Woonhak sat down on a bench by a little pond, feeling the cool breeze of spring wash over his face. His legs were sore from running around the park with Jaehyun and Japchae, and the warm sun felt like a blessing after all the energy he'd spent. Jaehyun collapsed onto the spot next to him and Japchae, as always, was happy to curl up on the ground beside them.

The pond in front of them was calm, its surface reflecting the clear blue sky, with a couple of ducks paddling lazily through the water. Woonhak’s gaze followed them for a moment before he looked to his side at Jaehyun. The older boy was still smiling, though quieter now, content to sit beside him. There was a peacefulness in the air that Woonhak wasn’t used to. A kind of quiet that for once didn’t feel lonely.

He glanced at Jaehyun again, noticing how the boy’s eyes were half-closed in the warmth of the sun, looking relaxed and carefree. Woonhak found himself wondering how long it had been since he had felt like this. Since he had let himself relax in the company of someone else.

Two years…

The thought made his chest tighten, but not in the same way it used to. He wasn’t sure why, but the more time he spent with Jaehyun, the easier it seemed to forget about the dark cloud that had hung over him for so long. The isolation, the quiet house, the endless days without anyone to talk to—he had lived like that for so long that now, when Jaehyun was around, it almost felt like a distant memory. Almost.

I’ve only known him for a few days... Woonhak thought to himself. How is it so easy?

Jaehyun had been kind from the moment they met, but there was something about him that made Woonhak feel like it was okay to take that first step back into the world. He never felt pressured, never felt like he was being rushed. Jaehyun had a way of making him feel like he was safe, even when he didn’t know if he could trust anyone anymore.

And yet, a small part of Woonhak was still scared. He was still unsure, still cautious. The thought of letting someone in so quickly—it felt almost reckless, like he might be making a mistake. What if I’m just fooling myself? What if this was all just a dream and, eventually, the warmth would fade and he’d be back to being alone?

But then, as if sensing his unease, Japchae shifted beside him, nudging his hand with his head. The dog’s presence was calming, and he gave the dog a gentle pat, feeling the weight of his worries lift just a little bit.

No, it’s not like that.

Woonhak had spent so long alone, just him and his thoughts, locked away inside his own head. Now, Jaehyun was here, and with him came moments like this—quiet, easy moments that didn’t feel forced. And, despite the hesitation still lingering in his chest, Woonhak couldn’t deny that he was starting to feel something he hadn’t felt in a long time.

Joy.

It was an odd word to think of when he considered his life up until now. Joy had seemed like a distant memory, something he had left behind along with his old self. But with Jaehyun, with Japchae, he was remembering what it felt like. Not the loud, overwhelming joy of a party or a celebration, but the quiet kind. The kind that came from a genuine connection, from just being in the moment. It was simple, but it was enough.

He turned his head slightly to look at Jaehyun once more. There was a soft smile on the older boy’s face now, as if he too was lost in the peace of the moment. For a brief second, Woonhak found himself wishing that time could freeze here. That they could just stay like this, with nothing to worry about, no past to haunt him.

But he knew that wasn’t possible. He knew he couldn’t hide forever, and he wasn’t sure how long this feeling would last. But for now, with the sun shining above them and Japchae resting by his side, Woonhak allowed himself to just be happy. And that, for the first time in years, felt like enough.

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Word count: 744

I thought you might like a chaper that shows Woonhak's thoughts for once :)
(There will  be more chapters that'll rather show his pov)

Also, stream "IF I SAY, I LOVE YOU"!!❤