The Gossip of BL [E-book on MEB]

CHAPTER 59 : The Secret I Kept Hidden

Book's eyelids squinted as soon as sunlight touched his face, causing him to awaken from his sleep. He stretched lazily before slowly turning to look at the time on his phone.

He flinched slightly when he realized it was well past his usual wake-up time. He had only a few minutes to get ready before leaving for work. Thoughts of Kan continued to swirl in his head. Guilt completely overwhelmed him, prompting Book to decide that he needed to have a proper conversation with Kan today.

The tall man rushed to shower and dress right away, fearing that if he waited any longer, he would be late for work. In truth, since entering the entertainment industry, he had grown bored with his previous regular job. The routine of waking up and sleeping at the same time every day no longer excited him as much as it once did.

After finishing his shower, he walked out of the bathroom with a white towel wrapped around his lower half. His body, which had been going to the gym for several months, was beginning to show results in the form of subtle muscle definition on his stomach and chest. One hand reached out to grab his phone, opened the Line app, and quickly typed a message to Kan.

Book: Hey, let us meet at the coffee shop this evening.

Book: I have got something to say.

Book sighed after successfully sending the message to the other party, hoping that everything would be fine.

Today, time passed slowly. Book's thoughts were concentrated on the appointment time. He desperately wanted to see Kan's face and missed him terribly. The plan to cuddle all night had failed due to the interfering manager. He was exhausted from the work and meetings he had to attend today. completing each task made him want to scream. However, his anxiety about Kan kept him from fully concentrating on his work. Several times, colleagues and superiors chastised him for failing to focus on the task at hand as well as he should.

When it was time to leave work, Book dashed to the coffee shop where he had planned to meet Kan in the morning. The coffee shop was in a quiet neighborhood, and he frequented it to relax and work when he did not have any other appointments. The atmosphere in the shop was pleasant and peaceful. Book selected the table in the farthest corner, hoping for the most private setting possible.

"Hey!" Kan, who had just arrived, came in shortly after Book did. He approached with a small smile that put the older man at ease, but there was still a hint of concern in the younger man's eyes.

"I have already ordered drinks and snacks for us."

"Oh, okay. What would you like to talk about? Actually, we could have talked at home, you know."

Book took a deep breath, his face expressing concern. "I apologize for what happened last night. We nearly made it work."

"It's okay."

"I understand you are upset about last night because I put work ahead of you."

Kan shook his head. "I understand the type of person you are. You always give your all at work. I was just a little disappointed that we had finally spent time together, but it was cut short by work."

"I know, I am trying to adjust, but it is not easy," Book said, firmly gripping Kan's hand. "But I promise to try harder. You're really important to me."

The younger man looked into the older man's eyes with admiration, his eyes shining brighter than before. He began to feel more confident as a result of the other's actions, but it was still insufficient to ensure that their relationship would succeed.

"Really, all I need is clarity and stability in our relationship. I don't need anything else."

"Is not everything I am doing clear enough?" Book gazed at him, and his voice was imploring.

"It is clear, but there is only one thing left."

"Going public with our relationship, right?"

"Yes."

"I will do my best for us."

The two sat openly talking while eating the snacks and drinks that the staff had prepared. The coffee shop's warm and quiet atmosphere made their conversation even more enjoyable.

As they were about to leave the table after finishing their conversation and reaching an agreement, someone unexpectedly entered the shop. Book had met Han, Kan's junior friend, at the park earlier. He looked at Book and Kan, puzzled.

"Oh, P'Book and P'Kan, what are you doing here? And, are you here together?" Han inquired in a curious tone.

Book looked at the questioner with nervousness. "Ah... Well... we are here to discuss work."

Kan turned to look at Book's face with displeasure. They had just discussed this, but he noticed no effort in what the older man had just said. "Discuss work? Is this what you intended when you said you would try?"

"Baby, don't misunderstand."

"Or do you really not want to reveal our relationship?" Kan asked, tears welling up in his eyes.

Han stood there perplexed, unable to understand. "What's going on?"

Book tried his best to explain to Kan. "It's not like that. I'm just not ready to reveal this to others yet."

"But Han isn't just anyone else."

"Babe..."

"If you are not ready to accept and reveal our relationship, I do not know how I can go on."

"Listen to me first, Kan," the older man said, grabbing the other's hand.

The younger man immediately drew his hand back. "I've listened enough!"

Kan quickly turned and walked out of the coffee shop, leaving the taller man standing still. Han turned to Book with a questioning look.

"What does P'Kan's statement mean?" Han asked with a confused look.

"Actually, we are important to each other now, but I have no idea what to do next."

"Important to each other? You mean you two?"

Book nodded before deciding to say something. "Yeah, we're dating."

"Really?! Congratulations!"

"Thanks." Book appeared strangely relieved after telling Han about his relationship with Kan.

That made him realize that revealing their relationship was not as scary as he had imagined.

The tall man returned to his condo that night, feeling as if everything was about to crumble. He struggled to fall asleep because of his worries and fears.

The next day, Book decided to rush to Kan's house right away. He rang the doorbell and waited for the homeowner to open the door with a stern expression that made it difficult to guess what he was thinking or feeling.

"What are you doing here this early?" Kan asked curiously.

"I have come to apologize and explain everything. I know I made a mistake, but I do not want to lose you," Book said in a genuine tone.

The younger man sighed heavily. "I only need clarity and stability. Can you give that to me?"

"I'll try..."

Sigh!

The younger man sighed deeply when he heard this. He did not want to hear the word "try" anymore because he would heard it too many times. He wanted clearer action, not more excuses.

"I love you, and I do not want to lose you."

Kan maintained a steady gaze into Book's eyes. The sincere look in the taller man's eyes softened him. "I love you too, but I would like to see more courage from you."

Book smiled. "I'll do everything for us."

The two hugged tightly in front of the house, unconcerned about potential gossip from neighbors. Although their relationship may still require some adjustment and understanding, their love for each other will help them get through it all.