The Rules Of Love 2 : Shadows from the Past

Episode 1 : Sweet Beginnings

The warm, homey atmosphere of Hanjin's apartment is heightened by the soft glow of the kitchen lights and the delightful aroma of Dohoon's cooking. The kitchen, though small, is the perfect setting for their cozy evening together. The night feels quiet yet intimate, like it belongs only to them.

Hanjin, curious and excited, hovers close to Dohoon, eagerly watching him chop vegetables and stir sauces. He keeps leaning closer, sneakily trying to taste bits and pieces, causing Dohoon to chuckle and playfully nudge him away.

Dohoon (grinning as he catches Hanjin's hand midway): "Do you ever just... wait for food like a normal person?"

Hanjin (grinning mischievously): "Patience is overrated when you're cooking. Besides, I'm just... taste-testing!"

Dohoon's laughter echoes warmly, filling the small kitchen. He brushes a stray lock of hair from Hanjin's face, and the gentle, casual touch lingers just a second longer than necessary. Hanjin's cheeks turn slightly pink, but he can't seem to wipe the smile from his face. They move around each other effortlessly, Hanjin stealing tiny tastes whenever Dohoon is focused, and Dohoon swatting him away every time he notices.

Finally, Dohoon plates the food, and they carry their meal to the small table near the window. The dim lighting and quiet background music create a calm, intimate ambiance. They sit across from each other, exchanging stories about their day between bites.

Hanjin (smiling as he tastes a forkful): "This is incredible. You could open a restaurant if you wanted to."

Dohoon (teasingly): "Nah, I'd only have one loyal customer who's more interested in stealing bites than actually paying."

Hanjin rolls his eyes, but his smile says he wouldn't mind that in the slightest. Their conversation flows easily, laughter and light touches passing back and forth. It's the kind of quiet joy that feels deeply comforting, a reminder of how naturally they fit together.

With the dishes cleared, Hanjin brings out his phone, and they settle on the floor near the coffee table. He scrolls through his photo gallery, hoping to find a recent picture, but instead, they stumble upon old photos from their high school days. Their laughter fills the room as they scroll through cringeworthy photos of awkward poses, strange haircuts, and goofy smiles.

Hanjin (snickering as he holds up the screen): "Look at this one! You with that fake leather jacket and that ridiculously oversized belt. What were you even going for?"

Dohoon (mock offended): "Excuse you, that jacket was fashion back then. I had style. I was a trendsetter."

They continue scrolling, sharing lighthearted jabs and nostalgic memories. Eventually, Hanjin pauses on a photo of Dohoon smiling, taken on the first day they met in high school.

Hanjin (softly, smiling to himself): "I thought you were so cool back then. I mean, you were, but... I was a little in awe of you."

Dohoon looks at him, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

Dohoon (softly): "I didn't know that... You were always someone I could count on, even back then."

They share a quiet, meaningful look. For a moment, it's as though they've been transported back to those early days, each feeling an unspoken bond that has only grown stronger over time.

The next day, Dohoon surprises Hanjin with a visit to an art exhibit. It's a thoughtful gesture that leaves Hanjin touched and a little in awe of Dohoon's attention to detail—Dohoon knows that Hanjin loves art but rarely gets a chance to visit galleries. As they step into the exhibit, the city's noise fades away, replaced by the quiet, contemplative atmosphere of the gallery.

They stroll from piece to piece, discussing each artwork in turn. Hanjin's eyes light up as he describes his impressions of the different pieces. Dohoon listens intently, sometimes challenging Hanjin's interpretations with playful comments, but mostly marveling at the passion and joy in Hanjin's expression.

Hanjin (standing before an abstract painting of a thunderstorm): "There's something so raw and honest about this one. It's chaotic, but it feels real."

Dohoon (teasingly): "You're seeing honesty in that mess? I'd say it looks like someone spilled paint by accident."

They both laugh, falling into an easy rhythm, yet Dohoon's gaze lingers on Hanjin, as though he's seeing him in a new light.

They eventually enter a small, nearly empty room with a painting of a tranquil countryside, bathed in warm, golden light. The peaceful scenery draws them in, and they stand side by side, silently absorbing the image.

Hanjin (dreamily): "Someday, I'd love to visit a place like that. Just... peace and quiet, away from everything."

Dohoon (smiling softly): "Maybe we will. Together."

The quiet promise between them feels significant, as if they're making plans for a future they both long for. Hanjin's heart skips a beat, and he's almost afraid to look at Dohoon, worried he might read too much into his words.

When they return to Hanjin's apartment, Dohoon's attention is caught by a sketchbook lying on the table. Curious, he flips through it, surprised to see sketches of various cityscapes, abstract figures, and... himself. Pages of sketches, all capturing him in different moments—smiling, laughing, looking thoughtful.

Dohoon (holding up the sketchbook): "Didn't know I was your favorite subject."

Hanjin's cheeks turn a shade of red as he realizes he's been caught.

Hanjin (sheepishly): "I, uh... I started drawing you a while back. You've just always been... inspiring, I guess."

The vulnerability in his voice is apparent, and Dohoon's gaze softens.

Dohoon (smiling warmly): "Then why don't you draw me now?"

Hanjin looks up, a bit surprised, but Dohoon settles himself on the couch, giving him a reassuring nod. Heart thumping, Hanjin grabs his sketchbook and a pencil, then takes a seat across from Dohoon. He studies him intently, trying to capture every detail—the curve of his jaw, the slight arch of his brow, the soft, steady smile.

The silence that fills the room is comfortable, punctuated only by the soft scratch of Hanjin's pencil on the paper. Dohoon watches him with quiet admiration, his gaze warm and tender, and Hanjin finds himself getting lost in Dohoon's eyes.

After a while, Hanjin glances up, catching Dohoon staring at him. They both smile, the warmth between them almost tangible.

Dohoon (breaking the silence): "You know... I'm glad we ended up here. You and me."

Hanjin feels his heart swell, words failing him as he returns Dohoon's gaze.

Hanjin (softly): "Me too."

With one last affectionate glance, he returns to his sketch, his hand moving almost instinctively now, the two of them feeling the unspoken connection that's always been there but is now fully, beautifully alive. The night deepens, and in the cozy warmth of the apartment, they feel like they're truly home—in each other's presence.

As the night closes, Hanjin puts the finishing touches on his sketch, a piece that captures not just Dohoon's likeness but the profound comfort and joy he brings into Hanjin's life. They sit close, sharing a moment that's far more than just a drawing—it's the start of something real, something deeply cherished.

End of Episode 1.