the story of us 》sungtaro

23

At this point in our story, my life was absolute perfection.

In no way am I just saying that because Sungchan was a permanent reoccurring character and I had the fattest crush on him. It really was true.

The days were filled with laughs over our friends almost finding out about us, daily adventures big and small, and the knowledge that Sungchan and I were closer than ever.

I remember he called me one night after we'd been with the rest of the group.

"I was so sure he figured us out." Sungchan's laugh was muffled over the phone. I soaked up the sweet sound, laying back on my pillow.

Sungchan was referring to earlier that night. Donghyuck had given us a ride home in his car, Jeno in the front seat, leaving him and I in the back.

I can remember how we sat pressed together, the dark sky disguising our intertwined hands resting on the Jung's thigh.

"Sungchan?" Donghyuck had suddenly spoken up, his pointed eyes watching us in the mirror. Could he see? Could he tell from our panicked faces? If he did, he said nothing about it. "I've been trying to convince Shotaro to come to the dance, help me out here."

"Why would whatever I say change anything?" Sungchan laughed, slowly moving our hands from the line of direct sight.

Donghyuck's eyes stayed on the road for the most part, a scoff escaping his lips. "Shotaro listens to you. He doesn't do the same for me."

I couldn't help but smile, seeing the same reaction on Sungchan's face. "Does anyone really listen to you, Hyuck?"

The comment elicited laughter from everyone in the car besides the driver. Donghyuck just shook his head, but I could see the small grin he was poorly attempting to hide.

"Next time, you're all walking home." The boy sighed, ignoring the laughing Jeno beside him.

"If it makes you feel any better Hyuck, I'm not going to the dance either." Sungchan spoke up. This was my first time hearing of the news as well. His spirits seemed light as he spoke his next words. "I'm visiting my mom that weekend."

Sungchan's mom was like a fairytale character to me. I had heard of her plenty of times, each time reflecting how highly her son thought of her. Although I had never met her, I imagined her as this perfect woman, worthy of Sungchan's admiration.

Although I was disappointed I wouldn't get to spend the night with Sungchan, I was still happy for him. I could tell that time with the woman who he never got to see was something he needed greatly.

Donghyuck complained for a minute, but eventually gave up. "Alright, fine. Tell her hello for us."

Later at home when Sungchan had called me, I couldn't help but share my thoughts, my eyes on my ceiling. "I can't believe you're making me go to that torture-fest by myself."

All that giant did was laugh, the sound warm and comforting to me. "It's a high school dance, Shotaro. You'll survive."

"I don't know about that." I was sure to keep my voice low enough not to wake my parents who were fast asleep and unaware upstairs. "I'll try, but it will be difficult without you there."

A drawn out sigh emerged from my phone speakers, and I could hear the longing in Sungchan's tone. "I wish you could come with me."

I shook my head. The thought appealed to me, but I didn't voice that. "I'm sure that's just what your mom would want; some strange kid tagging along while she's trying to spend time with her son."

"She would love you, Shotaro." Sungchan was determined, the surety clear in his voice. I wanted desperately to be with him face to face, but a phone call would have to suffice for now.

"She would?" I couldn't help my curiosity. I wanted to know what this woman I'd never met before thought of me. "How do you know?"

"Because I love you." He took no time to think of that response, the sudden words making my insides warm and fuzzy. "I've already told her all about you, and she approves."

I wondered then just how much the woman knew, if she understood just how close Sungchan and I were. The idea made me doubt if I actually wanted to meet her, I was too terrified.

Despite the conversation, my mind couldn't help but wander back to the phrase Sungchan had said so easily.

"Did you mean what you said or were you just trying to prove a point?" My voice was quiet, hesitant.

"What?" Sungchan questioned, and I could imagine the guilty smile on his lips. I swear he knew exactly what I was referring to, but just wanted to hear me say it.

"That you," I paused, my voice a mere whisper now. Could he even hear me over the phone? I just wanted to bury my head in my pillow, but I repressed the urge. "Love me?"

"You have no idea how much I meant it, Shotaro." The boy sighed, a warmth in his tone. "If I was there with you now, I'd prove it to you."

I can't deny how the statement made me feel. His low voice, the words themselves, it all did things to me.

"Really?" The hour was late and I was exhausted, but I couldn't stop talking to him. I couldn't believe what I was about to say.

"I love you too, Sungchan." The words were something I had never said to anyone in that context, but it felt right. I just hoped he was able to hear me, able to understand my shaking words.

I don't remember much else from the night, just falling asleep with Sungchan's voice in my ears, and his words in my mind.