The Deep End

Epilogue:Thankful

Months had passed since the uncertainty that had lingered between them, since the tension of that possible school transfer that had threatened to tear them apart before they had even really begun. In the end, Taesan had stayed. The transfer had been a tempting opportunity, but he'd turned it down, choosing instead to remain close to Leehan, to explore whatever this was between them.

For Leehan, the realization that Taesan had made that choice for him had left a lasting impact. It broke through the final remnants of fear he had held onto, the fear that he might lose someone so precious. Since then, they'd grown closer, the connection between them deepening with each passing day.

One evening, as they walked along the riverside, the city lights reflecting off the calm water, Taesan reached out, slipping his hand into Leehan's. The gesture was simple but held a quiet promise—one that didn't need words. They strolled in comfortable silence, the world around them a quiet hum, fading into the background.

Leehan glanced over at Taesan, a small smile playing at his lips. "Do you ever miss what could have been?" he asked, knowing that the question was layered. He didn't mean just the transfer or the job. He meant the life Taesan could have led if he hadn't chosen to stay.

Taesan looked at him, a gentle smile softening his features. "I have everything I want right here," he replied, squeezing Leehan's hand. "The rest? It's just details."

The simplicity of his words warmed Leehan's heart, reassuring him once more that this—this bond, this connection they'd built—was real. Solid. And even though they still kept things low-key, they'd found peace in their own way, the stolen moments of affection, the teasing glances at work, the quiet laughter shared only between them.

As they walked on, Taesan paused suddenly, pulling Leehan to a stop with him. Leehan looked at him, puzzled, but Taesan's expression was soft, his gaze lingering as if savoring this moment.

"I know we started out in the worst way possible," Taesan said, his tone gentle. "But I'm grateful for every moment. For every argument, every challenge. Because it led me here, to you."

Leehan felt his cheeks warm, a shy smile tugging at his lips. It was rare for Taesan to be this openly sentimental, and he wasn't going to let it go unnoticed.

"Didn't think the great Han Taesan would ever get this sappy," Leehan teased, a glint of mischief in his eyes.

Taesan rolled his eyes but didn't let go of his hand. "Just don't get used to it," he murmured, leaning in closer.

But then, his expression softened again, and he whispered, "Thank you for trusting me, Leehan. For letting me in."

And in that moment, under the blanket of city lights and the quiet sounds of the river flowing nearby, Leehan realized he had found something he never thought possible—a sense of home, a person who would stand by him, someone he could trust completely.

He smiled, squeezing Taesan's hand gently. "Thank you for staying."

Their eyes met, a shared understanding passing between them, and as they continued their walk, they knew that whatever came next, they'd face it together. No more fear. No more walls. Just the quiet certainty of a future they'd build, one step at a time.