𝐀𝐏𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐄

"but if you hold me without hurting me, you'll the first one who ever did."

"Ice cream."

"Ice cream?"

Jeongin nodded, feeling a bit flustered. He didn't really know how to answer Chris's question. There were so many things he could have said, but in that moment, all he could think about was food.

Chris chuckled. This boy was truly interesting. He thought for a moment before asking, "And? What flavor?"

"Chocolate! I used to be stubborn with my mom so that she would bring me ice cream every day. I always ended up catching a cold, and my mom scolded me," Jeongin began talking, his eyes sparkling with white dots of happiness, perhaps tinged with a touch of nostalgia.

Chan couldn't help but smile. He hadn't expected Jeongin to share so much, but the young man did, and it felt good to bring back some happy memories. He nodded and gently squeezed Jeongin's hand, silently encouraging him to share more.

And Jeongin did share. He recounted a few more childhood memories, his likes, and all with a huge, genuine smile on his face that tugged at Chris's heartstrings. Jeongin hadn't talked like this to someone in years, and seeing Chris genuinely interested in his stories, no matter how small or silly they might seem, made him feel valued, and cared for.

"You mean you were interested in arts? Especially in music?"

"I used to play the piano when I was small, my mom taught me. I hardly remember how to play it now," Jeongin smiled. "And... what do you like?"

Chris paused, his mind filled with thoughts about what he truly enjoyed. What did he like? Then he spoke, "I... like every food." He glanced at Jeongin with a puzzled expression, to which Jeongin let out a soft giggle.

Jeongin found Chris's answer and expression endearing, especially that moment of confusion. He quickly looked away when he realized Chris had caught him staring. Chris shifted closer, their legs touching, and began, "Inni-"

Chris mentally scolded himself for nearly letting the nickname slip again. He cleared his throat and continued, "Jeongin, you know, we have a music room in this mansion. I used to be an arts student too, majoring in music. I have nearly every instrument in there. Would you like to see it?"

Jeongin's lips parted in shock. "Really...? You want me to see it...?"

Chan nodded with a smile, his heart quickening. If Jeongin agreed, he would get more time to spend with him. He squeezed the younger's hand again. "I am serious, and maybe... we can play together. You can learn the piano again."

Chris got up, still holding Jeongin's hand, and began to walk towards the door. Jeongin followed, curiosity piqued. They descended the stairs and traversed through the mansion's grand corridors until they reached a massive room.

In the room, Chris gestured for the two guards, who had been watching over it, to leave. He then stepped aside, releasing Jeongin's hand and allowing him to explore the space at his own pace.

Jeongin stepped into the room, eyes widening in wonder. It was a music lover's paradise. The walls were adorned with various instruments – violins, cellos, guitars of all kinds, even an elegant grand piano that stood as the centerpiece. Shelves lined with sheet music covered one corner, and there was an entire section dedicated to recording equipment.

Jeongin approached the grand piano with a sense of awe. He traced his fingers gently over the keys, feeling the smooth surface beneath his touch. A hint of nostalgia washed over him as he recalled his childhood piano lessons, but this instrument was unlike any he had played before. He bit his lip, excited yet nervous.

Jeongin sat down on the bench, his fingers lightly grazing over the keys. However, as he attempted to play a tune, it was clear that he couldn't produce anything resembling music. He sighed in frustration, his shoulders slumping. "I'm terrible..." he mumbled.

Chris moved closer to Jeongin, his tone reassuring. "You're not terrible, Jeongin," he said gently. "People always learn, forget, and then learn again, right?"

Jeongin nodded, although his head was still hung low, and his body slumping with self-doubt. Then, he felt a comforting presence behind him, Chris. The older man leaned down, placing his hands gently on top of Jeongin's fingers, and the younger couldn't help but look at their hands, his heart racing as a strange yet pleasant sensation washed over him.

Chris guided Jeongin's fingers over the keys, creating a short yet beautiful melody. Jeongin looked up at Chris with a radiant smile, mirroring the older man's joyful expression. Chris leaned in further, his chin resting just above Jeongin's shoulder.

Jeongin stole a quick glance at Chris and then exhaled softly. He had been too close for comfort, but as he felt Chris pulling away, the warmth of Chris's hands leaving his own.

"You know, this isn't something I usually do."

"Do what?"

"Get close to people like this," Chris whispered, his voice barely audible.

Jeongin's eyes remained fixed on the piano keys, his lips parting once more, but words eluded him. The room seemed unusually cold, and he didn't notice the warmth blossoming in his cheeks. He bit his bottom lip, suppressing the quiver at the corners of his mouth that threatened to form a shy smile.

I don't too, hyung, he wanted to say, but the words remained trapped. It was true; after what had happened, he had become disillusioned with people, utterly disgusted. And while that sentiment still held, it didn't apply to Chris. Chris could be close to him, but anyone else would get slapped, if not worse.

Suddenly, a question weighed on Jeongin's mind. Uncertain if he should ask it, he hesitated for a moment but then decided to voice it. He turned to face Chan.

"Chan hyung, if you loved music so much, why did you become a businessman?"