Unspoken Longing | Mulmyungz AU

Chapter 43

Jaehyun walked through the park after class, lost in his thoughts. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm golden hue over the surroundings. As he strolled along the winding paths, he found himself at a pond filled with colorful koi fish. He paused, watching the fish swim gracefully, their movements calm and serene. The scene reminded him of Leehan and the times they had spent together. Memories flooded back, each one a bittersweet reminder of what he had lost.

Jaehyun sighed, feeling the weight of his longing and regret. He wished he could turn back time and fix things between them. Just as he was lost in his reverie, he noticed a familiar figure walking towards him. It was Leehan. Their eyes met for a brief moment before Leehan looked straight ahead and continued walking past him. The coldness in Leehan's gaze pierced Jaehyun's heart, making him feel a deep, aching sadness.

Jaehyun continued to watch Leehan walk away, feeling a mix of frustration and hurt. Suddenly, he tripped over a small rock, making a loud sound as he stumbled. Leehan, hearing the commotion, turned around just in time to catch Jaehyun before he fell. For a moment, their eyes locked, and Jaehyun felt a flicker of hope. But Leehan quickly let go and started to walk away again.

Jaehyun's irritation and anger boiled over. He couldn't hold back any longer. "Leehan!" he shouted as loudly as he could, his voice echoing through the park. Leehan stopped in his tracks but didn't turn around. His back was still facing Jaehyun.

"Aren't you going to talk to me? Aren't you going to give me something?" Jaehyun yelled, his voice filled with desperation. Leehan remained still, not moving or saying anything.

Jaehyun's emotions finally burst. He began to cry, his voice breaking as he spoke. "I miss you so much! I need you, Leehan. Why won't you talk to me? I thought you to fix our friendship." To no response from him, he uttered "I... I love you!" His voice was weak and shaky, the words tumbling out in a torrent of raw emotion.

Leehan still didn't move or speak. The silence was unbearable. Jaehyun felt his heart breaking all over again. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I'm sorry," he said, his voice trembling. "I'm sorry for hurting you, for shutting you out. I'm sorry for avoiding you and making things so complicated. I... I don't deserve your forgiveness, but I need you to know how much you mean to me."

With tears streaming down his face, Jaehyun turned to walk away. His sobs echoed in the quiet park, each step feeling heavier than the last. He was about to give up his feelings for him when he felt a pair of arms wrap around him from behind. It was Leehan. The warmth of his embrace sent a wave of relief through Jaehyun's body, and he broke down, crying loudly.

Leehan's voice was soft and filled with emotion as he spoke. "I'm sorry too, Jaehyun. I avoided you because I was scared. I was scared of getting rejected, of losing you completely. But I realize now that avoiding you only made things worse. I love you too."

Jaehyun turned around, looking into Leehan's eyes. Leehan gently wiped away his tears before pulling him into a tight hug. Jaehyun clung to him, his sobs gradually subsiding as he felt the comfort of Leehan's embrace. It was a moment he had longed for, a moment that felt like a balm to his wounded heart.

They stood there for what felt like an eternity, holding each other as the cold air swirled around them. The park was quiet, the only sounds being the occasional rustling of leaves and the soft sobs of the two boys. Finally, Jaehyun pulled back slightly, looking up at Leehan with a tear-streaked face but a small, hopeful smile.

"Do you really mean it?" Jaehyun asked, his voice barely above a whisper. "Do you really love me?"

Leehan nodded, his eyes shining with sincerity. "Yes, Jaehyun. I love you. I should have told you sooner, but I was too afraid. I'm sorry for everything. Can we start over?"

Jaehyun's smile grew wider, and he nodded eagerly. "Yes, Leehan. I'd like that."

Leehan leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to Jaehyun's forehead. "We'll take it one step at a time. We'll figure things out together."

Jaehyun felt a sense of peace settle over him. For the first time in a long while, he felt hopeful about the future. He knew there would still be challenges to face, but with Leehan by his side, he felt ready to take them on.

As they walked out of the park together, their hands intertwined, Jaehyun couldn't help but feel grateful for the second chance they had been given. He glanced at Leehan, who smiled back at him, and he knew that whatever happened, they would face it together.

The two of them walked side by side, the setting sun casting a warm glow over them. The air was filled with the promise of new beginnings, and as they left the park behind, Jaehyun felt a renewed sense of purpose and a deep, abiding love for the boy who had captured his heart.

• ─────────── •