𝐓𝐨𝐤𝐲𝐨 𝟐𝟎𝟒𝟓 | zb1 bxb

.𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟒.

♴𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐖'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕:

----

𝐒𝐄𝐎𝐔𝐋 , 𝐒𝐎𝐔𝐓𝐇 𝐊𝐎𝐑𝐄𝐀

It's been a few weeks since I first started hanging out with Gunwook, and I have to admit, it's been nice. He's sweet, funny, and he makes me feel... I don't know, lighter somehow. But despite our growing closeness, I'm not sure if I have feelings for him, at least not in the way he might hope. I've never really dated anyone before, and I'm not even sure where to start.

We're sitting in a small café, our usual spot near the university. The hum of conversation and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee create a comforting background as Gunwook animatedly talks about a new marketing campaign he's working on. I'm trying to focus, but my mind keeps drifting. *What am I doing? Is this fair to him?* I wonder, staring into my cup of coffee.

"Matthew, you okay?" Gunwook asks, snapping me out of my thoughts. His voice is laced with concern, and I feel a pang of guilt.

"Huh? Oh, yeah, sorry. Just got lost in my head for a second," I say, forcing a smile. *You're doing great, Matthew. Just keep it together.*

"You sure? You've been kinda out of it lately," he says, his brow furrowing. I can tell he's worried, and it only makes me feel worse.

I sigh, setting my cup down. "I guess I've just been thinking about... us. And where this is going."

Gunwook's eyes widen slightly. "Oh. I see. And what do you think?" There's a vulnerability in his eyes that breaks my heart a little.

"I like spending time with you, Gunwook. I really do. But I've never been in a relationship before, and I don't know if what I'm feeling is... right," I admit, feeling a bit embarrassed. What if I'm just leading him on? I don't want to hurt him.

He nods, looking thoughtful. "I get that. It's new for me too, in a way. After Yujin... I didn't think I'd ever want to be with someone again. But you've been a bright spot in all this darkness." His honesty touches me deeply, and I realize just how much this means to him.

I reach out to take his hand. "I don't want to hurt you, Gunwook. I just need to figure out what these feelings mean."

"I understand, Matthew. Take your time. I'm not going anywhere," he says, squeezing my hand gently. His words are reassuring, but they also add to my confusion. How can he be so patient? How can he be so sure?

We fall into a comfortable silence, sipping our drinks. It's a relief to have everything out in the open, but it also leaves me with more questions than answers. Do I like him as more than a friend? I ponder, glancing at Gunwook as he scrolls through his phone. *Or am I just afraid of being alone?* Only time will tell, I suppose.

----

𝐉𝐈𝐖𝐎𝐎𝐍𝐆'𝐒 𝐏𝐎𝐕:

I've never been the type to get all starry-eyed over someone, especially strangers. But today was different. I'm walking through the bustling streets of Myeongdong, heading towards a bookstore to pick up a new novel, when I feel someone bump into me from behind.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" I snap, turning around, more out of reflex than actual anger.

"Sorry, man," says a tall Chinese guy with a light voice and a shy smile. He's absolutely gorgeous, with chiseled features and eyes that seem to twinkle in the sunlight. Beside him is another guy, a bit shorter, with a sensual face and an aura of confidence that makes my breath hitch. What the fuck is happening to me? I feel like I've been hit by a freight train.