Unnecessary Enchantment || 2ho

16. Where Good Things Grow

12-8-23 Yes, I've done deep construction but the story content is the same. Thank you for your support ❤️

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"Are you okay?" Hongjoong asks from the doorway, eyes wide with a kind of awkward concern.

"Uh." Jongho stutters. There are a total of three people Jongho has currently granted access to himself. Three people he feels at least somewhat comfortable discussing himself with. Hongjoong is not one of this trio.

"Uh, yeah, I'm fine." Jongho shifts on the porch. "Where is Seonghwa Hyung?"

Hongjoong looks skeptical as he answers slowly. "Seonghwa is still in Geoncho," he pauses. "Do you wanna- do you wanna come in for some tea?"

"Uh." Jongho glances out over his shoulder at the snow. He's sure his face and ears are already red from the cold.

"Seonghwa made us a new tea blend I've been wanting to try. Come in and have it with me." Hongjoong steps aside expectantly.

"You sure?" Jongho asks, moving a little closer to the warmth inside.

"Yep."

So Jongho steps over the threshold before shedding his wool and settling on the low couch by the fire. He hears Hongjoong shuffling in the kitchen, a few clanging pots and closing cupboards before Hongjoong comes back to hand Jongho his mug and settles himself at the end of the couch.

"So," Hongjoong starts. "You don't have to talk, but I like to think I can be helpful, too," he smiles.

Jongho nods before sipping his own tea.

They sit in silence for a while, enjoying the silence and the crackle of the flames, before Hongjoong stands to tend the fire. And, you know? What does Jongho have to lose.

"Hyung?"

Hongjoong sets his mug down, giving the younger his full attention. Jongho takes a deep breath before following suit, setting his own empty mug on the table.

It's quiet once more as Jongho's eyes dart to the fire, then the paintings behind Hongjoong's head, before he steels his gaze to meet Hongjoong's eyes once more. "How do you know if someone is different from a friend?"

Hongjoong's features spark with curiosity. "What do you mean?" To Jongho's ears, Hongjoong's voice isn't as soothing as Seonghwa's, but it's still open and welcoming.

"I mean," he clears his throat, "what does it feel like to like someone?"

"Romantically?" Hongjoong clarifies.

Pursing his lips, Jongho nods.

"Well," Hongjoong starts after a beat. "It's different for everyone. I know that's not helpful, but it's true. And it's important to remember. There's no one description fits all. I hated that answer until I finally understood that it's true."

"When you met Seonghwa Hyung?"

"Yeah." Jongho almost cringes at Hongjoong's lovesick expression. But maybe he's not as disgusted with love as usual.

"With falling in love it's harder to say, but that's a whole different thing. For just liking someone," Hongjoong continues, "I think it's more streamlined."

Jongho drums his fingers against his thigh. He's impatient for Hongjoong to get to the point. Maybe he should've just waited for Seonghwa.

"Ya!" Hongjoong scolds and Jongho's wandering eyes shoot back to focus. "Understanding your feelings takes time. I can't just give you the answer, you gotta understand it yourself."