Chapter 18

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Since that night, Sunoo and Jungwon’s secret late-night meetups had become a daily routine. 

Every night, Sunoo would quietly sneak out of his house, and together, they would either visit the convenience store to indulge in their favorite snacks or take a peaceful stroll through the nearby park. 

Tonight was no different. Sunoo slipped out once again, grateful that his family had gone to bed early—especially his father, who had been coming home earlier these days to spend more time with him. 

As always, Jungwon was already waiting outside. But tonight, he had his bicycle with him. 

Sunoo tilted his head in confusion. “Why did you bring your bicycle?” he asked.

"I brought it because I wanted to go to the Han River tonight. Now, hop on." Jungwon said, patting the seat behind him.

Sunoo didn’t hesitate and quickly climbed onto the back seat. But once he was on, he found himself unsure of where to place his hands. 

Jungwon noticed his struggle and chuckled. "Just hold onto me."

Sunoo hesitated for a moment before lightly gripping the fabric of Jungwon’s t-shirt near his waist. 

"Not like that,"Jungwon said, reaching for Sunoo’s hands. He gently guided them around his waist. "Hold on properly, or you might fall."

His action completely took Sunoo off guard. Not that he minded, but everything felt so unreal. He never thought he’d be this close to Jungwon again—just like they used to be in their childhood. The warmth of Jungwon’s back against his chest, the steady rhythm of his breathing—it all felt too familiar, yet distant at the same time. 

After ensuring Sunoo’s grip was secure, Jungwon began pedaling toward the Han River. The evening breeze caressed their skin, carrying the sweet scent of freshly bloomed flowers from the nearby parks they passed. In the distance, the city lights shimmered, casting a soft, golden glow on their faces.

Throughout the entire ride, neither of them uttered a word. The only sounds were the soft whirring of the bicycle wheels and the occasional laughter of passersby. Sunoo rested his cheek lightly against Jungwon’s shoulder, letting himself get lost in the moment. 

There was something comforting in the silence between them—something unspoken yet understood. For the first time in a long while, Sunoo felt like he had gone back in time, to when things were simpler, to when they were just two kids riding a bicycle with no worries about what tomorrow would bring.




But the moment ended all too soon as they reached the Han River. 

Jungwon slowed the bicycle to a stop near the park, his voice breaking the quiet between them. "We're here. You can let go now."

Sunoo hesitated before loosening his grip, his fingers lingering for just a second too long. He didn’t want to let go—not yet. The warmth of Jungwon’s back, the steady rhythm of his breathing—it had felt so familiar, so safe. But reality pulled him back, and he slowly withdrew his hands, letting them fall to his sides. 

As he stepped off the bicycle, a cool breeze brushed against his skin, making him realize just how much warmth he had been holding onto. He glanced at Jungwon, who was already locking his bicycle to a nearby rack, seemingly unaware of the weight of the moment that had just passed. 

"Let's go," Jungwon said, after locking his bicycle. 

Sunoo nodded and followed him.

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