Title: Always Been You
Growing up together, Y/N and Huening Kai have always been inseparable. But as they navigate the challenges of high school, they start to realize that their feelings for each other might be more than just friendship.
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You couldn't remember a time when Huening Kai wasn't a part of your life. From the moment your families moved in next door to each other, you and Kai were inseparable. He was the boy with the bright smile and infectious laughter who turned every moment into an adventure. The two of you spent your childhood exploring the neighborhood, building forts, and sharing secrets that no one else knew.
As you both grew older, the bond between you only deepened. By the time high school rolled around, it was impossible to think of one of you without the other. Your friends often joked that you were like an old married couple—always together, always in sync. You would laugh it off, but sometimes, late at night, when you were alone with your thoughts, you couldn't help but wonder if there was more truth to their words than you were willing to admit.
One chilly autumn afternoon, you and Kai were hanging out at your usual spot—the big oak tree in the park where you'd spent countless afternoons together. The leaves had started to turn shades of red and gold, and the air was crisp with the promise of winter. You were both bundled up in cozy sweaters, sitting side by side on the ground with your backs against the tree.
Kai was scrolling through his phone, his long legs stretched out in front of him. You were trying to focus on your homework, but your mind kept drifting, thoughts swirling around your best friend beside you.
"Do you ever think about the future?" you asked suddenly, breaking the comfortable silence.
Kai looked up from his phone, surprised by the question. "The future? Like college and stuff?"
"Yeah," you said, shrugging. "College, careers, where we'll be in ten years... things like that."
Kai smiled, his eyes softening. "I guess I do. But I don't think too much about it. It feels too far away, you know?"
You nodded, but there was something more on your mind. "Do you think we'll still be friends? Even when we're all grown up?"
Kai's smile faltered slightly, and for a moment, he looked more serious than you'd ever seen him. "I hope so. I can't really imagine my life without you, Y/N."
His words sent a warm flutter through your chest, and you felt your cheeks heat up. You looked away, focusing on a fallen leaf by your foot. "Yeah, me too."
Silence fell between you again, but it was different this time—charged with an unspoken tension that neither of you knew how to address.
Over the next few weeks, that tension only grew. You found yourself becoming hyper-aware of Kai in a way you hadn't before. The way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, the way he absentmindedly played with his hair when he was thinking, the way his presence always made you feel safe and at ease.
It wasn't long before you realized what was happening—you were falling for your best friend. And it terrified you.
The idea of losing Kai, of ruining the perfect friendship you had, was too much to bear. So, you tried to push those feelings down, to pretend they weren't there. But it was impossible when he was always right there, being his usual sweet and caring self.
One evening, you were at his house for a movie night. It was something you did often, curled up on the couch with popcorn and blankets, watching your favorite films. But tonight felt different. There was an underlying tension in the air, something you both seemed to be avoiding.
As the credits rolled on the screen, Kai turned to you, his expression serious. "Y/N, can I ask you something?"
Your heart skipped a beat, but you nodded. "Of course."
He hesitated for a moment, as if trying to find the right words. "Have you... have you ever thought about us? Like, more than just friends?"
The question hung in the air between you, and you felt your breath catch in your throat. This was the moment you had been dreading—and hoping for.
"Kai..." you began, your voice trembling slightly. "I don't want to mess things up between us."
"I don't either," he said quickly, his eyes searching yours. "But I can't stop thinking about it. About you."
Your heart was pounding so hard you were sure he could hear it. "I've been thinking about it too," you admitted, your voice barely above a whisper. "But what if—what if it doesn't work out? What if we ruin everything?"
Kai reached out, gently taking your hand in his. His touch was warm and comforting, just like it had always been, but now it sent a shiver down your spine. "I'm scared too," he said softly. "But I'd rather try and see where this goes than spend the rest of my life wondering what could have been."
You looked into his eyes, seeing the sincerity and vulnerability there. This was Kai—your best friend, the boy who had been by your side through everything. If there was anyone you could take this leap with, it was him.
"Okay," you whispered, squeezing his hand. "Let's try."
A relieved smile spread across Kai's face, and before you could second-guess yourself, he leaned in, closing the distance between you. His lips met yours in a gentle, tentative kiss, and it felt like everything had clicked into place.
When you finally pulled away, you were both smiling, your foreheads resting against each other.
"I've always liked you, you know," Kai admitted, his voice filled with warmth. "I was just too scared to say anything."
You laughed softly, feeling a sense of peace wash over you. "Me too. But I'm glad we finally did."
As you sat there together, wrapped up in each other, you knew that whatever happened next, you would face it together—just like you always had. Because, in the end, it had always been you and Kai, and now, it finally felt right.
