Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Testing Boundaries

Chapter 8: Testing Boundaries

Keeho was determined to make up for his slip-up the day before. Today, he encouraged Soul to hang out with Jongseob and Intak, knowing he needed to help Soul connect with others if he was ever going to fulfill his mission.

During lunch, Keeho met Soul by the lockers, giving him an encouraging smile. "Hey! So, Jongseob and Intak are sitting outside. Want to go hang out with them?"

Soul hesitated, his fingers fidgeting with the straps of his backpack. "I guess... I mean, I'll try, but it's just easier with you there."

Keeho nodded, forcing a casual tone even though the idea of Soul feeling better without him left a strange pang in his chest. "Of course! I'll be around if you need me. You've got this."

Soul took a breath, nodding, and headed outside to join Jongseob and Intak. Keeho stayed back, watching Soul from the hallway as he tried to settle into the group. There were moments where Soul laughed softly, though sometimes he'd glance around, as if searching for Keeho.

Keeho clenched his fists, struggling with the urge to walk over. This was what he was supposed to do, he reminded himself—helping Soul become more independent, even if it meant feeling this unexpected emptiness when Soul wasn't by his side.

After a while, Jongseob told a joke that had Soul laughing a little louder than Keeho had ever seen. Something tugged at him—half pride, half jealousy. But before he could sort through the mess of feelings, Soul turned, as if looking for Keeho, and his eyes lit up when he spotted him.

Keeho couldn't help but smile back, a warmth spreading through him. He waved, gesturing for Soul to continue hanging out with his new friends. But Soul, still a bit shy, excused himself from Jongseob and Intak and came over.

Keeho raised an eyebrow, trying to keep his tone light. "Leaving already?"

Soul shrugged, looking a little sheepish. "It's nice with them, but... it feels more comfortable with you."

Keeho's heart clenched, guilt swirling alongside something else he couldn't quite name. "I get it, but it seems like you were having fun with them, too."

Soul nodded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I was. But you're my friend, too. I like having you around."

Keeho grinned, ruffling Soul's hair before he could stop himself. "Fine, fine. I'll stick around," he said, his tone teasing even as he felt the weight of his responsibility press down on him.

In that moment, he realized he was walking a tightrope—balancing his duty with his growing attachment to Soul. And though he knew he needed to push Soul to be independent, he couldn't shake the pull that kept drawing him back.

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