A Difficult Conversation

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As days turned into weeks, Joong's health gradually improved under Daonuea's tender care. However, Daonuea couldn't help but notice the dwindling food supply in his humble abode. It was clear that soon there wouldn't be enough to sustain both of them.

One evening, Daonuea sat on a chair, wrestling with how to broach the delicate topic with Joong. Before he could gather his courage, Joong appeared behind him, his hands gently resting on Daonuea's shoulders.

Joong: "You have something on your mind, Daonuea?"

Daonuea looked up, meeting Joong's gaze with a mixture of apprehension and resolve. Taking a deep breath, he summoned the strength to speak.

Daonuea: "Joong, I... I was thinking that now that you're getting better, have you thought about going home?"

Joong's expression faltered for a moment, a hint of hurt flickering in his eyes.

Joong: "Are you chasing me away?"

Daonuea panicked slightly, his hands instinctively reaching out to touch Joong's arm.

Daonuea: "No, Joong, it's not that. It's just..."

But Daonuea's words trailed off as his hand slid off Joong's arm, his heart heavy with the weight of his confession.

Joong's voice softened, his eyes filled with understanding as he gently urged Daonuea to continue.

Joong: "What is it, Daonuea? You can tell me."

With a deep breath, Daonuea found the courage to speak his truth.

Daonuea: "It's just... Although I saved you, I can't afford to take care of you long-term."

Joong listened to Daonuea's words, his heart heavy with the weight of their predicament. Determined to find a solution, he spoke with unwavering resolve.

Joong: "Let me repay you for your kindness, Daonuea. There must be something I can do to help."

Daonuea's eyes softened with gratitude, but he shook his head gently, his voice filled with quiet determination.

Daonuea: "I don't need you to repay me, Joong. I can't let you do that. Besides..."

He hesitated, his gaze falling to the floor before he summoned the courage to continue.

Daonuea: "...Besides, I've been sleeping by leaning on the table for weeks. Since you were injured, I gave you my only bed."

Daonuea's admission that he had been sleeping uncomfortably on the table tugged at Joong's heartstrings. Determined to alleviate his companion's discomfort, Joong made a bold proposal.

Joong: "Why don't we share the bed, Daonuea? It's big enough for both of us, and I wouldn't want you to continue sleeping in such discomfort."

Daonuea was taken aback by Joong's proposition, his cheeks flushing with a light blush as he turned away slightly, unsure how to respond.

Daonuea: "Joong, I couldn't possibly..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Joong wrapped his arms around Daonuea from behind, pulling him into a gentle embrace.

Joong: "Why not? We've been through so much together already. It's only natural for us to share everything, including a bed."

Daonuea's heart fluttered at Joong's words, his cheeks growing warmer under Joong's touch. Unable to resist the pull of Joong's embrace, he leaned back into it, a sense of warmth and comfort enveloping him.

Daonuea: "Joong, I... I don't know what to say."

Joong's voice was soft and tender as he whispered his confession into Daonuea's ear, his words laced with sincerity and affection.

Joong: "Daonuea, I've come to care for you deeply. I want to be by your side, always. Please, let's face whatever challenges come our way together."

In that moment, as they stood entwined in each other's arms, Joong and Daonuea realized that their bond transcended mere friendship, blossoming into something deeper and more profound than either of them had ever imagined.

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