The Deep End

Conflicting thoughts

Leehan couldn't deny it anymore—something between him and Taesan had shifted. The boundaries he had so carefully constructed were crumbling, and though he was still wary, a part of him was undeniably drawn to Taesan, to the steady warmth he had begun to offer instead of the familiar animosity. The teasing was still there, but it was softer now, threaded with something more genuine.

One evening, after they'd both stayed late to finish some work, Leehan was surprised when Taesan offered to walk him home. Normally, he would have refused, but tonight, he found himself nodding, his heart fluttering in ways he tried to ignore. As they walked through the dimly lit streets, their conversation flowed easily, a comfortable warmth filling the spaces that had once been filled with tension.

"So," Taesan said, hands tucked in his pockets, "what would your friends say if they knew you were willingly walking home with me?"

Leehan let out a small laugh, rolling his eyes. "They'd probably think I'd lost my mind."

Taesan chuckled, his gaze soft as he looked at Leehan. "Maybe it's not losing your mind. Maybe it's just... giving me a chance."

Leehan glanced away, feeling a warmth spread across his cheeks. "Don't get ahead of yourself."

They fell into a companionable silence, and for once, Leehan didn't feel the need to fill it with defensive quips or cold remarks. Instead, he simply enjoyed the moment, letting himself relax in Taesan's presence in a way he hadn't allowed himself to before.

As they reached his apartment building, Leehan paused at the entrance, turning to face Taesan. "Well... thanks for the company," he murmured, trying to ignore the fluttering in his chest.

Taesan stepped a little closer, his gaze locked onto Leehan's. "Anytime, love."

The pet name, spoken so softly and genuinely, made Leehan's breath catch. He wanted to brush it off, to pretend it didn't affect him, but the warmth in Taesan's eyes made it impossible to look away.

Taesan reached out, his hand hovering just inches from Leehan's cheek. "Can I?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Leehan's heart raced, his mind a whirlwind of conflicting thoughts. But, against every instinct he'd held onto for so long, he gave a small nod. Taesan's hand rested gently on his cheek, his thumb brushing softly against his skin, and the simple touch sent a shiver down Leehan's spine.

They stood there, inches apart, the quiet night around them amplifying the tension between them. Taesan's gaze flickered to Leehan's lips, but he didn't move closer, didn't push. Instead, he simply held him, his touch steady and patient, as if waiting for Leehan to make the next move.

Finally, Leehan took a shaky breath, his voice barely audible. "Why are you doing this?"

Taesan's gaze softened. "Because I care about you, Leehan. And because... I want you to see that I'm serious."

The sincerity in Taesan's words made Leehan's chest tighten, and for a moment, he felt the last of his walls begin to crumble. He looked away, his voice a soft murmur. "I don't know if I'm ready for this."

Taesan nodded, his hand falling away, though his gaze remained gentle. "I'll wait. As long as it takes."

With one last, lingering look, Taesan turned and walked away, leaving Leehan standing alone at the entrance of his apartment building, his mind racing and his heart pounding. As he watched Taesan disappear into the night, he knew that things would never be the same.

For better or worse, he had let Taesan in—and there was no going back.