Aquarium of Us

Chapter 4: Overthinking

The soft hum of the aquarium's overhead lights echoed in Minho's ears as he and Jisung wandered through the halls, their steps almost in sync. They had just finished their tour of the tanks, both too immersed in the quiet atmosphere to say much. Yet, despite the tranquility, there was an undeniable charge between them, lingering in the spaces between their words and every look they exchanged.

Minho couldn't stop thinking about their moment in the tunnel. The way Jisung's hand had brushed against his, how natural it had felt to entwine their fingers. His mind kept replaying the way Jisung had pulled away, laughing it off like it was a joke, but Minho knew the truth-it wasn't a joke.

Minho, ever the professional, tried to push the thoughts to the back of his mind. We're just friends, he reminded himself, repeating it like a mantra to chase away the heat that bloomed in his chest whenever Jisung was near.

Jisung, too, had fallen silent, his eyes glancing occasionally at Minho, though he quickly looked away each time their gazes met. Minho could tell something was off. Jisung was usually the first to fill silences with playful banter, but today he seemed more subdued, like he was lost in thought-just like Minho.

It wasn't until they stopped at a bench near the aquarium exit that Jisung finally spoke, his voice quieter than usual.

"Minho, do you... do you ever feel like things are... changing?"

Minho glanced at him, confused by the question. "What do you mean?"

Jisung hesitated, his eyes flickering down to his hands. "I don't know. I just... feel like lately, things between us have been different. Don't you think?"

Minho's heart skipped a beat. The tension was thick in the air now, like something that had been unsaid for too long, just waiting to spill over. "I don't know what you mean," Minho replied, even though he did. He couldn't lie to himself anymore. There was no pretending that what they shared was just casual friendship.

Jisung let out a breath, finally meeting Minho's eyes. "I think... maybe I'm just overthinking," he said, though his voice wavered slightly. "Forget I said anything."

Minho swallowed hard. Overthinking? He wanted to ask him, What are you overthinking, Jisung? But the words didn't come out. Instead, he just nodded. "Yeah. Maybe we both are."

The silence returned, but this time, it felt more comfortable-like they both knew something had shifted. They didn't need to put it into words; the pull between them was enough.