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The night deepened and the living room was dark, only its shadows softened by the dim glow projected from the television screen. Wrapped together in a heavy, woolen blanket, Daeyoung and Riku seemed untouched by the world beyond their cocoon. Riku rested his head on Daeyoung’s broad shoulder, his legs draped across the younger’s lap as he tried his best to fold himself into the haven of his boyfriend’s embrace. He leaned his weight against Daeyoung’s chest, seeking the warmth Daeyoung could only offer and melt entirely onto him. Daeyoung held him close, his arm encircling Riku’s smaller, curled-up frame, his hand resting securely on the curve of his hip—a touch both grounding and tenderly possessive, protective and safe as if he could shield Riku from all that was unkind.
Snug and nestled together, they were watching an old classic romance film, its audio crackling and worn with time—but the details only deepened its charm. For Riku and Daeyoung, lovers of all things romantic, it was inevitable that they'd find an old film romantic on its own, seeing magic even in the imperfections. They immersed themselves in the film’s tender narrative, gasped and sighed together their hearts effortlessly entangled like the sentimental, empathetic souls they were.
When the screen showed the leads began an intimate, slow dance, the room seemed to hold its breath. The couple let out amused reactions. Daeyoung let out a soft, dreamy sigh as he broke into a wistful, admiring smile. Watching the scene as he felt he was wiped by the mellow atmosphere. Beside him, Riku clutched his chest as though trying to contain the swell of emotion the scene evoked.
“That is so romantic…” Riku whispered, his voice laced with longing as his gaze softened, shining with the quiet yearning that resonated into Daeyoung’s ears.
Daeyoung glanced down, only to find himself distracted by the utterly captivating Riku’s ethereal beauty. The soft glow of the TV illuminated his delicate features, casting a halo over him. His glassy eyes shimmered like starlit skies, revealing the depths of his dreamy heart. The gentle arch of his relaxed brows, paired with the faint blush warming his cheeks, painted with maidenly blush that was a portrait of his vulnerability. His lips, plump and ever so slightly parted in a faint, unspoken smile, stirred something deep within Daeyoung. He couldn’t help but smile too, his heart aching in the most exquisite way at the sight of Riku so blissfully lost in his romantic fantasies.
Daeyoung knew, without a word exchanged, what Riku wanted for that moment, even when he knew Riku hadn’t realized he wanted it. It was a wish that didn’t need to be spoken—a wish Daeyoung was ready to fulfill. He had always seen Riku with unflinching clarity, understanding him in ways no one else could. And even if he were wrong, he knew Riku would still delight in the extravagant gestures that Daeyoung so willingly offered, each one a testament to his unwavering devotion.
With his free hand, Daeyoung picked up his phone and swiftly connected it to the nearby Bluetooth speaker, pausing the movie. Riku stirred in his arms, his gaze lifting to meet Daeyoung's with a soft, questioning hum, the movement sending a ripple of warmth through Daeyoung's chest. He could feel Riku shift slightly against him, curiosity evident in the way he tilted his head.
Daeyoung, suppressing a knowing grin, set his phone down and pressed play. The room filled with the gentle rhythm of slow, romantic music, the kind that seemed to melt the air around them. Turning back to Riku, Daeyoung couldn’t help but chuckle at the adorable confusion painted on his lover’s face. Unable to resist, he leaned down and placed a fleeting kiss on Riku’s soft, slightly pouty lips, earning a surprised, endearing little noise that only made his heart ache sweeter.
Rising to his feet, Daeyoung let the blanket slip from his shoulders, pooling at the side of Riku who was still snuggling himself in it. He caught Riku’s wide, glimmering eyes—so full of unspoken questions, so impossibly enchanting. His own smile deepened as he bent slightly toward Riku, extending a hand, his voice low and velvety.
“May I have this dance?”
Daeyoung could almost see the moment Riku’s brain switched, the way his boyfriend’s bashful giggle broke free, so soft and irresistibly endearing. “Daeyoung!” Riku yelped, his tone caught between embarrassment and delight. Daeyoung swore his heart clenched, as if falling even deeper in love—if such a thing were still possible. There was nothing more precious than coaxing that giggle from Riku, watching his eyes crinkle into fox-like crescents, his cheeks lifting high, and his lips curling into an impossibly adorable smile, small and squirrel-like. It was a sight that never failed to light up Daeyoung’s soul.
Words were unnecessary for Riku to answer Daeyoung’s offer. Riku’s bubbly little giggles as he slipped his hand into Daeyoung’s, spoke volumes. Daeyoung felt warmth bloom in his chest as Riku rose to his feet, his giggles still lacing the air between them. Their eyes met—Riku’s bright, shimmering with unspoken joy and expectation—and Daeyoung’s smile deepened, soft yet utterly adoring.
He gently guided Riku’s hand to rest on his shoulder, his own hand naturally slipping down to its rightful place on the curve of Riku’s waist. With his free hand, Daeyoung lifted Riku’s other hand, pressing it lightly to his chest then he held it delicately. Their fingers intertwined, hands locked.
Riku’s giggles bubbled up again, soft and sweet, spilling over with giddiness even before they began to move. Daeyoung felt his heart swell at the sound, his own lips curving into a tender smile as he took the first step, leading Riku into the rhythm of the moment. He guided him gently, their movements synchronized with the mellow tune that swayed through the air. One step to the side, then another, their feet instinctively mirroring each other as if they’d danced together a thousand times before. Their shared smiles glimmered like secret promises, their connection tangible in every glance and every step.
With each beat, their movements grew smoother, more effortless. The simple sway of their feet became an intimate conversation, unspoken but deeply felt. They glided across the room, the soft glow of the music wrapping around them like a warm embrace, their love unfolding in the gentle cadence of the dance.
Riku then laughed softly, his gaze lifting to Daeyoung’s, whose laughs were also following Riku’s. Riku’s eyes shimmering with joy so profound it seemed to overflow of gratitude, of devotion, and of a love so deep it left no room for doubt. In Daeyoung’s arms, swaying to the gentle rhythm of the music, Riku felt like the most cherished person in the world.
As he moved, Riku marveled at how effortlessly Daeyoung led him. His heart swelled with the realization that Daeyoung always seemed to anticipate his unspoken whims, fulfilling them before even Riku could name them. It was almost a bit questionable how natural it felt to be held like this, as though Daeyoung had always known how to guide him through this quiet, slow dance.
“Why are you so good at this?” Riku asked, his voice a soft murmur, his head tilting slightly. He studied Daeyoung’s gentle and sincere eyes, as if he could uncover another hidden lore of the man he loved so deeply.
Daeyoung chuckled, warm and low, his gaze softening at the sight of Riku’s inquisitive, kissable expression. The question brought a flood of memories, vivid and unexpected. He recalled his parents teaching him to dance, their hopeful instructions filled with visions of a future where he’d share this skill with a partner —presumably a woman he’d someday marry. The thought made Daeyoung shake his head with a soft, self-deprecating laugh, finding the memory both absurd and strangely poetic. He smiled down at Riku, his heart brimming with gratitude. How grateful he was now, for his parents’ intention, because it had led to this moment—this perfect, golden moment where he could share this dance with his boyfriend. Enjoying this moment to put on a precious smile on the person he adored more than anything, the one who looked up at him as though Daeyoung was the most romantic man alive.
“Maybe because I knew I would hold someone as beautiful as you in my arms.” Daeyoung murmured, his voice dipping deliberately, laced with playful suave. He leaned in slightly, attempting to raise an eyebrow in a faux charismatic flirt—fully aware that it would fall short, but that was the point. He knew exactly how to make Riku’s heart flutter. The failure (or the success) of Daeyoung’s attempt made Riku’s laughter spilled out, bright and unrestrained, echoing like music across the room. The sheer joy in his voice was infectious, and Daeyoung couldn’t help but grin, his chest swelling with pride.
“You’re so cheesy,” Riku weakly swatted at Daeyoung’s shoulder between his laughs. His fox-like eyes curved even more, his cheeks flushed with happiness, his lips caught in an uncontrollable smile. Daeyoung held him closer, his grin widening as he looked down at the love of his life. There was no better feeling than seeing Riku like this—unguarded, radiant, and utterly content in his arms. In moments like this, Daeyoung felt like the most successful man alive, knowing he could be the reason for Riku’s joy.
Daeyoung pulled Riku close, their bodies fitting perfectly together as Daeyoung’s arm wrapped securely around Riku’s slender waist. They could sense how the soft rise and fall of their breaths mingled, slow and synchronized, as the world outside faded into the tender intimacy of their embrace. Riku’s giggle slowly faded, replaced by a dreamy exhale as he nestled his head against Daeyoung’s chest. With a soft smile, Daeyoung pressed a gentle kiss to Riku’s temple, his own head resting lightly against Riku’s, his eyes fluttering closed as he allowed himself to sink deeper into the peaceful rhythm of their dance. The music played on, but it was their quiet breaths that became the melody, a silent conversation between them as they inhaled and exhaled together, perfectly attuned to one another.
After a while, Riku pulled back slightly, his eyes soft and half-lidded, still lost in the warmth of their closeness. He looked up at Daeyoung with a gaze full of quiet gratitude. His whisper blew across Daeyoung’s ear like a tender caress.
“Thank you for this.”
“Anything for you, hyung.”
”I love you.”
”I love you too.”
With those three simple words, they shared a kiss—long, deep, and unhurried—savoring every tender moment, every breath. Their eyes fluttered shut as their lips met in a soft, practiced rhythm, moving together so naturally. The kiss was gentle, slow, and drenched in adoration. So soft, that it made Riku sighed softly into the kiss, his heart swelling with the comfort, safety, and warmth that Daeyoung could only offer.
Daeyoung’s hand, warm and steady, traced gentle circles on Riku’s back, a soothing motion that made Riku feel cherished in the most comforting way, like he was coming home. It was as though Daeyoung was handling something so precious, something delicate—Riku’s heart, perhaps, or his very soul—and he treated it with the utmost reverence. Daeyoung kissed him with a deep, slow passion, but it was a passion wrapped in care, in tenderness. He felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude, knowing he was the one privileged enough to give Riku this kind of love—this love that was patient, warm, and everlasting.
They kissed for what felt like ages, their love wrapping around them like a soft, protective bubble; distorting time and space, protected and bound by the endless depths of each other’s hearts.