Belligerent

17

The clock struck midnight, casting a hushed spell over Taerin's living room. Soft moonlight filtered through the curtains, painting delicate patterns on the walls. Taerin sat on the couch, lost in thoughts that had lingered for years, as Sangwoo, her closest person, slumped beside her, battling the remnants of intoxication.

The air between them felt heavy, charged with unspoken emotions that had silently tethered them together. Both Taerin and Sangwoo had guarded their hearts, afraid to cross the line that separated friendship from something deeper. Yet, the weight of their unexpressed feelings had grown too burdensome to ignore.

Sangwoo, his words slightly slurred, broke the silence. "You know, Taerin, I've never been good with words. But tonight, I can't hold back anymore. I've kept something hidden for far too long."

Taerin turned to face Sangwoo, her heart pounding with anticipation. The vulnerability in Sangwoo's eyes mirrored his own feelings, finally surfacing from the depths of their shared history. Taerin tilted her head off just a bit to the side, waiting for Sangwoo to continue his sentence.

Sangwoo took a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the moonlit room. "I've loved you, Taerin. Loved you more than just a friend. But I've been afraid to admit it, afraid that it would ruin what we have."

Taerin's breath caught in his throat as he absorbed Sangwoo's confession. For years, she had dared not hope that Sangwoo might feel the same way. Yet here they were, baring their souls in the stillness of the night.

"You're not alone, Sangwoo," Taerin whispered, her voice carrying the weight of their shared emotions. "I've loved you too, with every beat of my heart. But I was afraid of losing you, afraid that....this would crumble under the weight of unrequited love."

Sangwoo reached out, his hand trembling, and gently brushed Taerin's cheek. The touch sent electric currents through both of them, igniting a flame that had long smoldered. Their eyes met, and in that moment, the world outside their living room ceased to exist. It was just the two of them, entangled in a web of raw emotions.

As Sangwoo's intoxication began to fade, clarity settled in his eyes. "Taerin, I want to be more than just your 'guardian'. I want to explore what we could have together, without the fear of losing what we already share."

Taerin's heart soared, the weight of uncertainty finally lifted. She took Sangwoo's hand in her own, intertwining their fingers. "I'm willing to take that leap, Sangwoo."

With their hearts aligned, Taerin and Sangwoo leaned closer, their lips meeting in a tender kiss. The world around them burst into colors, the moonlight casting a radiant glow upon their newfound connection. The weight of years spent concealing their emotions had melted away, replaced by the warmth of acceptance and love.

Their kiss deepened, each brush of their lips revealing a depth of longing that had long been suppressed. Taerin pulled Sangwoo closer, her fingers threading through Sangwoo's hair, cherishing the softness and the warmth that seemed to emanate from him. They melted into each other, their bodies moving in sync as their desires finally found release.

As the intoxication continued to dissipate, Sangwoo's actions grew more deliberate, his touch gaining clarity and purpose. Taerin's senses were heightened, every brush of Sangwoo's fingers against her skin sending shivers down her spine. Their connection, once hidden in the shadows, now basked in the light of their mutual affection.

Time seemed to stand still as they explored each other, their bodies becoming a canvas upon which they painted the depths of their desires. Their breaths mingled, the heat between them intensifying with every caress, every whisper of devotion. There was no rush, no need to hurry, for they had waited years for this moment, and they were determined to savor it.