─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

❝ When our eyes meet, right here will be another dream. That illuminates you and me ❞ — The Boyz, Daydream

C H A P T E R  S I X T E E N

CHANGMIN UNLOCKS THE DOOR TO HIS APARTMENT AND KEVIN SHUTS HIS EYES, FEELING THE RAINDROPS HIT HIS SKIN ONE LAST TIME. Rain has never been something he finds solace in but after the party, the dancer stayed beside him. Changmin offered to take him home, somewhere he feels comfortable and safe, knowing the intimacy of his situation.

And from there, having someone beside him when it rained, changed his mind.

Rain or shine, Kevin figured Changmin was right there beside him.

Kevin can't help the smile from making its way to his mouth, remembering the playful conversation between them with a hint of fondness the boy didn't consider before.

For some reason, it brings memories of messaging an online friend, thoughts revolving around the boy with terrible humor lining the tone of his texts. Though their neighbors, he hasn't seen him, not even once.

Entering inside, the door shuts from behind, producing a loud thud, and Kevin clutches Changmin by his arm, wrapping his arms around his shoulder tightly.

It's pitch black and quiet. He can't see anything but hear his heart pound in his ear. He probably looks like an idiot right now, he can't find himself to care, and the steady sound of their hearts beating, that they're breathing, remind him that he's not alone.

"You can open your eyes now," he hears him say, voice low, and wonders if he's smiling.

Slowly opening his eyes to adjust to the light, he realizes he's sitting on the kitchen island, and locking eyes with Changmin, he finds his answer. His heartbeat echoes in his ears—loud and strong.

Kevin is certain that Changmin can hear it and he gets a little self-conscious, lowering his gaze, and Changmin notices it, lips tugging into a boyish smile.

"You're afraid of the dark, but you aren't afraid of thunder, and lightning?" Changmin asks, hands bracing on either side of him.

The second he returns his gaze to him, worried mocha eyes sparkling, he feels his heart melt.

"Yes, so what?" Kevin says, voice firm.

He's honestly surprised how he's managed to keep his voice steady and prevent tears from flooding down his face. The darkness, thunder, and lightning have never been peaceful after his mother left the world. Changmin closes a hand at the back of his neck and softly pushes him against his chest, holding him tight. "I'm sorry," he says, tone gentle. "Have you always been afraid of the dark, or is it the bedtime stories you've heard?"

"After mom passed away, it's never been the same . . . "

When Kevin pulls back, it's impossible not to lean in, and kiss him.

But he doesn't.

He knows better, so he moves back, and begins walking away; cheeks burning.

Kevin grabs Changmin's arm before he's gone again. Changmin stops in his tracks, his heart beating fast. No, he isn't his brother, he repeatedly tells himself in his mind, ignoring the heat crawling up to his face to his ears, pulsing a vibrant crimson.

"At least, give me a pair of warm clothes, tell me where the shower is, and tell me where I'm sleeping," Kevin says quickly, cheeks flushing.

Oh right, the dancer thinks.

He's stupid for leaving the boy drenched and cold.

"The bathroom is to the left of the kitchen. You can sleep in Juyeon's room. He's not here tonight. He won't be back for a couple of days. If you need anything else, I'll be in my room."

Changmin begins retreating to his bedroom. Kevin call out to him, hears his shoes squeak against the floor, and feels the warmth of his hand wrapped around his arm. Changmin whips his head over his shoulder, giving him a questioning look.

"Stay. Stay with me. I'm afraid of thunder, and lightning too," Kevin finally acknowledges, and after a heartbeat, "it's okay, you don't have to. I completely understand."

Turning around, Changmin meets Kevin's gaze, "I don't intend to leave you, never."

"You're always so confident and certain, aren't you?" Kevin smiles softly and blinks, taken aback at the dazzling fire glowing in Changmin's dark brown eyes as he steps closer, taking his hand in his.

"I'm always certain about you," Changmin raises their clasped hand in the same gesture as last time. Kevin blushes, recalling the moment at the auditorium. He wouldn't lie that the ghost of a smile slipping across his mouth is because Changmin is right. He had felt it when he helped him rehearse playing the piano, came to his rescue, danced with him, and took him home.

He took him to his place.

Because damn it, he knows he wasn't lying when he said he feels safe with him. The feeling of Changmin beside him slows his heartbeat and reminds him to slow down, to live in the present, which he dismissed a long time ago.

"Where did you learn how to play the piano?"

"I saw you and then it was love at first sight. I mean, watching you play the piano."

Kevin feels a flame light up in his heart, searching his eyes. He takes another step closer, wondering about the meaning behind his words, but before he can ask, the boy takes a step back.

And then he's gone.

. . .

KEVIN SHOWERS QUICKLY, GRATEFUL FOR THE KINDNESS CHANGMIN HAS BEEN OFFERING. He doesn't want to ask more from him, especially after all the trouble he went through for him, and before he turns the facet, feeling the warm droplets of water glide down the crevices of his collar, their conversation from earlier flashes in his mind.

Why did Changmin not answer his question?

He turns the facet, causing the shower to disappear. He steps out, finding the pair of pajamas lying on the bed covered with a black duvet. The creak of the door startles him, and he almost jumps. Changmin enters the bedroom, glancing up to meet Kevin's gaze.

The thought of the boy ignoring his question vanishes into thin air, and he feels like he's been caught in the action thinking about him. He thinks he should say something, anything to break the award silence.

Changmin spins around, cheeks on fire.

He leaves the room, and shuts the door, leaving him confused.

Walking back to his bedroom, he quietly closes the door, leaning against it, and suppresses a sanguine smile from lifting on his lips. His face feels hot and the smile blooms on his face anyway, recalling the boy's shocked expression.

They're both guys for heaven's sake, and being shy is human nature, but he won't forget how astonished he looked. At least, the boy has some shame and humility.

Changmin shakes his head, and turns around, opening the door. He thinks he might have a heart attack because Kevin is standing in front of him wearing his pajamas. His hickory hair is damp, and baby strands stick to his forehead, face flushing from the shower.

"Thank you for everything, but I think I'll survive the thunder and lightning tonight," Kevin says, heart, thumping against his chest. His gaze shifts, focusing on the raindrops racing down the windowsill, lightning flashing in his eyes.

To his dismay, the clap of thunder frightens him, and he clings to Changmin immediately.

"Hey, it's okay. You don't have to force yourself when you're uncomfortable." Changmin laughs and grabs the towel wrapped around Kevin's neck. "I meant it. I'm always certain about you and hate it when you're taken advantage of or you're uncomfortable," his voice is light, soft as a feather.

As he dries his hair, the boy keeps his gaze on him, recalling the unspoken moments between them, trying to find a puzzle piece that fits the entire jigsaw together. Kevin grabs his arm, lowering it to his side. "Don't you get tired of me being caught in trouble?"

Changmin meets Kevin's gaze. He walks toward him, causing him to take steps back, and lean against the wall. Kevin looks at him with heartbreak glittering in his eyes, blood rushing up to his face.

He needs to distract himself otherwise he'll catch feelings—as if he hasn't already. Yet, he doesn't break eye contact. "I'm tired. I'm tired of you saving me all the damn time, not giving me a chance to save myself—" desperation laces his voice.

Changmin steps closer, astonishment shining in his eyes. He's closer than before and raising an arm, reaching out to caress his hair softly, he lowers it to cradle his cheek. His touch is gentle and warm, sending a rush of emotions through him as he takes a sharp breath. Kevin can feel his heartbeat and wonders if Changmin can hear his, too. "I hate seeing you hurt, idiot."

"Does it really?" Changmin says, tilting his head to the side with a mischievous grin playing on his mouth. Kevin takes Changmin's arm and places his hand on his chest, looking at him with determination igniting in his brown irises.

"What do you mean?"

"I'm not asking you to save me and then leave me. I want you here next to me even if you don't want to be friends. But I do. I want you to be my friend."