Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Can't a friend be curious?

Chapter 15: Can't a friend be curious?

The following day, Soul found himself standing just outside the bustling cafeteria, nervously waiting for Keeho. They'd planned to grab lunch together, but with each passing minute, his nerves grew. Just when Soul was about to give up and slip inside alone, a familiar voice called out.

"Hey, waiting for me?"

Keeho sauntered up, grinning, his hand casually resting on Soul's shoulder as if they'd done this a thousand times before. The touch was light but lingering, sending a warmth through Soul that he wasn't prepared for.

"You're late," Soul mumbled, hoping Keeho couldn't sense the rush of excitement that shot through him from the small contact.

Keeho just laughed, giving Soul a gentle nudge as they walked inside. "Guess you missed me, huh?"

Soul's cheeks turned pink, and he muttered, "Not really," but his voice lacked conviction. Keeho's teasing grin widened.

They found an empty table in the back corner of the cafeteria, away from the usual crowd. Keeho settled into his seat, stretching his arms lazily before leaning over the table, his chin resting on his hand as he studied Soul.

"So, what's new? Anyone special caught your eye lately?" Keeho's voice was light, but his gaze felt intense.

Soul swallowed, his gaze drifting to his lunch tray. "No... not really."

"Oh?" Keeho leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "No one at all?"

Soul's heart skipped a beat, and he gave Keeho a quick glance before looking away again. "Why are you asking?"

Keeho chuckled. "Can't a friend be curious?" He reached over, his hand lightly brushing against Soul's as he grabbed the edge of his tray. The contact was brief, but it left Soul's hand tingling.

"Maybe you should worry about yourself," Soul managed, forcing himself to sound more confident. "You're the one who's always getting attention from everyone."

Keeho shrugged, his eyes sparkling. "Not everyone. You're a hard one to impress."

Soul rolled his eyes, but he couldn't deny that the comment warmed him. Keeho always had this way of making things lighthearted, yet personal—like each word was meant to draw Soul in.

"So," Keeho continued, his gaze softening, "I was thinking. We should do something different after school. Want to come to the art showcase with me? I heard Jiung's new work is going to be incredible."

Soul hesitated. He knew Jiung from art class, but he wasn't close with him. Still, the idea of spending more time with Keeho outside of school was... appealing.

"Sure," he replied, attempting to sound casual. "I mean, it could be fun."

Keeho flashed him a dazzling smile, giving Soul's shoulder another squeeze. "That's the spirit! It'll be a date. Well, not a date—unless you want it to be?"

Soul's face turned a deep shade of red, and he stammered, "Wh-what? No! I mean... not like that."

Keeho laughed, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Relax, I'm just kidding... mostly."

After school, they headed toward the art gallery, walking close enough that their shoulders brushed every now and then. Soul found himself hyper-aware of every tiny touch and gesture, his heart racing in a way he didn't quite understand. He'd never felt this way about anyone, and Keeho's casual flirtation left him both flustered and strangely happy.

The art showcase was crowded, students and teachers milling around as they admired Jiung's pieces. Keeho led the way, weaving through the crowd, and Soul stayed close, using him as a guide. They stopped in front of one of Jiung's paintings, an intricate landscape that seemed to capture the feeling of summer.

Keeho leaned in close to Soul, his shoulder pressing against him as he whispered, "See this one? It reminds me of you."

Soul blinked, surprised. "Me? Why?"

Keeho grinned. "I dunno. Something about the colors. Kind of calm, but with a lot going on underneath. Mysterious, like you."

Soul didn't know what to say. He felt a rush of warmth and embarrassment and glanced away, hoping Keeho couldn't see his flushed cheeks.

They continued exploring the gallery, Keeho sticking close to Soul the entire time. Occasionally, Keeho's hand would brush against Soul's arm, or he'd lean in a bit too close, murmuring some comment that was just on the edge of being flirtatious. Each small touch and word made Soul's heart race a little faster.

Finally, they reached the last painting, a vibrant and abstract piece filled with bold colors and chaotic patterns. Keeho stared at it for a moment before glancing at Soul.

"You know, maybe this one's actually more like you," Keeho said, smirking.

Soul raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Chaotic and all over the place?"

Keeho shrugged, his eyes softening. "No... but there's something... intriguing about it. You can't figure it all out in one glance. You have to look deeper."

Soul felt his heart pounding. He opened his mouth to say something but found himself at a loss for words. Keeho's gaze held his, intense and unguarded, and for a brief, heart-stopping moment, it felt like the world around them faded.

Keeho broke the moment with a laugh, reaching over to tousle Soul's hair. "Come on, enough deep talk. Let's grab some snacks."

Soul felt a surge of relief mixed with disappointment as Keeho turned away, leading him back toward the cafeteria. But even as they walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more between them, something just beneath the surface, waiting to be acknowledged.

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