A Flower For A Muse 꽃｜花

In-Bloom 사

Previously-

And when Jun didn't reply, his unhealed wounds began to peel open again.
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Warnings: Mentions of Sexual abuse.

Ren was experiencing intense emotions. Two tears had already fallen from his eyes, and his breathing was becoming unsteady. Jun was concerned about Ren's reaction and stumbled over to take a seat near him, causing Ren to flinch slightly in return, from the natural flight and fight response he quickly sprang up from the bed. Jun instinctively reached out and grabbed Ren's wrist, pulling him back in.

JUN: No, I didn't regret it.

He spoke steadily, looking down at his tightly clasped hands and Ren's.

JUN: I didn't want to be drunk for the first time, especially with the person I love! I'm sorry for not responding sooner, there's just so much on my mind."

As Jun began to explain the situation in detail, Ren's tense body gradually loosened up, and a sense of relief washed over him. He couldn't help but smile as Jun's words gave him a reassuring feeling, allowing him to let go of his worries and feel at ease.

REN: You did not know how much reassurance you just gave me.

As he exhaled, a sense of relief washed over him, and he felt the warmth returning to his body. Time seemed to slow down, and Jun's mind was still trying to decipher the older boy's reaction to his confession. Yet, despite the uncertainty, he felt a weight lifted off his chest. He quickly grabbed a nearby shirt and shorts, and without any hesitation, he climbed on top of Ren, burying himself in the crook of Ren's neck, feeling safe and secure.

JUN: What happened?

To make you react like this?

He wanted to ask.

Ren and Jun shared a deep, unspoken bond that transcended words. As they exchanged a questioning glance, Ren's eyes darted around the room, searching for a sense of familiarity that would calm him down. He scanned the surroundings, taking in every detail, from the flickering light bulb to the creaking floorboards. But it was only when he met Jun's curious gaze that he felt his tense muscles start to relax. He could feel the warmth of Jun's presence, like a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, enveloping him in a cocoon of comfort and safety.

As the two boys lay together, they listened intently to each other's breathing. Gradually, their heartbeats began to synchronize, falling into a rhythmic pattern that seemed to harmonize with one another.

At that moment, the atmosphere around them felt peaceful and comforting, like they were surrounded by the warmth and familiarity of home. It wasn't the physical space they were in that made them feel this way, but rather the reassuring presence of one another. They were each other's sanctuary, a place of safety and security that they could always rely on.

REN: I'll tell you. Just give me a moment to sort it out. Talking about feelings isn't my strongest suit.

He gently whispers with a sense of certainty. This time, it wasn't peer pressure or threats that made Ren open up about his feelings for the first time. He made a conscious decision to share his experience. His hand hovers over Jun's face, and he softly touches his messy hair.

REN: I grew up pretty isolated.

Jun could feel the vibration in Ren's throat as he talked, his voice was slightly wavering.

REN: Both of my parents were loving but it was in a way I couldn't understand.

Those words were painful to hear for Jun too, as he always gave out too much love and not enough to keep for himself.