MY ADDICTION | gongfourz ★

008

"the countdown"

The days seemed to pass in a blur, one blending into the other, until months turned into years. Two years had passed since Taesan and Leehan had taken the first steps toward not only breaking free from their addictions but also building a life together. They had come so far, transforming into the best versions of themselves—not just for each other, but for the people they wanted to be. Now, their only addiction was each other, and they couldn't imagine it any other way.

It was mid-December, and the crisp winter air carried with it the unmistakable scent of pine and the hum of holiday cheer. The streets were lined with twinkling lights, and the couple's small apartment was no exception. Inside, the scent of freshly baked cookies lingered in the air, mingling with the faint aroma of the hot cocoa Leehan had made earlier.

"Leehan!" Taesan called from the living room, admiring the Christmas tree he had just finished decorating. The soft glow of the string lights wrapped around the tree illuminated the ornaments they had picked out together the year before. He waited for a response but heard none. Curious, he wandered toward Leehan's bedroom, only to pause when he heard his boyfriend's voice, muffled and sharp, coming from behind the door.

"Mom, I'm not going," Leehan said, his tone firm yet tinged with frustration. "I'm happy here, with the love of my life."

Taesan's breath caught in his throat at the words. The love of his life? A warm, giddy feeling spread through his chest, and for a moment, he forgot why he had come looking for Leehan in the first place. But the warmth quickly faded as he heard the conversation escalate.

"America?!" Leehan's voice rose in surprise, disbelief laced in every syllable. "No way in hell am I moving with you. Why won't you just leave me alone? I'm finally happy." There was a moment of silence, and then the sharp click of the phone being hung up filled the air.

Taesan quickly scurried back to the living room, trying to make it seem like he hadn't overheard anything. He was fussing with a stray ornament when he felt familiar arms wrap around him from behind. Leehan's warmth pressed against him, and he smiled as soft lips grazed his neck.

"Hi, baby," Leehan murmured, his voice softer now, though there was an edge of weariness to it.

"Hi," Taesan replied, turning to face him, his smile faltering slightly as he saw the storm of emotions swirling in Leehan's eyes.

Leehan hesitated before pulling Taesan toward the couch. "Can we talk?"

Taesan nodded, sitting down beside him. "What's on your mind?"

Leehan let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair. "My parents... They want me to move to America with them," he said, his voice trembling slightly. "And... I'm not sure if I have a choice."

The words hit Taesan like a punch to the gut. His heart dropped, and his mind raced as he tried to process what Leehan had just said. "What? No... Leehan, you don't have to—"

"Taesan," Leehan interrupted, his voice firm but laced with sorrow. He reached out, taking Taesan's hands in his. "I need you to listen to me. I've thought about this, and I don't want you to come with me."

"What?" Taesan's voice cracked, the hurt evident in his tone. "Why not? If you're going, then I—"

"No." Leehan shook his head, tears welling up in his eyes. "I've seen what it's like there. It's not a good place, not for someone like you. I can't risk you getting hurt. I can't—" His voice broke, and he looked away, unable to meet Taesan's eyes.

"But I don't want to lose you," Taesan whispered, his own tears beginning to fall. "Leehan, you're everything to me. I can't—"

"You won't lose me," Leehan said, turning back to him and cupping his face with trembling hands. "I promise you, Taesan. I'll come back for you. No matter how long it takes, I'll come back. Please... Please wait for me."

The sight of Leehan crying—his shoulders shaking, his voice cracking with desperation—was too much for Taesan to bear. He pulled him into his arms, holding him tightly as if letting go would make him disappear. "I love you," Taesan choked out, his voice muffled against Leehan's shoulder.

"I love you too," Leehan whispered, his fingers clutching the back of Taesan's shirt. "So much."

They stayed like that for what felt like hours, clinging to each other as though the world around them was crumbling. Neither of them wanted to face the reality of what was to come, but they knew they couldn't avoid it forever.

Eventually, Leehan pulled back, his face streaked with tears but his eyes filled with determination. "I'll call you every day," he said. "I'll text you, send you letters—whatever it takes to stay connected. You're my everything, Taesan. Nothing will change that."

Taesan nodded, though his heart still ached. "Promise me you'll come back."

"I promise," Leehan said, leaning in to press a soft, lingering kiss to Taesan's lips. It was a kiss filled with love, pain, and the unspoken hope that they would find their way back to each other, no matter what.

As the clock ticked toward Christmas morning, the two boys sat together on the couch, holding each other tightly. The twinkling lights of the Christmas tree cast a warm glow around them, but it did little to chase away the chill in their hearts. They knew the road ahead would be difficult, but their love was strong—strong enough to weather any storm.

And as they drifted off to sleep in each other's arms, they held onto the belief that this was not the end of their story. It was just the beginning of a new chapter, one that would ultimately lead them back to where they belonged: together.