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The fireplace crackled softly, casting a warm golden glow across the room. Hyunjin sat cross-legged on the rug in front of it, his sketchbook balanced on his knee. He was completely absorbed, his pencil moving with practiced ease as he brought something to life on the page. You stood at the doorway, biting your lip, your heart pounding harder with every second that passed.
You weren't sure how long you'd been standing there, watching him, admiring him. The way the firelight flickered across his features made him look like a painting himself—beautiful and untouchable. But tonight, a restless energy thrummed beneath your skin, a need you couldn't shake.
The problem was, you didn't know how to say it.
You took a hesitant step into the room, your bare feet brushing against the soft carpet. Hyunjin glanced up at the sound, his dark eyes softening when they landed on you.
"Hey," he said, his lips curving into a small smile. "Couldn't sleep?"
"Not really," you mumbled, tugging at the hem of your oversized sweater. The truth was, sleep was the furthest thing from your mind.
He tilted his head, studying you for a moment. "Come here," he said, patting the space on the rug beside him.
You obeyed, sitting down a little too carefully. The heat from the fireplace enveloped you, but it was nothing compared to the heat building inside you.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, setting his sketchbook aside and turning to face you fully. His voice was so gentle, so full of concern, that it only made you more flustered.
"I..." you started, but the words got caught in your throat. Your cheeks burned, and you looked away, focusing on the fire instead of his piercing gaze.
"Y/N," he murmured, his hand finding yours. His thumb traced slow circles over your knuckles, coaxing you to look at him. "You can tell me."
You swallowed hard, your fingers twisting in your lap. "I just... I was lonely," you admitted, though that was only half the truth.
Hyunjin raised an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips. "Lonely, huh? Are you sure that's all it is?"
Your breath hitched, and you cursed silently. He was always so perceptive, always able to read you like one of his sketches.
"I... I just wanted to be close to you," you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper.
Hyunjin's expression softened even further, and he reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind your ear. "Close, like this?" he asked, leaning in so his face was mere inches from yours.
Your heart raced, and you nodded, unable to find the courage to say more.
"Or maybe closer?" he whispered, his lips brushing against yours ever so lightly.
