THE BLIND DATE MIX-UP||L.HS X P.SH

T W E N T Y F I V E

CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE: FACING FEELINGS AND FINDING TRUTH

Sunghoon’s nerves were shot as he waited outside the café. It was finally time to confront everything—his feelings, his fears, and most importantly, the strange whirlwind that his relationship with Heeseung had become. Sunghoon didn’t know exactly how this would go, but he couldn’t keep avoiding it. Heeseung had been honest, and now it was Sunghoon’s turn.

Heeseung arrived right on time, flashing Sunghoon a warm smile that only made Sunghoon’s heart beat faster. He was dressed more casually than usual, a black turtleneck and a long coat, but he still managed to look effortlessly handsome. It was frustrating, really.

“Hey,” Heeseung greeted, settling into the seat across from Sunghoon. “You look like you’ve been thinking too hard. What’s going on?”

Sunghoon fidgeted, unable to meet Heeseung’s gaze directly. “I’ve just… I’ve got a lot on my mind.”

Heeseung nodded, giving him a patient look. “I figured. That’s why I’m here. Whatever it is, we can talk about it.”

Sunghoon took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. “It’s about… everything, really. You, me, this whole thing between us. It’s been a lot, and I haven’t been handling it well.”

Heeseung listened carefully, his expression softening. “You don’t have to apologize for that. It’s been a lot for me too. But, Sunghoon… I don’t regret any of it.”

Sunghoon looked up, caught off guard by the sincerity in Heeseung’s voice. “You don’t?”

Heeseung shook his head. “No. I mean, sure, we’ve had some weird moments, and that date mix-up was just the beginning of it. But being around you… it’s been the best part of my day, every day.”

Sunghoon felt his face heat up, and he was suddenly grateful that the café was dimly lit. “I’ve been avoiding my feelings because I didn’t know how to deal with them. I mean, you’re my boss… or, well, my boss’s son who’s now my boss, and it’s just… complicated.”

Heeseung smiled gently. “I know it’s complicated. But that doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”

Sunghoon hesitated, but the truth was bursting to come out. “Heeseung, I think… No, I know I like you. I’ve been terrified to admit it, but I can’t keep pretending I don’t care. I do. I care a lot.”

Heeseung’s smile widened, a mixture of relief and happiness washing over him. “Sunghoon, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to hear you say that.”

Sunghoon let out a shaky laugh. “Yeah, well, I’ve been stubborn. But if you’re willing to put up with me, weird jokes, awkward moments, and all… I’d like to give this a real shot.”

Heeseung reached across the table, taking Sunghoon’s hand in his. “I’m more than willing. We’ve already made it through some of the strangest circumstances possible. I think we can handle a little honesty.”

They sat there, holding hands and letting the weight of their confessions sink in. For the first time in a long while, Sunghoon felt like he wasn’t running from something. Instead, he was finally running toward something he wanted.

📌🖇

Days later, things at the office were still hectic, but there was a noticeable change in the air between Heeseung and Sunghoon. They were more comfortable around each other, and the playful banter they shared felt lighter, more genuine.

Even the employees had picked up on the shift. Whispers and curious glances followed them everywhere, but for once, Sunghoon didn’t care. He was done hiding.

During a quiet afternoon, Heeseung called Sunghoon into his office. Sunghoon walked in, expecting a routine update, but Heeseung looked unusually serious.

“Close the door,” Heeseung said, and Sunghoon complied, feeling a hint of nerves prickling at the back of his mind.

Heeseung gestured for Sunghoon to sit, then leaned against his desk, crossing his arms. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us and what’s next.”

Sunghoon’s heart rate spiked. “What do you mean?”

Heeseung smiled, but there was a touch of nervousness in his eyes. “I don’t want to keep us a secret. I’m not saying we need to announce it to the world, but I don’t want to hide this—us—anymore. And I don’t want you to feel like you have to hide, either.”

Sunghoon blinked, absorbing Heeseung’s words. It was a bold move, one that could stir up office drama, but Heeseung wasn’t wrong. The secrecy had been exhausting.

Sunghoon nodded slowly. “I get it. And I think… I’m ready for that, too. I don’t want to hide anymore.”

Heeseung’s smile returned, brighter this time. “Good. Because I’ve been waiting a long time to be with you, Sunghoon. I’m not about to waste another second.”

Sunghoon laughed, feeling a rush of relief and happiness. “Neither am I.”

Heeseung reached out, pulling Sunghoon into a warm hug. It was simple, but it felt like the beginning of something new—something right.

As they stood there, wrapped up in each other, the chaos of their past faded into the background. They weren’t just coworkers or accidental blind dates anymore. They were two people who had found each other in the most unexpected way and decided that maybe, just maybe, they were exactly what the other needed.

And that was enough.

For now, and for whatever came next.