𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 | ᴊᴀᴇᴊɪ

𝟏𝟕

The day after the awkward encounter in his office, Jaemin felt a mix of regret and concern. He knew he needed to address the situation with Jisung and clarify his actions, which were more about panic than indifference. Picking up his phone, he dialed Jisung's number, his heart pounding with nervous anticipation.

Jisung answered on the third ring, his voice cautious yet hopeful. "Hello?"

"Jisung, it's Jaemin. I... I wanted to apologize about yesterday. I didn't handle the situation well," Jaemin began, his voice laced with sincerity.

There was a pause on the other end before Jisung responded, his tone tinged with frustration. "You just kicked me out, Jaemin. As soon as Jeno walked in, it was like... like you didn't want anything to do with me."

Jaemin winced, the disappointment evident in Jisung's voice cutting deep. "I know, and I'm really sorry. It wasn't about not wanting to be with you. It was just the surprise of seeing Jeno there, and I panicked. I didn't want our relationship to cause complications at work."

"But that's just it, isn't it? Our 'relationship' seems to only exist when it's convenient for you," Jisung countered, his words sharp and cutting. "When there's no risk of someone else seeing, of it affecting your reputation."

That hurt. Jaemin felt the sting of Jisung's words, knowing that his actions had given Jisung every reason to feel this way. "That's not how I see it, Jisung. You're important to me, more than you know. But yes, I've been cautious—maybe too cautious. I'm just trying to protect both of us from potential gossip that could harm your career as much as mine."

There was a heavy silence, both men processing the weight of the conversation. Finally, Jisung spoke, his voice softer but still laced with hurt. "I understand your concerns about privacy, Jaemin, but I don't want to feel like a secret you're ashamed of."

Jaemin felt a pang of guilt. "You're right. I've been so worried about how things look that I haven't considered your feelings enough. I don't want you to feel like a secret. Let's figure out how to handle this together, openly. I care about you, Jisung, and I don't want to lose what we have over my mistakes."

Jisung sighed, the anger slowly dissipating as he listened to Jaemin's earnest words. "I want that too, Jaemin. But we need to be on the same page about what this relationship means to both of us, without hiding."

"Agreed," Jaemin said quickly, relieved at the shift in Jisung's tone. "Let's meet up and talk about this in person. Dinner at my place tonight? Just us, no interruptions."

"That sounds good," Jisung replied, a cautious note of hope threading through his words. "I'll be there."

As they ended the call, both felt a tentative peace. The conversation had opened up essential dialogues about their relationship, boundaries, and mutual respect. The path forward wouldn't be without its challenges, but Jaemin and Jisung were ready to face them together, determined to strengthen their bond rather than let misunderstandings drive them apart.