It had been almost a month since Sunghoon and Sunoo had their long-overdue heart-to-heart conversation. The turbulent days of unspoken tension and discomfort had given way to a more stable, albeit altered, rapport between them. Their interactions had returned to a semblance of normalcy, though the previous closeness had not fully returned. They could now speak casually and perform their tasks with a level of comfort that had been absent for a time. Their partnership during shoots was once again effective, though the ease they once shared was now tempered by an unspoken acknowledgment of their past issues.
Sunghoon found solace in this newfound stability. When Sunoo fell ill a few weeks back, Sunghoon had stayed by his side, refusing to leave until he was on the mend. This act of devotion, while simple, marked a significant shift from the strained interactions of the past. Sunghoon’s presence and care during Sunoo’s illness brought him a sense of fulfillment and happiness. It was an indication that, despite their difficulties, there was still a bond worth nurturing.
Jungwon had noticed the improvements in Sunghoon and Sunoo's relationship. During a recent conversation, Sunghoon had shared the progress they’d made. Jungwon had been supportive and encouraging. “I’m proud of you for making the effort to reconcile with Sunoo,” Jungwon had said with a nod. “It’s not easy to mend relationships, especially when they’ve been strained. Keep supporting each other, and you’ll find your way back to a better place.”
Despite this positive feedback, Sunghoon couldn’t shake a persistent feeling of unease. His newfound comfort around Sunoo was accompanied by an unexpected nervousness. He found himself frequently preoccupied with thoughts of Sunoo, feeling a flutter of anxiety whenever they spent time together. This new sensitivity was confusing. Did it signify romantic interest? Sunghoon had always prided himself on his independence and emotional control. So why was he feeling this way?
Sunghoon's confusion deepened as he examined his feelings. He had always considered Sunoo to be like a younger brother during their time on “I-LAND,” but something had shifted. Was it possible that his feelings had evolved into something more complex? Sunoo’s beauty and kindness were undeniable, but was that enough to account for the emotional turbulence Sunghoon was experiencing?
Determined to gain clarity, Sunghoon decided to seek advice from someone he trusted. Jay, known for his stable and successful relationship with Rosé, seemed like the perfect person to offer guidance. Sunghoon knocked on Jay’s door one evening and, not waiting for an invitation, entered. Jay was lounging on his bed, strumming his guitar softly. He looked up with a curious expression.
“Hey, Jay. Do you have a minute?” Sunghoon asked, trying to sound casual.
Jay set his guitar aside and nodded. “Of course. What’s on your mind?”
Sunghoon took a seat on the edge of Jay’s bed, grappling with how to articulate his feelings. “I’ve been feeling really confused lately. I’ve been spending a lot of time with Sunoo, and I’ve noticed that I’m always nervous around him. I can’t stop thinking about him, and I’m not sure if these feelings mean I like him romantically or if I’m just overreacting.”
Jay was surprised but he listened attentively, his expression thoughtful. “It sounds like you might be experiencing deeper emotions for Sunoo. When you like someone, you find yourself wanting to be around them more, thinking about them often, and caring about their well-being. It’s more than just physical attraction; it’s an emotional connection.”
Sunghoon absorbed Jay’s words, feeling a mixture of hope and confusion. “How did you know you liked Rosé noona? Was there something specific that made you realize it?”
Jay smiled, reflecting on his relationship with Rosé. “It was a combination of things. I realized that I wanted to spend more time with her, support her, and share my life with her. It wasn’t just about her appearance; it was about feeling a deep connection and wanting to build a life together. You’ll know when you really like someone because you’ll feel an emotional pull towards them.”
Sunghoon nodded slowly, the weight of Jay’s advice sinking in. “But I’m worried about what others might think, what if they hurt sunoo beacuse me? And I’ve been thinking about my past interactions with Sunoo, and I’m concerned that my feelings might just be a temporary reaction.”
Jay’s gaze was steady. “It’s natural to be concerned about others’ opinions, but you should focus on your own feelings and what makes you happy. Relationships are about genuine connection and mutual respect. When I was with Rosé, we faced criticism, but we chose to prioritize our feelings and our happiness. It’s about being true to yourself and not letting external judgments dictate your choices.”
Sunghoon listened intently, feeling a sense of relief. Jay’s perspective helped him understand that his feelings for Sunoo were valid and that it was okay to embrace them. He realized that his nervousness and preoccupation with Sunoo were signs of deeper affection.
"Thanks, Jay. And can you... Can you keep this as a secret?" Sunghoon was wait for Jay's reply but he just smiled and nodded, and he was relieved for that.
As he left Jay’s room, Sunghoon couldn’t shake thoughts of Jake and Sunoo. The lingering image of them together caused him sadness and frustration. Despite his growing understanding of his feelings for Sunoo, the thought of Sunoo being with someone else was painful. Sunghoon resolved to keep his feelings to himself for now, focusing on processing his emotions and navigating the complex dynamics of their relationships.
Later that night, Sunghoon lay in bed, reflecting on the day’s revelations. The realization that he liked Sunoo brought a mix of hope and sadness. He was hopeful that understanding his emotions would lead to resolution, but the situation with Jake remained unresolved. Sunghoon knew he needed time to sort out his feelings and decide how to move forward.
The quiet of the night allowed Sunghoon’s thoughts to swirl around him. He hoped that by coming to terms with his feelings, he could find a way to address his concerns and navigate his relationships with clarity. The road ahead was uncertain, but Sunghoon was determined to face it with honesty and understanding, ready to confront the complexities of his heart and relationships.

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Beyond The Surface | SUNSUN
Short StorySunoo's vibrant persona and Sunghoon's rigid views clash, sparking a scandal that threatens to unravel them both.