UNSPOKEN LOVE | GYURAE (GYUVIN & TAERAE)

01.

Taerae and Gyuvin had been inseparable for as long as either of them could remember. Their childhood homes were just a few steps apart, and growing up as neighbors meant they spent almost every waking moment together. Whether it was riding their bikes through the neighborhood streets, playing video games in Taerae's room, or simply lying on the grass in their backyards, staring at the stars and talking about their dreams, they shared everything. Even though Taerae was older, the age difference never mattered. They were friends, equals, partners in every adventure life had thrown their way..

As they grew up, attending the same schools, their friendship only deepened. They were always there for each other, whether it was Taerae tutoring Gyuvin in subjects he struggled with or Gyuvin dragging Taerae out of the house whenever he became too buried in his books. Taerae's quiet, thoughtful nature contrasted with Gyuvin's energetic and carefree personality, but that's what made their friendship work so well. Taerae grounded Gyuvin, and Gyuvin brought out the lighter side in Taerae.

But somewhere along the way, Taerae's feelings for Gyuvin had started to change. It wasn't something he could pinpoint to a specific moment... it happened gradually, creeping in when he least expected it. At first, Taerae had brushed it off, chalking it up to being overly protective or just caring about his friend. But as they spent more time together, those feelings deepened, growing into something more than just friendship.

He noticed the little things... how his heart would skip a beat when Gyuvin smiled at him, or how his stomach would flutter when Gyuvin's hand accidentally brushed his own. When Gyuvin laughed, Taerae found himself unable to look away, captivated by the sound that seemed to brighten his world. And when Gyuvin spoke about his dreams, his passions, and his future, Taerae couldn't help but imagine himself being a part of that future in a way that went beyond just being friends.

The realization that he had fallen for Gyuvin hit him harder than he expected. Taerae wasn't one to let his emotions get the best of him, but these feelings were impossible to ignore. They kept him up at night, tossing and turning as he replayed every interaction, every shared moment, wondering if Gyuvin might feel the same.

But fear held Taerae back... fear of ruining everything they had built over the years. Their friendship was precious to him, and the thought of losing it because of his unspoken feelings terrified him. What if Gyuvin didn't feel the same? What if confessing made things awkward between them? The last thing Taerae wanted was to create a distance between them when all he wanted was to be closer.

So, Taerae chose to hide his feelings, to bury them deep inside where they couldn't disrupt the bond they shared. Every time Gyuvin laughed and leaned against him, Taerae forced himself to smile as if everything was normal. When Gyuvin wrapped an arm around his shoulders or rested his head on Taerae's shoulder during late-night movie marathons, Taerae's heart raced, but he said nothing. He acted like nothing had changed, even though everything had changed for him.

It was painful, pretending to be just friends when every fiber of his being wanted more. Every time Gyuvin flashed that carefree grin, Taerae's heart ached with the knowledge that he could never confess his feelings... not if it meant risking the one thing he cherished most. He had been Gyuvin's friend for so long, and he wasn't willing to lose that, even if it meant living with the silent ache of unrequited love.

As time went on, Taerae tried to push his feelings aside, focusing on their friendship as it had always been. He didn't know if he would ever be able to tell Gyuvin how he truly felt. But for now, he was content to stay by his side, to laugh with him, support him, and be the friend Gyuvin needed... even if it meant keeping his heart locked away, hidden behind the walls of a friendship he was too scared to lose.

Story starting...

Taerae had always been comfortable in Gyuvin's house. It was practically a second home to him after all these years. As he walked through the familiar hallway, he could already smell breakfast from the kitchen and hear the soft hum of Gyuvin's mom preparing things for the day.