Kim Min Jun flicked the switch, and the lights in the room turned on, casting a warm glow over the familiar surroundings. As the illumination spread, his eyes wandered around, taking in the details that had once been a regular part of his daily life.
The calendar on the wall caught his attention, and he scanned the date {Aug 3, 2019}, a pang of nostalgia striking him.
The heavens listened to him, he was in the past, where he was determined to make their 18s better.
Putting his bag on the chair, he lay down on the bed, gazing at the ceiling blankly. "Mom will kill Hyun Soo's mother after two weeks. I need to stop this from happening," he murmured. He sat up with a restless feeling and recalled how he hated Hyun Soo for so many years just because he didn't investigate well.
Running his fingers through his damp hair, Min Jun unbuttoned his shirt and let it fall from his shoulders. His muscles shifted beneath his skin as he walked toward the washroom, determined to wash away the stress of the day.
The cold stream of the shower felt refreshing against his skin. He was resolute in his mission to build a brighter future for both himself and Hyun Soo— a future where they could share their lives together.
After turning off the shower, Min Jun wrapped a towel around his waist and stepped out of the washroom. As he opened the door to his room, his steps faltered.
There, on his bed, was Hyun Soo, engrossed in a textbook.
Hyun Soo looked up, his eyes widening as he took in the sight of Min Jun's half-naked form. Water droplets clung to the edges of Min Jun's damp hair and trickled down his chest, disappearing into the towel wrapped around his waist.
Min Jun, oblivious to the effect his appearance had on Hyun Soo, made his way to the cupboard. He retrieved a small towel and began drying his hair with practiced efficiency. "What textbook is that?" he asked, glancing back at Hyun Soo as he closed the cupboard.
Hyun Soo, still captivated by the sight before him, struggled to focus. He stammered slightly before responding, "It has the exam papers of CSAT. I thought it might help with your studies."
"You help me a lot," Kim Min Jun said earnestly, his voice carrying a tone of gratitude.
Hyun Soo looked up from his textbook, a gentle smile touching his lips. "We are friends, that's why," he replied. As he began to stand, preparing to leave, Min Jun stepped into his path.
"Let's go out tomorrow," Min Jun suggested, his eyes hopeful.
"Go out where?" Park Hyun Soo asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.
"Somewhere to have fun," Min Jun answered, his enthusiasm clear.
Hyun Soo shook his head. "I can't. I have extra classes tomorrow. You know my schedule well."
Min Jun's expression softened, showing genuine understanding. "I know. I'm aware of how strict your father is. I just want to spend some time with you."
Hyun Soo's gaze softened in response, touched by the sincerity in Min Jun's voice. He tried to lighten the mood with a joke. "Go find a girlfriend if you want to enjoy the day," he said with a playful nudge, attempting to push Min Jun away.
But Min Jun's response was sudden and unexpected. He grabbed Hyun Soo's wrist, pulling him gently but firmly back. Hyun Soo's back met the chair behind him with a soft thud.
"Min Min!" Hyun Soo's voice wavered with surprise, his breath hitching at the sudden proximity. Min Jun was standing extraordinarily close, their faces mere inches apart. The intensity of the moment left Hyun Soo feeling weird.
"Why don't you find a girlfriend for me? I like your choices," he stated.
As a droplet of water from Min Jun's damp hair fell onto his cheek, Hyun Soo's eyes fluttered shut involuntarily.
The contact sent a shiver down his spine, and his heart began to race uncontrollably. The rhythmic pounding of his heart felt loud and invasive, and he hoped Min Jun couldn't hear its frantic beats.
The closeness was both thrilling and disorienting, leaving Hyun Soo once again feeling vulnerable and exposed in a way he had never experienced before.
"Why did you close your eyes?" Min Jun asked softly, his voice carrying a note of concern. The question made Hyun Soo open his eyes quickly, and he wiped the droplet from his cheek with a swift motion, his heart still racing.
He blinked rapidly, trying to regain his composure. The change in Min Jun's behavior was confusing—why was he acting so unusually tender and concerned recently?
"I'll talk to your father," Min Jun continued, his gaze steady. "You need a break from your studies, too. Your eyes look tired to me. I know you haven't been sleeping well for months. I wish I could help you sleep by lying beside you," he added with an earnest tone.
Hyun Soo's eyes widened in disbelief. His fingers curled into tight fists as his mouth suddenly felt dry. The idea of Min Jun's words took him by surprise, and his mind raced to process what was happening.
Was Min Jun flirting with him? The thought was startling and confusing. He was aware that Min Jun loved teasing, but this kind of teasing he never did before, especially with him. Could it be possible that Min Jun harbored deeper feelings?
'No,' Hyun Soo thought to himself, trying to shake off the notion. 'That can't be true.'
"Let's meet after dinner. I've something to tell you," Kim Min Jun said and took a step back, finally easing out the tension between them.
"Why after dinner?" Hyun Soo asked as his heart finally steadied.
"It's a surprise. I'll wait for you in the garden," Kim Min Jun stated.
"Alright." As Hyun Soo prepared to leave, he continued, "Don't talk to Dad. He may scold you. I'll ask him if I can take a day off tomorrow or not."
"I'm not scared of your father. You know this well," Kim Min Jun stated.
"I know but I can't see you getting scolded," Park Hyun Soo replied and left after giving him a smile. He touched his heart because it almost exposed him a few moments ago.