Through Every Step

First Steps into the Future

As summer began to fade into fall, Jisung and Minho found themselves navigating a new chapter in their relationship. The beginning of senior year meant more responsibilities, more pressure, and more decisions to make. But through it all, they had each other. And somehow, that made everything feel manageable.

Their days were filled with schoolwork, late-night study sessions, and the occasional spontaneous adventure to escape the pressures of life. Minho had taken on a bit more responsibility in their relationship, ensuring that Jisung felt supported, and Jisung, always the more energetic of the two, kept things lighthearted and fun.

But now, as the first set of college applications loomed ahead, there was a question that weighed on both their minds: What would happen after high school?

One evening, after a long week of exams and applications, Jisung and Minho sat side by side in the park near their school. The air was crisp, with autumn leaves swirling in the breeze around them. They hadn't spoken much all evening, both lost in their thoughts.

Finally, Jisung broke the silence. "Minho, do you ever think about what happens after all of this?"

Minho turned his head toward Jisung, his eyes softening as he studied his face. "You mean after graduation?"

"Yeah," Jisung said, his voice quieter than usual. "What happens when we don't see each other every day? When we're not in the same classes, or same school? What if we... drift apart?"

Minho stayed silent for a moment, his fingers idly tracing the edge of the bench. He could feel Jisung's worry, the unease in his voice, and it tugged at him.

"We won't drift apart, Jisung," Minho said softly, his voice steady. "We've made it this far. We've learned how to be together, even when things aren't easy. We'll make it work."

Jisung looked up at him, searching Minho's face for reassurance. He wanted to believe him, but a part of him was scared. College applications were stressful enough, and the thought of everything changing—of going off to different schools, meeting new people, and possibly growing apart—felt like too much to handle.

"I don't want to lose you," Jisung admitted, his voice barely above a whisper.

Minho's expression softened, and he reached out to gently take Jisung's hand in his, his fingers warm against Jisung's skin. "You won't lose me. Not now. Not ever."

Jisung smiled, a sense of comfort washing over him as he squeezed Minho's hand. "I just want to make sure we're always okay. I don't want to let go of us."

Minho turned to face him fully, his eyes intense but kind. "We're not going anywhere. We've been through so much already, Jisung. If we can get through that, we can handle whatever comes next."

Jisung nodded, feeling the familiar weight of Minho's confidence settle over him. He'd always admired how steady Minho was, how certain he seemed about everything. And maybe that was what he needed to hear. Maybe it wasn't about avoiding change; maybe it was about knowing that, no matter what, they would face whatever came their way together.

"I'll hold you to that," Jisung said with a teasing smile.

Minho laughed, his hand gently brushing Jisung's hair out of his face. "You better."

The rest of the evening passed in a comfortable silence, the kind that came only when you were completely at ease with someone. They didn't need to say much—sometimes just being in each other's presence was enough.

But as they walked home that evening, side by side, a new understanding passed between them. The future might be uncertain, but they were sure of one thing: they would face it together.

As the months went by, the pressure of college applications began to weigh on both Jisung and Minho. They had been talking more about their futures, and Jisung was beginning to realize how much they had to plan for.

But the question that had been hanging over their heads for so long—what would happen after graduation?—still lingered, especially since they had started applying to colleges in different cities. They had always assumed they would end up at the same school, but reality was beginning to set in. What if they ended up separated by hundreds of miles? How would they maintain their relationship?

One evening, as they sat in the quiet of Jisung's bedroom, their laptops open in front of them as they worked through the final drafts of their application essays, the conversation turned toward their future once more.

"Minho," Jisung started, his voice uncertain. "I've been thinking a lot about where I want to go to school, and... I just don't know what to do if we end up in different places."

Minho stopped typing, turning to look at him. His gaze was soft, and there was something in his eyes that made Jisung feel safe.

"I know," Minho said quietly. "I've been thinking about it too. But we've been through so much already. I think we can make it work. Whatever happens."

Jisung let out a long breath, rubbing his eyes in frustration. "But what if it's harder than we think? What if we change? What if we grow apart?"

Minho set his laptop aside and reached for Jisung's hand. "Jisung, you're scared. And that's okay. But the truth is, we're not going to know how things will turn out. All we can do is take it one step at a time."

Jisung sighed, leaning into Minho. "I don't want to lose you. I don't want us to be some distant memory."

Minho smiled, his thumb brushing gently over Jisung's knuckles. "You won't lose me. We'll figure it out, one way or another. Because we're in this together. And we always will be."

Jisung looked up at him, his heart full. He had never been so certain of anything in his life. Whatever happened in the future—college, distance, time—he knew one thing for sure: Minho would always be there. And so would he.

As they sat there in the quiet, hands intertwined, they both realized that it wasn't about where life took them—it was about knowing they had each other, no matter where they ended up.

And with that, the weight on Jisung's chest lightened. Maybe the future was uncertain, but they had already proven time and time again that they were stronger together.

And that was enough.

As graduation day neared, the inevitable truth was impossible to ignore: change was coming. But no matter what paths they choose after high school, one thing would always remain constant—their love for each other.

They didn't have all the answers, and the future was still full of unknowns, but they had each other, and that was the most important thing.

Together, they were unstoppable.