Days turned into weeks, and the quiet moments between Taesan and Leehan became a part of their routine—an unspoken understanding that grew with every glance, every lingering touch, every late-night conversation. Leehan found himself looking forward to these moments more than he cared to admit. But with the comfort came something else, a feeling he'd been trying to keep at bay: a quiet fear that this fragile connection could slip through his fingers at any moment.
One night, as they sat together in a secluded corner of their practice room, Leehan finally worked up the courage to voice his concerns.
"Taesan," he began, his voice hesitant. "What... what happens if this—whatever this is—doesn't work out?"
Taesan looked at him, a flicker of surprise in his eyes. But then his gaze softened, and he placed a reassuring hand on Leehan's shoulder. "Hey, don't overthink it. We don't need to define anything right now. I'm here because I want to be, and I know you feel the same."
Leehan wanted to believe him, but the thought of losing this warmth, this certainty, gnawed at him. Still, he nodded, forcing himself to take comfort in Taesan's words.
Over the next few days, their schedules became even more intense. The team was working harder than ever, preparing for a major performance. The exhaustion began to take a toll, and tensions ran high among the group. Leehan found himself pushing harder, staying late in the practice room, determined to be perfect.
One evening, after an especially brutal rehearsal, Leehan decided to stay behind to go over his steps one more time. Lost in his own world, he barely noticed the hours slipping by until the door creaked open and Taesan walked in, his expression a mix of concern and irritation.
"Leehan," Taesan said, his voice firm, "what are you still doing here?"
Leehan glanced up, surprised. "I just needed a bit more practice. I... didn't realize how late it was."
Taesan frowned, his gaze hard. "You've been pushing yourself too hard lately. You don't need to be perfect all the time, you know that, right?"
Leehan felt a pang of frustration, not with Taesan but with himself. "I just... I can't let everyone down. I have to be good enough."
Before he could continue, Taesan took a step forward, his hands gently gripping Leehan's shoulders. "Listen to me," he said softly but with unmistakable intensity. "You're already enough. You don't have to keep proving it."
Leehan's breath hitched as he looked into Taesan's eyes, his own gaze filled with a vulnerability he could no longer hide. He wanted to argue, to push back against Taesan's words, but the quiet strength in Taesan's gaze left him speechless.
Without thinking, he leaned forward, his forehead resting against Taesan's shoulder as he let out a shaky breath. Taesan's arms wrapped around him instinctively, holding him steady.
"You don't have to carry this alone," Taesan murmured, his hand gently rubbing Leehan's back. "I've got you."
They stayed like that for what felt like an eternity, the quiet hum of the practice room fading into the background as Leehan allowed himself to melt into Taesan's embrace. He'd been holding onto so much pressure, so much fear, and in Taesan's arms, it all seemed to dissolve, replaced by a warmth he didn't know he'd been longing for.
When they finally pulled away, Leehan's cheeks flushed, and he let out a nervous laugh. "You must think I'm a mess."
Taesan shook his head, a small smile playing on his lips. "I think you're one of the strongest people I know. Just don't forget it."
They exchanged a smile, and Taesan's hand lingered on Leehan's shoulder for a moment longer than necessary before he finally stepped back, his gaze soft.
The next few days passed in a blur of rehearsals, late-night conversations, and stolen glances. But as the day of the big performance approached, Leehan found himself growing increasingly nervous. The pressure felt like a heavy weight on his chest, and despite Taesan's reassurances, a part of him still feared he would let everyone down.
The night of the performance arrived, and as they stood backstage, Leehan felt his hands begin to tremble. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes and trying to steady himself. But just as the familiar anxiety began to creep in, he felt a warm hand slide into his, grounding him.
He opened his eyes to see Taesan standing beside him, his gaze steady and calm.
"Hey," Taesan whispered, his voice barely audible over the buzz of the crowd. "You've got this. Remember, you're not alone."
Leehan's heart raced at Taesan's words, and he felt a surge of confidence he hadn't felt before. With Taesan by his side, the fear seemed to fade, replaced by a quiet determination.
They went on stage, and the performance was electric. The crowd's energy fueled them, and every move felt effortless, every note resonant. When they finished, the applause was thunderous, and Leehan felt a rush of pride and relief wash over him.
Backstage, as they caught their breath, Leehan found himself pulled into a tight hug. Taesan's arms wrapped around him, and Leehan didn't hesitate to hug him back, holding on as if he never wanted to let go.
"You did amazing," Taesan whispered, his voice filled with pride.
Leehan's cheeks flushed as he pulled back slightly, meeting Taesan's gaze. "Only because you were there."
They stood there, inches apart, their gazes locked, and Leehan's heart raced as he realized just how much he'd come to rely on Taesan—not just as a friend, but as something more. The unspoken feelings between them felt heavy, tangible, and he could see the same emotions mirrored in Taesan's eyes.
Without thinking, Leehan reached out, his hand resting on Taesan's cheek as he leaned in, his heart pounding. Their lips met in a soft, hesitant kiss, a gentle connection that held all the words they'd never spoken aloud.
When they finally pulled away, Taesan's hand remained on his shoulder, his gaze soft yet intense. "Leehan..."
Leehan smiled, feeling a warmth spread through him as he met Taesan's gaze. "We don't have to define it," he whispered, echoing Taesan's own words. "Just... stay with me."
Taesan nodded, his smile growing as he wrapped his arms around Leehan once more, holding him close. In that moment, under the glow of the stage lights and the quiet buzz of the crowd, Leehan felt a sense of peace he hadn't known before—a quiet assurance that, whatever lay ahead, he wouldn't face it alone.
End of Chapter 3
YOU ARE READING
Whispers in the Dark//GONGFOURZ ff
Fanfiction"I thought this was supposed to be a secret" "I dont think so"
