Hush, It's Love

P03

The weekend arrived, bringing with it a much-needed break from the hectic pace of work. Taeyang woke up feeling refreshed, determined to make the most of his days off. After a leisurely breakfast, he decided to visit his aunt, who lived nearby and had always been a source of comfort and advice.

As he entered her cozy apartment, the familiar scent of home-cooked meals greeted him. His aunt, a warm and nurturing woman, welcomed him with a hug. "Taeyang! It's so good to see you. How have you been?"

Taeyang smiled. "I've been good, Auntie. Busy with work, as always."

They settled in the living room, chatting about various things. As Taeyang looked at his aunt, he suddenly heard her thoughts. "I worry about him so much. He's still so clumsy and needs someone to take care of him."

Taeyang's heart sank a little. He had always known his family worried about him, but hearing it directly was different. "Auntie, you don't have to worry so much. I'm managing fine."

His aunt looked at him with a gentle smile. "I know, but it's a habit. We just want to see you happy and settled."

They continued talking, and Taeyang felt a mix of comfort and concern. It was reassuring to know his family cared so deeply, but he also wished he could ease their worries.

After spending some time with his aunt, Taeyang decided to meet up with his friend Hyun. They had planned a casual day out, starting with brunch at their favorite café. As they sat down to eat, Hyun couldn't help but notice Taeyang's contemplative mood.

"You seem a bit off today. What's going on?" Hyun asked, taking a bite of his sandwich.

Taeyang sighed. "Just family stuff. They're always worried about me."

Hyun nodded. "I get it. Family can be like that sometimes. But you know they love you and just want the best for you."

Taeyang smiled, feeling grateful for Hyun's support. "Yeah, I know. Thanks, Hyun."

As they continued their conversation, Taeyang's thoughts drifted back to his childhood. He remembered his mother's comforting voice as she encouraged him on his first day of school.

"School is a lot of fun and adventure," she had said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Taeyang had been nervous, clutching her hand tightly, but her words had given him the courage to face the unknown.

Taeyang blinked back tears as he recalled the memory. Despite the challenges he faced now, his mother's words still gave him strength.

They spent the rest of the day exploring the city, visiting bookstores, and enjoying each other's company. It was the perfect distraction, and Taeyang felt more at ease as the day went on.

In the evening, as they were walking along a quiet street, Hyun suddenly turned to Taeyang with a serious expression. "Hey, about this mind-reading thing. How are you really handling it?"

Taeyang paused, reflecting on the past few days. "It's been...intense. Sometimes it feels like too much, but other times, it's like a window into people's true selves. It's confusing and overwhelming, but also...kinda amazing."

Hyun placed a reassuring hand on Taeyang's shoulder. "You'll figure it out. Just take it one step at a time. And remember, you're not alone in this."

Taeyang nodded, feeling a surge of gratitude for his friend's unwavering support. "Thanks, Hyun. I really appreciate it."

As the weekend drew to a close, Taeyang prepared to head back to the office to deliver some reports he had been working on. The sky was overcast, and a sudden downpour caught him off guard. Without an umbrella, he hurried through the rain, trying to shield his papers.

Just then, an umbrella was placed over his head. Taeyang turned to see Sangwoo standing beside him, holding the umbrella and smiling warmly.

"Finally a chance to do this. I've been waiting for a long time," Sangwoo thought, and Taeyang couldn't help but smile at the sincerity in his mind.

"Thanks, Sangwoo. You really saved me there," Taeyang said, feeling a warmth spread through him.

Sangwoo chuckled, his cheeks slightly flushed. "No problem. I couldn't let you get soaked."

Taeyang awkwardly adjusted his grip on the reports, unsure of what to do next. He wasn't used to being admired, especially by another man. It made him feel both nervous and flattered.

As they walked together towards the office, the rain continued to fall around them, but under the umbrella, Taeyang felt an unexpected sense of companionship and hope. Sangwoo's playful thoughts made him smile.

"I hope he likes this. I've been wanting to do something nice for him for ages," Sangwoo mused, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

As they reached the office, Sangwoo noticed Taeyang's wet clothes. "You can't go to your boss like that," he said. "Wait here."

Moments later, Sangwoo reappeared with a fresh set of clothes—a pair of pants, a long sleeve shirt, and a tie that looked remarkably similar to Sangwoo's own.

"These should fit you just fine," Sangwoo said, grinning.

Taeyang quickly changed, feeling slightly embarrassed but grateful. When he looked at Sangwoo again, he accidentally read his thoughts, "Hope everyone doesn't notice that we're matching ties, like a couple," Sangwoo thought, very cutely and clearly flattered.

Taeyang's cheeks turned pink. He wasn't used to this kind of attention, especially from a man, but it made him feel warm and appreciated.

"Thanks, Sangwoo," Taeyang said, adjusting his tie with a small smile. "This means a lot."

Sangwoo's eyes sparkled. "Anytime, Taeyang. Let's just hope no one thinks we're too coordinated."

Just then, one of their colleagues walked by and did a double take, looking between them and their matching ties. "Nice outfits. Did you two plan this?" they teased with a wink.

Taeyang and Sangwoo exchanged a look, trying to suppress their laughter. "Nope, just a happy coincidence," Taeyang said, his voice betraying his amusement.

As the colleague walked away, Sangwoo leaned in closer. "Well, if they do think we're coordinated, it's because we make a great team," he whispered, his tone playful yet sincere.

Taeyang's heart fluttered. Despite his awkwardness, he couldn't deny the growing connection between them. The matching ties felt like a secret connection between them, a playful reminder of their growing bond.

"Let's do this again sometime," Sangwoo said, his tone sincere.

Taeyang nodded, feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation. "Yeah, I'd like that."

As Sangwoo walked away, Taeyang took a deep breath, feeling more confident about the future. His wish had set off a chain of events that promised new adventures, deeper connections, and perhaps, even love.