Epilogue: Late-Night Texts
The room was still, the only sounds coming from the soft hum of the air conditioning and the occasional rustle of the sheets as Do Yoon tossed and turned in bed. His mind wouldn't shut off. Every time he closed his eyes, his thoughts would race back to Ju Ha—his hyung, his boyfriend, the person who had become the center of his world in ways he couldn't explain.
It wasn't anything new. Since they'd confessed their feelings for each other, Do Yoon had found it hard to keep his emotions in check. They were still figuring out this new chapter in their relationship, and even though things had been mostly smooth, there were still moments where the overwhelming feelings would bubble up, making him restless.
With a frustrated sigh, Do Yoon reached for his phone on the nightstand, his fingers quickly unlocking the screen. He scrolled through the messages between him and Ju Ha, a small smile tugging at his lips as he read the sweet, almost shy replies from earlier in the day. He paused, thinking for a moment, before typing out a message.
Hyung, are you awake?
He hit send before he could second-guess himself. The minutes ticked by slowly, and just as he was about to put the phone down, the screen lit up with a reply.
I am now. What's up?
Do Yoon couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. He immediately began typing.
Can't sleep...
It was a simple message, but it was the truth. He had tried everything—counting sheep, adjusting his pillows, even putting on soft music—but nothing seemed to work. His thoughts kept drifting back to Ju Ha, to how he felt so at ease when they were together, but also how he wanted to make sure he was a good boyfriend. A boyfriend who was there for Ju Ha, no matter what.
A few moments later, Ju Ha's reply came through.
What's on your mind?
Do Yoon hesitated for a moment, his fingers hovering over the keys. He wanted to say more—wanted to tell Ju Ha how much he appreciated him, how being with him felt like coming home—but instead, he typed, Just you.
A beat passed before Ju Ha responded.
You should sleep. It's late. But I'm glad you texted me. Is there anything I can do?
The words were simple, but they sent warmth rushing through Do Yoon. It was exactly the kind of reassurance he needed. He had been lying in bed, caught up in his own emotions, but Ju Ha's response made him feel... seen. Understood.
Just hearing from you helps. Thanks, hyung.
There was a pause before Ju Ha replied again, and when the message came through, it made Do Yoon's heart skip a beat.
I'll stay awake as long as you need. If you need to talk, I'm here. You're not alone, okay?
Do Yoon felt his chest tighten. It wasn't something he had expected, but hearing Ju Ha's words made him feel a sense of calm that he hadn't realized he'd been craving. He had always been the one who seemed to hold things together, but in this moment, he was reminded that he didn't have to do it alone. Ju Ha was there. He always would be.
Thanks, hyung. You make me feel better.
The response came quickly this time.
I'm always here for you, Do Yoon. Always.
Do Yoon smiled softly, his heart full. Even in the quiet of the night, with everything else still and calm, he felt a warmth in his chest that he hadn't known he needed. It wasn't about grand gestures or deep confessions—sometimes, it was the simple act of knowing someone cared, that they were there when you needed them most.
Get some sleep, hyung. I'll be fine now.
Okay, but promise me you'll text if you need me? Ju Ha's reply was sweet, almost teasing, but Do Yoon knew it came from a place of genuine care.
Promise.
With that, the conversation tapered off, and Do Yoon placed his phone back on the nightstand. He closed his eyes, finally feeling the pull of sleep. The tension that had knotted in his chest slowly unwound, and with the thought of Ju Ha's comforting words in his mind, he drifted into a peaceful sleep, knowing that he wasn't alone in this, that he had someone who cared, someone who would always be there when he needed them.
And for the first time in a long time, Do Yoon knew that everything would be okay.
