The night was unusually quiet at St. Eden Academy, with only the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional hoot of an owl breaking the stillness. Minho found himself unable to sleep, his mind a whirlpool of thoughts and emotions ever since Jisung's performance at the festival. Unable to find solace in his bed, he decided to take a walk, hoping the cool night air would bring him some clarity.
As he wandered through the dormitory corridors, his footsteps echoing softly, Minho noticed the door to Jisung's room slightly ajar. Curiosity piqued, he hesitated before gently pushing the door open. The room was dimly lit by the soft glow of a desk lamp, casting a warm, inviting light over the familiar clutter of books and papers.
Minho stepped inside, his eyes drawn to Jisung's desk. There, amidst the usual chaos, lay a leather-bound journal, its pages slightly ajar as if it had been hastily closed. Without thinking, Minho found himself reaching for the journal, his fingers brushing against the worn cover. He knew it was an invasion of Jisung's privacy, but something compelled him to open it.
As he flipped through the pages, he found himself engrossed in Jisung's neat handwriting. The words painted a vivid picture of Jisung's thoughts and feelings, each entry revealing a new layer of his friend's complex heart. Then, Minho's eyes fell upon a poem, —a poem that spoke of unspoken love, silent yearning, and the desire to share a little bit of one's heart. The page was decorated with little hearts and in a corner, was written his name, Minho
Realization hit Minho like a tidal wave, his breath catching in his throat. The poem was about him—every line, every word, was a testament to Jisung's hidden feelings. Shocked and overwhelmed, Minho felt his heart race as he read the final lines, the depth of Jisung's emotions laid bare before him.
Unable to contain the whirlwind of emotions swirling within him, Minho closed the journal and clutched it tightly to his chest. He knew he had to talk to Jisung, to confront the truth that had been hidden for so long. With determined steps, he made his way to the common area where he knew Jisung often retreated in the evenings.
Sure enough, Jisung was there, lost in thought as he gazed out of the window at the moonlit campus. The soft glow of the moon bathed the room in an ethereal light, adding to the charged atmosphere. Jisung sat in a cozy armchair, a pair of headphones on his ears, the soft strains of music playing faintly from them. A book lays open in his lap, but his eyes were unfocused, staring out into the night as if seeking answers in the stars.
Minho hesitated for a moment, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew this moment would change everything. Taking a deep breath, he stepped into the room, his footsteps barely audible on the soft carpet.
"Jisung," Minho called softly, his voice trembling with a mix of fear and determination.
Jisung turned, surprise and apprehension flashing across his face as he saw the journal in Minho's hands. He quickly removed his headphones, the music cutting off abruptly. "M-Minho, w-what are you doing with t-that?" His voice was tight with anxiety, his eyes darting to the journal and back to Minho's face.
Minho took a deep breath, his eyes locking with Jisung's. "I couldn't sleep, and I... I found your journal. I read the poem, Jisung."
Jisung's face paled, his heart pounding in his chest. "You r-read it?" His voice was barely above a whisper, laced with vulnerability. He felt exposed, his deepest feelings laid bare without his consent.
Minho nodded, stepping closer, his own emotions a tumultuous mix of fear, confusion, and a newfound resolve. "Yes, I did. And it made me realize... so many things."
Jisung looked away, fear of rejection tightening his throat. "Minho, I... I never meant for you to find out like this. I didn't want to risk our friendship." His hands clenched and unclenched in his lap, the book now forgotten.
But Minho closed the distance between them, his gaze intense and filled with a newfound understanding. He gently placed the journal on the table beside Jisung and took a seat across from him, his eyes never leaving Jisung's. "Jisung, I was shocked at first, but... I've been noticing things too. The way you look at me, the way you care. And after reading your poem, I realized something important."
Jisung's eyes met Minho's, a flicker of hope mingling with his fear. "What did you realize?"
Minho took Jisung's hands in his, his touch gentle yet firm. "I realized that I've grown to love you too, Jisung. I was confused about my feelings before, but now I know. I love you."
Jisung's breath hitched, his eyes widening in disbelief. "You... you love me?" His voice was filled with wonder and trepidation, as if he were afraid this was a dream that would shatter at any moment.
Minho nodded, squeezing Jisung's hands reassuringly. "Yes, Jisung. I've been in denial for a long time, scared of what it might mean for us. But reading your poem, seeing your feelings so openly and bravely expressed... it gave me the courage to face my own. I love you, and I want us to be together."
Tears welled up in Jisung's eyes, his heart swelling with a mix of relief and overwhelming joy. "Minho, I've loved you for so long. I was so afraid of losing you if you ever found out."
Minho smiled softly, his thumb brushing away a tear that escaped down Jisung's cheek. "You're not losing me, Jisung. You're gaining my love in return."
With a trembling breath, Jisung leaned in, closing the distance between them. Their lips met in a tender kiss, a silent promise of the love that had blossomed between them. It was a kiss filled with unspoken words, shared dreams, and the promise of a future together.
The kiss broke gently, leaving them both breathless and filled with a newfound sense of belonging. They stayed like that for a while, simply holding each other, letting the weight of their confession settle into a comforting reality. The world outside continued its quiet rhythm, but within the confines of that room, time seemed to stand still.
Finally, Minho pulled back slightly, his eyes shining with love and determination. "Let's face this together, Jisung. No more hiding, no more fears. Just us, being honest about how we feel."
Jisung nodded, his heart brimming with happiness. "Together," he agreed, a smile lighting up his face.
Hand in hand, they left the common area, as they walked back to their dorm rooms, the campus bathed in the soft light of the moon.
