• Falling For You • |A JongSang love story|

17 - Seeking Advice

Jongho leaned back on the plush leather couch in his luxurious apartment, staring at the ceiling as his thoughts swirled with the events of the past few days. Across the room, Yunho and Mingi were curled up together in a single oversized chair, whispering and giggling quietly as they held each other. Normally, Jongho would roll his eyes or tease them about being overly affectionate, but tonight he couldn't bring himself to care. His mind was too focused on Yeosang—and the growing knot of anxiety in his chest.

"I don't know what to do," Jongho admitted, breaking the silence that had settled between them. "Yeosang's got this job offer from Bang Chan, and I overheard it. I'm worried he's going to leave... and honestly, I don't blame him."

Yunho glanced over at Jongho, his expression thoughtful. "So, what exactly happened at the meeting?"

Jongho sighed, recounting the events of the day—the project collaboration, how Bang Chan had approached Yeosang with a job offer while Jongho was out of the room, and how he had eavesdropped on the entire conversation. As he spoke, Mingi sat up a little straighter, listening carefully.

"And now you're worried he's going to take the offer," Yunho concluded, once Jongho had finished. He exchanged a glance with Mingi, who gave a small nod.

"Of course I'm worried," Jongho muttered. "Bang Chan's company is huge. If Yeosang wanted to leave, he'd have every reason to."

Mingi, still nestled comfortably in Yunho's arms, finally spoke up. "But can you blame him? From what you've told us, Yeosang doesn't know what you want from him. You're giving him mixed signals, and he's probably confused. Why would he stick around when he doesn't feel appreciated?"

Jongho frowned, the truth of Mingi's words hitting him hard. He knew he hadn't been the most transparent with his feelings for Yeosang—half the time, he wasn't even sure what his own feelings were. But now, the idea that Yeosang might leave because of his uncertainty left Jongho feeling hollow.

"I didn't mean to give him mixed signals," Jongho said, his voice quieter now. "I just... I don't know how to be different. I don't know how to show him that I care."

Yunho, ever the blunt one, didn't hesitate to give his two cents. "You weren't exactly taught to be sweet and caring, Jongho. I get it. But you can't expect Yeosang to stay just because you want him to. You need to show him that he means something to you."

Jongho felt a pang of hurt at Yunho's words, even though he knew they were meant to help. He hadn't been raised to show affection. His father had made sure of that. The only person who had ever taught him anything about kindness or love had been his mother. And she'd been gone for so long now, living her own life away from his father's shadow.

Suddenly, Jongho's thoughts turned to her. His mother had always tried to teach him to be a gentleman—to be kind and considerate, even when his father was anything but. Maybe it was time to visit her, to ask for the advice he'd been avoiding for years. He knew she would probably scold him for the way he'd treated Yeosang, but maybe that was what he needed.

As Jongho sat there, lost in his thoughts, he glanced over at Yunho and Mingi again. They were whispering to each other, exchanging soft laughs and playful smiles. Normally, the sight of their affection would have made him feel uncomfortable, even irritated. But now, all he felt was a deep sense of longing.

Is this what it feels like? he wondered. To hold someone you love, to laugh with them, to be close without any barriers?

For the first time in a long time, Jongho didn't feel disgusted by the idea of affection. He felt... envious. And that realization made the knot in his chest tighten even more.

Yunho must have noticed the change in his demeanor, because he leaned forward slightly, his voice softer than usual. "You're thinking about something, aren't you?"

Jongho nodded slowly, still watching the two of them. "I just... I don't know how to get there. How to be... that."

Yunho smiled, though it was a little sad. "It's not something you figure out overnight, Jongho. You just have to let yourself be vulnerable. It's scary, but it's worth it."

Jongho swallowed hard, feeling the weight of Yunho's words. Vulnerability had never been his strong suit. But maybe that was what he needed to do if he wanted to keep Yeosang from walking away.

"I think I'll visit my mom," Jongho said after a moment, surprising even himself with the decision. "She always knew how to handle this kind of thing. Maybe she'll have some advice."

Mingi smiled softly, resting his head against Yunho's shoulder. "That's a good idea. I think she'll help you see things more clearly."

As the evening wore on, the apartment grew quieter, with only the soft hum of the city outside filling the air. Jongho stayed on the couch, lost in thought, while Yunho and Mingi continued to cuddle together, their soft laughter now replaced by quiet whispers.

Jongho watched them, his heart aching with a strange mix of longing and determination. He had always thought love was something unnecessary—something that would get in the way of his success. But now, as he sat in his empty apartment, he realized that maybe, just maybe, love was the one thing he'd been missing all along.