A week later, Tae-ui and Ilay had settled back into their home in Hong Kong.
"Tae... are you upstairs?" Ilay called out, ascending the stairs shirtless, dressed only in pants.
"Hmm" Tae-ui responded softly.
Ilay found him seated by the large glass window, gazing out at the sea. Tae-ui wore a sweatshirt and shorts, his posture calm.
"Why didn't you wait until I was out of the shower?" Ilay asked as he reached down to gently caress Tae-ui's face.
"Just like that" Tae-ui muttered, his voice distant.
Ilay leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Did it hurt? It was after a long time..." he asked, his concern clear.
Tae-ui gave a small smile and shook his head, not saying more.
"Are you feeling better now?" Ilay asked, his eyes searching Tae-ui's face.
"I guess" Tae-ui replied, his tone still neutral.
"I don't like the way you look... your eyes are swollen too" Ilay continued, brushing his thumb lightly over Tae-ui's eyelids.
"Yeah, I'm out of eye masks" Tae-ui replied with a faint chuckle.
"Should I go and get them?" Ilay offered, but Tae-ui quickly shook his head.
"Stay."
Ilay obliged, sitting down beside the window and pulling Tae-ui into his lap, holding him close as they both looked out at the sea.
"I think I'll enroll myself in therapy" Tae-ui said quietly after a long pause.
"Good idea" Ilay replied, his hand gently tracing circles on Tae-ui's back.
Silence settled between them for a moment before Ilay spoke again. "If you want to share something with me, I'm here. I'm a good listener."
Tae-ui remained quiet, his head resting against Ilay's chest.
"Say something... share something" Ilay coaxed, his lips brushing against Tae-ui's neck in a soft kiss. "You haven't been yourself this past week. I'm not complaining, but I'm worried. Chang In wanted to visit, but I told him you need time."
Tae-ui nodded slightly, acknowledging the concern but still not speaking much.
"How does it feel?" Ilay asked again, pressing gently.
"Like I was living in a dream, or a daze... and now I have to come out of it" Tae-ui murmured, his words slow, as though they carried a heavy weight.
"Is that why you've been watching me all night for the past few days?" Ilay asked, his voice softer.
Tae-ui smiled faintly and leaned in to give Ilay a small kiss on his chin, a quiet gesture that held more meaning than words.
"How do you love me that much, Tae-ui?" Ilay asked, his voice muffled as he hugged Tae-ui tighter, burying his face in the curve of Tae-ui's neck.
"As easily as I breathe" Tae-ui whispered in reply. "How could I not?"
Ilay tightened his hold around Tae-ui, a deep sigh escaping him as the weight of the words settled between them.
"You tell me" Tae-ui continued, his voice soft but curious. "Why do you love me? How did it start?"
Ilay shifted slightly, pressing his cheek against Tae-ui's. "I was curious at first" he admitted. "About this guy they called Gilsangcheon. And when I saw him on the call, he was the same as I had predicted based on what I had heard. But when I saw you in person, you were completely different... and then you pulled an Uno reverse on your own uncle." Ilay chuckled softly, the memory bringing a small smile to his face. "At first, I just wanted a taste... but then you kept running toward me, all those times, so bravely, with such pure intentions. I could never take my eyes off you after that."
"Pure?" Tae-ui whispered, a slight laugh in his voice. "There was nothing pure about my intentions, Ilay."
Ilay pulled back slightly, looking at Tae-ui, his expression soft but serious. Tae-ui met his gaze, their eyes locking. Ilay shook his head gently. "I've never seen anything purer than your love" he said quietly. "The unconditional love you've given me... I could live on that for my whole life."
Ilay leaned in, pressing a sweet kiss to Tae-ui's lips. "I'm with you, Taeii. Always by your side. This is not a dream" he murmured softly against his lips.
Tae-ui smiled faintly and kissed him back, their lips meeting in a gentle exchange, a moment of quiet affirmation between them.
******
"Ilay, where are you going?" Tae-ui called out as Ilay started to walk away.
"Washroom" Ilay replied casually, then paused and turned, smirking. "Want to join?"
"Gross. No" Tae-ui answered immediately, turning his head away with a look of mock disgust.
******
"Ilay... where...?" Tae-ui called out again, glancing around the room.
"Cooking something" Ilay's voice came from the kitchen. "You gave Osamu the day off, remember?"
"I'll have a salad" Tae-ui muttered.
"You brat!" Ilay shouted back, his voice filled with playful exasperation.
******
"Il" Tae-ui called, looking for Ilay.
"I'm going to grab a book from upstairs. Need anything?" Ilay asked, stopping midway up the stairs and turning toward him.
Tae-ui looked at him for a long moment before responding, "I'll come too. I feel like painting."
Ilay smiled, nodding. "That'll be a nice break."
******
"Who is that?" Ilay asked, frowning slightly as he looked at the painting.
"You" Tae-ui replied, smiling mischievously.
"I doubt it" Ilay said, still frowning.
"It's you" Tae-ui insisted, leaning in and pulling Ilay's cheek playfully. "You look cute." Then, without warning, he bit Ilay's cheek gently.
"Was I really looking like that?" Ilay asked, his expression doubtful.
"I wouldn't forget it. Ever" Tae-ui said, his tone teasing but full of affection.
"If you say so..." Ilay muttered, still unconvinced but smiling faintly.
Tae-ui's voice softened as he called, "Ilay..."
"Hmm?" Ilay turned fully toward him, their eyes meeting.
"Love me" Tae-ui whispered, his voice barely audible but full of meaning.
"Always" Ilay replied without hesitation, his voice steady as he leaned in and scooped Tae-ui into his arms.
YOU ARE READING
Whispers Before Dawn
FanfictionExcerpt: Each time Tae-ui reached his hand out toward Ilay, as soon as Ilay moved to grab it, Tae-ui pulled back, laughing softly. "I expected better from you" Tae-ui teased, his grin growing wider. Ilay remained silent, his eyes narrowing slightly...
