Unexpected Journey || Hoonsuk AU

Chapter 23 : Sin of love?

Hyunsuk's spoon dropped as he hear the word that just come out of Jihoon's mouth. The Jihoon who is in front of him right now doesn't look like he is joking and Hyunsuk is not sure how to react. Hyunsuk lowered his head, looking at his food. Not sure how should he look at Jihoon when he looks so serious saying those words.

"Hyung, this might sound absurd, but I mean what I said. You don't have to answer me now. I will wait for you. So, please think about it seriously, alright?" Jihoon looked at Hyunsuk with a small smile. He clenches his hand tighter, trying to suppress his nervousness. Looking at Hyunsuk lowered his head, he was pretty sure what will comes out of his lips. Before he feels any heartbreak, it's better if he comes up with an excuse to let him be mentally prepared for any consequences of his actions.

"Jihoon, look-"

The rumbling round from the sky distracted Hyunsuk from finishing his sentence. He looks at the sky, it's getting darker. The wind is starting to get stronger causing the restaurant decorations are moving slightly due to the strong winds. Hyunsuk wrapped his body as the strong breeze touches his skin. He feels goosebumps all over his body. He then peeks a few seconds at the table before continuing to look at the sky again and is relieved that he's done with his dinner.

"Hyung, let's leave before the rain comes," said Jihoon, looking at the sky. The black cloud started to gather on top of their head. He then takes a glance at Hyunsuk who still looking at the sky as the latter didn't respond to him. His fluffy black hair is dancing around his head following the strong wind direction. Even if the strong wind blew to his face, Hyunsuk didn't seem fazed, he just stared blankly at the sky. It funny how even in this situation, Jihoon was hoping for a great reaction from Hyunsuk. He then takes deep breaths and lets them out slowly.

"Hyung, it looks like will rain soon. Let's return to our hotel," said Jihoon again, in a bit louder voice this time. Hyunsuk turns his head at Jihoon after hearing him. They leave after paying for their dinner. As they were on their way hotel, the rain started to pour down, but not as heavy as they thought. Probably out of reflex, Jihoon takes off his jacket and moves closer to Hyunsuk. He then uses the jacket to cover their head. Hyunsuk slowly turned his head at Jihoon as he feels Jihoon getting closer to him. He then noticed that Jihoon already taking off his jacket and use it as their 'umbrella' to cover their head.

Jihoon's eyes are focused on the road. He didn't even realize Hyunsuk's eyes are already on him. Hyunsuk stopped himself as he was about to say something to Jihoon. He then takes his eyes back and focuses on the road. He just lets Jihoon gets closer to him as he has good intention. Not just them, but the people surrounding them quickened their pace as well. They all move faster to avoid heavy rain from falling. Even under this chaotic situation, Hyunsuk strangely finds himself comfortable.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Maybe because he was just a few centimeters away from Jihoon, he could hear Jihoon's heartbeat thumping loudly. It sounds like a symphony of drums makes Hyunsuk feels like he is in the middle of an orchestra concert. It is fast yet rhythmic. He doesn't hate it. He found it calming. Both of them didn't mutter any words, letting themselves fall into their world. Even with honking, and chattering here and there, and the sounds of raindrops falling onto the roof, none of them seemed minding. They just let comfortable silence consume everything until they reach their hotel.

As soon as they arrived at the hotel entrance, the rain started pouring heavily. Thanks to Jihoon, Hyunsuk didn't get too wet while Jihoon's back almost got drenched. The water flowed down to his forehead from his hair. Both of them looked up to see the sky. The heavy raindrops are falling continuously hitting the ground and making a loud noise. Hyunsuk turns his head as he heard a peal of laughter coming from Jihoon.

Jihoon ruffles his hair, trying to get rid of the excess water. "What's funny?" asked Hyunsuk with a straight face as usual. "Nothing, I just find it great that the rain started to get heavy as we arrived here. We didn't even enter yet," said Jihoon while chuckling. "And what exactly made you laugh? I'm really confused right now," said Hyunsuk.

"I told you it's nothing, I only found it amusing how the weather is turning bad so suddenly," said Jihoon, smiling softly.

Hyunsuk doesn't reply to anything but just stares at Jihoon. Staring at Jihoon who still having a wide grin on his face while looking at the rain. He then turns his head in the same direction as Jihoon.

Nothing. He found nothing amusing. No matter how he looks at it, he doesn't find it beautiful or exciting. Just annoying. It is just heavy rain, which will lead to wet and sloppy roads as well as humidity. Plus, it also might cause so many problems. Plans could be canceled, traffic congestion could occur, and more.

There's nothing special about it and it just wastes everyone's time but why did Jihoon find it amusing? When he just gets wet from the rain? How can someone laugh and seem happy when being in inconveniences? Hyunsuk doesn't understand it at all.

Jihoon's gaze shifted from the rain outside to Hyunsuk who seems lost in deep thought. His lips formed into a soft smile.

"Hyung, it's getting colder let's head inside," said Jihoon. Hyunsuk snapped out of his thoughts as he turn his head to Jihoon. He nods his head and leads the way.

Unlike the other days, Jihoon is seriously silent. He seems to be in his thoughts. There's an awkward silence as they're in the elevator together. He just wrapped his arm around his body, hugging himself.

"Ji-"

Ding!

The elevator doors open. Hyunsuk shuts his lips and heads out of the elevator before even uttering what he wanna say. "Hyung!"

"Yeah?" Hyunsuk feels like his heart was about to leap from his chest as Jihoon suddenly calls him. "We're here," said Jihoon. Hyunsuk realized he walk a door away from their room.

"Oh Jihoon, I thought it a waste that Hyuna didn't even check out. I will spend a night here," said Hyunsuk as he arrived in front of Hyuna's former room.

"... Alright," said Jihoon after a long pause. "I'll pack my luggage later. You may have a rest," said Hyunsuk before entering the room. Jihoon just nodded.

Right after Jihoon closed the door behind him, he drops to the floor. He can't feel any strength from his leg. As he thought, it will never be easy. He believes Hyunsuk has been trying to talk about his confession earlier, but he has no courage to hear what will he says. Jihoon was afraid. He's afraid he might lose Hyunsuk without even being his lover. Afraid to lose the one person that he wants to be happy with. Afraid to let go of his first love.

He can't help it but when it comes to Hyunsuk, he feels hopeless. All of the insecurities he never felt before came rushing toward him. He can't breathe, and his chest hurts from being so constricted. It's suffocating.

He thought, are these the consequences of falling in love? He's never experienced this, not even at that age when he knew what love was. He just laughed it off when the friends his age told about their love story thinking it was something frivolous until it hit him.

He remembered asking why when Jo Rohee, his colleague cried out loud when he got dumped. How happy Kang Rina is when she's finally found herself a lover. Jihoon brings his hand to his face as he feels his eyes getting hotter. Was this his sin?

"It hurts," he says, gagged by his voice.