07. Friends we Want

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Seungcheol coughed hard, struggling to breathe as he registered the unexpected and bewildering words his boyfriend had just uttered

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Seungcheol coughed hard, struggling to breathe as he registered the unexpected and bewildering words his boyfriend had just uttered. "What do you mean by me having a crush on Jihoon?" Seungcheol exclaimed, his voice tinged with disbelief and confusion. He tried to steady his breath even as he felt his heart race with a mix of emotions. Desperately, he gulped down mouthfuls of water that Jeonghan had nonchalantly passed to him, accompanied by a handful of tissues. Jeonghan, always the calm and composed one in their relationship, maintained his serene demeanor. He curiously eyed his boyfriend in amusement, the corners of his lips curling up slightly as he watched Seungcheol's flustered reaction with a hint of playful mischief.

Everyone was well aware that Seungcheol had a very protective nature towards his friends, but when it came to Jihoon, the situation was even more intricate, and Jeonghan knew it instinctively. It wasn't just Seungcheol who displayed this heightened sense of guardianship; Wonwoo also seemed deeply involved in this protective behavior, as though the two of them were safeguarding a secret from the rest of the group. Jeonghan, observant as ever, couldn't quite pinpoint the specifics of what was happening, but his curiosity was piqued. Knowing the right buttons to push in Seungcheol, his boyfriend, was practically second nature to him. He was ready to use his skills to coax the information out, seeing it as a challenge that he would enjoy tackling over a simple cup of tea.

Jeonghan held a deep affection for Jihoon just like the rest of the group, and he was always willing to help the younger boy with whatever he needed. However, to be completely honest, if Jeonghan hadn't known better, he might have mistaken Jihoon for being Seungcheol's son because of how overprotective Seungcheol was towards him. Jeonghan found this level of care amusing and slightly puzzling, given that Seungcheol typically wasn't so openly affectionate or protective. Additionally, Jeonghan was curious to know how his boyfriend had become friends with Jihoon in the first place. He was well aware that Seungcheol was very selective when it came to choosing friends, and considering that Jihoon was also a grade below him, the formation of their close bond piqued Jeonghan's interest even more.

"Okay, if you didn't have a crush on Jihoon, then how did you two become friends?" Jeonghan narrowed his eyes at his boyfriend, who still couldn't believe the words leaving Jeonghan's lips. "Han, you know you're the first guy I've ever been attracted to.How can you say that?" Seungcheol cried, his voice tinged with hurt as he jutted his lips out in an adorable pout, his eyes widening in the way that always made Jeonghan's heart soften. It was as if Seungcheol had transformed into a sorrowful puppy right before his eyes, complete with imaginary drooping ears. Jeonghan couldn't help but chuckle, his amusement melting into fondness as he ruffled Seungcheol's hair. He gently took his boyfriend's cheek in his palm, his thumb brushing softly over Seungcheol's cheekbone in an affectionate gesture that spoke volumes without needing words.

"I know, Cheolie. But you never talk about your middle school days or high school days," Jeonghan whispered softly, his thumb gently brushing over Seungcheol's cheekbone. Seungcheol's eyes softened at the touch, fully aware of Jeonghan's curiosity and desire to know every detail about his past. The truth was, every time the conversation drifted to those formative years, Seungcheol would deliberately steer clear of any topics involving Jihoon. It wasn't that he didn't want to share; it was just that Jihoon was never in his memories alone. Jihoon and Soonyoung were inseparable, with Soonyoung dragging Jihoon along to every adventure, every mischief they embarked upon. How could Seungcheol speak about Jihoon without inevitably bringing up his other best friend, Soonyoung? The trio's bond was so intertwined that separating their stories seemed impossible.

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