ӄʏɛօʍֆɦʊ ʟɨȶȶʟɛ ֆքǟƈɛ օռɛֆɦօȶֆ

🄲🄷🄰🄿🅃🄴🅁 30

「 ✦ second part of previous chapter ✦ 」

As the days passed, Joshua and seokmin grew closer in ways that neither of them had anticipated. It was subtle at first-Joshua found himself paying more attention to Seokmin, noticing the little things about him that he had previously ignored. The way Seokmin's eyes lit up when he colored, how he hummed softly to himself when he thought no one was listening, and the way his lips curled into the sweetest smile whenever Joshua showed even the slightest bit of kindness.

Seokmin, for his part, seemed to seek out Joshua's presence more and more. He began slipping into Joshua's room late at night, his small plushie clutched tightly in his arms as he tiptoed across the floor. Joshua would always be reading or working on his laptop, but as soon as Seokmin appeared, Joshua would close his book or set his laptop aside, making space for him on the bed.

At first, it was awkward. Joshua wasn't used to sharing his bed with anyone, let alone a freshman who sometimes acted like a child. But whenever Seokmin entered his little space, something about his vulnerability softened Joshua's hardened exterior. Seokmin would curl up beside him, resting his head on Joshua's chest, and Joshua would wrap a protective arm around him, holding him close.

It became their routine. Seokmin would come to Joshua's room when he felt small, seeking comfort in Joshua's steady presence. Joshua, in turn, found that he didn't mind. In fact, he started looking forward to it.

One evening, Seokmin shuffled into Joshua's room, his hair messy from sleep and his eyes half-closed. He didn't say anything as he climbed onto Joshua's bed, settling down beside him with his stuffed animal tucked under his arm. Joshua glanced at him, a small smile tugging at his lips.

"Rough day?" Joshua asked softly, brushing a stray strand of hair from Seokmin's forehead.

Seokmin nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "I didn't feel good today, hyung."

Joshua's heart clenched at the sound of Seokmin's soft, vulnerable voice. Without thinking, he reached out and pulled Seokmin closer, letting the younger boy nestle against him. Seokmin's hands clung to Joshua's shirt, his breathing evening out as he found comfort in Joshua's warmth.

Joshua had never been good with emotions, but there was something about Seokmin that brought out a protective instinct he didn't know he had. He wanted to keep Seokmin safe, wanted to shield him from anything that could hurt him.

As Seokmin snuggled deeper into his embrace, Joshua found himself playing with the soft strands of Seokmin's hair, his fingers moving absentmindedly as he held the boy close. It was in moments like this, with Seokmin so fragile and innocent in his arms, that Joshua started to realize something.

He cared about Seokmin. More than he should. More than just a roommate or a friend.

Joshua felt his chest tighten as the realization hit him. He had fallen for Seokmin-his cute, fragile, and sometimes childlike roommate. It was a feeling that both terrified and excited him. Seokmin had wormed his way into Joshua's heart without even trying, and now, Joshua wasn't sure what to do with all these new emotions swirling inside him.

But one thing was clear: he didn't want to hide how he felt anymore.

Over the next few weeks, Joshua found himself acting differently around Seokmin. He wasn't rude or distant like he had been when they first met. Instead, he became more attentive, more caring. He would buy Seokmin his favorite snacks, help him with his homework, and even play with him when he was in his little space.

Joshua never thought he'd find himself sitting on the floor, coloring with Seokmin or helping him build a puzzle, but here he was, indulging Seokmin's every whim with a soft smile on his face. He found that he liked seeing Seokmin happy-liked the way the younger boy's face lit up with joy whenever Joshua joined him in his little activities.

One night, as they were lying in bed together, Seokmin curled up against Joshua's chest as usual, Joshua decided it was time. He couldn't keep pretending that his feelings for Seokmin were just platonic. It wasn't fair to either of them.

"Seokmin," Joshua began softly, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seokmin stirred slightly, looking up at him with wide, sleepy eyes. "Yes, hyung?"

Joshua took a deep breath, his heart pounding in his chest. "I... I need to tell you something."

Seokmin blinked, sitting up a little so he could look Joshua in the eyes. "What is it?"

Joshua hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to say the words that had been weighing on his heart for weeks. But when he looked at Seokmin, at the soft innocence in his gaze, Joshua knew that he couldn't hold it in any longer.

"I like you, Seokmin," Joshua said quietly, his voice steady despite the nervous flutter in his stomach. "I think I've liked you for a while now."

Seokmin's eyes widened in surprise, his cheeks flushing a soft pink. "Hyung..."

Joshua smiled softly, reaching out to take Seokmin's hand in his own. "I know you have your little space, and I want you to know that it doesn't change anything. I care about you, whether you're small or not. You're important to me."

Seokmin's lips trembled, his eyes welling up with tears. "Hyung... I didn't think anyone could like me like that."

Joshua's heart ached at the vulnerability in Seokmin's voice. He squeezed the younger boy's hand gently, pulling him closer. "You're perfect just the way you are, Seokmin. I don't want you to change."

Seokmin sniffled, his tears spilling over as he buried his face in Joshua's chest. "I like you too, hyung," he whispered, his voice muffled against Joshua's shirt. "I've liked you for so long..."

Joshua felt a wave of relief wash over him, his arms wrapping tightly around Seokmin as he held him close. "I'm glad," he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of Seokmin's head.

For a long moment, they just stayed like that-Seokmin nestled in Joshua's arms, his soft sobs slowly turning into quiet sniffles. Joshua rubbed soothing circles on Seokmin's back, feeling the weight of the unspoken words lift from his chest.

After a while, Seokmin pulled back slightly, looking up at Joshua with a shy smile. "So... does this mean we're boyfriends now?"

Joshua chuckled softly, brushing a tear from Seokmin's cheek. "Yeah, I guess it does."

Seokmin's smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "I like that," he said softly, leaning up to press a gentle kiss to Joshua's cheek.

Joshua's heart swelled with affection as he looked down at the boy in his arms. He had never imagined that he'd end up in a relationship like this, but now that it was happening, he couldn't imagine his life any other way.

Seokmin was his now-his cute, sweet, and sometimes little boyfriend. And Joshua would protect him, care for him, and love him for as long as he could.

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