A garden for two | heehoon

5a.m

Sunghoon woke to the familiar warmth of the bed, but something felt different.
Empty.

His eyelids fluttered open, the faint gray of predawn light filtering through the curtains.

His gaze drifted to the clock on the nightstand, the glowing numbers reading 5:00 AM.

He blinked groggily, a frown tugging at his lips as he reached out to the other side of the bed, only to find it cold and vacant.
Heeseung wasn’t there.

Pushing himself up, Sunghoon sat on the edge of the bed, his legs a bit unsteady.

He tugged the blanket around his bare shoulders.
Where could Heeseung have gone?

With a quiet sigh, Sunghoon stood, his legs wobbly but determined.

He wasn’t familiar with the house yet, the layout still new and confusing, but instinct guided him.

Wrapping the blanket tighter around his body, he padded barefoot through the hallway.

The faint sound of the wind tugged at his attention, and as he turned to his left, his eyes caught sight of the balcony door.

It was ajar, the curtains fluttering slightly with the breeze.

Beyond it, Heeseung stood, bathed in the soft glow of the approaching dawn.

Heeseung was alone, clad only in his boxers, his broad shoulders hunched slightly as he leaned against the railing.

His head was tilted upward, eyes fixed on the dark sky, where the faintest hints of orange and purple were just beginning to break through the inky black.

For a moment, Sunghoon simply watched him.

Stepping closer, Sunghoon pushed the door open a little wider, the soft creak catching Heeseung’s attention.

Heeseung didn’t turn right away, but his head lowered, sensing Sunghoon’s presence.

“You’re awake early.”
Sunghoon murmured, his voice soft and raspy from sleep as he stepped out onto the balcony.

The morning chill nipped at his skin, but the blanket provided a small shield against the cold.

Heeseung finally turned, his eyes softening when they met Sunghoon’s.

“I didn’t want to wake you.”
Heeseung replied, his voice just as quiet.

Sunghoon stepped closer, closing the distance between them, his hand reaching out to rest on Heeseung’s bare arm.

“What are you doing out here?”
He asked, though the answer seemed almost obvious.

Heeseung’s gaze drifted back to the sky.
“I couldn’t sleep. I’ve been thinking..about us, about everything.” He exhaled softly, his breath visible in the air.
“It’s been a lot to process.”

Sunghoon nodded, understanding without needing more explanation.

They stood like that for a moment, side by side.

Whatever thoughts had pulled Heeseung away, Sunghoon was there to bring him back.

Carefully, he draped the blanket over both of them.

Sunghoon slipped his arms around Heeseung's waist and nuzzled into his chest, resting his cheek against the steady beat of Heeseung's heart.

Heeseung responded instinctively, his arms winding around Sunghoon, pulling him even closer.

“I missed your birthday.”
Heeseung murmured softly, his voice tinged with guilt.

Sunghoon lifted his head, his lips brushing against Heeseung’s jaw before finding his mouth in a gentle kiss.