The Deep End

Closer?

The days following their unexpected exchange felt like a whirlwind of confusion for Leehan. Taesan's words echoed in his mind, gnawing away at the anger he had clung to for so long. Each time he tried to rationalize his feelings, the memory of Taesan's gentle touch, his unexpected sincerity, surfaced, leaving Leehan frustrated and vulnerable.

Taesan, meanwhile, seemed almost restrained—never pressing Leehan but always watching, a quiet presence that was impossible to ignore. He no longer teased openly, but every now and then, Leehan would catch a warm, almost longing glance from him.

It was driving him mad.

As the week wore on, Leehan found himself working late in the science lab, trying to drown his thoughts in projects and reports. Tonight was one of those nights. The school was nearly empty, the low hum of fluorescent lights and the rhythmic flicking of his pages the only sounds in the stillness.

He sighed, stretching his arms above his head, his muscles aching from hours hunched over his desk. Just as he reached for his water bottle, the door creaked open, and Taesan stepped inside, carrying two steaming cups of coffee.

"Thought you might want something warm," Taesan said, his voice soft but steady. He set one cup on Leehan's desk and sat on the chair opposite him without asking.

Leehan eyed him suspiciously, but the inviting aroma of coffee was too tempting to resist. "Thanks," he murmured, taking a tentative sip, letting the warmth ease the tension in his body.

They sat in silence, the atmosphere thick with unspoken words. Leehan's mind was a chaotic mess, questions bubbling to the surface, his heart racing with conflicting emotions.

Finally, he set his cup down, looking directly at Taesan. "Why are you doing this?"

Taesan's gaze didn't falter, his expression contemplative. "I told you, didn't I? I can't help myself."

Leehan rolled his eyes. "That's not an answer. Why can't you just leave me alone?"

Taesan leaned forward, his intense gaze locking onto Leehan's. "Because you make me want to be better, Leehan," he admitted, his voice barely more than a whisper. "You challenge me. And I don't know when it started, but...I don't want it to stop."

Leehan's heart stuttered. He felt an unsteady warmth in his chest, one that threatened to melt the walls he had built around himself. But his logical mind resisted, clinging to a shred of doubt.

"What about all those times you made my life miserable?" Leehan shot back, trying to keep the vulnerability out of his voice. "You bullied me. Made me feel...less than human."

Taesan's expression softened, regret flickering across his face. "I know," he said, his voice full of remorse. "I was an idiot. And I'm not asking you to forget what I did—I know I don't deserve that. But I am asking for a chance to make it right."

Leehan looked down at his hands, his fingers gripping the edge of his desk. He didn't want to believe Taesan, didn't want to let himself fall for words that could easily be lies. But there was something in Taesan's voice, something raw and real, that made it hard to ignore.

"And if I gave you that chance...what would you do?" Leehan asked softly, a trace of vulnerability in his voice.

Taesan hesitated, his hand reaching across the desk to rest lightly over Leehan's. The gesture was gentle, almost hesitant, and Leehan's breath caught in his throat.

"I'd prove to you that I'm not the person you think I am," Taesan said, his tone sincere. "I'd show you that I can be more than just your bully."

Leehan's chest tightened, his emotions in turmoil. He wanted to believe Taesan, wanted to believe that there was a part of him that truly cared. But years of resentment weren't easy to let go, and the scars Taesan had left ran deep.

"I don't know if I can trust you," Leehan admitted, his voice barely more than a whisper.

Taesan nodded, his gaze unwavering. "I understand. But let me earn it. Even if it takes time."

They sat in silence, the weight of Taesan's promise hanging between them. For the first time, Leehan felt a sliver of hope—a fragile, delicate thing that he was almost afraid to hold.

As the silence stretched on, Taesan slowly stood, his gaze lingering on Leehan. "Take all the time you need, love," he said softly, his usual teasing tone replaced by something sincere and gentle. "I'm not going anywhere."

With that, he left the room, leaving Leehan alone with his racing thoughts.