used to love. | sunsun

19. true feelings

They broke the kiss after a long while, both too shy to open their mouths and start a conversation after a heated exchange. Sunoo arms were still around Sunghoon's neck as he looked deep into the taller man's eyes. He smiled and bit his lip carefully, processing the sweet taste on his tongue.

If you were paying attention, you would also notice his reddened ears.. And if you were as close to Sunoo as Sunghoon was that night, you would also feel his heartbeat going crazy.

Sunoo shyly tucked his red hair behind his same-colored ear and took a few steps back. The emotions he felt were great — he was filled with so much joy that if it weren't for Sunghoon's intense gaze, he would have been jumping around already.

Sunghoon lightly grabbed his Sun by the wrist and kissed him gently before leaning in closer to his ear. He whispered deeply into Sunoo's ear and the younger flinched when he sensed the warm breath and deep voice that sounded so calm and felt incredibly hot against his skin. Knowing Sunghoon's mannerisms, he guessed Sunghoon was smiling brightly, his dimple popping as he whispered those cheesy words.

Sunoo took a while to think about it — despite knowing the answer already — hands behind his back and swinging his body back and forth.

And finally he whispered back, "Yes... Yes, I want to be—"

"That was like a romantic drama moment just now.. You've grown up, Sunghoon!" Jake walked towards them with a big grin on his face while Niki ran his hands through his hair to get all the leaves out. "Tsk, I knew you wouldn't give up." He scoffed and patted Sunghoon on the shoulder a few times before giving him a proud and reassuring smile.

Sunghoon, on the other hand, just stared at him in confusion. He glanced at Sunoo to see the exact same expression and turned back to Jake. "Where the hell did you two come from? Were you spying??" He asked, crossing his arms.

"Boy, you wish," Niki chimed in, still scratching his head, "It took you forever to get Sunoo, so Jay told us to go look for you, cause he thought that Sunghoon had forgotten the way back.. Heeseung guessed you already went home and Jungwon was having a whole crisis and believed Sunoo got kidnapped and you were too scared to tell Jungwon." He casually said, pointing at Sunghoon in the last part.

"Wait.. why am I kind of a coward in all three conclusio—"

"Anyway, we should go back now, everyone is waiting already."

_____________

The beach, their destination, wasn't far. Sunghoon and Sunoo hadn't even had the chance to tell the Decilis boys about their "love story."

Heeseung, Jungwon, and Jay awaited by the fire, noticing their friends' arrival one by one. The crackling flames provided warmth on the chilly night.

Sitting together on the sandy shore, bathed in moonlight, their faces glowed softly. The only sounds were the ocean's murmurs and the whisper of the wind. Amidst their friends' chatter, a silent heartbreak unfolded.

Jay remained silent that night, clutching the sand beneath him, his gaze drawn repeatedly to the jacket draped over Sunoo's shoulders. It was obvious whose it was, yet no one else seemed to notice Sunghoon and Sunoo returning hand in hand, their faces flushed with emotion.

Perhaps Jay was the only one paying attention to that little detail.

Jay observed from a distance, a sharp pang in his heart. While he should feel happy for his friend, Sunghoon, he couldn't help but feel torn. The scene unfolding before him triggers a whirlpool of emotions he's struggling to comprehend.

Despite being in the comforting company of his friends, Jay has never felt more alone.

As Jay observed his friends enjoying themselves, he brushed the sand off his palms with a slow, deliberate clap before rising to his feet and embarking on a solitary stroll. Despite the mild temperature of the night, a chill seeped into his bones, causing goosebumps to ripple across his skin.

Each step was a struggle against the stubborn sand, but Jay pressed on, drawn to the water's edge like a magnet. The rhythmic crash of the waves guided his path, leading him along the shoreline to destinations unknown. With each stride, the tranquil murmur of the ocean enveloped him, offering solace amidst the turmoil of his thoughts.

"Jay Hyung!"

Startled from his reverie, Jay's attention snapped to the source of the sudden interruption. He raised his head, squinting against the darkness to discern the figure approaching him. It was Sunoo, his diminutive form illuminated by a gentle smile.

"Sunoo?"

"The others are starting to head back," Sunoo informed him softly, concern lacing his voice. "What are you doing out here alone? Let's go back together."

"I think I'll stay a bit longer," Jay replied, his tone distant as he averted his gaze, "I'll be fine, don't worry, Sunoo." He feigned a smile, trying to hide his own true feelings.

Sunoo hesitated for a moment before speaking again, his voice soft. "O.. Okay sure. Come back soon, it's cold." he said, his expression earnest. With those words, Sunoo turned and headed back towards the group, leaving Jay alone on the beach with his shattered heart.

Jay responded with another smile.

Though his heart wanted to express so much more, he remained silence, watching Sunoo's every step.

Jay couldn't help but wonder if he would ever find the courage to move on from his unrequited love.

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AN: Not my favorite chapter but I hope you enjoyed! Thanks for your support and I appreciate everyone of you. Thanks again and see you in the next chapter.