Tuesday

The sun started to set, painting the park and the sky above in hues of gold and lavender, as Woonhak and Jaehyun strolled along the paved path. Japchae trotted happily beside them, tail wagging as he sniffed at the grass and bushes. The park was peaceful, the laughter of children in the distance and the occasional chirping of birds adding to the tranquil atmosphere.

Jaehyun stretched his arms above his head and turned to Woonhak with a grin. "Japchae's loving this. I think he's sniffed every blade of grass in this park."

Woonhak chuckled softly, his hands tucked into his pockets. "It's nice just being outside like this. I feel like, even though we've been at home most of the time, we've been so busy lately."

Jaehyun nodded, his gaze flicking to the younger boy. "Yeah, it's good to just relax outside for a bit. I love spring."

They continued walking, letting Japchae lead the way.

But just as they were passing a quiet corner near the edge of the park, a sudden, loud, crash shattered the calm.

The sound echoed through the air, metal against metal, coming from a construction site nearby. Woonhak froze, his eyes wide with fear. Before Jaehyun could say anything, the younger boy collapsed to the ground, his knees hitting the grass as he covered his ears with trembling hands.

"Woonhak!" Jaehyun's voice was sharp with concern as he dropped to the ground beside him. He understood immediately -Woonhak's reaction, the fear in his eyes. His chest tightened as he realized what must have triggered it.

Jaehyun instinctively wrapped his arms around Woonhak, pulling him close. "It's okay," he murmured, his voice steady and soothing. "I'm here. You're safe, Woonie. It was just a loud noise -it's over now."

Woonhak's breaths came in short gasps, but the warmth of Jaehyun's embrace and the calm in his voice began to anchor him. Slowly, the pounding in his ears subsided, and he allowed himself to focus on Jaehyun's steady presence.

Jaehyun didn't let go, his hand rubbing slow, comforting circles on Woonhak's back. "You're okay," he said again, his tone gentle but firm. "I've got you."

After a few moments, Woonhak's hands lowered from his ears, and his breathing evened out. He blinked, looking up at Jaehyun, who was watching him intently, his face full of worry and affection.

"Are you okay now?" Jaehyun asked softly, tilting his head as he studied Woonhak's face.

Woonhak stared at him, his heart fluttering in his chest. The way Jaehyun looked at him -so gentle, so caring- made something inside him stir.
He hadn't quite noticed before just how beautiful Jaehyun was. The golden and pink light of the setting sun framed his face and reflected in his eyes, which were filled with concern, his lips slightly parted as he waited for an answer.

"I...I'm okay," Woonhak finally said, his voice quiet. He nodded, though his mind still felt a little hazy, his heart racing for a reason he couldn't quite place.

Jaehyun smiled in relief, the corners of his eyes crinkling slightly. "Good. Let's go home, okay?"

He stood up and offered a hand to Woonhak, who hesitated for a moment before taking it. Jaehyun's hand was warm and steady, and Woonhak felt a strange shyness creep over him as they started walking.

Japchae trotted back to them, his tail wagging, as Jaehyun called him over, his tone cheerful again. "Come on, boy. Let's head home."

As they walked, Jaehyun didn't let go of Woonhak's hand. It wasn't unusual -they held hands all the time- but for some reason, Woonhak felt hyper-aware of the older boy's fingers laced with his. His heart thumped in his chest, and he found himself glancing at Jaehyun, who was now chatting casually as if nothing had happened.

"Hyung," Woonhak mumbled, his voice barely audible.

Jaehyun turned to him with a curious expression. "Hmm? What is it?"

Woonhak quickly shook his head, looking away. "Nothing."

Jaehyun raised an eyebrow but didn't push. Instead, he gave Woonhak's hand a reassuring squeeze, his touch grounding the younger boy once again.

By the time they reached home, Woonhak's earlier fear had faded, replaced by a warmth that lingered long after Jaehyun finally let go of his hand.

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Word count: 690

This might've been kinda random, but I didn't just want to 'forget' about Woonhak's fear of loud crashing noises.. I don't rly like this chapter that much tho :/