𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[35]

The night stretched on, the distant hum of the party fading into the background as Namra and Sooheon remained on the balcony, wrapped in the quiet understanding that had finally settled between them. The cool breeze brushed against their skin, but neither of them moved away. There was no need for words-not now, not after everything had already been said.

Namra exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting toward the city lights in the distance. "This feels... different," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Not something I planned. Not something I thought I'd ever allow myself to feel."

Sooheon's lips curled into a knowing smirk. "You say that like it's a bad thing."

She turned her head to look at him, the faintest hint of amusement in her eyes. "It's not. It's just... unexpected."

He nodded as if he understood perfectly. And he did. Because falling for her had been just as unexpected for him, too. But now that it was out in the open, there was no room for doubt.

The night around them felt endless, the weight of reality momentarily suspended. But the world wouldn't pause forever. Eventually, they would have to step back inside. Back into the roles they played in front of others, back into the expectations placed upon them. But here, in this moment, there was no pressure, no expectations-just them.

Sooheon ran a hand through his hair before glancing back at Namra, his expression turning teasing. "So... are we still not going to put a label on this?"

Namra tilted her head slightly, pretending to think. "Do we have to?"

He chuckled. "No. But I'd like to know where we stand before someone else tries to steal you away."

She rolled her eyes but couldn't hide the small smile tugging at her lips. "I think you already know the answer."

Sooheon leaned in just a little, enough for her to feel his warmth. "Yeah, but I like hearing you say it."

Namra huffed, but there was no real frustration behind it. She glanced at their joined hands before finally meeting his gaze again. "You already have me, Sooheon," she admitted, her voice softer than before. "That much should be obvious."

His smirk softened into something more genuine, more sincere. "Good. Because you have me, too."

For a moment, they just stood there, absorbing the reality of what they had just confessed to each other. It wasn't perfect, it wasn't grand, but it was real. And for two people who had spent so long keeping others at a distance, that was more than enough.

Somewhere inside the mansion, the sound of music shifted, signaling that the party was winding down. Soon, people would start leaving, and their time alone would come to an end.

Namra let out a quiet sigh. "We should probably head back before someone comes looking for us."

Sooheon groaned dramatically. "Or we could just stay here forever and ignore the rest of the world."

She shook her head, amusement dancing in her expression. "That's not how it works."

"Fine," he relented, releasing her hand only to drape an arm around her shoulders instead. "But just so you know, I'm not letting you go that easily."

Namra, for once, didn't push him away. Instead, she allowed herself to lean into his warmth as they turned to leave the balcony behind.

No more running. No more hiding.

Whatever this was-whatever they were-one thing was certain.

It was just the beginning.

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