Chapter Text
Dead silence.
There was nothing to hear from both of them at that moment. They were both still in shock. They were both staring at their phones after the last messages they had sent their friends, who all left the two of them alone, which seemingly sounded like a plan. It wasn't that late, but for some unknown reason, there was no public transportation passing by. Even though JL thought to run right there and then, he just can't. Plus, they were both still processing what had just occurred. And they both think the other wouldn't want to speak to them. But it is precisely the opposite. They actually badly wanted to communicate with each other, but they were just terrified that everything Juwon had just posted might turn out to be a big lie.
But they both knew nothing would ever happen if they let their fears win over. And that running away would not be a good solution either.
Despite his anxiousness, Han chose to take the first step. He was the first person to speak between them. His voice sounded unsteady, considerably different from his usual stable voice. "Is it true? Do you like me?" He held his breath and stared at the younger, who was staring at the ground. He waited for him to reply to him. JL only responded by nodding slowly, but his eyes stayed looking at the ground, not bothering to give Han a glance. He is too afraid to look him in the eyes and open about his emotions. He does not want to lose Han in any manner, especially in a situation like this. Just the thought of Han not talking to him anymore because he found out about how he felt breaks his heart. As much as possible, he would want to be by the older's side even if he didn't feel the same way as him.
All the fear Han felt earlier suddenly vanished after getting that response from JL. He hadn't expected the younger to nod or even say he liked him, but knowing that he did, he couldn't help but feel happy. He smiled lightly, moving closer to the younger. He moved both his hands to slowly cup JL's cheeks, softly saying, "Hey baby, look at me."
With eyes wide open, JL looked up, totally confused by the sudden endearment. "B-baby?"
"Hyung, did you just..." JL, still stunned, meets Han's eyes. "Yes, you heard it right. And I like you, JL. I really do."
JL couldn't say a word anymore. He is totally out of words. The shock was so evident in his eyes. He feels like he is dreaming, but he is not. The one he likes actually likes him back and is calling him baby. He just found himself hugging Han tight, sobbing lightly, which made the latter worry. "Hey, what's wrong? Why are you crying? Did I say something you didn't like?" Han started to panic a little.
"Wait.. you don't like being called baby? Let's change it. I don't want you to cry because of that." And with that, JL suddenly laughed, striking soft punches against Han's arm. "Hyung, you're so silly. I'm not crying because of that." JL removed his embrace from Han, who is now confused. He wiped his tears with the sleeves of his jacket, but Han pulled them down and wiped them with his handkerchief instead. JL smiled with the sweet gesture before he continued talking. "I'm crying because I'm relieved, hyung. I thought you didn't like me back. I was too tense earlier since I was afraid you'd say it wasn't true; that's why my tears just fell down quickly."
"I'm glad it's not because I called you baby," Han joked, making JL laugh. "You're fine, hyung. I'd want to be babied by you anyways." He let out a soft giggle before they hugged once again.