The Deep End

Faint hope

The following days felt like navigating uncharted territory for Leehan. Taesan had noticeably softened his approach, giving him space while somehow still managing to be present in all the little ways that mattered. No more overbearing nicknames, no more bold, teasing touches—just a steady presence, as if Taesan was finally respecting the boundaries Leehan had tried to hold onto so desperately.

One afternoon, as Leehan sat in the library alone, lost in his thoughts, Taesan appeared, holding two cups of coffee. He placed one in front of Leehan with a quiet smile before sitting down across from him.

"Thought you might need a little boost," Taesan said, his tone casual.

Leehan blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He stared at the coffee, then at Taesan, who was watching him with that same soft gaze. "Thanks," Leehan replied quietly, taking a cautious sip. It was just how he liked it—Taesan had remembered.

A comfortable silence settled between them, and for once, Leehan didn't feel the need to fill it with defenses or cold remarks. Instead, he found himself studying Taesan, noticing the way he'd changed—how he no longer pushed, no longer pried. It was like Taesan was trying to meet him halfway, trying to show him that he could be trusted.

After a few moments, Leehan finally broke the silence. "Why the sudden change?"

Taesan looked at him, a faint smile playing at his lips. "I told you—I want you to see me for who I am now, not who I used to be."

Leehan searched his face, trying to read the sincerity in Taesan's eyes. It was strange, almost surreal, to have Taesan like this—gentle, patient, no longer the overbearing presence that had once made his life so difficult. And yet, despite his lingering doubts, a part of him wanted to believe Taesan had truly changed.

"Fine," Leehan said after a moment, his voice softer than usual. "I'll give you a chance... but don't make me regret it."

Taesan's smile widened, a warmth in his gaze that made Leehan's heart skip a beat. "You won't, love. I promise."

Leehan's cheeks flushed slightly at the endearment, but this time, he didn't feel the same irritation. Instead, it felt almost... comforting. He looked away, hoping Taesan wouldn't notice his reaction.

They continued to sit in silence, sipping their coffee, the quiet truce between them slowly solidifying. For the first time, Leehan felt a glimmer of hope, a small part of him daring to believe that maybe, just maybe, this could work—that maybe, Taesan could be someone he could rely on.

As they left the library, walking side by side, Leehan felt the faintest brush of Taesan's hand against his. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it sent a shiver through him all the same.

Maybe, just maybe, this fragile truce was the beginning of something he'd never expected.