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As the last lights in the café flickered out, Hao lingered near the door, his hand reaching out to gently cup Hanbin’s cheek. He leaned in, pressing a tender kiss to his lips. The quiet affection spoke more than words, and as they parted, Hao whispered, “Take good care of him, okay?”
Hanbin nodded, a soft smile playing on his lips. “I promise,” he murmured back, letting his fingers linger a moment longer in Hao’s before he turned and led Yujin toward his car.
Yujin walked beside him, hesitant and casting wary glances up at Hanbin. He fidgeted with his sleeves, shuffling his feet as they approached the car. Sensing the boy’s apprehension, Hanbin knelt down to Yujin’s level, holding out his pinky.
“Hey, Yujin,” he said gently, his tone warm and reassuring. “I know this is all a bit scary, but I promise—pinky promise—I’m just here to make sure you’re safe tonight. Nothing more, nothing less.”
Yujin hesitated for a moment, his small face wrinkling in concentration as he studied Hanbin’s outstretched pinky. But finally, he gave a tiny nod and hooked his pinky around Hanbin’s, his grip small but firm. It was as if, in that single gesture, he was entrusting a part of himself.
Once they settled into the car, Hanbin kept the drive quiet and calm, turning on soft music and occasionally glancing at Yujin to make sure he was okay. By the time they reached Hanbin’s place, Yujin was visibly more at ease, though he still held onto his little guard.
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As they arrived at the house, Hanbin showed him around, offering him a spot on the couch and even pulling out an extra blanket and a couple of snacks. “You’ll be safe here tonight,” he said, giving Yujin a reassuring smile as he settled in.
With Yujin finally curled up on the couch, looking more relaxed than he had all day, Hanbin sat nearby, keeping watch as Yujin drifted off. In the quiet of his home, he thought about Hao’s whispered request, feeling a sense of gratitude and purpose as he silently promised to protect the boy who had, for one night, become his responsibility.
When they pulled up to Hanbin’s house, Yujin seemed to shrink back in the seat, his eyes growing wide with a flicker of fear. He gripped his knees tightly, hesitating to step out. Hanbin noticed the change in Yujin’s expression and crouched beside him, giving him a gentle smile. “Hey, Yujin, it’s alright. This is a safe place, I promise. No one’s going to hurt you here.”
Yujin looked into Hanbin’s eyes, uncertainty filling his gaze. There was a vulnerability there that tugged at Hanbin’s heart, a reminder that whatever Yujin had been through had left him deeply scarred. But after a pause, Yujin finally nodded, taking Hanbin’s offered hand and stepping out of the car, following him into the house.
