Love is not in the equation | Taegyu

𝐹𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑒𝑛

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𝑀𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑡𝑎𝑙𝑘, 𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑠𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑒,
𝑚𝑎𝑦𝑏𝑒 𝑖𝑡'𝑠 𝑙𝑜𝑣𝑒

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"They used to make cough suppressant and expectorant for common colds, cough, sore throat, tonsillitis, and chest congestion from bellflowers."

"Oh I didn't know. That's cool!" Beomgyu smiled, his fingers playing with mimosa pudica, watching them close their leaves in response.

He was crouched down in the garden of Taehyun's residence, admiring the blooming flowers and plants in the afternoon heat as the warmth from the sun caressed his clothed back. Beads of perspiration formed on his forehead, his lips chapped and dry from the rising temperature. But he remained on his spot, rocking himself back and forth on his heels and toes.

"Should we go indoors?"

Beomgyu turned to look at the boy with big round eyes and fluffy brown hair who was crouched beside him and shook his head, "Taehyun's not home yet."

"But I'm inviting you in."

"I don't want to, Sieun... what will Taehyun say?" Beomgyu brushed his sweaty bangs away and fidgeted uncomfortably, his legs growing numb from the amount of squatting he was doing.

"Hyung wouldn't mind. Don't be scared" Sieun tried to convince him, a soft smile on his face, "it's his fault anyways for asking you to arrive early when he's going to be late himself. Thank god I'm home early today and saw you at the gates."

"But..." Beomgyu hesitated, his mind still struggling to work out his dilemma.

"I'm a Kang too and I live here. You'll be my guest until hyung comes back" Sieun reasoned, hoping that it would make the older boy feel better about it.

"Okay... your parents aren't home... right?" Beomgyu asked nervously, a hint of fear in his tone.

"No, you don't have to worry. Even if they are, it'll be difficult to bump into them. The house is big" Sieun pointed out.

"Oh, you're right" the long haired boy seemed to be much more at ease at the reassurance and finally stood up on his wobbly numb legs.

If Sieun was to be honest, he wouldn't want his parents to meet Beomgyu either. They referred to Beomgyu as the boy in the painting, and because of what Taehyun had said to challenge them, it would be best for Beomgyu to never meet them. It was a bit hypocritical that their family was a huge benefactor for many charity organisations and claimed that they held no prejudice for the poor, but wouldn't want their children to mingle with people from the lower social class too much.

"I can't feel my legs" Beomgyu stated as he walked weirdly towards the door.

"Me neither" Sieun giggled, his legs just as numb as he had stayed with Beomgyu before persuading him to go in.

"I'm sorry" the older boy gave him an apologetic glance before giggling along with him, finding their walks funny looking.

Taking off his worn out sneakers at the door, Beomgyu changed into bear slippers that he always wore whenever he came.

"Water? Juice? Soda?" Sieun asked as he headed to the kitchen with the older trailing behind.

"Water please" Beomgyu answered, fingers busy retying his long hair. His cheeks had turned rosy from the heat and his elbows were pink from the amount of times he had pressed them into his thighs.