Sunoo blinked, momentarily distracted by a figure outside his window. He turned to look, his heart racing as he recognized Sunghoon, peering out from his own window, a relaxed posture that somehow made him seem more inviting.
"Uh, hold on, guys!" Sunoo muted the call and rushed to the window.
Sunghoon waved slightly, a hint of a smile on his lips as their eyes met. The afternoon light framed him perfectly, and Sunoo felt a flutter in his chest.
"Hey! You still there?" Sunghoon called out, his voice carrying through the open window.
Sunoo quickly unmuted the call, still feeling the warmth of Sunghoon's presence. "What's going on? Who are you talking to?" Ni-ki asked from the other end.
"It's just... nothing important," Sunoo replied, glancing back at Sunghoon. He hesitated, biting his lip. "Just someone from school."
Sunghoon stepped closer to the window, his posture casual yet attentive, as if he sensed Sunoo's tension. "You okay? You seemed a bit off earlier," he asked, genuine concern in his eyes.
Sunoo felt a pang of guilt wash over him. He appreciated Sunghoon's kindness but couldn't shake the worry that Ni-ki would sense something amiss. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... getting used to everything here, you know?" he said, pushing his hands into his pockets.
"Yeah, it can be a lot to take in," Sunghoon replied, nodding as if he understood more than Sunoo realized.
There was a moment of silence, the air thick with unspoken words. Sunoo could feel Sunghoon's gaze, and it sent a shiver down his spine.
"Listen, I don't want to overstep, but if you ever need to talk about anything... I'm here," Sunghoon offered, his tone sincere.
Sunoo looked back at his house, anxiety creeping in. "Thanks, but really, I'm okay," he lied, a knot forming in his stomach. "I just have a lot on my plate right now."
Sunghoon shrugged, seemingly unfazed but still watching him intently. "Well, I'll be around. Just know you can reach out anytime."
Sunoo felt warmth in his chest. "Yeah, I'll keep that in mind."
Suddenly, Sunghoon pointed toward their windows, a teasing grin forming. "It's kind of funny, right? Like we're in a drama or something, being able to see each other's rooms."
Sunoo turned, glancing back at his window, where his curtain was slightly parted. "Yeah, I guess. Makes it hard to have privacy," he said, forcing a laugh.
"Or it's a great excuse to keep an eye on you," Sunghoon said, smirking. "What if you need rescuing?"
Sunoo laughed, trying to shake off the tension. "I'll keep that in mind. Just don't expect me to be your damsel in distress."
As he looked into Sunghoon's eyes, he felt a pull—a connection that was becoming harder to ignore. Yet, the thought of Ni-ki loomed large in his mind.
"I really appreciate you being here," Sunoo said, his voice quieter now. "It's just... a lot to adjust to."
"I get it. Just know I'm not going anywhere. You can figure things out at your own pace," Sunghoon reassured him, his expression softening.
Just then, Sunoo's phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out, seeing Ni-ki's name flash on the screen.
"Sorry, I should probably get back to them," Sunoo said, glancing between Sunghoon and his phone, the guilt gnawing at him.
"Yeah, of course. Just remember, I'm right here if you need someone to talk to," Sunghoon said, a flicker of disappointment crossing his face.
As Sunoo turned to head back inside, he felt the weight of his lie pressing down on him. He looked back at Sunghoon, who was still watching him, the small smile now tinged with a hint of something more—longing, maybe?
"And if Japanese boy goes wrong, I'll be waiting," Sunghoon called after him, a teasing lilt in his voice that did little to mask his sincerity.
Sunoo chuckled, the lightness of the moment washing over him, yet his heart was heavy. As he walked back in, ready to face whatever awaited him, he glanced back at the window where Sunghoon stood. The distance between them felt both close and impossibly far, like a thread pulling tighter.
