𝙁𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝘿𝙖𝙩𝙚 || 𝙨𝙤𝙤𝙣𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙣

33. The Sudden Confession

A/N:
joshuass_ TheaStrawberry
Please, don't jump off a cliff 😭

Jihoon

"Why are you telling me this since you never told anyone about it?" My words come out more defensive than I ever intended, but once they escape my lips, I can't take them back. I bite my lip in anticipation as his eyes, full of that same intense gaze he always has when he looks at me, scan my face. That gaze never fails to quicken my heartbeat, leaving me both anxious and strangely comforted, caught in the peculiar mix of vulnerability and trust that defines our bond.

"Isn't it obvious, Jihoonie?" His teasing tone echoes in my ears, each word laced with a subtle mockery that only he could manage. As his fingertips softly skim across my face, a shiver runs down my spine, prompting me to close my eyes and lean into his fiery touch, craving the warmth and comfort it brings.

I feel the gentle whisper of his breath brushing over my lips and then my right cheek, a delicate caress that sends a thrill through me, while his fingers linger tantalizingly on my left cheek. I don't dare to open my eyes, afraid that this ethereal moment might dissipate. His warm breath mingles with mine, causing my lips to tremble uncontrollably, betraying the tumult of emotions he effortlessly stirs within me.

"I—I won't know if you don't say it," I stutter, my words emerging as a whisper, yet I still don't dare to open my eyes and look into his. My limbs go numb as a low chuckle reverberates in the air. "You want me to say it out loud?" His raspy voice sends chills down my spine, and I contemplate if I really want to hear it or if I should ignore it, turning a blind eye to his heated gaze. I clench my fists, summoning all my strength to speak those two significant words, "I do."

"I like you, Jihoonie." My eyes fly open at the sound of those simple yet profound words that leave his soft lips, reminiscent of the gentle crunch of autumn leaves underfoot. My mouth instinctively opens and closes in shock, my brain struggling to process this unexpected confession.

As I stare at him, dumbfounded, he gazes at me with such tenderness in his eyes that it makes me want to vanish beneath my blanket in sheer embarrassment. I can feel a crimson blush creeping up my neck, and I am at a complete loss as to how to react or where to hide. He offers me a smile, but it's a smile that doesn't quite reach his eyes, betraying a hint of sadness. "That's why I didn't want to tell you this early," he whispers to himself, barely audible, and a wave of guilt washes over me.

"I... I just don't know what to say," I confess honestly, chewing my bottom lip in nervousness. He leans in, planting a tender kiss on my forehead before gently rubbing his thumbs through my hair in a comforting manner. The burning sensation wherever his skin touches lingers, intensifying a desire within me as if telling me to bind him to me for all my life.

"It's okay, Jihoonie," he whispers softly, his voice barely audible as he rests his forehead against mine. "I told you because I want you to know what I think, not because I expect an answer right here and now," he chuckles, and his laughter has an infectious quality, coaxing a reluctant chuckle from me as well. Have I ever mentioned that his smile is one of the most contagious things about him?

"I just want you to know that everything I do for you isn't merely out of friendship; it's because I want you to truly understand how I feel," he confesses, his lilting voice so soothing it almost feels like I'm wrapped in a warm, comforting quilt. Tenderly, he kisses my forehead, and without thinking, I lean in closer, my hands instinctively finding the hem of his hoodie.

The soft fabric is a tangible source of comfort, just like his words. Suddenly, he tilts his head back, scrutinizing me with a thoughtful expression, and I can't help but mirror his movement, puzzled by the abrupt shift in his demeanor. My heart pounds in my chest as I struggle to decipher the emotions playing across his face, wondering if this moment might change everything between us.

"Wait a minute," he says, his tone now serious. "Am I just repeating myself, saying the same thing over and over?" His earnestness is so unexpected that I can't help but snort in response. He pouts like a kid, jutting his lips out with an audible huff, and I try my best to stifle my laughter. However, I fail miserably and end up laughing out loud, instinctively slapping his thigh.

The next second, he bursts into laughter too. He laughs so freely and openly that I can't help but stare at him, captivated. His familiar laugh makes my heart pound in my chest as I take in every detail of his face—how his cheeks bounce, how his lips move, how his eyes become tiny slits, nearly disappearing into thin lines, and how wrinkles form near his eyes. Everything about him, every single feature, just reminds me how perfect he is.

"Hey, what happened?" His eyes glisten with worry as he gently shakes my shoulder. A warm tear rolls down my cheek, catching me by surprise, and it's in that moment I realize I'm actually crying. "Did I hurt you? Are you uncomfortable somewhere? Are...," He keeps on persistently asking about the answer I don't even have. Frustrated and overwhelmed, I pull him into a tight embrace, effectively shutting him up. I bury my face in his chest, seeking solace and hoping he understands my silence.

As I hold him close, feeling his warmth pressed against me, I can sense his entire body stiffen, as if he's trying to grasp my sudden change of mood. "Just hug me back," I demand, giving him a playful tap with my paw. He chuckles softly, a rich, warm sound that makes his chest vibrate gently against my face. As his strong arms slowly wrap around me, he rests his head gently on top of my messy hair, creating a comforting feeling that makes everything seem right and content.

"You don't have anything to say?" He hums softly, cradling me gently like a baby in his protective embrace, and I find myself truly enjoying the way he treats me with such tender care.This affectionate behavior makes me feel so cherished that it kindles an urge in me to play the cute card in front of him so that I can bask in the warmth of his attention whenever I want.

"I have a question," I hum, nuzzling my face deeper into his chest, breathing in deeply, I allow myself to be enveloped by the soothing, earthy scent of his cologne that reminded her of a tranquil forest. "Go ahead. I want to answer as long as you have questions," he said, his words so sweet and tender that I feel like I am living in a dream. It seems as if I'll soon wake up, and those enchanting words will disappear like morning mist.

"Why did Riha do that to you?" I ask, pulling away slightly so that I can meet his gaze directly, wanting to fully understand and absorb every word he is about to say. A heavy sigh escapes his lips, filled with a mixture of frustration and sadness, as his hand tenderly reaches for my hair, gently running his fingers through the strands in a comforting gesture. "Her father blackmailed her to date me. And if she didn't her boyfriend's life would have been in danger," he answers, and I can easily tell that the shock hasn't worn off; it's evident that he is still processing it. I'm quite certain he discovered it recently, perhaps even just today.

"Okay, but why should I trust that you weren't in a romantic relationship with her?" I joke, trying to lighten up the mood. The tension in the air seems to dissipate when he smiles at me tenderly. He brings his face closer until our foreheads touch, his hand gently threading through my hair.

"Then do you think the kid who's in a relationship would ask a stranger out on a date in the corner of a public library, while covered in snot and dried tears?" he asks. It only takes a moment for the realization to hit me, and my eyes widen in surprise. My mouth opens in shock as I finally manage to utter the words, "You're Hoshi!"

Part1 - The Fake Romance

~~The End~~