the story of us 》sungtaro

20

It didn't matter how many times I rode that stupid motorcycle, I never got used to it.

Despite my never-wavering fears that I would fly off or we'd get into a crash, I must admit now that it was slightly fun, although I'd never admit that to Sungchan.

I enjoyed it especially after our late night confession in Donghyuck's kitchen, because although I had no idea what we were and the fact that we constantly had to hide whatever it was we had, the bike was different.

On that bike, it was just us. Shotaro and Sungchan. We didn't have to worry about who saw, what they thought, or any other irksome worry that would usually pass through my head.

I remember one afternoon we rode to Sungchan's house. He had realized that I'd never been and wished to change that.

I remember when he parked in the driveway, waving a hand to the building. It was a house I'd passed before, somewhat plain, nothing about it really sticking to memory. But now that I knew Sungchan lived there, the place had a certain charm to it.

Inside, the house seemed empty, lacking any personality as if no one really lived there. I remembered then what Sungchan had told me about his parents, his mom living elsewhere while his dad was always at work. Sure enough, I saw no one else during the time I was there.

That day we sat on the floor of Sungchan's room, backs against his bed, homework out in front of us.

"How did I do?" With a hopeful spirit, I handed him my paper. Needless to say, I had been struggling with understanding some curriculum.

I can still remember how his gaze moved across the paper, a small smile growing as he read over my thought process in amusement.

"You know, it's almost as if we're in a different math class." He made no attempts to hide his laughs then. "How did you even get this answer?"

Offended, I was determined to defend my work.

"It's easy. I started here," I pointed at the beginning of the problem, but soon found myself just as confused. Sungchan watched me with a smile, already knowing what I was going to say. "Alright, fine. I just made stuff up."

"That's what I thought." Sungchan set my paper aside as I buried my head in his shoulder. Leaning against me, I could imagine just how amusing he considered himself. "Have you tried paying attention?"

"Oh, shut up." A weak and not at all violent hit was thrown to his arm. Not enjoying the attacks against me, I decided to turn them back on him. "I try, but it's hard to focus with all the flirting going on behind me."

I got him. I could hear it in his sigh. How he slumped defeated against me, threatening to fall to the floor if not for me holding him up.

"I'm sorry about that, by the way." Sungchan traced lines on my hand with his fingertip, his voice a mere whisper. "I really tried to get them off, but they won't give up."

Usually I stuck to the truth at all times, but that night I lied to him. "It's alright."

I could sense that he didn't buy my statement, so I just kept talking, my words more sincere.

"I don't blame those girls." A small smile broke out on my face, considering the idea. Looking up at him, I wanted to make sure he believed me, I needed to see it in his eyes. "If I sat next to you, I wouldn't be able to keep my hands off you either."

Apparently he wasn't used to the very timid me saying such things. His brows raised in amusement, a laugh escaping his lips. "Shotaro! I'm shocked. What happened to that shy kid I knew and loved so well?"

I reveled as he wrapped his arms around me, holding me tight to his chest. I only challenged him, my face reflecting my mischievous thoughts. "You're corrupting me, obviously."

Pressed against him, I could feel his breathing, matching the pace with my own lungs. Sungchan spoke again, his soft words muffled against the top of my head.

"There's only you, Shotaro. Only you."