Bubble Gum

Confession

"See you guys! Bye!" Jiung waves the boys away as they depart from them and to Intaks home.

Jiung automatically holding Intaks hand as they were away from their friends view.

"So what should we do when we get home?" Jiung asks.

He always called Intaks home his own home. It was his second home after all.

"I uh,,, I actually need to talk to you about something when we get home." Intak says, shivering a bit at the cold breeze that passes by them.

Jiung looks at his friend but nods slowly. Then looking back to where they were walking.

They walked in silence along the way. Hands still linked together and keeping them warm.

Intak feeling anxious and nervous. Thinking on what he'll say to Jiung.

Jiung nervous about what Intak needed to tell him. Chewing his gum to calm him down a bit.

They reach the house and enter the warm environment. Taking off their shoes and going to Intaks room.

His parents still at work and will be arriving soon to start on dinner.

Jiung sits on the bed and Intak next to him. Fingers fiddling as Intak still thinks on what to say.

Jiung notices the gesture and holds his hand again. The younger looking at him. And Jiung had a soft warm smile, telling him that whatever he needed to say, he'll be here and listen.

Intak takes a deep breath and exhales. Trying to stay calm.

"Jiung, you know I find you and your gum chewing annoying." He starts.

Weird way to start. But a start.

"Uh,,yeah?" Jiung answers. Where was Intak going with this?

"I hate the gum. The smell. The texture. The way it looks and feels." Intak continues.

"That's what you wanted to tell me? That you hate my gum?" Jiung laughs out.

Intak shakes his head.

Jiung stopping his laughter.

"I hate gum. So much. But when you chew it. Blow it. Pop it. It's much more annoying... but I love it." Intak whispers out.

Jiung furrows his brows a bit. Was Intak,,,confessing?

"What do you mean?" Jiung asks.

"I love it when you do it. I love how the gum scent mixes with your own. How you causally chew it and blow it and pop it."

Intak squeezes Jiungs hand.

"I love your laugh. Your smile. The way you hold my hand and cling onto me. How you can always make me smile even after annoying me."

Jiung felt his heart flutter. Intak liked him back?

"I love it when you stay the night here. How we share the bed so far apart. But in the mornings you're always so close to me."

Intak finally looks up at Jiung. The boy looking at him with love in his eyes.

"I like you Jiung."

The boy smiles and pulls Intak into a hug. Tears coming out as he does so.

"I like you too Intak."