Metanoia | Sunki

10

Sunoo was a complete bundle of nerves as he prepared for his date with Ni-ki. His usually composed demeanour was replaced by an endearing sense of panic, evident from the slight tremble in his hands and the quickened pace at which he wandered around his room. Suddenly, he was regretting the fact that he agreed to go out with him. His mind raced with thoughts of Ni-ki just plotting something evil against him. What if he wouldn't show up? Or even worse, what if he would kidnap him and leave him to rot somewhere in the depths of a trench? Laying out various outfit options, Sunoo agonized over each choice, desperately wanting to showcase his best self without seeming too desperate.

He fussily arranged his hair, ensuring every strand was perfectly in place - a futile attempt to harness control over the butterflies wreaking havoc in his stomach. Despite all this internal chaos, there was genuine excitement underneath it all. Even though he lost Sunghoon, he couldn't afford to lose Ni-ki. He would try his best. Sunoo took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He reminded himself that he had to stay positive and not let his thoughts consume him. After all, he had seen a different side of Ni-ki during the time they spent at school, a side that made him believe there could be something special between them.

Sunoo couldn't deny the connection he felt when Ni-ki held him without saying a word. It was worth taking a chance, even if it meant stepping out of his comfort zone. As he glanced at himself in the mirror, Sunoo mustered a smile, determined to show Ni-ki the best version of himself. With newfound confidence, Sunoo left his room, ready to embrace the unknown and discover what the future held for him and Ni-ki. He walked towards where Ni-ki was waiting for him and then greeted him with a small wave. Ni-ki waved at him shortly and then turned his attention to his phone once again.

Sunoo just stood beside Ni-ki without saying a word, at some point, he expected Ni-ki to act like an ass all over again. The boy waited for a while until Ni-ki shut off his phone and put it away in his pocket. "Sorry about that." Ni-ki nodded genuinely at Sunoo and then began to walk, causing Sunoo to follow him soon after. "I was thinking we go to the Han River." Sunoo nodded, loving the idea of spending some time by the river. As the sun began its descent, casting a warm golden glow across the cityscape, the Han River came alive in all its shimmering splendour. The gentle current carried with it the subtle melody of small waves lapping against the riverbanks, creating a serene symphony that calmed Sunoo.

Sunoo took in the breathtaking sights around him—a panoramic view of modern skyscrapers adorned with twinkling lights, reflecting their brilliance onto the glassy surface of the river. Occasionally, colourful boats drifted lazily by, their occupants enjoying a leisurely cruise and adding dashes of vibrancy amidst the tranquil scene. As twilight deepened and darkness enveloped the sky, bridge after bridge came alive with myriad lights that seemed to dance along their spans like ethereal fireflies. "Hey, Ni-ki?" Sunoo turned towards the younger and looked at him with curious eyes, making Ni-ki hum in response. "What about our job?" Ni-ki sighed. "I told them we wouldn't be needing it anymore."

"Why'd you ask, Hyung?"

"I want to get to know you more." Ni-ki slipped his hand around Sunoo's waist and pulled him close before placing a soft kiss on Sunoo's lips.

The End.