Blind Hearts Unveiled|ZB1

12: Friendship and Love

The school day had come to an end, and Gunwook and Junhyeon found themselves strolling down the quiet streets, the fading sunlight casting a warm and gentle glow around them. Their footsteps echoed softly on the pavement as they casually chatted about inconsequential matters – their classes, the upcoming weekend plans, and the latest happenings in their favorite TV show.

As the topic shifted, Junhyeon's voice took on a slightly softer tone, the vulnerability in his words echoing the emotions that had been swirling within him. "You know, Gunwook," he began, his gaze distant as if he were reliving the moment, "when Taerae turned me down, I won't lie, I felt a pang of disappointment deep in my chest."

Gunwook's heart twinged as he heard his friend's words. He wanted to offer some comforting words, but the knot in his chest tightened as he struggled to find the right thing to say. The truth was, he felt a wave of guilt, knowing that he was part of the reason for Junhyeon's lingering negative emotions.

"But you know what?" Junhyeon continued, his voice carrying a hint of resilience. "As days passed, that disappointment began to wane. It's like time has this way of wrapping its gentle arms around you, soothing the sting little by little."

Gunwook nodded in quiet agreement, his own experiences with heartache allowing him to fully appreciate the sentiment behind Junhyeon's words.

"I guess I've come to accept it," Junhyeon mused, his eyes focusing on the horizon as he spoke. "The sadness is still there, like a distant echo, but it's not as all-consuming as before. It's like I've taken those feelings and tucked them away, creating space for something new."

Gunwook's lips curved into a sympathetic smile, his heart going out to his friend who had faced rejection with grace and resilience. He admired Junhyeon's ability to find solace in acceptance, even when the path had been paved with disappointment.

"It's not easy, you know," Junhyeon admitted, his gaze turning towards Gunwook with a mixture of vulnerability and camaraderie. "Putting yourself out there, bearing your feelings for someone to see. It's like offering a piece of your heart and hoping they'll hold it gently."

Gunwook offered a supportive smile, glad that Junhyeon was finding his way through the emotional aftermath of the rejection. He had his own share of heartaches and could empathize with his friend's journey.

However, Gunwook's momentary relief quickly gave way to shock and anxiety as Junhyeon's next words hit him like a bolt of lightning.

"Speaking of which, I know about you and Taerae," Junhyeon said, his tone casual but his words carrying a weight that sent a chill down Gunwook's spine.

Gunwook stumbled over his own feet for a brief moment, his heart racing and his thoughts in disarray. He turned to Junhyeon, his eyes wide with a mix of disbelief and anxiety. "Wait, what? How... How do you know?"

*FLASHBACK*

Junhyeon hesitated for a moment, steeling himself as he approached Taerae. His heart raced a bit faster, the anticipation of the conversation making his palms slightly sweaty. He greeted Taerae with an awkward smile, the tension between them palpable.

"Hey, Taerae," Junhyeon began, his voice a touch shaky. "How's it going?"

Taerae offered a polite smile in return, but the unease in the air was undeniable. Junhyeon felt a bit on edge, wanting to alleviate the awkwardness that seemed to hang between them like a heavy cloud. He cleared his throat, deciding to take the initiative.

"Alright, I've got a joke for you," Junhyeon declared with a playful glint in his eyes. "Why don't scientists trust atoms?"

Taerae raised an eyebrow, curiosity overcoming the initial tension. "I don't know, why?"