"Yeah… you are here" Ryan smiled genuinely for the first time in his life. The sun dipped low, casting a golden hue across the gardens as Ryan and Jihoon sat on the bench, a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. Jihoon shifted slightly, breaking the silence.
"You know," he began, glancing sideways at Ryan, "I like sketching too. I'm actually part of the arts club."
Ryan blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, really? You don't seem like the type."
Jihoon chuckled softly. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Ryan looked flustered. "I-I mean… you just… seem more…" He fumbled for the right words, rubbing the back of his neck.
Jihoon smirked, deciding to save him. "Relax. Anyway, most of my paintings are back home, but I've worked on a few while staying at Paraidal Palace."
Ryan's interest piqued, but he hesitated, unsure how to ask. Jihoon noticed the glimmer in his eyes and smirked. "Do you want to see them?"
Ryan's head shot up, and he nodded eagerly before realizing how obvious he was being. Embarrassment washed over him, and he stammered, "I-I mean… if you're okay with it…"
Jihoon burst into laughter, clutching his stomach. "Oh man, Ryan, you're killing me!" Tears of amusement formed in his eyes as he doubled over.
Ryan froze, silent and captivated. Jihoon's laugh echoed like music, his face radiant under the soft light. Ryan's chest tightened as he watched Jihoon, mesmerized by how effortlessly beautiful he looked—his flushed cheeks, his crinkled eyes, the sheer joy lighting up his features. He gulped, feeling a fluttering he didn't quite understand.
Jihoon's laughter eventually subsided, and he wiped at his eyes. "That was hilarious—" He stopped, noticing the silence. "Ryan?"
Ryan quickly looked down, his face burning as he realized he'd been staring. Jihoon tilted his head, worried. "Hey, are you okay? Did I say something wrong?"
He leaned closer, placing a hand on Ryan's back. The sudden contact made Ryan flinch, his heart racing. "N-no, I'm fine!" he said quickly, his voice betraying his flustered state.
Jihoon narrowed his eyes and leaned in further. "You sure? You're acting weird."
Ryan tried to stand, eager to escape the moment, but as he moved, he froze. Their faces were inches apart, breaths mingling in the space between them. Time seemed to halt as their eyes locked.
Ryan's world blurred, leaving only Jihoon—his warm, deep eyes and the faint blush on his cheeks. Before he could think, his gaze dropped to Jihoon's lips.
Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, their lips brushed in the softest of touches. It was fleeting, tentative, but it left them both stunned.
"Jihoon!"
The sharp voice broke the spell. Both of them jerked back, clearing their throats and avoiding eye contact. Jihoon turned to see Jake striding toward them, oblivious to the tension hanging in the air.
"W-what?" Jihoon stammered, his face a deep shade of red.
Jake frowned. "I'm starving. Let's grab something to eat."
Jihoon blinked rapidly, struggling to recover. "Uh, yeah, sure. Just—just give me a second."
Ryan stood abruptly, gathering his things. "I-I have to go. Something came up." His voice was rushed, and his movements frantic as he tried to make his escape.
"Ryan, wait." Jihoon grabbed his arm, stopping him. "Um… about the paintings. I can show them to you later. If… you want."
Ryan froze, his heart racing at the contact. He glanced at Jihoon, who was scratching the back of his neck awkwardly, his gaze averted. "O-okay," Ryan stuttered, biting his lip nervously. "L-later, then."
"Yeah. Later," Jihoon replied, giving a small smile.
Ryan nodded quickly, practically bolting away. Jihoon watched him go, a shy smile tugging at his lips. He turned back, only to see Jake staring at him with a mix of confusion and disgust.
"What the hell was that?" Jake asked, his face scrunched up in exaggerated revulsion.
"Nothing!" Jihoon shot back, flustered. "Just drop it."
Jake wasn't convinced. "You better tell me what's going on later."
"Yeah, yeah. Let's just eat," Jihoon muttered, trying to shake the butterflies swirling in his stomach.
As they walked, Jihoon's thoughts lingered on Ryan. His heart wouldn't stop pounding, and his cheeks felt hot. This isn't normal, he thought. I need to get a grip.
But deep down, he couldn't help but smile.
To be continued....