𝟮 𝗛𝗢𝗧 | 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗸𝗵𝘆𝘂𝗰𝗸 || 𝗔𝗠𝗕𝗪

𝗨𝗺

The elevator ride started as any other, with Jaemin and Renjun standing a few feet apart, the digital numbers above the door ticking down the floors. The silence was comfortable, a testament to their growing friendship and Renjun's secret, unspoken feelings for Jaemin.

As the elevator hummed softly, Jaemin turned to Renjun, his expression unusually serious. "We should date," he said abruptly, his gaze fixed intently on Renjun.

Renjun's heart skipped a beat, his mind whirling. "What makes you say that?" he managed to ask, trying to keep his voice steady despite the turmoil inside.

Jaemin's lips curved into a small, confident smile. "Because I like you," he said simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Renjun felt a rush of mixed emotions. Hope, disbelief, and fear collided within him. "Jaemin, stop joking," he said, half-laughing, half-pleading. He couldn't bear the thought that Jaemin might just be teasing him.

"I'm not joking," Jaemin replied, his voice soft yet firm. "And I'll prove it."

Renjun opened his mouth to ask another question, but Jaemin closed the distance between them in two quick steps. Before Renjun could form another word, Jaemin kissed him. It was gentle, hesitant at first, as if testing the waters, but it quickly deepened as Jaemin responded to Renjun's stunned, but soon eager, reciprocation.

The elevator dinged, arriving at their floor, but the doors opened and closed without them noticing. Lost in the moment, the world outside the elevator ceased to exist. When they finally pulled apart, Jaemin and Renjun were breathless, their foreheads resting against each other.

Renjun's mind raced. The kiss had ignited something within him, a fire he'd kept doused under layers of fear and restraint. "Jaemin, are you sure?" he whispered, needing to hear it, needing to know this wasn't a fleeting whim.

"Yes," Jaemin breathed out, his eyes searching Renjun's. "I've thought about this, about us, for a while. I was just scared to admit it, even to myself. But I'm sure now. I like you, Renjun. More than just as a friend."

Renjun's heart felt like it was about to burst, happiness and relief flooding through him. He laughed softly, the sound mingling with the quiet hum of the elevator. "Okay, then let's not keep the elevator as our secret spot. Let's see where this goes," he said, his voice filled with a new-found optimism.

Jaemin grinned, his usual playful demeanor returning. "Agreed. Let's take this one step at a time."

The elevator doors finally opened again, as if on cue, and they stepped out into the corridor of their apartment building, their hands entwined. A sense of rightness settled over Renjun; whatever came next, they would face it together.

As they walked towards their apartments, their steps light and matched, it was clear that this was the beginning of something new and beautiful. For the first time, Renjun felt like he was exactly where he was supposed to be, with someone who saw him and liked him, just as he was.