Chapter 17 : I'm straight (?)

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The sizzling sound of oil in the pan filled the kitchen as Taehyun busily prepared omelets for both of them. He flipped the eggs, frowning slightly at the sight of one side that had become a bit burnt. Undeterred, he pressed on, determined to make the best of the situation. Once finished, he turned off the stove and carefully plated the omelettes, placing them on the dining table with a satisfied clap.

Although he knew the omeletes weren't perfect and that cooking wasn't his forte, Taehyun felt it was the least he could do for them both. He untied his apron and headed to Beomgyu's room, knocking gently on the door.

Inside, Beomgyu was still half-asleep. He heard Taehyun's distant voice and the knocking but chose to ignore it, turning away from the door to gaze out the window.

"Beomgyu hyung? Breakfast is ready," Taehyun called, knocking a bit louder. Still, there was no response.

"Hyung?" Taehyun tried again, turning the doorknob only to find it locked. He sighed and knocked again, this time more insistently.

Irritated by the interruption, Beomgyu groaned and sat up. His hair was a wild mess, resembling a bird's nest. Grumbling, he got out of bed and shuffled to the door. When he opened it, he was met with Taehyun's anxious face, who had been waiting nervously outside.

"Good mor—AAAAHHHH!" Taehyun yelped in shock, quickly turning away and covering his eyes with his hands. Beomgyu stared at him, confused. Why was Taehyun screaming? Hadn't he just been calling for breakfast?

"What the hell are you yelling for?" Beomgyu asked, his tone flat.

"You—uh—go find out—bye—" Taehyun stammered, still avoiding eye contact. He pushed Beomgyu back into the room and slammed the door shut. Beomgyu stumbled backward, landing on the floor with a wince as he rubbed the spot where he had fallen.

"What the hell, Kang Taehyun?!" Beomgyu shouted, leaping to his feet. He shuffled back to his bed, muttering curses under his breath as he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Realizing he was only in boxers with his upper body completely bare, a smirk crept onto his face. No wonder Taehyun had looked so flustered.

He burst into laughter. "Did you enjoy the view?" he called out through the door, loud enough for Taehyun to hear.

Taehyun flinched. "Shut up, you fruit bowl!" he shot back, his cheeks still flushed as he stomped back to the kitchen. He plopped down at the dining table, resting his chin on his hands while images of Beomgyu's toned abs flashed through his mind. The sight of Beomgyu's pale thighs, defined biceps, and six-pack made Taehyun's heart race.

"This isn't the first time I've seen his abs—or his..." Taehyun trailed off, swallowing hard as he recalled more intimate moments. He kicked his feet in the air like an anime character, but his knees collided with the table, resulting in a sharp thud. "Ow, ow, ow!" he muttered, rubbing his sore knees.

"What is happening to me?" Taehyun wondered, trying to push his feelings aside. Ever since he became Beomgyu's roommate, he had given up his usual antics, including bringing home flings. Even Soobin and Hueningkai had noticed his change in behavior and questioned him about it. Taehyun's initial excuse was to respect his roommate's sleep schedule, but deep down, he knew something more profound was at play.

Meanwhile, in the other room, Beomgyu had finished dressing in a simple white shirt and black trousers, his hair tied back in a small ponytail. He strolled into the kitchen, whistling cheerfully.

Upon entering, he spotted Taehyun at the table, looking like a disgruntled squirrel. Beomgyu found him utterly endearing and took a seat across from him, trying to hide his amusement.

"Did you make this?" Beomgyu asked, eyeing the omelette.

Taehyun nodded. Beomgyu picked up his chopsticks and took a bite, forcing himself to chew despite the overly salty flavor. He didn't want to hurt Taehyun's feelings. Taehyun watched him with nervous anticipation.

"How is it?" Taehyun asked.

Beomgyu gave a thumbs up but then admitted, "It's a bit salty." Taehyun slumped in defeat.

"I knew it," Taehyun murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. Beomgyu's heart softened at the sight of Taehyun's disappointed expression.

"But you really gave it your all, Taehyun. It's okay," Beomgyu reassured him. Taehyun's face brightened at the kindness, and Beomgyu couldn't help but smile at how endearing he looked.

"Thanks, hyung," Taehyun said, his voice filled with gratitude. Beomgyu responded with a warm smile.

"No problem at all. We can always try cooking it again if you want. I'll be here to help," Beomgyu offered.

Taehyun shook his head. "It's not that, hyung."

"Then what is it?" Beomgyu asked, intrigued.

Taehyun locked eyes with Beomgyu, feeling as if time had come to a standstill. But he quickly broke the spell.

"Nothing. Let's just eat outside," Taehyun suggested, getting up to clear the plates. He tossed the omelettes and washed the dishes while Beomgyu watched, captivated by his fluid movements. A smile crept onto Beomgyu's face without him even realizing it.

"Sure, we can eat outside," Beomgyu agreed.

Taehyun paused and turned to Beomgyu with a curious look. "But after that, can you come with me to a bookstore?"

"Of course, sunshine," Beomgyu replied, still smiling.

Taehyun froze, his cheeks flushing. "What did you just call me?"

"Sunshine," Beomgyu repeated, enjoying Taehyun's reaction.

Taehyun bit his lip, trying to concentrate on the dishes while his mind wandered to thoughts of Beomgyu.

"Choi Beomgyu, you're such an idiot," he muttered to himself, unable to shake the feeling.

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