Efflorescence (2won)

13. Unsaid words

Hyungwon had been home, off from work for a week, just like the doctor asked to. He was starting to get really bored. His migraine had disappeared almost completely. He was doing well.

Hoseok was still alert. He watched after Hyungwon, just in case something happened.

Neither of them, had not yet thought of Hoseok moving back home. They enjoyed being with each other, almost a little too much.

Hoseok found himself jealous, whenever someone approached Hyungwon, whether it was a neighbor or a friend. He was addicted to Hyungwon, but he wasn't admitting it.

Hyungwon was attracted to Hoseok. Something in the man was so intoxicating to him. He wanted attention, glances, touches... everything.

Still, they held their feelings back. Hoseok didn't want to frighten Hyungwon and Hyungwon was too timid. He was too shy and fearful. Hoseok wanted to protect him. He felt the younger's fear and wanted to remove it.

They fell, and hard.

Now they were quiet. Time seemed to slow down as their eyes met. Hyungwon felt his heartbeat speed up and face turning red. Hoseok looked at him deeply in the eyes and licked his lips, but not on purpose.

Hyungwon didn't want to talk, but he couldn't get his eyes off Hoseok. This moment seemed like a dream. They were drugged.

Hoseok knew he had to say something.

"H-hyungwon?" He asked.

Hyungwon turned his head quickly away. "Hmm?"

"I... have to tell you something."

Hyungwon still didn't look at him.

"I didn't really have time to say this... but..." Hoseok looked at his hands. He felt nervous.

Hyungwon finally looked at him, eyes glistening in the dimmed room.

Hoseok connected eyes. "I..."

"I really l-"

Suddenly the doorbell rang and Hyungwon jolted backwards.

Hoseok sighed. He glanced at Hyungwon and walked to the door, opening it. It was Minhyuk. 

They were a little annoyed, and Hoseok would have liked to tell the truth. Hyungwon was curious, he didn't understand what Hoseok was trying to tell. He would have wanted to know because he felt it was important, but they had to wait. It had to wait.

"You cannot believe this!" Minhyuk screamed and ran inside, past Hoseok.

"What is it?" Hoseok asked, following him to the living room.

Minhyuk stopped and looked at both. "Changkyun had a date!"

"He what?" Hyungwon stood up.

"He had a date! A date!"

Hyungwon looked at Hoseok quickly, then at Minhyuk. "With who?"

"This is the part... oh my god, I'm still so shook..." Minhyuk babbled. "With Jooheon!"

This time Hoseok stopped on his tracks. He looked at Minhyuk, mouth wide open. "J-Jooheon? That Jooheon???"

"Yes! They went on a date!"

"No way..." Hyungwon gasped and he had to sit back down.

Minhyuk nodded, sitting down too. "I was so shook over it, when Kihyun told me. I could've never believed! Our baby! On a date!"

"Isn't he like twenty three or something?" Hoseok asked, amused.

"He is, but still! He's our baby!" Minhyuk exclaimed.

Hyungwon snorted. "Right... Well, if they get along, what's the problem?"

Minhyuk looked like someone just insulted him. "Are you insane? What's the problem? WHAT'S THE PROBLEM!? He's youngest, a baby, who needs to be protected!!!"

"Okay..." Hyungwon rolled his eyes.

"You're a baby too." Minhyuk smirked.

"Me? Uh, no."

Hoseok watched them from aside.

"You are." Minhyuk said. "You need to be protected too. So, Wonho... if you ever, ever hurt our other baby... we're gonna murder you." Minhyuk glared at Hoseok.

"Calm down, Hoseok- I mean Wonho would never." Hyungwon said.

"Hoseok?" Minhyuk eyed him and then Hoseok.

Hoseok sighed. "It's my real name."

"Oh... makes sense... So? You're now this close? Do I hear wedding bells in the distance?" Minhyuk teased them.

Hyungwon turned red and Hoseok only laughed.

"You don't." Hoseok said.

"I do."

"No, you don't. Minhyuk, with all respect... it's all in your head." Hyungwon stated, sounding serious.

Hoseok started laughing really hard, holding his stomach.

Minhyuk continued to explain all the hottest news, but Hyungwon and Hoseok gave each other glances. Hoseok knew there was something new between them. However, he wasn't sure whether Hyungwon understood, what he tried to tell. One thing was at least certain, he would have to try again...