𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬 | ᴊᴀᴇᴊɪ

𝟏𝟖

The tension simmered beneath the surface, their dinner together turning into a battlefield of emotions and unsaid words. As Jaemin and Jisung navigated their conversation, each statement seemed to add another layer of complexity to their relationship.

Jaemin, sensing the unresolved feelings in Jisung, continued to probe gently, concerned about the apparent discomfort Jisung felt. "You're still mad at me," he reiterated, trying to unearth the root of the problem.

"No, I'm not," Jisung responded quietly, his voice almost a whisper, yet there was a tension in his tone that suggested otherwise.

"Then speak up," Jaemin encouraged, his voice soft but firm, pushing Jisung to open up about his true feelings.

"Oh, I can't stand you," Jisung blurted out, the words coming from a place of frustration, though not entirely meant the way they sounded.

"Why?" Jaemin asked, his gaze intense, searching Jisung's face for the truth.

Jaemin's direct stare made Jisung's defenses waver, the intensity causing a warmth to spread through him unexpectedly. "Nevermind," Jisung mumbled, trying to retract into his shell, embarrassed by his own reaction.

"Are you not hungry?" Jaemin noted Jisung's untouched food, his concern growing as he observed Jisung just pushing his food around on the plate.

"No," Jisung replied shortly, his appetite lost to their strained conversation.

"Then why did you agree to the dinner?" Jaemin's voice carried a note of confusion and hurt.

"Because I wanted to," Jisung said, his voice low, conflicting emotions wrestling within him.

"You wanted to," Jaemin echoed, trying to understand, his voice laced with hope and a hint of skepticism.

"No, you forced me to," Jisung corrected himself, his statement more out of frustration than fact.

"Now why lie?" Jaemin frowned, the accusation gentle but firm.

"I'm not—you forced me to," Jisung insisted, his frustration peaking.

"How did I force you to?" Jaemin asked calmly, genuinely wanting to understand Jisung's perspective.

"By looking at me like that... or that soft tone you use," Jisung accused, though his voice betrayed his affection for those very traits.

"In what way?" Jaemin pressed, his voice soft, his concern evident.

"That you care," Jisung finally admitted, his voice softening, the words revealing his core issue—his fear and confusion over Jaemin's intentions.

Jaemin paused, taking in Jisung's words, understanding dawning on him. He reached across the table, trying to bridge the gap that had formed between them. "Jisung, when I look at you like that, when I speak to you softly, it's because I do care. Deeply. I'm not trying to manipulate you—I'm trying to connect with you, to show you that you're important to me."

Jisung met Jaemin's gaze, the vulnerability in Jaemin's admission striking a chord within him. He felt his own walls starting to crumble, the misunderstandings beginning to clear up. "I know, and I'm sorry for doubting that. It's just been hard to believe that someone like you could care about someone like me."

Jaemin shook his head slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Jisung, there's nothing about you that's not to love. You need to see yourself the way I see you."

Their eyes locked, and in that moment, a silent understanding passed between them. They both had insecurities and fears, but they also had a genuine affection for each other—one that could overcome misunderstandings, if only they were willing to communicate openly and trust in each other's feelings.

After dinner, the atmosphere between Jaemin and Jisung had softened significantly. The earlier tension had dissolved into a comfortable silence, filled with shared looks and small smiles that spoke of renewed understanding and affection. As they cleared the table together, the small acts of passing dishes and bumping shoulders felt intimate, a gentle reminder of their deepening bond.

Jaemin, feeling the chill of the evening seeping through the apartment, turned up the heat slightly. He glanced at Jisung, who seemed lost in thought, gazing out the window at the city lights. Wanting to preserve the warmth of their reconciled feelings, Jaemin made a casual yet heartfelt offer, "Cuddles?"

Jisung turned from the window, a slight blush coloring his cheeks. The offer, simple yet laden with care, warmed him more than the heated air of the apartment. He hesitated for a moment, the vulnerability of the evening making him cautious, yet the genuine desire for closeness nudged him forward. "Fine, but just because I'm cold and I'm spending the night too," he replied, his tone playful yet sincere.

Jaemin smiled, a soft laugh escaping him. "Okay, whatever you say," he said, his voice light, teasing but filled with affection.

They moved to the living room, where Jaemin had set up a cozy nest of blankets and pillows on the couch. The city outside was a cold blur of lights and shadows, but inside, the warmth of the apartment enveloped them like a soft embrace. Jaemin sat down first, patting the space beside him. Jisung joined him, settling into the comfort of the blankets, their sides touching gently.

As they adjusted to their positions, Jaemin reached out, pulling Jisung closer into his arms. Jisung relaxed against him, the initial hesitation melting away as he felt the warmth of Jaemin's body against his. They fit together perfectly, like pieces of a puzzle long separated but finally reunited. The warmth wasn't just from the blankets or their bodies; it was from the comfort of being close to someone who cared deeply.

The television played softly in the background, a gentle soundtrack to their quiet evening. Neither of them paid much attention to it, instead reveling in the peacefulness of just being together. Conversations flowed softly between them, about everything and nothing, their words weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and hopes for the future.

As the night deepened, the room grew quieter, the sounds of the city fading into a distant hum. Jisung, feeling the steady rhythm of Jaemin's heartbeat against his back, felt a sense of security he hadn't realized he'd been missing. Jaemin, for his part, felt a protective affection surge within him, his arms tightening slightly around Jisung.

"Thank you for staying," Jaemin whispered, his breath warm against Jisung's ear.

Jisung turned slightly, meeting Jaemin's eyes in the dim light. "Thank you for inviting me," he replied, his voice just as soft.