shrugged, looking a little sheepish. “I wanted to see if there could be more.”

Jongho nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. They had opened up a new chapter, a step toward something beautiful, and it thrilled him. “I’m glad we talked about it.”

“Me too,” Yeosang said, his eyes twinkling. “How about we finish the movie? Then maybe a little more popcorn?”

With a gentle laugh, Jongho settled back against the couch, taking Yeosang’s hand in his. It felt right—comfortable and warm. They returned to the movie, but now there was a new kind of energy in the air, one filled with possibility and hope.

As the credits rolled, Jongho leaned his head on Yeosang’s shoulder, feeling completely at ease. It was just the beginning of something new, and for the first time, he felt excited about what lay ahead.