In the days following that heart-wrenching conversation, Jeonghan and Seungcheol dedicated themselves to slowly rebuilding their connection with Joshua. They knew it wouldn't be easy, that the walls Joshua had built around himself were thick with hurt and distrust. But they were patient, determined to show Joshua that they could change that they wanted to change.
At first, things were still awkward. Joshua kept his distance, not completely cold, but cautious. He didn't ignore them outright, but his responses were brief, his interactions guarded. He wasn't ready to trust them again, and they understood that. They didn't push. They gave him the space he needed while subtly trying to ease their way back into his life.
Jeonghan started small. He would bring Joshua tea in the mornings, leaving it on the table without expecting anything in return. If Joshua was working on something reading a book or listening to music Jeonghan would sit nearby, not speaking, just being there quietly. He hoped his presence would eventually feel comforting again, like it used to.
Seungcheol, on the other hand, tried to be more attentive. He'd check in on Joshua often, asking if he needed anything, or simply making sure he was okay. During meals, Seungcheol would sit beside him, not forcing conversation but gently reminding Joshua that he was there, that he cared. He made sure to notice the small things if Joshua was looking tired or if he seemed withdrawn and he'd offer to take care of whatever Joshua needed without making it feel like a big deal.
One evening, a week after the confrontation, Jeonghan found Joshua sitting on the balcony, gazing at the night sky. It was one of the rare moments when Joshua seemed lost in thought, his usual guarded expression softened by the quiet of the night. Jeonghan took a deep breath and walked out to join him.
"Can I sit with you?" Jeonghan asked gently.
Joshua glanced at him but didn't say anything, just gave a small nod. Jeonghan sat beside him, careful not to sit too close, respecting Joshua's need for space. For a while, they just sat in silence, the cool night air wrapping around them.
"I've missed this," Jeonghan said quietly, after what felt like an eternity of silence. "Sitting with you like this."
Joshua didn't respond, but Jeonghan wasn't expecting him to. He continued, his voice soft. "I miss you, Joshuji. I know I've said it before, but... it's the truth. I didn't realize how far apart we'd grown, and I hate that I let it happen."
Joshua finally looked at him, his expression still guarded but with a hint of vulnerability peeking through. "Why didn't you notice before?" he asked, his voice small.
Jeonghan's heart ached at the question, the pain in Joshua's eyes cutting him deep. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice thick with regret. "I was selfish, caught up in my own world, and I thought everything was fine between us. I didn't see how much you were hurting, and I'm so sorry for that."
Joshua looked away again, his fingers fidgeting with the fabric of his shirt. "It's hard to believe you now. After everything."
"I know," Jeonghan whispered. "And I don't expect you to just believe me overnight. But I want to earn back your trust, Josh. I want to be better for you for us."
Joshua didn't say anything for a long while. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, almost fragile. "I just... I don't want to feel like I'm not important to you anymore."
Jeonghan's chest tightened, the weight of Joshua's words hitting him hard. He reached out, but stopped himself, unsure if Joshua would want the touch. Instead, he let his hand rest on the space between them, close enough to feel connected but not overstepping.
"You are important," Jeonghan said earnestly. "You always have been. I'm so sorry that we made you feel otherwise."
Joshua remained quiet, but the fact that he hadn't pulled away completely gave Jeonghan a small glimmer of hope.
