Aquarium of Us

Chapter 2: A day at the aquarium

The next day, Minho and Jisung found themselves walking side by side through the peaceful halls of the aquarium. The moment they stepped inside, Minho was immediately struck by how serene everything felt. The soft lighting, the cool air, the soothing sound of water in the background-it felt like the world had paused for a moment just for them.

As they walked, Jisung was practically bouncing on his heels, pointing out different species of fish with childlike excitement. "Look, look! That one's a lionfish! It's like it's got a crown!" Jisung grinned, clearly thrilled by the whole experience. Minho couldn't help but smile too. There was something about being with him that made everything feel lighter, like all the burdens of the world could just melt away.

They lingered in front of a tank filled with colorful corals and bright fish, the light from the water making everything shimmer. The quiet atmosphere allowed them to relax, and for the first time in a while, Minho felt no pressure. No schedules. No expectations. Just him and Jisung, enjoying each other's company.

Jisung occasionally glanced at Minho, his eyes softening whenever they made eye contact, but Minho couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Every now and then, he would catch Jisung staring at him-quick, almost imperceptible glances that Minho couldn't quite ignore. They lingered a little too long, as though Jisung was trying to find the right words but didn't know how to say them.

It was as if they were caught in a game of tug-of-war with their own feelings, neither of them daring to step over the invisible line that separated them.

As they approached the large tunnel with the glass walls, the one where the fish floated above and around them, they couldn't help but be in awe. The light filtering through the water bathed everything in a soft, ethereal glow. It was a perfect moment. A rare moment where everything felt... right.

They stood there, captivated by the beauty around them, but as they moved closer to one another, their shoulders brushed. The slight touch sent a jolt through Minho's chest. He glanced at Jisung, who was still looking at the fish, and for a brief second, he saw the way Jisung's lips parted, his breath catching as if he had just realized how close they had become.

Before Minho knew it, their hands brushed together. It was a simple, almost accidental touch, but the moment it happened, Minho felt a wave of heat rush to his cheeks. His pulse quickened. Without thinking, he intertwined his fingers with Jisung's.

The action was so natural, so instinctive, like his hand had always belonged there. The warmth of Jisung's palm against his felt like an electric current running through him. He couldn't help it. He didn't want to let go.

But Jisung, caught off guard, pulled his hand away quickly, his eyes wide in shock. "What-what was that?" He laughed awkwardly, trying to cover up his nervousness. "You're such a dork, Minho."

Minho's heart sank, but he forced a smile, trying to mask the hurt. It's fine. We're just friends. Soulmates, but just friends.