FATE

29.

A stunned silence hung heavy in the air of the En-dorm living room. Jeong and Won face flushed and hands intertwined, stood self-consciously before their bewildered housemates.

Jeong mumbled an apology, looking down. "We, uh, we just..."

Won took over, his voice firm despite the blush creeping up his neck. "We were scared, honestly. We weren't sure how you'd react." He looked around at the faces of their friends, searching for understanding.

Taehyun, blurted out, "Three years?! But how? You guys never gave anything away!"

He scrunched his nose in thought, then his eyes widened. "Wait, that explains it. I remember I went to Won's room and he wasn't there, but Jeong was locked inside. That was weird, Jeong's door is practically welded open!"

Riki, chimed in, eyes sparkling with revelation. "Oh my god, it all makes sense now! I totally saw Jeong hyung sneaking into Won hyung's room late at night a couple of times! I also remembered both of you had a conversation, was it really a conversation, or were you kissing? when I opened the door."

Seo-hoon, spoke softly, "How could I forget when I walked into Jeong's room early in the morning, and you were both... asleep? Jeong was even hugging Won from behind."

Now, Si-woo is deeply in thought. He saw them sneaking out into the secluded room, I even asked them. Gosh, these two.

A collective sigh escaped the other housemates. All those missed clues, right under their noses.

Won cleared his throat, trying to regain control of the situation. "Look, we know it seems weird, keeping things secret for so long. But we just..." he trailed off, searching for the right words.

Jeong squeezed his hand, offering him silent support. "We were afraid you wouldn't understand. It's a big deal, you know, being in a relationship with the group. But the truth is, we're in love. We couldn't hide it any longer. We just wanted you guys to understand and accept it."

He looked at each of them, his eyes pleading for acceptance.

A comfortable silence settled once more. The initial shock had worn off, replaced by a sense of acceptance and amusement.

Jeong went to Hoon directly, "Hoon, I'm sorry." Seo-hoon chuckled, ruffling Jeong's hair.

Riki dramatically fainted on the couch. "This is too much emotional turmoil for one day! I need snacks!"

Taehyun nudged Jeong with a playful elbow. "Just promise you'll give us some warning next time, alright? My heart can only take so much surprise."

Si-woo smiled at Won and gently pressed his hand, like saying it's okay now.

Eun-hee their oldest member, reminds them gently again to tone it down outside to avoid rumors that may hurt the group in the future.

Relief washed over Jeong and Won. They had expected resistance, judgment even. But instead, they were met with understanding and a teasing affection that felt like a warm hug.

From that day on, their secret became an open secret, a cherished part of their En-dorm family. The En-dorm may have a new official couple, but one thing remained certain – their bond of friendship was stronger than ever.

Jeong and Won learned that sometimes, the love you hide is the one that brings you all closer together.