Epilogue: Discovering Love Languages
The late afternoon sun bathes the park in a warm, golden hue as Ju Ha and Do Yoon sit side by side, their legs stretched out on the soft grass. It's been one of those rare days where both of them have the time to just breathe, to be together without any worries of school, work, or expectations. They've spent the day talking, laughing, and quietly enjoying each other's company. As the breeze picks up, Do Yoon leans closer to Ju Ha, resting his head comfortably on Ju Ha's shoulder. His hand instinctively moves to entwine with Ju Ha's, and Ju Ha finds himself smiling at the gentle closeness.
It's such a simple thing—these little touches—but for Ju Ha, it feels like something deeper. It's a subtle connection that he hadn't quite noticed until now. The way Do Yoon always finds a way to be physically close, whether it's his hand on his shoulder, his arm around him, or just resting his head against him like now. It's like Do Yoon's body constantly seeks out Ju Ha's presence, not in a needy way, but in a way that feels natural, like it's the most comfortable place in the world.
Ju Ha wonders, as he watches Do Yoon, if this is just something he does, or if it's something more—something that speaks to how Do Yoon expresses his feelings. He's always known Do Yoon to be affectionate, but today, as the evening stretches on, it dawns on him that this may be Do Yoon's love language: physical touch. Ju Ha isn't sure why it never occurred to him before, but now that he's thinking about it, it all makes sense. The hugs after a tough day, the playful pokes when he's in a good mood, the random brushes of skin when they're in the middle of a conversation—it's all Do Yoon's way of saying, I'm here. I care.
Curious, and slightly moved by this realization, Ju Ha turns his head to look at Do Yoon, who seems completely at ease with his head resting on Ju Ha's shoulder. His fingers lazily trace patterns along Ju Ha's palm, the small but consistent touches never ceasing.
"Do Yoon," Ju Ha begins, his voice soft and thoughtful. "I've been thinking... I noticed something."
Do Yoon lifts his head slightly, his gaze meeting Ju Ha's with curiosity. "What's up, hyung?" His voice is warm, as though he's already prepared for whatever comes next.
"You're always so... touchy," Ju Ha says, almost teasingly, but his smile is sincere. "I mean, you always want to be close. You're always touching me, hugging me, holding my hand... I'm starting to think your love language is physical touch, huh?"
Do Yoon's expression lights up with an endearing smile. "Yeah," he admits easily, a little laugh escaping him. "I guess that's how I show I care. You know, it's not just about being close, but about being there for you. Like, when you're sad, I want to be the one to hug you. When you're happy, I want to be the one to share that moment with you." He shrugs nonchalantly, but there's something so genuine in his eyes that Ju Ha can't help but feel his heart swell a little. "I don't know, I just feel like... touch is the best way for me to say I love you."
Ju Ha considers this, his heart skipping a beat as he realizes just how much Do Yoon's actions have always made him feel loved—without ever needing to say the words aloud. He looks down at their intertwined hands, feeling the warmth and reassurance that comes with being so close. It's a language Do Yoon speaks without thinking, and Ju Ha finds himself completely captivated by it.
"I guess it's obvious now," Ju Ha murmurs with a smile. He takes a deep breath before looking back at Do Yoon, his expression shifting slightly to one of curiosity. "But what about me, Do Yoon? How do I show that I love you?"
Do Yoon's eyes soften as he considers the question. He gives Ju Ha a knowing smile, a glint of affection in his gaze. "You? Hmm..." Do Yoon pauses for a moment, his fingers gently brushing against Ju Ha's skin as he thinks. "You're not like me, are you? You're not all over me with physical touch... but you don't need to be. You show your love in other ways. You're there for me, in your own quiet way. You listen when I talk, even if it's something dumb. You make sure I'm okay, especially when I'm having a rough time. And... you make me laugh. That's how I know you care. It's the little things, hyung."
Ju Ha is quiet for a moment, reflecting on Do Yoon's words. His heart swells with warmth and understanding. He realizes that even though he doesn't always show his love the same way, the way he expresses his feelings is just as meaningful. He smiles softly, feeling a sense of relief wash over him. Maybe he hadn't needed to be as physically affectionate as Do Yoon. He can still love him with his actions, with his presence, with the quiet attention he gives to the things that matter to Do Yoon.
"That's funny," Ju Ha says, letting out a small laugh. "I always thought I was bad at showing affection. But now that I think about it, maybe I do it in my own way."
Do Yoon grins, squeezing Ju Ha's hand gently. "Hyung, you don't need to be like me. Your way is just perfect. I love it." His eyes soften as he leans in, his lips brushing against Ju Ha's cheek in a tender kiss. "I love you just the way you are."
Ju Ha's heart skips a beat, and he feels an overwhelming sense of gratitude. He leans back into the grass, pulling Do Yoon down beside him, the two of them lying there in silence, with the warmth of the setting sun still lingering in the air. Ju Ha's hand finds its way to Do Yoon's, and he gives it a gentle squeeze.
In that moment, as their fingers entwine and their hearts beat in rhythm, Ju Ha realizes that love isn't about how you express it—it's about understanding each other's language and meeting somewhere in between. It's about knowing that, despite their differences, the love they share is real and strong, and that's all that matters.
They don't need to speak the same love language. They just need to love.
And that's more than enough.
