Scent | l.hj x c.ch (milnyu) THE BOYZ

CHAPTER 17

Weeks had passed since Chanhee told me he didn’t feel the same way. It hurt, but I still cared about him. Things felt awkward between us, like a big wall had come up.

One evening, I couldn’t stop thinking about him, so I ended up in front of Chanhee’s house. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. When Chanhee opened it, he looked surprised. “Hyunjae? What are you doing here?”

I took a moment to find my words. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said and how I reacted.”

Chanhee looked at me, his face a mix of surprise and worry. “A-and?”

“I think I misunderstood,” I said. “Maybe you’re not rejecting me because you don’t like me, but because you’re scared.”

Chanhee’s eyes widened a bit, showing surprise and confusion.

“I’m scared too,” I continued. “I’m afraid of losing our friendship if things don’t work out. I don’t want my feelings to mess things up. But I’d rather try and risk it than always wonder what could have happened.”

Chanhee’s expression softened. “Hyunjae, I…”

I held up my hand, gently stopping him. “Let me finish. I want to give us a real chance. I want to understand your fears and work through them together. I don’t want to lose you.”

Chanhee was quiet for a moment, and I could see he was struggling with his feelings.

Finally, he spoke softly. “I’m afraid too, Hyunjae. Afraid of hurting you, afraid of not being good enough. But… I don’t want to lose you either.”

I felt a wave of relief. “Chanhee, we don’t have to rush. We can go at a pace you’re comfortable with. We can figure this out together.”

Chanhee looked at me, his eyes full of hurt and hope. “You’re asking a lot, Hyunjae.”

I smiled gently. “I know, Chanhee. But I think we’re worth it. I’m willing to wait and work through this with you.”

He hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. “Okay, Hyunjae. I’m willing to try.”

When he said that, I felt hopeful and grateful. It might not be easy, but we were ready to start together.

As we stood there, I knew it was the start of something new. It wouldn’t be perfect, but it would be ours, and that was what mattered most.