Stay With Me

Chapter Twenty-nine

The soft light of dawn filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle glow across Jeongguk's room. He stirred awake, his heart still heavy with the remnants of a dream that felt all too real. In his mind, he had been back in that special days with Taehyung—where they proposed their love for each other both physically and emotionally. But now, as reality settled in, the warmth faded, replaced by a chill of longing.

Jeongguk lay still for a moment, staring at the ceiling as the dream slipped away like sand through his fingers. The bittersweet memories washed over him, each one a reminder of what once was and what could never be again. 

He remembered Taehyung's laughter, the way it lit up his world, and the quiet moments they shared—late-night conversations that stretched into dawn, secrets whispered under starlit skies. But those times felt distant now, overshadowed by the passage of time and the choices they had made.

A wave of sadness crashed over him as he recalled Taehyung's smile—the one that could brighten even his darkest days. Jeongguk's heart ached with a profound sense of loss. It wasn't just about missing Taehyung; it was about the innocence they had shared and how life had pulled them in different directions. He felt trapped between nostalgia and regret, caught in a whirlwind of emotions that left him feeling hollow.

Jeongguk sat up slowly, running a hand through his tousled hair. The room felt suffocating quiet, amplifying his internal turmoil. He thought about how easy it was to lose touch with someone who had once been so integral to his life. 

His mind raced with questions that had no answers. Jeongguk felt a familiar sting in his chest—the ache of unspoken words and unresolved feelings. He wanted to scream into the void but instead found himself staring at the wall, feeling utterly alone despite being surrounded by familiar comforts.

Just as he was about to spiral deeper into his thoughts, the door creaked open. Yeosang stepped inside, bright-eyed and cheerful, oblivious to the storm brewing within Jeongguk. 

"Hey hyung! You awake?" he asked, his voice light and inviting.

Jeongguk blinked, momentarily pulled from his reverie. Yeosang's presence was like a breath of fresh air—a welcome distraction from his melancholic thoughts. 

"Yeah," he replied softly, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

Yeosang noticed immediately; he had always been perceptive to Jeongguk's moods. "You okay? You look... well, not okay," he said gently, concern etched on his face.

Jeongguk replied, "I'm fine. What are you doing here early morning?"

"Hyung," Yeosang finally said, his voice slightly shaky. Jeongguk got up from the bed and went to him, sensing the tension in the air.

"Yeah? What's up?" Jeongguk asked, his brow furrowing with concern.

Yeosang hesitated, biting his lip. "Um, I was wondering if you'd like to go to Kim's and Min's café with me later. I think we need to talk."

Jeongguk raised an eyebrow, intrigued but also perplexed. "Talk? About what? You seem a bit... off. And why do we need to the café, we can talk here also, right?"

"I just think it's better to discuss it in person," Yeosang replied, avoiding direct eye contact. "Can you come?"

"Sure," Jeongguk said slowly, still puzzled but willing to go along with it. "What time?"

"Let's say... in an hour?" Yeosang suggested, feeling a mix of relief and anxiety.

"Alright. I'll see you then," Jeongguk replied, nodding as Yeosang slipped out of the room.