𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 : 𝙃𝙚𝙚𝙟𝙖𝙠𝙚

9.

[Zack Tabudlo - Pano]

After Heeseung suggested driving him home. Jaeyun, still feeling a mix of gratitude and lingering embarrassment, agreed. They walked together to Heeseung’s car, the silence between them now filled with a newfound sense of longing.

The drive was quiet but comfortable. Heeseung occasionally glanced at Jaeyun, making sure he was okay. Jaeyun stared out the window, his thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Heeseung’s care and concern had touched him deeply, and he couldn’t help but feel a growing affection for his friend’s older brother.

When they arrived at their apartment building, Heeseung parked the car and turned to Jaeyun. “Let me walk you to the door,” he said.

Jaeyun smiled, appreciating the gesture. “Okay.”

They got out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the building. As they reached the front door, they stopped, lingering for a moment.

“Thank you again, Heeseung-hyung,” Jaeyun said, his voice soft. “I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

Heeseung smiled warmly. “Anytime, Jaeyun. I meant what I said earlier—if you ever need anything, I’m here for you.”

Jaeyun nodded, feeling a swell of emotion. Just as he was about to say something more, a movement caught his eye. He turned to see Sunghoon standing a short distance away, his expression a mix of shock and hurt.

“Sunghoon,” Jaeyun called out, taking a step toward him.

Sunghoon looked between Jaeyun and Heeseung, his face paling. “What’s going on?” he asked, his voice tinged with pain.

Jaeyun hesitated, unsure of how to explain. “I… I had some trouble earlier, and Heeseung-hyung helped me. He brought me home.”

Sunghoon’s eyes flicked to Heeseung, then back to Jaeyun. “Why didn’t you call me?”

Jaeyun opened his mouth to respond, but Heeseung spoke first. “He didn’t want to interrupt your classes. He thought it would be easier to reach out to me.”

Sunghoon’s jaw tightened, and he nodded slowly. “I see.” He turned to Jaeyun, his voice softer but still hurt. “Are you okay?”

Jaeyun nodded. “Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks to Heeseung-hyung.”

The tension in the air was palpable, and Jaeyun felt a pang of guilt.  “Sunghoon, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

Sunghoon forced a smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “It’s okay, Jaeyun. I’m just glad you’re safe.”

Heeseung glanced between the two, sensing the deeper emotions at play. “I should go,” he said gently. “If you need anything, don’t hesitate to call.”

Jaeyun nodded, watching as Heeseung turned and walked back to his car. He then turned to Sunghoon, who was still standing there, his expression unreadable.

“Sunghoon, I—” Jaeyun began, but Sunghoon shook his head.

“It’s fine, Jaeyun,” Sunghoon said
  quietly. “Let’s just go inside.”

They walked into the building together, the silence heavy with unspoken feelings. Jaeyun couldn’t help but feel a sense of dread. He knew things had just become a lot more complicated, and he wasn’t sure how to navigate the tangled web of emotions that now surrounded them.

As Jaeyun and Sunghoon entered their apartment building, the weight of the evening pressed heavily on Jaeyun’s shoulders. He couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling that something had shifted between him and Sunghoon. They stopped outside Jaeyun's front door, the silence between them growing more uncomfortable by the second.

“Sunghoon,” Jaeyun began, his voice tentative, “I really am sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Sunghoon turned to face him, his expression a mix of hurt and resignation. “It’s not just about tonight, Jaeyun. It’s… everything.”

Jaeyun felt his heart sink. “What do you mean?”

Sunghoon took a deep breath, his emotions finally spilling over. “The way you look at Hyung… it’s the same way I look at you. I’ve had feelings for you for a long time, Jaeyun. I tried to tell you before, but you were too drunk to remember.”

Jaeyun’s eyes widened in shock. He vaguely remembered a hazy conversation, but he hadn’t realized the depth of Sunghoon’s feelings. “Sunghoon, I…”

Sunghoon shook his head, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You don’t have to say anything. I just wanted you to know. Seeing you with Hyung tonight, it just hurt more than I expected.”

Jaeyun’s heart ached at the sight of his friend in pain. “Sunghoon, I had no idea. I’ve been so caught up in my own feelings that I didn’t see what was right in front of me. I’m sorry.”

Sunghoon wiped his eyes, trying to regain his composure. “It’s not your fault, Jaeyun. You can’t control who you have feelings for. I just… I need some time to process all of this.”

Jaeyun nodded, feeling a mix of guilt and confusion. “I understand. Take all the time you need. I’m here for you, no matter what.”

Sunghoon managed a small, sad smile. “Thanks, Jaeyun. I just need to be alone for a bit.”

With that, Sunghoon retreated to his apartment, leaving Jaeyun standing alone in the living room. He sank onto the couch, his mind reeling from the evening’s revelations. He felt a surge of guilt for not recognizing Sunghoon’s feelings sooner and for the pain he had inadvertently caused his friend.

As he sat there, the emotions of the night washed over him. He thought about Heeseung and the tender care he had shown, and he thought about Sunghoon, who had quietly been there for him all along. Jaeyun realized he had been so focused on his own feelings that he had missed the signs from the people closest to him.

Jaeyun knew he had to figure out his feelings and navigate the complex emotions surrounding Heeseung and Sunghoon. It wouldn’t be easy, but he was determined to find a way to make things right with both of them. For now, all he could do was give Sunghoon the space he needed and hope that, in time, they could find a way to move forward together.

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