Archive of Our Own

Sungchan stood at the edge of the park, where he and Eunseok had spent countless afternoons together. Instead of heading home to see his folks after stepping off the plane, he found himself standing here, resting against his suitcase. He let out a dry laugh, thinking about how he had chosen this detour over the comfort of his mom’s cooking. An irrational hope to possibly make things right this summer drove his decision. He rubbed his tired eyes, the exhaustion from the flight mingling with the turmoil in his heart. 

The park, with its familiar benches, winding paths, and the old oak tree where they had carved their initials,  brought back memories. He could practically hear Eunseok's laughter, feel the weight of shared secrets, and taste the bitterness of that single kiss that had messed everything up. It felt like only yesterday, but it had been two years since that day. 

It was a warm afternoon, and they were relaxing beneath their favourite tree—the one with the low-hanging branches that formed a natural canopy. They had spent so many days here, discussing everything and nothing. But today, the conversation had a heavy silence hanging over it.

“So, are you excited about college?” Eunseok asked, his voice strained and unsteady. He was avoiding Sungchan’s gaze by plucking at blades of grass. 

“Excited? More like terrified,” Sungchan shot back with a nervous chuckle. “But it’s a new adventure, right?” 

He cast a quick glance at Eunseok, noticing the small scowl on his face and the way he kept shifting uncomfortably. “Hey, what’s up with you? You’ve been weird all day.” 

Eunseok shrugged without turning to face him. “Just thinking, I guess. About you leaving and all that.”

Sungchan leaned back onto his palms with a sigh. “Yeah, it’s coming up fast. I don’t like talking about it either, you know. But hey, you’ll still be here when I come back right? Since you're staying local.”

“Yeah,” Eunseok said, his voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll be here. But you’ll be halfway across the country.”

Sungchan reached out and nudged Eunseok’s shoulder with his fist. “We’ll still talk all the time. It’s not like I’m disappearing off the face of the earth.”

“I know,” Eunseok said again, but his eyes were distant, and his smile didn’t reach them. He took a deep breath, wringing his hands nervously. Sungchan noticed and reached out, covering Eunseok’s hands with his own to stop them fidgeting. 

“Sungchan, there’s something I need to tell you,” Eunseok said, his voice trembling, his usual calm demeanour nowhere to be found. 

Sungchan's playful grin slipped away as he saw the seriousness in Eunseok’s eyes. “What is it?” he asked cheerfully, trying to keep the mood light but feeling a knot of anxiety forming in his stomach.

Before Sungchan could process what was happening, Eunseok leaned in and kissed him. It was a soft, tentative kiss, laden with uncertainty. Sungchan’s heart pounded, a jumble of confusion and fear surging through him. He jerked back abruptly, eyes wide with shock.

“Eunseok, what the hell?” he blurted out, more out of shock than anger. 

Eunseok’s gaze remained fixed on Sungchan. “I think I'm in love with you, Sungchan,” he said, his voice steady, yet his eyes desperately searching for any sign of understanding.

Panic surged through Sungchan. He couldn't do this. He jumped to his feet, taking a few steps back. “You can’t just drop something like that on me!” he exclaimed, his voice louder than he intended. “I... I can’t deal with this right now.”

Eunseok scrambled to his feet, reaching out for Sungchan's arm. “Wait, please—”

Sungchan pulled his arm back sharply. “Just... leave me alone!” he shouted, and without another word, he turned and ran, leaving Eunseok standing there, his heart exposed and his feelings unanswered.

Back in the present, Sungchan opened his eyes, the memory still raw and painful. He took a deep breath. That was the last time they had spoken. When he’d left for college a week later, Eunseok hadn’t come to see him off, and he hadn’t reached out once in the past two years. Sungchan knew he’d told Eunseok to leave him alone, but he hadn't meant forever; he’d just needed some space to think. 

College was a whirlwind. Sungchan was sociable and made friends easily, throwing himself into the new environment with his usual energy and charm. But something always felt off and incomplete. No matter how many friends he made or how many parties he attended, it didn’t feel right without Eunseok by his side. He missed their late-night talks and the comfort of having someone who understood him completely.

At parties, Sungchan would often find himself drifting away from the crowd, staring at his phone, hoping for a message from Eunseok. Whenever he called home, he tried to find out about him without being too obvious. He’d ask his parents about how everyone was doing, hoping they’d mention Eunseok. He’d chat with his old friends and casually steer the conversation toward familiar names, waiting for someone to bring him up. Each mention of Eunseok was a tiny lifeline—a connection to the past he couldn’t let go of.

Over those two years, the initial confusion and fear that had driven him away began to give way to clarity. Sungchan spent many nights lying awake, replaying their last conversation, and analyzing every detail. Slowly, the truth began to emerge from the fog of his emotions. He realized that the intensity of his feelings for Eunseok wasn’t just friendship. It was love.

The clarity that came with time and distance only made him feel worse about how he’d left things. The guilt ate at him, knowing that his fear and confusion had hurt someone he cared deeply about. Why did he push him away? What was he so afraid of?
 
As Sungchan pieced together his feelings, he understood why he had panicked. The thought of losing Eunseok, or worse, changing the nature of their bond, had terrified him. But now, with the benefit of hindsight, he saw that pushing Eunseok away had been a mistake. He loved Eunseok truly and deeply, and the realization was both a relief and a burden. 

He wanted to make things right, no matter how hard it was. 

Back at his parents' house, Sungchan stepped into his childhood bedroom, the nostalgia tugging at him instantly. He threw his suitcase on the bed and began to unpack, but his gaze continually gravitated to the walls. Photos of him and Eunseok were everywhere, capturing moments from their past—camping trips, birthdays, random goofy selfies. How did Sungchan ever believe he wasn't in love with him? 

He picked up a framed photo from his bedside table of them at the beach, sand in their hair and wide grins on their faces. It was so obvious now. He found joy in Eunseok's laughter, found solace in his presence and felt the pain of his absence. Sungchan shook his head, marveling at his own stupidity.

The sudden ring of a doorbell pulled him from his thoughts. Footsteps echoed up the stairs, each one making his heart beat faster. Could it be Eunseok? Had he come to see him?

The door creaked open, and hope surged in Sungchan's chest. But it wasn't Eunseok. Instead, Seunghan’s head poked through the doorway. 

“Welcome home,” Seunghan said with an effortless grin.

“Hey, Seunghan,” Sungchan replied, trying to mask his disappointment.

Seunghan stepped into the room, glancing around at the mess of half-unpacked luggage. “Did you just get in?”

“Yeah, just trying to get settled,” Sungchan said, tossing a pair of balled-up socks back into his suitcase with a bit more force than necessary.

Seunghan picked up the framed photo from the bedside table—the same one Sungchan had been looking at moments before. “Man, you two were inseparable,” he said, looking at the picture with a wistful smile.

“Yeah, we were,” Sungchan said awkwardly, trying to hide his discomfort. “But things change.”

Seunghan frowned, placing the frame back on the bedside table. He quickly changed the subject. “Hey, change out of those sweats and come with me. The guys have organized a homecoming get-together for you and Shotaro.”

Sungchan looked apprehensive, but before he could protest, Seunghan rifled through his suitcase, pulling out a white shirt with vertical stripes. “Wear this,” Seunghan said, tossing the shirt to him. “You look good in it.”

Sungchan sighed, but couldn’t stop the small smile tugging at his lips. “Alright, alright. I’ll get changed.”

After changing into the shirt, they headed towards Seunghan and Sohee's apartment. With each step closer, Sungchan grew uneasy. What if Eunseok was there? The thought hit him like a ton of bricks. His mind raced: Would Eunseok be happy to see him, or would there be resentment? How would he even start a conversation after all this time? His pace faltered, and Seunghan noticed. 

“Everything okay?” Seunghan asked, glancing at him with concern.

Sungchan took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. “Yeah, just thinking,” he replied, forcing a smile.

Seunghan placed a reassuring hand on Sungchan’s shoulder, noticing his unease. “I understand what you're thinking, and yes, Eunseok is inside. He's friends with Shotaro, and maybe he can be friends with you again too, if you’d just talk to him.” He hesitated, his eyes flickering with concern. “But, uh, there's something you should probably know.”

Before Seunghan could finish, Sohee emerged from the apartment building. “There you are! What took you so long?” he called out, striding over and pulling Sungchan into a warm, one-armed hug, patting him on the back. “Hey, Sungchan.” 

Sungchan managed a smile. “Hey, Sohee.”

Sohee looked at Seunghan expectantly. “Did you tell him yet?”

Seunghan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I was building up to it. I didn’t even want to be the one to tell him in the first place.” 

Sungchan's anxiety spiked. “Tell me what?”

The two exchanged uncomfortable looks, silently debating who should spill the beans. Sungchan rolled his eyes. “Whatever it is, you can tell me inside.” He walked towards the apartment, his heart pounding. 

They hurried after him, trying to stop him. “Wait, Sungchan—”

But Sungchan pushed open the door and froze. There was Eunseok, leaning with his back against the wall, standing intimately close to a guy he didn’t recognize, who had his hands on Eunseok's arm and waist. Their faces were inches apart as the guy whispered something in Eunseok's ear, making him laugh. 

A stabbing pain shot through Sungchan's chest, making it difficult to breathe. 

“Sungchan, we were trying to tell you…” As he saw what had stopped Sungchan in his tracks, Seunghan's voice faded. 

At the sound of Sungchan's name, Eunseok looked up, his eyes widening. Seeing Eunseok now, so close yet so distant, felt like a punch to the gut. Sungchan's heart ached with longing and regret. How did things get so complicated between them? The sight of Eunseok standing with someone else—someone who seemed to know him in ways Sungchan no longer did—twisted the knife deeper.

Seunghan took one look at Sungchan’s stricken face and instantly understood. Without hesitation, he wrapped an arm around Sungchan's shoulders, pulling him close in a comforting embrace. “Come on, let's get you inside; everyone's waiting” he said happily. Gently steering Sungchan further into the apartment, shielding him from the sight of Eunseok and the other guy.  

“Look who's here!” Seunghan announced, as they entered the living room. 

His other friends erupted with a chorus of, "Sungchan!" The room buzzed with excited chatter and laughter, cutting through the awkwardness for a moment.

Sungchan managed a tight smile, his heart still racing. He glanced over his shoulder and saw Eunseok and the other guy coming back into the room. 

Seunghan gave his shoulder a reassuring squeeze. “I’ve got your back,” he whispered, his voice barely audible over the noise.

The get-together was in full swing, but Sungchan felt like an outsider. He couldn't stop watching Anton, the guy with Eunseok. He was quiet, sweet, and clearly enamoured with Eunseok. He laughed at every joke Eunseok made, no matter how bad. Sungchan noticed the way Anton’s eyes lit up every time Eunseok spoke and how he leaned in just a bit closer than necessary. Each laugh and affectionate glance felt like a jab to Sungchan’s already fragile heart.

Sungchan’s mind raced with thoughts of what could have been. He realized how much he missed those moments—being the one to make Eunseok laugh, sharing inside jokes, and feeling that unspoken bond. Seeing someone else in the place he once stood filled him with envy. He felt an overwhelming sense of loss, like he was witnessing the life he could have had slip away right before his eyes.

He downed the last of the liquid in his cup and abruptly stood up, drawing everyone's attention. With a forced smile, he said, “The service here has really gone downhill since I’ve been gone. Looks like I’ll have to get my own refill!” 

His friends broke into jovial laughter, easing the tension slightly as he made his way to the kitchen. 

Sungchan clutched the edge of the kitchen counter, his knuckles whitening as he stared down into his empty cup. He told himself to get it together. The sound of the door swinging open behind him broke through his thoughts. He glanced over his shoulder, finding Shotaro, his wide grin lighting up the room. 

“Long time, no see,” Shotaro said, his grin softening as if he could sense something was off with Sungchan. He jumped up and sat on the kitchen counter next to where Sungchan stood. 

Sungchan couldn’t help but smile back. “Taro, man, it's good to see you.”

They caught up, reminiscing about college and how nice it felt to be back home.

“So, how’s the engineering program treating you?” Sungchan asked, turning to face him.

Shotaro shrugged. “It’s tough, but I’m surviving. What about you? Are you still partying as hard as ever?”

Sungchan chuckled. “Nah, I'm trying to focus more on classes. But, you know, old habits die hard.”

Shotaro grinned. “Ain't that the truth? There’s just something about college life.”  

A moment of silence settled between them. Shotaro's grin faded, and he leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees. His eyes narrowing slightly, he took a deep breath. “Have you talked to him yet?”

Sungchan didn’t need to ask who he meant. He shook his head, his voice tinged with frustration. “Nope, and it's killing me.” He took a deep breath, screwing his eyes shut. “Did you know about them?”

Shotaro’s eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”

Sungchan opened his eyes and looked at his friend, the words tumbling out before he could stop them. “Eunseok and that guy, Anton. Did you know they were... together?” He didn’t mean to sound so accusatory, but he needed to know if everyone was aware of this except for him.

Shotaro shook his head. “No, I didn't know. Eunseok never mentioned it in any of our phone calls. As far as I knew, he and Anton were just roommates.” He paused, giving a slight shrug. “But you know, Eunseok, he’s a private guy.” His voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.

Sungchan's eyes widened. “They’re living together?” he hissed, the bitterness clear in his voice. “Great, just great.” He grabbed the bottle and poured more alcohol into his cup, his hands shaking slightly.

Shotaro placed a firm hand on his wrist, stopping him mid-pour. “Hey, that’s not going to help. You know what will? Talking to him.” 

Sungchan sighed, staring at the liquid in his cup. “What’s the point? He’s clearly moved on. What good will it do?”

Shotaro’s expression hardened, his eyes narrowing. “So you only want to be friends again if it benefits you? That doesn’t sound like the Sungchan I know.”

Sungchan shook his head; his voice strained. “That’s not what I meant. It’s just... how do you make yourself stop loving someone? I don’t know if I can handle being just friends with him anymore.”

Shotaro patted him gently on the back. “You better figure it out, because he’s missed you. I know that for sure.”

Sungchan looked at Shotaro, uncertainty clouding his eyes. “You really think so?”

Shotaro nodded firmly. “Absolutely. Now go talk to him; what do you have to lose?” 

Gathering his courage, Sungchan left the kitchen. As he made his way back towards the living room , he spotted Eunseok and Anton huddled close together, talking in the corner. He hesitated, awkwardly looking for another way around, but there was no avoiding them. With a deep breath, he approached slowly.

As he drew nearer, he caught snippets of their conversation. Anton’s voice was soft and caring. “We don’t have to do this, you know. It’s not too late if you’ve changed your mind. We can just leave; everyone would understand.”

Sungchan’s heart ached at the sweet, tender tone Anton used with Eunseok. It felt like a reminder of what he had lost, or perhaps what he had never truly had. Deciding it was now or never, he cleared his throat to get their attention and stepped forward. Their heads snapped up to look at him, an awkward silence falling over them.

Sungchan forced himself to speak. “Eunseok, can we talk?”

Eunseok glanced at Anton, who gave him a small, encouraging nod. “I’ll be right here if you need me,” Anton said gently.

Sungchan had to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Seriously? Did Anton really think Eunseok needed backup just to talk to him? They were friends first, after all. A flicker of irritation flared up, but Sungchan quickly pushed it down, knowing this wasn’t the time.

After a moment, Eunseok nodded without meeting Sungchan’s gaze. “Let’s go somewhere quiet,” he said, his voice steady but detached.

He walked ahead, their shoulders brushing briefly. “Sohee won’t mind if we talk in here,” Eunseok said, pushing the door open and stepping aside to let Sungchan in.

Sungchan hovered next to the bed, his natural confidence faltering. Should he sit or keep standing? He glanced at Eunseok, who lingered by the door, seemingly caught in the same indecision. Eunseok’s hand hovered on the doorknob, as if he couldn’t decide whether to shut the door or leave it open.

After a moment of awkward silence, Sungchan let out a nervous laugh and finally decided to sit on the edge of the bed. The action seemed to break the stalemate, and Eunseok, with a resigned sigh, closed the door behind him. But instead of joining Sungchan on the bed, he opted for the computer chair next to the desk, keeping a careful distance.

Eunseok still wouldn’t look at him, his gaze fixed on an indeterminate spot on the floor. Sungchan’s heart ached with longing; all he wanted was to see Eunseok’s big, beautiful eyes again, to find some hint that the connection they once shared was still there somewhere. 

“So,” Sungchan began, awkwardly breaking the silence, “how have you been?”

“Fine,” Eunseok replied curtly, his face a blank mask. “Busy.”

Sungchan forced a chuckle, trying to ease the tension. “Yeah, college can be pretty crazy. Are you still reading all of those manga series?”

“Yep,” Eunseok said, his tone flat, still not looking at Sungchan.

Eunseok finally frowned, his patience clearly wearing thin. “This can’t be what you wanted to talk to me about, Sungchan.”

“You’re right, it isn’t,” Sungchan admitted, taking a deep breath. “I’m really sorry for how I left things between us. I was scared and confused, and I didn’t handle it well. It’s my fault things fell apart.”

He looked down, gathering his thoughts, then continued, his voice softer and strained as he choked back tears. “I shouldn’t have run when you needed me the most. It was a huge deal for you to tell me how you felt, and I totally blew it. If I could go back in time, I’d do things so differently. You've got to believe me, Eunseokie. I’ve spent every day for the past two years miserable because we weren’t talking.”

Eunseok's guarded demeanor finally cracked, his expression softening. He slowly lifted his head and met Sungchan's gaze. “Too much has happened. We can’t just go back to how we were.” 

Sungchan’s heart sank. “I know things probably can’t be the same, but I just need you in my life. Please, I’m not above begging at this point.” He started to drop to his knees, desperation in his eyes, but Eunseok quickly reached out and grabbed his sleeve, pulling him back up.

“Don’t,” Eunseok said quietly, his grip firm on Sungchan’s sleeve.

Sungchan’s voice trembled, raw with emotion. “I need you, Eunseok. I’ve missed you more than you can even imagine.”

Eunseok sighed, his eyes slipping shut as he let go of Sungchan’s sleeve. “I missed you too, idiot.”

Before he could second guess himself, Sungchan rushed over to Eunseok’s side and wrapped him in an awkward hug. A few stray tears slipped from his eyes, and he groaned in embarrassment, stepping back. He wiped at his face, trying to laugh it off. “Why am I so emotional?”

Eunseok shrugged, a small smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. “That’s between you and your therapist.”

Sungchan burst into a bright laugh, the sound echoing around the small bedroom. God, he’d missed this. He’d missed Eunseok.

After a moment, Eunseok sighed and said, “Look, I won’t make any promises, Sungchan. I don’t know if things can ever be the same between us. But we can try to be friends again. We’ll take things slowly.”

Sungchan felt a flicker of hope ignite in his chest. “Yeah, I’d like that. Baby steps, right?”

Eunseok nodded. “Right.”

Summoning his courage, Sungchan added, “And I’d like to get to know Anton too.” The words felt heavy, but he pushed through. “How long have you guys been together?”

Eunseok looked a bit uncomfortable, shifting in his seat. “It’s, uh, still new,” he said quietly, rubbing the back of his neck. “But I don’t really want to talk about that with you.”

The words stung, but Sungchan managed a small nod. “Sorry, I get it. Baby steps.”

As they headed back into the living room, the tension between them had lessened. They took seats on opposite sides of the room, but Eunseok wasn’t avoiding Sungchan’s gaze anymore. Even though it still hurt to see Eunseok with someone else, Sungchan knew he had to push those feelings deep down if he wanted to rebuild their friendship.

One week had passed since the homecoming get-together, and Sungchan hadn’t spoken to Eunseok. He didn’t think they were quite ready for friendly, casual texting yet, but there were small signs of progress. Sungchan had liked a photo on Eunseok's Instagram, and to his surprise, Eunseok refollowed him and even liked one of Sungchan's photos. It made Sungchan smile, feeling like they were taking a small step forward.

So when Seunghan suggested a beach day, Sungchan jumped at the opportunity. Maybe today would help bridge the gap that still felt too wide.

They arrived at the beach in a flurry of excitement, each person juggling their share of towels, umbrellas, and coolers filled with drinks and snacks. Sungchan trailed behind, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation. The last time he and Eunseok had been at the beach together felt like a lifetime ago. 

It was late summer, and they were seventeen. The weather had just begun to cool, and the beach was quieter than usual. They had come alone, brimming with energy and laughter. They spent hours play-fighting in the sand, tackling and rolling around until they were both covered in sand and breathless with laughter. 

Eventually, they collapsed onto their backs, lying side by side with their arms touching. The sky above was a brilliant blue, and the sound of the waves was soothing. Sungchan turned his head to look at Eunseok, who was grinning widely, his eyes sparkling with joy.

Without thinking, Sungchan reached out and wrapped his pinky around Eunseok’s. Eunseok looked back at him, their wide grins mirroring each other, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

Seunghan, always the loudest and most energetic, despite his claims of being the most introverted—a lie that Sungchan has never bought into in all the years he has known him—spread out a large beach blanket and stuck an umbrella into the sand. “Alright, let’s set up camp here!” he announced, grinning widely.

Sungchan set down the coolers he was carrying and glanced around, his eyes inevitably finding Eunseok. He was busy with another umbrella, his face focused and serious as he struggled to adjust the stand’s height. Sungchan walked over to help, and as he reached for the umbrella pole, his hands accidentally covered Eunseok's. Their eyes lingered on one another for a second.

At the sound of Sohee's voice, Eunseok ripped his hands away, breaking the moment. “Hey, Sungchan!” Sohee called out. “Don’t forget to put this on. We don’t want you turning into a lobster again,” he added, tossing him a bottle of sunscreen.

Sungchan laughed, catching the bottle. “I forgot the sunscreen one time, and you never let me live it down!” 

Sungchan settled down on the blanket, squeezing some sunscreen into his palm. He began applying it to his arms and shoulders, his eyes inevitably drifting to where Eunseok and Anton were playfully kicking sand at each other. They were laughing, dodging each other’s attacks, and Sungchan felt a twist of jealousy in his stomach. He tried to push the feeling away, reminding himself that he wanted to rebuild their friendship, nothing more.

Sungchan felt something cold press against his arm. He jumped, then turned to see Wonbin grinning mischievously, holding a soda can. “Got you,” Wonbin said, laughing as he handed the can to Sungchan and then reached into the cooler for another drink for himself.

Wonbin gestured with his chin towards Eunseok and Anton. “You’re staring,” he said casually.

Sungchan huffed out a laugh, raising his knees to his chest and gazing down at the sand. He couldn’t even deny it. He was staring, and it was painfully obvious. “Yeah,” he muttered, “I guess I am.”

Wonbin popped open his soda, taking a sip before speaking again. “You know, it’s okay to feel things. Just... don’t let it eat you up.”

Sungchan glanced over at Wonbin with a half-smile. “I’m working on it; it's just… complicated.”

Wonbin nodded, taking another sip of his drink. “Life usually is. But you’ve got us, you know? We’ll help you both figure it out.” 

Sungchan smiled, feeling a bit lighter. “Thanks, man.”

Their eyes met, and they both groaned in unison, cringing slightly at their heart-to-heart moment. Sungchan shoved Wonbin’s shoulder playfully, and Wonbin covered his face with his hands, both of them laughing to shake off the awkwardness. 

They sat in comfortable silence for a moment, watching the waves crash against the shore. 

The had been lounging around, soaking up the sun, when Seunghan suddenly jumped up. “I can’t just sit here doing nothing. I need to move,” he declared, and he started rummaging through one of the bags. With a triumphant grin, he pulled out sets of plastic buckets and spades. “Alright, everyone! How about a sandcastle-building contest? Let’s see who’s got the best skills!”

Everyone groaned and laughed, but the idea quickly took hold. Sungchan glanced around, noticing the enthusiasm in his friends’ eyes. As they started to pair up, Eunseok instinctively turned to Anton.

Before Eunseok could say a word, Sohee quickly grabbed Anton’s arm. “Anton’s with me,” he declared. “I need his skills. All those years of building models are finally going to pay off.”

Anton looked slightly confused but went along with it. “Uh, sure,” he said, glancing apologetically at Eunseok.

Eunseok stood awkwardly as Sungchan glanced at Shotaro, who had just linked arms with Wonbin and Seunghan. “We’re going to be a trio because, let’s face it, we need all the help we can get,” Shotaro declared, causing everyone to laugh.

Sungchan then faced Eunseok and shrugged. “Looks like it’s just us.”

Eunseok smirked, shaking his head. “Funny how that worked out,” he said, clearly understanding what their friends were trying to do.

They moved to an open spot on the beach, setting down their tools and starting to gather wet sand. Sungchan and Eunseok worked side by side, their hands occasionally brushing as they sculpted their sandcastles. Each accidental touch sent a jolt through Sungchan, making his heart race. He stole shy glances at Eunseok, noticing the slight blush that spread across his cheeks.

Eunseok seemed equally affected, his movements becoming a bit more hesitant each time their fingers met. They shared awkward laughter, trying to cover the tension that hung between them.

“Watch it; you’re making it lopsided,” Sungchan teased, his voice a little shakier than he intended.

Eunseok rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his smile. “You’re one to talk. That tower looks like it’s about to collapse.”

Sungchan laughed, sensing a rhythm returning between them. “Hey, remember the time we built that giant sand dragon, and it actually stayed up until the tide came in?”

Eunseok nodded, narrowing his eyes. “Yeah, we spent the whole day on it because you kept saying it needed more detail.” Despite his tone, a small smile tugged at his lips, showing he wasn’t really annoyed.

“Which it did,” Sungchan said, grinning. He reached out to brush some sand off Eunseok’s shoulder, his fingers grazing the exposed collarbone where Eunseok’s T-shirt had slipped down slightly. The casual gesture was something he used to do all the time, but Eunseok’s shoulders tensed momentarily, the smile faltering on his lips.

Sungchan immediately pulled his hand back, his voice tinged with regret. “Sorry, I didn’t mean—”

“Don’t apologize,” Eunseok interrupted softly. Their eyes met, and Eunseok gave a small nod, as if to say it was okay.

The moment passed, but the awkwardness lingered. They continued working on their sandcastle. 

“So, uh, how’s the life of a sociology major?” Sungchan asked, trying to fill the silence.

“Busy,” Eunseok replied shortly, focusing intently on shaping the sand. He coughed awkwardly before adding, “You must be busy too, though. I heard you’re focusing on pre-physical therapy.”

“Yeah,” Sungchan said, his voice sounding hollow. He racked his brain for something else to say, wondering if Eunseok had asked about him or if their friends had volunteered the information. Either way, the knowledge that Eunseok knew about his studies stirred something hopeful inside him, but he couldn’t bring himself to ask about it. 

They exchanged a few more words, each one feeling more stilted than the last. Awkward pauses and sidelong glances had replaced the easy flow of their earlier banter. 

“Time’s up!” Seunghan called out, grinning widely. “Everyone back away from your sandcastles! That means you too, Sohee; cuteness will not save you this time.”

As they started to critique and laugh at each other’s sandcastles, Sungchan noticed Eunseok silently slipping away down the beach. Instinctively, he stepped forward, wanting to follow. But Anton was quicker, jogging off to catch up with Eunseok.

Sungchan watched them go, feeling a pang of sadness. It was a harsh reminder that Eunseok didn’t need Sungchan to look out for him anymore. Not that he ever really did, but Sungchan had always liked being there for him.

As the others settled back onto their blankets, chatting and munching on snacks, Anton returned alone. 

Sohee looked up and asked, “Where’s Eunseok?”

Feeling everyone's eyes on him, Anton mumbled, “He’s over by the tide pools. He’ll be back soon.”

Sungchan forced himself to wait, counting to sixty in his head. Each second felt like an hour. Finally, he stood up, dusting the sand from his shorts. He knew his friends would know where he was going, and he didn’t want to see their pointed glances. Keeping his head down, he started walking. 

Eunseok, crouched next to a shallow pool, was intently watching a small crab meandering across the rocks when Sungchan caught up with him. He smiled at the sight, approaching slowly. “You always did have a knack for finding the best spots,” he said. 

Startled, Eunseok’s foot slipped on the wet rocks. Sungchan naturally stretched out his arms to provide support, gripping onto Eunseok's arm and placing a hand on his back. They froze, staring at each other, their proximity making Sungchan’s heart race.

Eunseok quickly regained his balance, running a hand through the back of his hair. “Thanks,” he muttered, avoiding Sungchan’s eyes.

Sungchan let go, feeling the awkwardness settle between them again. “No problem. I didn’t want you to end up taking a swim,” he said with a light chuckle, trying to break the tension.

Eunseok gave a small, forced smile and turned back to the pool. Sungchan took a deep breath, then sat down beside him. “Mind if I join you?”

Eunseok shrugged, still not looking at him. “I only own the beach on Thursdays and Sundays, so you’re in luck. It’s free. Do whatever you want.”

Sungchan couldn’t help but laugh, wondering how on earth he’d made it through the past two years without Eunseok to make him smile. 

Sungchan sighed, looking out at the water. “You know, I miss this. Just hanging out. It doesn’t have to be awkward.”

Eunseok’s shoulders stiffened. “Of course you would say that. You're not the one who kissed—” He trailed off, sighing, and tightening his jaw.

They sat in silence for a few seconds, the sounds of the ocean filling the gap. Eunseok fiddled with his shoelace, not looking up. “I told you I loved you, Sungchan. How do we come back from something like that?” 

Sungchan’s breath caught in his throat, as he heard Eunseok say those words again. It was the first time they had truly confronted what had happened. A rush of emotions flooded through him, each one more intense than the last. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. 

“But you have Anton now,” Sungchan said, his voice almost breaking. He looked desperately at Eunseok, his eyes pleading. “You don’t still feel that way about me, right?”

Eunseok’s hand stilled on his shoelace, his expression unreadable. Silence stretched between them. Eunseok finally stood up, his voice cracking as he said, “Right.”

Sungchan hurried to stand as well, jumping down onto the sand and holding out his hand for Eunseok. His thoughts raced—please don’t push me away. Just take my hand and show me that we can be okay. 

After a moment of hesitation, Eunseok finally took his hand, and allowed Sungchan to help him down from the rocks.

Sungchan’s mind raced as they walked slowly back towards their friends. He couldn’t let this moment slip away. 

“Eunseok, wait,” Sungchan said, stepping in front of him. “Remember all those times we’d stay up late talking about our dreams and fears? We told each other everything, and I always thought I had things figured out.” Sungchan’s voice wavered, and he took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. “But when you kissed me, I realized how clueless I was.”

Eunseok frowned slightly, but he remained silent, listening intently. 

“I panicked because I didn’t want to lose the one person who knew me best,” Sungchan continued. “I thought I was protecting our friendship by running away, but I only ended up destroying it.” He ran a hand through his hair, the frustration and regret clear on his face. “I’ve spent these past two years trying to understand it all, and I can’t stand the thought of us being strangers.”

Eunseok’s expression softened, with a hint of pain in his eyes as he processed Sungchan’s words.

“I just want to fix what we had,” Sungchan said, his voice softer now. “To be there for you the way I should have been in the first place. I miss you,” he paused, looking directly into Eunseok’s eyes, “and I really am willing to do whatever it takes to make things right.”

Eunseok groaned, rolling his head backwards. “Sungchan, please stop beating yourself up about it.” He sighed deeply, his shoulders sagging. “I decided to kiss you. In hindsight, maybe it was a dumb move.” He gave a small, rueful smile, his eyes reflecting a deep, lingering sadness. “It's almost like a rite of passage for a gay kid, falling for your straight best friend.”

He reached out and squeezed Sungchan's shoulder gently, his touch both comforting and hesitant. “I’ll try to act normal around you, okay? Whatever normal is for us now.”

The realization hit Sungchan suddenly. Oh great, he thought, all those times he'd spoken with their mutual friends about his studies, college life, even his attempts to cook—they’d happily passed all of that useless information on to Eunseok. But no one had thought to mention, Oh, hey, did you hear Sungchan finally realized he’s into guys as well? Or, maybe you should give him a call because he’s in love with you too. None of them said a word about his significant sexual identity shift. Christ.

“Eunseok, hold on!” Sungchan called out, quickening his pace to catch him. “There’s something else I need to tell you. I’ve spent the last two years doing a lot of thinking, and I realized—” He hesitated, his usual confidence faltering for a moment. “There’s a whole lot you don’t know about what’s been going on with me.” 

Before Sungchan could finish, Anton appeared, calling out, “There you are! We’ve got Naengmyeon waiting.” He smiled sweetly at Eunseok.

Eunseok glanced at Sungchan, who gave a small, reassuring shake of his head and a quick wave of his hand, signaling for him to go ahead. Eunseok nodded, wrapping an arm around Anton’s shoulder. “You’re always so needy,” he teased, shaking his head.

Anton laughed, giving him a playful nudge. “Shut up.”

Sungchan swallowed hard, and the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat. He lost the moment, watching Eunseok and Anton as they walked away. 

The midday sun beat down on the beach as they set up for a game of volleyball. 

Eunseok stood to the side, arms crossed, with an easy grin on his face. “I’ll referee,” he announced, patting his stomach. “Too warm and full to exercise.”

Sungchan snorted, then adjusted the net. “Yeah, and when it’s winter and you haven’t eaten, you’re too cold and hungry to exercise. Just admit you don’t like to exert yourself, Eunseokie.”

Eunseok chuckled, meeting Sungchan’s eyes. “I admit to nothing,” he replied with a wink, the shared smile lingering between them.

Wonbin, always the organizer, clapped his hands. “Okay, the rest of us will divide into two teams of three!”

Sungchan peeled off his T-shirt, closing his eyes briefly as he felt the heat on his skin. Leaning forward, he tossed his shirt down by one of the net poles. As he straightened up, he sensed a pair of eyes watching him. He glanced over and caught Eunseok’s gaze, which lingered on his chest, then moved slowly down to his abs and across his arms. Eunseok’s throat bobbed in a nervous swallow, his eyes darkening slightly.

Sungchan felt a rush of satisfaction; his stomach flipping. His pulse quickened with excitement and nerves. It felt like the world had shrunk to just them, and the intensity of Eunseok’s gaze made his skin pickle. It felt good—too good—to have Eunseok’s eyes on him alone. Sungchan’s heart raced with adrenaline, matching the fire igniting low in his stomach. 

But the moment was fleeting. Anton walked over with a bottle of sunscreen, playfully wiping a blob on Eunseok’s cheek. “Don’t forget to protect yourself,” Anton said, grinning.

Eunseok laughed, rubbing the sunscreen into his skin with a genuine smile. 

Sungchan’s gut tightened as he watched Eunseok and Anton laugh together. He felt a sharp twinge of jealousy that left a bitter taste in his mouth. Forcing a smile, he turned back to the game, but his voice wavered. “Alright, let’s get started!” he called out, trying to infuse his words with enthusiasm, though his chest felt heavy and constricted. 

Every time Sungchan closed his eyes, he could see Eunseok’s face. The memory of his lustful gaze played on a loop, haunting him and keeping him awake. Frustrated, he sat up, deciding he needed to do something about it. He slid on a pair of sweats, grabbed his jacket, and slipped out of the house.

As Sungchan walked to Eunseok’s place, he texted Wonbin, knowing he was the only one who would definitely still be awake. 

Hey, Wonbin, I need to ask you something, but no follow-up questions, okay? Just answer or pretend this never happened. Which window is Eunseok and Anton’s bedroom?

He sent the message, dreading what he was going to owe Wonbin for this information. When Wonbin replied that Eunseok’s room was the front left window, Sungchan wondered why Eunseok and Anton slept in separate rooms. Maybe Anton snores, he thought, shrugging it off. Eunseok always needed quiet to sleep. 

Arriving at the unfamiliar house around midnight, Sungchan picked up a few small stones and gently tossed them at the front left window, just like he used to do to Eunseok's childhood bedroom window when they were teenagers and he couldn’t sleep.

He held his breath, waiting for a response, and after a moment, the blind rolled up. Eunseok’s sleepy face appeared, illuminated by the faint glow of his phone. Sungchan waved with a playful grin on his face and gestured for Eunseok to come outside.

Eunseok hesitated for a moment, glancing back into his room before nodding. A few minutes later, he emerged from the front door, quietly closing it behind him. “Are you still having trouble sleeping?” he said in a low voice, walking over to where Sungchan stood. 

Sungchan nodded. “Too many thoughts. You were always the only one who could quiet my mind. We used to go on late-night walks all the time, remember?”

Eunseok smiled softly. “Yeah, I remember. I'm pretty sure that’s why our teachers always said I wasn’t living up to my full potential. I was constantly exhausted from you dragging me out after midnight.” He chuckled, the fondness clear in his eyes. “I could have been something, Sungchan,” he muttered dryly, rubbing his temple with an exaggerated sigh, as if the weight of his unrealized potential was too much to bear.

Sungchan laughed heartily, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He placed a hand on Eunseok’s shoulder, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “Don’t worry, I’ll take full responsibility for your lost potential,” he said, a playful glint in his eyes.

Eunseok smirked. “Good, I’ve always wanted to be a kept man,” he replied dryly before bursting into laughter, the sound light and genuine. 

They walked, laughing and joking with each other. The sounds of their footsteps against the pavement created a soothing rhythm. Eventually, they reached the rolling hills surrounding their hometown and chose a spot low on the hillside. They lay down on their backs, side by side, still chuckling, and gazed up at the stars.

“It’s been a while since we did this,” Eunseok said quietly. 

Sungchan nervously swallowed, his eyes fixed on the stars. “Yeah, it’s nice that we’re doing this again. There was a time I thought I’d never hear your voice again.”

Eunseok rolled his head to the side, staring at Sungchan’s profile. Sungchan couldn’t bring himself to look back. After a moment of silence, Sungchan took a deep breath. “When did you realize you were gay?”

Eunseok turned quiet, so much so that Sungchan thought he was going to avoid the question entirely. When finally, he sighed. “I knew for sure when I was 13. When our friends talked about girls, I realized I didn’t feel the same way. Those kinds of feelings only happened around you.” He said the last part awkwardly, reluctant but honest.

Sungchan’s eyes widened in surprise. “Have you liked me since we were thirteen? Why didn’t you tell me earlier?”

Eunseok scoffed, turning his gaze back to the sky. “Why? So I could’ve lost you sooner?” He shook his head, and then, softening his voice, he added, “Sorry. I was scared. I didn’t have it all figured out back then. My head was a mess.” 

They both turned to look at each other. Sungchan reached out grasping onto Eunseok’s hand. “I’m really sorry I wasn’t there for you, but I’m here now. I’m not going anywhere.”

Sungchan doesn't know how long they lay there, gazing up at the stars with their hands clasped together, finding comfort in the silence. Just as Sungchan’s fingers began to trace soothing patterns across Eunseok’s knuckles, Eunseok sat up and said, “It’s getting late now. We should head back.”

Sungchan glanced down at Eunseok’s hand as they walked, his fingers twitching with the urge to reach out. But he stopped himself, thinking it might be too weird. But friends hold hands, right? It doesn't have to mean anything. He debated internally, worried he’d make things awkward. Before he could make a decision, they arrived outside Eunseok's house. Eunseok gestured behind him. “Well, this is me.”

Sungchan snorted. “Yeah, I know where you live.”

Eunseok chuckled softly. “Think you’ll be able to sleep now?”

Sungchan nodded. “Yeah, thanks to you, I think I’ll sleep pretty well.” He smiled widely at Eunseok. “You should get inside before Anton realizes you’re missing.”

Eunseok shuffled his feet, looking down briefly, before meeting Sungchan’s eyes again. “Yeah, right.” He gave a small, shy wave. “Goodnight, Sungchan.”

“Goodnight, Eunseok.”

Sungchan watched as Eunseok slipped back inside the house. With a sigh, he shoved his hands into the pockets of his sweatpants and started walking home, finally feeling the weight of tiredness settle over him.

His friends had set up a video call to plan their next hangout. Sungchan leaned back in his chair, the glow from his laptop screen illuminating his face as he listened to his friends chatter. 

“So, what are we doing on Friday night?” Seunghan asked, munching on some chips. “I’m free after six.”

“We could go out for dinner,” Shotaro suggested, his face popping up in a small window on the screen.

“Or we could just hang out somewhere,” Wonbin added, his voice slightly muffled as he fiddled with his headphones.

“I’m up for anything,” Eunseok said, leaning back on his bed with Anton beside him, both sharing the same screen.

Anton nodded in agreement. “Yeah, as long as we’re all together, it’ll be fun.”

Sohee suddenly perked up. “How about a movie night? We haven’t done one of those in a while.”

“Good idea,” Shotaro said. “We could do it at Eunseok and Anton’s house. Since Anton's dad just bought them that fancy new couch.” He waggled his eyebrows playfully.

Anton looked embarrassed, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “Uh, yeah, I guess that works.”

Eunseok smirked at him. “Don’t worry, the couch can handle all of us.”

“Perfect,” Sohee said. “But what about food? We can’t just watch movies on empty stomachs.”

Shotaro grinned mischievously. “Sungchan, you should prepare the food. Show us if those cooking classes were worth the money or not.”

Sungchan laughed nervously, trying to get out of it. “I’m not used to cooking for so many people by myself. I might need some help.”

Anton, always quick with a solution, volunteered Eunseok's help. “Eunseok can help you. You can even use our kitchen.” 

Sungchan didn’t miss the pointed look Eunseok shot at Anton, a mix of annoyance and resignation.

Feeling awkward but also wanting to spend time with Eunseok one-on-one, Sungchan agreed. “Alright, but I run a tight ship in the kitchen, so you better be prepared,” he said, smirking at Eunseok.

Eunseok rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide his own smile. “Yeah, yeah. Let’s just get it over with.”

On Friday evening, Sungchan arrived at Eunseok and Anton’s place, ingredients in hand. Eunseok led him to the kitchen, and they set to work. The kitchen was spacious enough, with a small island in the center, perfect for prepping their meal.

“I thought we could make kimchi fried rice, short ribs, oi muchim, and ramen,” Sungchan said, setting the ingredients down on the island. “Something so simple, even we can't mess it up.” He laughed. 

Eunseok chuckled, shaking his head. “A wise choice. Especially considering my cooking skills mostly consist of seasoning and guesswork.”

Sungchan grinned. “Don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it. Where’s the rice cooker?”

Eunseok pointed to a cupboard. “In there.”

Sungchan retrieved the rice cooker and set it on the counter. “Here, you can start with rice. Measure out three cups and give it a good rinse.”

Eunseok nodded, fetching the rice and measuring cups. He began rinsing the rice, his movements careful and precise.

Sungchan watched him for a moment, appreciating the way Eunseok’s hands moved and the way his brow furrowed in concentration. 

“You’re doing great,” he said, giving Eunseok an encouraging smile.

“Thanks, but it's not like it's difficult,” Eunseok said, a small smile playing on his lips. “What’s next?”

Sungchan handed him a cutting board and a knife. “While the rice is cooking, you can chop the cucumbers. I’ll handle the meat.”

After a while, Sungchan noticed Eunseok struggling with the knife. He stepped behind him, his chest nearly brushing against Eunseok’s back.

“Let me show you,” Sungchan murmured, his breath warm against Eunseok’s ear. He felt Eunseok shiver against him, and the subtle movement sent a rush of heat through Sungchan.

He placed his hands over Eunseok’s, guiding the knife with gentle, precise movements. He could feel the heat radiating from Eunseok and the way his breath caught every time their fingers brushed. Sungchan’s pulse raced.

Sungchan leaned in slightly, their cheeks almost touching. His eyes traced the curve of Eunseok’s lips, so close and tempting. He could see the faint flush on Eunseok’s cheeks, as well as the way his eyes widened as Sungchan’s nose lightly grazed his skin. 

Eunseok slowly turned his head to face Sungchan, swallowing nervously. His eyes dropped to Sungchan’s lips. He could see the conflict in Eunseok’s eyes—the desire, the uncertainty, and the undeniable attraction. One of Eunseok’s hands fell to rest on Sungchan’s thigh, their breaths mingling from the closeness. 

Sungchan’s mind screamed at him to close the gap and find out if the tension between them would burst into something more. But just as they leaned in, the oven timer beeped loudly, breaking the spell and bringing them crashing back to reality. Eunseok pushed himself away from Sungchan, immediately avoiding his gaze. He turned to the cupboards, pretending to search for bowls, but Sungchan noticed the white-knuckle grip he had on the cupboard door. 

The sound of familiar voices floated in from the front door, signaling their friends' arrival. They piled into the kitchen, and Anton, smiling brightly, said, “Something smells good!” He walked over and rested his chin on Eunseok’s shoulder.

Sungchan's heart twisted at the sight. He forced himself to focus on dishing food into bowls, but Anton's affectionate gesture kept replaying in his mind. Sungchan's hands trembled slightly as the ladle slipped from his grip. His throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, fighting the rising bile. How could he have almost kissed Eunseok when he knew he was with Anton?

Sungchan stirred the pot on the stove, trying to keep his mind occupied. He liked Anton. The guy was kind, funny, and seemed genuinely happy with Eunseok. Under different circumstances, Sungchan was sure they would have been close friends. But there was the small, undeniable truth: Sungchan was in love with Eunseok, and that complicated everything.

Eunseok’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Here’s a plate for the ribs. It should be big enough,” he said, his tone overly cheerful. He handed the plate to Sungchan, their fingertips touching momentarily, making Eunseok flinch.

“Thanks,” Sungchan replied, his voice steady despite the chaos in his mind. He forced a smile, looking at Eunseok, who quickly averted his gaze.

Anton didn’t seem to notice the awkwardness. “Need help with anything else?” he asked, his arm still around Eunseok.

Sungchan shook his head. “No, I think we’ve got it covered. I just need to finish up here, and we’re good to go.”

Anton nodded and turned to the others. “Okay, let’s get the table set up in the living room.”

As their friends busied themselves with setting the table, Sungchan’s mind raced. He couldn't shake the image of Eunseok’s face just moments before the timer went off, the way their fingers had intertwined, and the tension that crackled between them. Surely, that had to mean something?

He glanced at Eunseok, who was now calmly setting the table. Sungchan wondered if Eunseok felt the same turmoil, despite his composed demeanor. Or was it only Sungchan? Was it all in his head?

“Hey, Sungchan,” Seunghan called from the living room, breaking the silence. “Bring that kimchi fried rice over here. We’re starving!”

Sungchan laughed, grateful for the distraction. “On it!” He picked up the bowl, trying to shake off his thoughts. He carried the dish into the living room, where the others were already settling in for the night. 

As he placed the bowl on the coffee table, Anton handed him a drink. “Thanks for cooking, Sungchan. It smells incredible.”

Sungchan took the drink, nodding. “No problem. I hope you guys like it.”

They gathered in the living room, spreading themselves out between the couch and cushions scattered on the floor. They dimmed the lights, setting the perfect mood for a movie night. Anton had meticulously arranged the snacks on the coffee table, and Shotaro was busy fiddling with the remote, trying to get the projector to work.

Sungchan hovered, not knowing where to sit. Anton had claimed one of the free spots on the couch, which left the only other available seat right next to Eunseok. Sungchan hesitated, unsure if Eunseok would be comfortable with him sitting so close. He knew making a big deal out of it in front of everyone wasn’t an option, which left him torn.

Anton seemed to notice Sungchan’s indecision and pointed to the space on the couch. “It’s free,” he said with a friendly smile.

Sungchan nodded and muttered a thanks, dropping onto the couch cushion, careful to avoid touching Eunseok. He frowned slightly, noticing Sungchan’s odd behavior but didn’t say anything. The movie, an action thriller that Sohee had chosen, began, and Sungchan managed to lose himself in the plot, trying to forget all about the past few hours. 

Midway through the movie, Eunseok placed one of the popcorn bowls from the table on his lap. Without thinking, Sungchan reached for the bowl, his hand brushing against Eunseok’s. He pulled his hand away quickly, but from that moment on, he found himself watching Eunseok instead of the movie. 

As he laughed, Sungchan’s eyes traced the lines of Eunseok’s face, noticing the dimple that appeared on his cheek and how his smile made his whole face seem softer. He watched the way Eunseok ran a finger along his bottom lip when he was trying to figure out if what the character said had some deeper meaning to the plot. Sungchan’s heart beat faster, mesmerized by every expression on Eunseok’s face.

Eunseok must have felt Sungchan’s eyes on him because he suddenly turned his head and met Sungchan’s gaze. They sat like that for a few moments, just staring at each other, as the rest of the room faded away. Sungchan’s breath caught, overwhelmed by the moment. He could see uncertainty in Eunseok’s eyes, mixed with something else that mirrored his own feelings. The air between them seemed to buzz with unspoken words. 

Eunseok’s lips parted slightly, as if he were about to speak, but nothing came out. Sungchan’s hand twitched, wanting to reach out and close the distance between them. 

A sudden noise from the screen made Anton and Wonbin jump, breaking the moment. Anton grabbed Eunseok’s hand, and Wonbin leaned back against Sungchan’s knees. He reluctantly tore his eyes away from Eunseok, his heart still pounding in his chest. He patted Wonbin's shoulder, trying to ground himself. Eunseok quickly looked away, laughing softly at Anton’s reaction. 

As the credits rolled and the lights flicked back on, everyone stretched and started chatting about the film.

“That was intense!” Seunghan exclaimed, stretching his arms above his head. “The car chase scene was insane.”

Shotaro nodded enthusiastically. “I know, right? And what a twist at the end! I didn’t see that coming.”

Anton laughed. “You always say that, Taro. You never see anything coming.”

“Hey, I’m just easily entertained,” Shotaro replied with a grin.

Wonbin chuckled, shaking his head. “The fight scenes were fun. Maybe I should start training in Wushu.” 

Sungchan, who had spent more time watching Eunseok than the movie, finally chimed in. “The main guy was pretty badass,” he said, trying to join the conversation.

Seunghan laughed, playfully smacking Sungchan’s knee. “Oh, so that’s your type, huh?”

Wonbin grinned. “Nah, Sungchan likes his girls cool. He prefers his guys aloof and more out-of-the-box,” he teased, his gaze subtly shifting towards Eunseok. Everyone else laughed, except for Eunseok, who looked genuinely confused.

“Guys?” Eunseok questioned, his brows knitting together as he tried to process what he was hearing.

Sungchan opened his mouth to explain, but Seunghan beat him to it.

“Yeah, you didn't know? Sungchan here is our little bisexual disaster,” Seunghan said with a chuckle, making everyone laugh again. Everyone except Sungchan, who was staring at Eunseok, and Eunseok, who was staring at the floor. Sungchan could see the hurt flashing across Eunseok’s face as he looked away, his shoulders tensing.

Eunseok abruptly rose from his seat, his footsteps brisk as he left the room. Sungchan’s heart dropped, and without a second thought, he was on his feet, following Eunseok. Ignoring his friends' concerned calls, he rushed after him. 

Outside, he found Eunseok on the front steps, pacing back and forth and running his hands through his hair in frustration. “Eunseok,” he said, his chest tightening. “I can explain.”

Eunseok stopped pacing and turned to face him. “Explain what, Sungchan?” he asked, his voice strained. He sighed, irritation evident in his eyes. When he spoke again, his tone was softer, almost defeated. “You have nothing to explain. You don’t owe me anything.”

“I just—” Eunseok paused, letting out a bitter laugh. “All this time, I thought you turned me down because you weren’t into guys. But no, it’s because you weren’t into me.” He forced a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Yeah, it stings and hurts my pride, but I’ll survive. I just need a minute to myself.”

“Eunseok…” Sungchan uttered softly, stepping forward. 

Eunseok held up a hand, his expression pleading. “Please, just go back inside. I promise, I’ll be okay. I just need some space.”

Reluctantly, Sungchan nodded and stepped back into the house. As he closed the door, he heard Eunseok groan in frustration, the sound ringing in his ears.

As always, Sungchan’s first instinct was to run, but he couldn't. Not with Eunseok outside asking for space. Instead, he hurried into the kitchen, letting the door swing shut behind him. He heard Seunghan’s voice, speaking clearly to Anton, saying, “You take Eunseok, I'll take Sungchan.” 

Seconds later, the door opened, and Seunghan stepped inside. They locked eyes, and in an instant, Seunghan was crossing the room, pulling Sungchan into a tight, comforting hug. “It’s gonna be okay,” he whispered into Sungchan’s hair.

Tears began to fall silently from Sungchan's eyes as he mumbled into Seunghan’s shoulder, “How did it get like this?”

After a moment, Sungchan stopped crying and lifted his head to look at Seunghan. “Eunseok hates me.”

Seunghan scoffed, shaking his head. “If there’s one person who could never hate you, it’s Eunseok.”

Sungchan wasn’t sure he believed him but said, “I hope you’re right.”

The next afternoon, Sungchan was out running errands for his mom. He was halfway through his list when he spotted Anton sitting alone inside a cafe. His initial reaction was to keep walking, to avoid the inevitable awkwardness. But curiosity about Eunseok gnawed at him. He sighed, squared his shoulders, and headed inside.

“Hey, Anton,” Sungchan said, forcing a smile as he approached the table.

Anton looked up from his phone, offering a polite but distant nod. “Hey, Sungchan.”

Small talk ensued about the weather and weekend plans, with Sungchan struggling to keep the conversation light. After a beat, he decided to rip off the band-aid.

“Is Eunseok not here with you?” Sungchan asked, trying to sound casual.

Anton shrugged, taking a sip of his coffee. "We don't do everything together.” He straightened his cup in line with the table before turning back to Sungchan. “Grab a drink and join me. We need to talk.”

Sungchan's stomach churned with nerves, but he nodded and ordered his drink. Once he rejoined Anton at the table, he noticed Anton fidgeting with the napkin holder and his cup again before finally looking him in the eye. 

"Sungchan, I don't know all the details of what happened between you and Eunseok," Anton started, his tone calm but firm. "But I know enough to realize it's complicated.”

Sungchan nodded, unsure of where this was heading but sensing it wasn't good.

“You need to sort things out with him,” Anton continued. “Whatever's going on, it's messing with his head. And I think you know that.”

Sungchan's heart sank. “I do, but... I just don't know where to start.”

Anton leaned forward, his expression serious but not unkind. “I know you have feelings for him. It's pretty obvious. Eunseok is the only one who can't see it. But you need to be clear about what you want. Don't string him along if you're not sure.”

Sungchan blinked, taken aback. “You're okay with this? Me having feelings for him?”

Anton gave a wry smile. “That's not really the point, is it? The point is, you need to be honest with him. For his sake, and yours.”

Sungchan felt a knot of guilt tighten in his chest. “I don't want to hurt him. I never did.”

“Then don't,” Anton replied simply. “Be upfront. Whether it's about fixing your friendship or something more, just be honest. Eunseok deserves that.”

Sungchan nodded slowly, absorbing Anton's words.

Later that evening, Sungchan lay in bed listening to old records, the soft crackle of the vinyl filling the room. He was lost in the music when his phone vibrated on the nightstand. Glancing over, he bolted upright when he saw Eunseok’s name on the screen.

His pulse quickened, and he flattened his hair instinctively before feeling foolish—it wasn't even a video call. He cleared his throat, took a deep breath, and answered.

“Hey,” he said, trying to keep his voice steady.

“Hey,” Eunseok replied, the familiar tone of his voice sending a rush of warmth through Sungchan.

Sungchan lay back down, a smile spreading across his face. They began to talk, reminiscing about old times. They laughed about the time they tried to sneak into a concert and got caught, and Eunseok teased Sungchan about the first time they got drunk together after sneaking his dad’s alcohol.

“You were singing break-up songs at karaoke for the rest of the night,” Eunseok said, chuckling. “And then you cried. It was a mess.”

Sungchan groaned playfully. “Hey, my emotional range is one of my best qualities. Besides, I think you're forgetting that you were my backup dancer.”

Eunseok burst into laughter; the sound was infectious. “Oh god, I remember that. We were terrible!”

“Terrible? We gave that karaoke room the performance of a lifetime,” Sungchan teased. “We should’ve charged for tickets.”

They both laughed until their stomachs hurt. 

Eunseok awkwardly cleared his throat. “So, uh, about last night…” he said, his voice hesitant. “I’m sorry for acting so weird. It just caught me off guard.”

“Don’t worry about it,” Sungchan replied quickly. “Really. If anything, I’m surprised you’ve kept your cool for this long. I probably deserved to be shouted at way before now.”

Eunseok chuckled softly. “Maybe, but still. I am sorry.”

“I get it,” Sungchan said gently. “But we’re talking now, right? That’s what matters.”

There was a brief silence, and Eunseok seemed to be pondering something. “You know what I was thinking about the other day?” he said, a sly smile playing on his lips. “That time you convinced me to help you build a treehouse in your backyard when we were 14. Which, by the way, I still think was way too old to be doing that.”

Sungchan laughed, “Oh man, that infamous tree house. I remember. We thought we were so cool, like we were building some grand fortress.”

Eunseok chuckled. “Yeah, until we realized neither of us knew the first thing about building a treehouse. It was more of a death trap than a fortress.”

“Hey, it had a solid foundation—kind of,” Sungchan defended, grinning. “And don’t forget the trapdoor. That was my masterpiece.”

“Oh, the trapdoor,” Eunseok said, laughing harder. “Do you mean the trapdoor that was only a trapdoor because you didn’t secure the wood properly, and I fell through it and scratched my whole leg up?”

Sungchan smiled fondly. “Oh right, my mom totally freaked out when she saw you. She drove us straight to the hospital.”

“Yeah, and I had to get a tetanus shot,” Eunseok added, shaking his head with a grin. “How come I always bear the brunt of your schemes?”

Sungchan’s smile softened. “I’m glad you were always there with me, though. It wouldn't have been the same without you. I wouldn't have been the same.”

They continued talking, sharing stories, and laughing. After nearly two hours, Sungchan yawned, unable to hide his tired state any longer. 

“You should sleep,” Eunseok said gently. “It’s late.”

Sungchan whined playfully. “No, don’t go. Talk to me until I fall asleep.”

Eunseok hesitated. “Are you serious?”

“Absolutely,” Sungchan replied, his voice soft. “Please?”

Eunseok sighed softly but didn’t hang up. “Remember the time we got lost in the mountains on that school trip? You insisted you knew the way back.”

“Why do all of your trips down memory lane involve me leading you astray?” Sungchan mumbled sleepily.

Eunseok chuckled. “Shh, just listen,” he said, continuing to talk as Sungchan’s eyelids grew heavier with each word, and soon his breathing evened out, signaling he had fallen asleep.

“Goodnight, Sungchan,” Eunseok whispered, a fond smile in his voice. He hung up the phone, leaving Sungchan to dream with a peaceful expression on his face. 

It had been four days since his and Eunseok’s late-night phone call, and in that time, they’d been talking, texting, and hanging out a lot. It was starting to feel like old times between them. 

Around lunchtime, Sungchan decided to call Eunseok. As the phone rang, he stood in front of his closet, holding up different shirts, trying to decide which one looked best on him.

“Hey,” Eunseok answered.

“Hey,” Sungchan said, grinning at the sound of Eunseok’s voice. “What are you up to? Want to grab lunch together?”

“I can't. I'm studying at a café,” Eunseok replied.

“Does the café serve good food?” Sungchan asked, holding a blue shirt in front of himself and scrutinizing his reflection.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Eunseok said, sounding a bit puzzled.

“Great, I’ll be there soon,” Sungchan said, tossing the blue shirt aside and picking up a white one. “Text me the address.”

“Wait, Sungchan,” Eunseok said quickly. “I really am studying.”

“I’ll help you. It'll be fun,” Sungchan replied, settling on the white shirt and slipping it on.

“You want to help me study?” Eunseok asked, incredulous. “Even when we were at school together, you never wanted to do that.”

“So, it’ll be something new for us,” Sungchan said, grinning. “I’m on my way.”

Sungchan could hear Eunseok’s amused sigh. “Alright, see you soon.”

He hung up the phone, ran a hand through his hair to flatten it, and grabbed his keys. Jogging downstairs, he headed out the door. 

Sungchan arrived at the café and spotted Eunseok at a corner table by the window, his books spread out around him. He waved as he approached, and Eunseok’s face lit up with a smile.

“Hey,” Sungchan said, sliding into the seat across from him. “You weren’t kidding about studying.”

“I told you,” Eunseok replied, chuckling. “But thanks for coming. I already ordered some iced coffees.”

“You always know what I like,” Sungchan said, taking a sip and savoring the cool drink.

Eunseok rested his chin on his hands, trying to subtly hide his smile with his fingers.

“Are you hungry?” Sungchan asked, leaning forward. “What do you want to eat? It’s my treat.”

Eunseok glanced at the menu. “How about Osam Jjigae, rice, and ramen?”

“Perfect,” Sungchan replied, waving over the waitress to place their order. 

As Eunseok started eating, Sungchan leaned back in his chair, watching him with a content look on his face. Eunseok paused, pointing his chopsticks at the food. “It’s good. You should eat.”

Sungchan shook his head. “Uh, actually, I already ate.”

Eunseok’s eyes widened in surprise. “Then why’d you ask if I wanted to have lunch with you?”

With a grin on his face, Sungchan shrugged. “I just wanted to see you.”

Eunseok rolled his eyes, but he couldn’t hide the smile that spread across his lips. “You’re impossible, you know that?”

“Did you ever figure out that data analysis project that you mentioned?” Sungchan asked, deftly switching the topic.

Eunseok nodded, swallowing a bite of food before answering. “Yeah, I finally got it. It took forever, though.”

Sungchan chuckled. “I bet. Sociology seems intense.”

“It can be,” Eunseok admitted. “But I enjoy it. It’s interesting to understand how society works and why people do what they do.”

Sungchan leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “You’ve always had a knack for figuring people out.”

Eunseok smiled, his eyes softening. “I had to be if I wanted to keep up with you. I always had to stay one step ahead to figure out what you were up to and what kind of trouble we were going to get into.”

“Hmm” Sungchan hummed, sitting up straighter, giving Eunseok his full attention. “So, what’s troubling you today?”

Eunseok sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ve got this sociology question that’s been driving me nuts. I have to discuss the role of social constructs in shaping individual identity. It’s supposed to be straightforward, but I’m stuck. Nothing I write sounds good enough.”

Sungchan tilted his head, considering the dilemma. “You’re probably overthinking it,” he mused. “Okay, look at it like this. Society expects me to be this playful, clumsy guy who’s always losing stuff and making people laugh. That’s part of how people around me see me, and I end up leaning into it because it’s easier and it makes people happy. It’s like playing a role that society has given me.”

He paused, tapping his fingers on the table. “But there’s more to me. I also love sports, gaming, and making music. Those are things I genuinely enjoy and choose to do. So, while society might give me this role, I still have my own interests and choices that make me who I am. It’s like a mix of expectations and personal preferences.”

Eunseok nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face. “That’s actually really smart, Sungchan. I never thought of it like that.”

Sungchan grinned. “Glad I could be useful for something. But seriously, Eunseok, you’ve got this. You know this stuff. Just be yourself and answer it in your own way. Don’t try to second-guess what your professors want. Your perspective is what makes it interesting.”

Eunseok’s eyes softened, a small smile playing on his lips. He glanced at the open books on the table and hesitated. “Are you sure you want to go back to school in a couple weeks? I could hire you as my life coach.”

Sungchan felt a surge of warmth and a flutter in his chest. It sounded like Eunseok didn’t want him to leave again, and that thought made Sungchan feel both hopeful and anxious. “Ah, come on now,” he said, chuckling. “I think you know better than anyone that I make terrible decisions. I should never be anyone's life coach. But if you do need me, I’m just a phone call away. You know you can call anytime, right?”

Eunseok looked up at Sungchan and nodded. “That goes both ways, you know. You can call me anytime too.”

They stared at one another, the noise of the café fading into the background. Eunseok absentmindedly dropped his pen. It rolled under the table, and they both bent down to retrieve it. Their hands touched, and Sungchan felt a jolt that seemed to resonate in his chest, making his breath catch.

Their faces were inches apart, and they paused, eyes locked. A shy smile spread across Eunseok’s face, mirrored by Sungchan, and they both laughed softly. They sat back up, with Eunseok holding the pen, his cheeks slightly flushed. 

“Got it,” Eunseok said, twirling the pen nervously between his fingers. 

Sungchan observed him, thinking how even the simplest moments with Eunseok felt significant. When school started again, how was he going to cope with being so far away from him? 

Sungchan missed Eunseok. It had only been a few days since they last saw each other, but talking on the phone every night just wasn’t enough. Sungchan wanted to see him in person and feel that familiar warmth. Determined, he texted Eunseok, his fingers moving quickly across the keyboard as he typed.

Hey, are you free right now? 

He waited, his heart pounding, staring at his phone as if willing it to buzz. Moments felt like hours until, finally, the screen lit up with a reply.

Yeah, no plans. What's up? 

Sungchan’s lips curled into a smile. He quickly typed, I’m coming over, and hit send. 

He headed to the garage, his heart pounding. As he searched for his old bike, he brushed off the cobwebs with shaky hands. The bike was a bit worn, but it would do. He hopped on and pedaled furiously, the nervous energy coursing through him like electricity.

As he rested his bike against a streetlight, the front door opened almost immediately. Eunseok jogged down the steps to greet him, a warm smile lighting up his face. Sungchan’s grin widened, realizing Eunseok must have been watching for him at the window. 

"Hey," Sungchan said, his voice full of warmth. He tapped the bike seat with his hand. "You still have your old bike, right? If not, I guess you'll just need to jump on the back."

Eunseok chuckled softly, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. “Yeah, I’ve got it. But are we really doing this?”

Sungchan nodded. “We used to spend hours riding around. It'll be fun, like old times.”

Eunseok’s smile faltered slightly before he quickly recovered. “Alright, give me a minute,” he said, heading around the back of the house to retrieve his bike. Sungchan watched him go, a wave of affection washing over him. He noticed how Eunseok’s hair bounced slightly as he walked and how his shoulders tensed and then relaxed.

As Eunseok returned with his bike, Sungchan’s heart skipped a beat. They stood there for a moment, both smiling awkwardly but warmly at each other. Eunseok seemed to hesitate, looking at Sungchan’s bike before returning his eyes to him. 

“Ready?” Sungchan asked. 

Eunseok laughed softly, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down Sungchan’s spine. “Yeah, let’s do it,” he said, mounting his bike. “Lead the way.”

They pedaled side by side, the sound of their wheels crunching over the gravel. 

“You call that riding?” Sungchan jokes, pedaling faster, grinning as Eunseok pretends to kick at his back wheel. 

“Hey, I’m just letting you think you’re winning!” Eunseok shot back, pushing harder to catch up.

They raced through familiar streets, glancing at each other with playful intensity. Sungchan’s heart raced, not just from the exertion but from the thrill of being with Eunseok like this. 

As they neared the secluded park, only the sound of their laughter filled the air. Sungchan stole another glance at Eunseok, their eyes meeting briefly. Sungchan pedaled even harder, determined to reach their spot before Eunseok realized exactly where they were heading.

Eunseok began to slow down as the old oak tree came into view. Sungchan kept pedaling, looking over his shoulder, and calling back, “Hurry up, Eunseok!” He skidded to a stop and let his bike drop to the ground, excitement and nerves coursing through him.

Eunseok approached slowly, dismounting his bike and blinking rapidly—a telltale sign of his nervousness. He walked his bike the last few steps over to Sungchan, a pained expression on his face. “Why did you bring me here?”

Sungchan took a deep breath, his nerves raw, and stepped closer to Eunseok. “I hate that our last memory of this place is so shitty,” he said, reaching out to gently take the bike handles from Eunseok’s grip and letting it drop to the ground. “I just wanted to give us another good one.”

Eunseok clenched his jaw and squeezed his eyes shut. "Why did it have to be here, though?" he whispered. 

Sungchan reached out, his hand trembling slightly as he grabbed Eunseok’s arm. “I said I would do things differently if I could," Sungchan continued, his voice earnest. 

Eunseok stepped back, confusion etched on his face. “What are you talking about, Sungchan?”

Sungchan tightened his grip on Eunseok’s arm, gently pulling him closer, their faces only centimeters apart. As Eunseok's eyelashes fluttered closed, Sungchan's breath hitched. He dropped his hand onto Eunseok’s waist. Eunseok shivered at the contact, and Sungchan whispered, "Say it again. Say what you said two years ago.”

Eunseok's eyes opened as he shook his head, gaze conflicted. "I can't," he said, stepping back. Sungchan followed, crowding him against the tree's rough bark.

Sungchan hesitated for a moment, searching Eunseok's face for permission. When Eunseok's eyes flickered to his lips, Sungchan closed the distance, kissing him softly.

The initial contact was gentle, almost tentative, but it quickly escalated. Sungchan’s fingers gripped at the fabric of Eunseok's sweater, lifting it ever so slightly. The touch exposed a strip of skin, causing Eunseok to shiver as the cool air hit him.

Eunseok responded eagerly, their lips moving in sync and the kiss growing hotter and more desperate. Sungchan’s grip on Eunseok tightened, his fingers pressing into the warm skin beneath the fabric. He felt Eunseok's hands slide up his back, clutching his shirt, pulling him closer. Their breaths mingled, harsh and uneven, as they poured everything into the kiss. 

Sungchan's senses were on high alert. The warmth from Eunseok's body pressed against his, their breaths quick and mingling. Each kiss felt electric, with a sharp tingle running down his spine. His heart pounded loudly in his ears, matching Eunseok's frantic heartbeat. 

Sungchan deepened the kiss, their mouths opening to each other, tongues brushing, exploring. The kiss was everything he'd imagined it would be. 

They finally broke apart, panting heavily, their foreheads resting against each other. Sungchan’s eyes searched Eunseok's, both of them struggling to catch their breath.

Suddenly, Eunseok's phone rang, the familiar melody of Kim Dong-ryul’s “Confession Is Not Flashy” filling the air. Sungchan jumped back, reality crashing down on him. He knew exactly who that personalized ringtone belonged to—Anton. Guilt washed over him, making him feel nauseous.

Eunseok fumbled for his phone, muttering to himself, “I’m going to kill Anton for giving himself a ringtone again.” But as he stared at the screen, his eyes widened, and his face turned pale. The reality of their situation seemed to hit him all at once. Sungchan saw the change, the way Eunseok’s breath hitched and his hands shook slightly. 

Eunseok pocketed his phone and stumbled toward his bike; his movements were hurried and unsteady. 

“Eunseok, wait!” Sungchan called, reaching out to grab his arm.

Eunseok shrugged him off, shaking his head. “I... I have to go,” he stammered, avoiding Sungchan’s eyes.

Sungchan stood frozen, his chest tightening, as he watched Eunseok cycle away. The irony of being the one left behind, exposed, and vulnerable hit him like a punch to the gut. His heart ached; each beat was a painful reminder of the moment slipping away. The echo of their kiss hung in the air, a ghostly reminder of what he'd almost had.

For a while, Sungchan sat by the oak tree, his fingers digging into the dirt, picking up rocks, and hurling them into the distance. Each throw was a release of frustration, but it wasn’t enough. He remembered the kiss and the way Eunseok had pulled away, and the guilt settled in his stomach. Had he messed things up between them again? 

The thought gnawed at his insides, and he knew he couldn’t leave things unresolved. Taking a deep breath, Sungchan made up his mind. If he was going to risk everything, he had to be honest about his feelings. He stood up, brushed the dirt off his jeans, and hopped on his bike, riding hard toward Eunseok’s house.

The ride felt longer than usual, with every second stretching into an eternity. Sungchan’s heart pounded in his chest. What if Eunseok wouldn’t even talk to him? What if he had already decided that Sungchan wasn’t worth the trouble?

As he reached Eunseok’s house, he skidded to a halt, his bike nearly toppling over. He sprinted to the front door, his knuckles rapping urgently on the wood. He rang the buzzer several times, shouting Eunseok’s name. The door swung open, revealing Anton, his face etched with irritation. 

"What do you want, Sungchan?" Anton snapped, blocking the doorway. "Haven't you done enough?”

Sungchan swallowed hard, feeling guilty at Anton's words. "I need to talk to Eunseok. Please, Anton, it’s important.”

Anton’s eyes narrowed, his stance unyielding. "Why should I let you in? You promised you wouldn’t hurt him again, and now he’s more upset than ever.”

Sungchan took a deep breath. There was desperation in his voice. "I know I messed up, but I need to make things right. Please, Anton.”

Anton crossed his arms, his glare harsh. “Tell me something first. Why did you kiss him?”

Sungchan groaned, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Look, I know you’re his boyfriend, but that’s between me and him.”

“Unbelievable,” Anton scoffed, shaking his head. “Boyfriend? You’ve got it all wrong, Sungchan.” 

Sungchan blinked, his face contorting with confusion. “What are you talking about?”

Anton sighed, his anger giving way to exasperation. “We’re not a couple, Sungchan. We never were. Do you honestly think Eunseok would have let you kiss him if we were actually dating?”

Sungchan stared at him, the words not quite sinking in. “What?”

Anton’s expression softened slightly, but his voice remained firm. “We only pretended to be together because Eunseok couldn’t face you alone. He thought if you believed he had moved on, maybe you could stand to be around him. He just wanted to get through the summer without breaking down.”

Sungchan’s heart sank, the revelation striking him like a cold shock. “So, all this time...?”

Anton nodded, his eyes brimming with frustration. “All this time, Sungchan. He never stopped caring about you. He just couldn’t bear the thought of facing you without some kind of shield.”

Sungchan felt a rush of emotions—relief, guilt and hope—all swirling inside him. He opened his mouth to speak but found himself momentarily speechless.

Anton stepped aside, his expression softening further. “Make things right, Sungchan. This is your last chance.”

Sungchan rushed inside, heading straight for Eunseok’s bedroom. He knocked softly before opening the door. On his bed, Eunseok stared at the floor with his head in his hands. 

 Eunseok was sitting on his bed, his head in his hands, staring at the floor.

“What did he want?” Eunseok asked, his voice muffled by his hands. He hadn't looked up, assuming it was Anton entering the room.

Sungchan took a deep breath before stepping into the room. “I wanted to tell you what an idiot I’ve been. Can we talk?”

Eunseok’s head snapped up at the sound of Sungchan’s voice. He stood quickly, his eyes flashing with anger and hurt. “Talk about what, Sungchan? How I kissed you two years ago and you wanted nothing to do with me? And now, suddenly, you’re back and want to kiss me?”

“Please, if you’d just let me explain—”

Eunseok cut him off, his voice trembling with emotion. “I spent two years trying to move on from you, and it was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. Just when I was starting to make some progress, you show up and want to rehash everything? I don’t know what your endgame is, but if you think kissing me out of some twisted sense of obligation because I once had feelings for you is a good idea, I can tell you it’s not.” 

Sungchan’s heart clenched. “You said you had? Do you not feel that way anymore?”

Eunseok groaned, exasperated. “This isn’t fair, Sungchan. Why are you doing this to me?”

“Just answer the question,” Sungchan pleaded, desperation in his voice. “Is it had or have? Because I’m in love with you, Eunseok, and I need to know.”

Eunseok’s eyes widened, disbelief etched across his features. “No, you’re not, Sungchan. I remember the look of disappointment on your face when I confessed. Don’t you?” Eunseok ran a shaky hand across his mouth. “You told me to leave you alone.”

Sungchan shook his head urgently. “No, that’s not true. I was shocked. I didn’t realize my feelings at the time. I didn’t understand it was love.” He stepped closer, his voice softening. “If you still have feelings for me, just say it. Please.”

Eunseok’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, his vulnerability clear. He sighed deeply, his eyes closing for a moment before he met Sungchan’s gaze again. “Why should I believe you now, Sungchan? What if this is just another mistake?”

Sungchan’s voice trembled. “Because I’ve had two years to think about it, and every single day, I regret pushing you away. I know what I feel now, and it’s real.”

Eunseok hesitated, his jaw tightening as he fought back his emotions. Finally, he sighed, the resistance in his posture softening. “Sungchan, I’m in love with you.”

Sungchan closed the distance between them, pulling Eunseok in with a firm yet gentle touch. Their lips met in a fervent kiss. Sungchan’s hands moved to cradle the back of Eunseok’s neck, his fingers tangling in the soft strands of hair. Eunseok’s hands gripped Sungchan’s shirt, pulling him closer, as if he was afraid to let go. It was a kiss filled with unspoken words and promises, a desperate need to make up for lost time. 

As they broke apart, their breathing heavy, Sungchan whispered against Eunseok’s lips, “I’m in love with you too.” 

This time, Eunseok leaned in, capturing Sungchan’s lips with his own, his hands cupping Sungchan’s face. 

Sungchan wanted to hold on to this moment forever. 

The door creaked open, and Anton peered in, his face tight with concern. "Is everything okay?" he asked, his eyes darting between them.

Eunseok nodded, his fingers intertwined with Sungchan's. "Yeah, everything's fine," he replied, squeezing Sungchan’s hand gently. Anton’s tense expression softened into a relieved smile.

Sungchan turned to Anton, a wave of gratitude washing over him. "Thank you, Anton. For being there for Eunseok when I wasn’t."

Anton nodded, his lips forming a small, understanding smile. "Eunseok is my friend. Of course, I’d be there for him. But it’s good to see you two have worked things out."

Sungchan squeezed Eunseok's hand tighter. "We’re getting there. Step by step."

Anton stepped closer, his expression turning serious. "Just remember what I said, Sungchan. Don’t hurt him again."

Sungchan met Anton's gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "I promise."

Anton's demeanor softened, a playful glint in his eye. "Good. Because if you do, you'll have to answer to me," he said, giving Sungchan a light, teasing punch on the shoulder before turning to leave.

As the door clicked shut, Sungchan stared at the now empty doorway. “Does he actually think that sounded threatening?” he said, chuckling.

Eunseok sighed, rolling his eyes while smiling. “Sadly, I think he does.”

They both folded into each other, laughing until their sides hurt, their foreheads touching as they caught their breath.

Two weeks had passed since Sungchan and Eunseok’s confession. In that time, they had been inseparable. With only a few days left before Sungchan and Shotaro returned to college, the group decided to have one final hangout to celebrate the summer. 

They gathered around a bonfire at the beach, the flames casting a warm, flickering glow over their faces. The night air buzzed with laughter and conversation as they roasted marshmallows and swapped stories. Sungchan and Eunseok sat close, their hands occasionally brushing, each touch sending a rush of warmth and happiness through Sungchan.

Seunghan leaned back, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. “So wait, let me get this straight,” he began.

Sohee interrupted with a playful grin. “Ha, pun intended,” he quipped, making Seunghan giggle. 

Seunghan continued, gesturing between Anton and Eunseok. “You two were never a thing?”

Anton shook his head, a smile tugging at his lips. “That’s correct.”

Seunghan threw his hands up dramatically. “Why did you put me through all that stress? I thought I was going to cry whenever I looked at Sungchan’s pathetic face.”

Sungchan, feigning offense, retorted, “Hey, I wasn’t that pathetic!”

Wonbin snorted, shaking his head. “You kinda were.”

Sungchan’s chest swelled with warmth, his laughter mixing with the crackle of the fire. The feel of Eunseok’s shoulder lightly touching his made his heart flutter. This was his family, his support.

Eunseok squeezed his knee, and Sungchan turned to meet his eyes. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to Eunseok’s cheek, earning a chorus of teasing from their friends.

“Get a room!” Sohee called out, throwing a marshmallow at them.

Sungchan laughed, pulling Eunseok closer. “I’m going to miss this,” he said, his eyes reflecting the flickering firelight. 

Seunghan rolled his eyes and grinned. “What are you talking about? You’re coming back to see Eunseok next weekend. We’ll all see each other again then. Unless you’re planning on ditching us? Is this how it’s going to be now? Just you and Eunseok, and the rest of us are like the forgotten toys you don’t care about anymore?” He scoffed dramatically.

Sungchan laughed. “As if you’d ever let me forget about you. Believe me, I’ve tried.”

Seunghan threw a marshmallow at him. “Admit it, you love me, Sungchan.”

“Stop wasting them, Seunghan,” Eunseok said with a laugh, leaning forward to roast another marshmallow. 

Sungchan instinctively leaned forward too, wrapping his arms around Eunseok from behind.

Sungchan smiled, looking around at his friends. He knew that no matter where life took them, this would always be home.