Chapter Text
"So? Are you going to have fun for once?"
Heeseung wrinkled his nose at those words without shifting his attention from the bonsai tree he was pruning.
His life, despite being only 20 years old, was rather monotonous. Because of the constant pressure from his parents who were always worried that their only son might be hurt by the outside world, they had taken him to study from home as early as elementary school.
His days would have been endlessly lonely and sad had it not been for Sunghoon, the son of a family friend. The two grew up together, but the difference between them was obvious. Heeseung had always lived in an affluent but mostly isolated situation, while Sunghoon did his best to support himself and his single father despite his ongoing college commitments.
As hard as it could be for him, Heeseung often found himself imagining to be in his place. What would it be like if he could take a chance to mess up without being sure that his parents would fix things for him? If he had homework deadlines, real exams, or a crush on a classmate?
He could have all kinds of material goods, so why did he feel so limited?
"You know I don't like being surrounded by people, Sunghoon. I never know anyone." Heeseung said after setting the lopper down.
Sunghoon sighed heavily as he approached him. He placed a hand on his shoulder to turn him around, then looked into his eyes.
Seeing the marked purple circles framing his eyes and his visibly dry hair, Sunghoon brought pressure into his shoulders, patting them several times.
"That's because you never go out. Every time I try to make you tag along you refuse."
Heeseung bit the inside of his cheek. He had tried once to go out with some of Sunghoon's friends, but after making himself known as the silent one he refused to spend any more time being an outcast while his best friend enjoyed his time in front of him.
Sunghoon looked at him with a look of request, raising an index finger toward him.
"You need to have as much fun as possible. You're young, there are so many things you have yet to try."
Heeseung nodded. It was true. He had never dared to rebel, to feel his own heart beating wildly for the thrill of being able to be wrong.
Maybe that was the problem. He was still stuck in the fears of his parents, and even though he now lived alone, he could not let them go.
Taking off his gloves Heeseung brought his gaze back to his friend, trying not to point out the displeasure that was beginning to fester on his face.
"You can have fun alone and you know it, or maybe not. You've always been the one in high demand, do you even have any hobbies?"
Heeseung knew the moment he had stopped talking that he had gone too far, yet he decided to not argue further. He wanted to see how much he could move Sunghoon if that was possible.
To his chagrin, Sunghoon merely flashed a wry smile before dropping it, remaining with an indecipherable expression in Heeseung's eyes.
"Why, do you think the only hobbies in the world are that fucking gardening you're obsessed with and feeling sorry for yourself? You don't know anything about life and you think you're offending me?"
Heeseung crossed his arms, almost impressed by the speed with which Sunghoon spat out those words, his ears now steaming as if they were about to explode.
It was common for the two to be able to find a way to bicker. From an early age, Heeseung understood that the way to get Sunghoon's real attention was by making him nervous.
Sunghoon cleared his throat before sitting on the edge of his friend's bed.
Heeseung copied him, moving closer to him until their shoulders collided with each other.
When he parted his lips to say something Sunghoon preceded him, throwing him a shove that knocked him to the floor.
"Why don't you stop trying to fight and go out with me at least once? Who knows, you might meet someone who will make you want to go out more."
Heeseung smiled as he settled down on his mat.
"You know I don't feel comfortable around new people."
"That's because you only see me daily," Sunghoon replied before standing up, extending a hand to the other.
Heeseung took it, holding the firm grip as he stood up before letting it go, leaning forward on his side to look at the counter full of succulents in case he missed something earlier.
"The party is tonight at eight. There will be boys in my grade and you're more than invited. Some are attractive." Sunghoon said as he approached him, looking at the plants with the same interest as his friend.
Heeseung turned to him with an alarmed look.
He had realized he wasn't straight years earlier with the same boy who was now there, still his friend. It had been a small interest that fortunately had not ruined their relationship.
Nevertheless, any mention of that time particularly frustrated him. It was a memory he wanted to forget.
"I doubt I would be lucky enough to find someone who is what Jay is to you."
He did not see it, too focused on admiring the growth his Barrel cactus had in the last months, but Sunghoon smiled. Jay, his boyfriend of more than a year, came into his life like a strong wave on a rock.
Heeseung had begun to understand the true concept of love because of them. Although he had never seen Jay in person, the way Sunghoon talked about the butterflies in his stomach that Jay caused him made him think that affection could go way beyond friendship.
"Maybe not, but if you lock yourself in your safe bubble forever you're writing your fate."
Those words of truth kindled a sixth sense in Heeseung who closed his eyes for a few seconds.
There he was, locked in a dark room like a bird imprisoned in a cage.
He bit his lip before opening his eyes again, raising his torso with his gaze fixed on the wall.
"Okay, I'll go with you."
Those words echoed for a few seconds in Sunghoon's head as he raised an eyebrow.
"Really? You're not going to give up at the last moment, are you?"
Heeseung turned to look at him with a slight smile.
"No, I'm going this time."
Sunghoon approached him, hugging him with a hint of emotion in his touch. Heeseung, though hesitant, returned the gesture, stroking his back.
After a few sweet seconds Sunghoon pulled away with a concentrated, firm look.
"Then I'll come back around seven and we'll get ready together, okay?"
Heeseung nodded, following with his eyes the figure of the other who quickly grabbed his belongings and bolted for the door.
"See you later Hyung, remember to take a shower."
The now-alone boy shook his head with a smile, soon beginning to imagine how the rest of the day could go.
ㅡ
It was exactly 7:05 when Heeseung heard the door to his room open.
"Hyung I broughtㅡ What are you doing?"
Heeseung was lying on the bed with his phone brought up and his gaze attached to it.
"Research. I have to look easygoing." He replied while continuing to scroll, not giving Sunghoon any type of reaction.
Sunghoon placed two plastic bags in front of the door before advancing toward him with a plush stride. As soon as he was close enough he took the phone from Heeseung's hands, curiosity about what he was looking for taking over.
Heeseung reacted immediately, leaping to his feet with the sole purpose of blocking his friend from taking a look.
Sunghoon dodged him, raising the phone so that he could not catch it. Narrowing his eyes he read the title of the site.
Laughter filled the room.
"How to be social at a party? Heeseung?"
The questioned boy took advantage of Sunghoon's now lowered arm to take the phone back, immediately blocking it to avoid further imarazzlement.
"Drop it. What's there?" Heeseung asked, pointing to the bags in front of them.
"Clothes. I want to see if you're ready to go completely out of your comfort zone."
Heeseung reached into one of the two bags, pulling out a pair of ripped black jeans, a belt, and a tank top of the same color. He turned to him confused.
"Do you think I would go out like that?"
Sunghoon looked at him. He was wearing brown flaring pants and a green sweater. His hair was still slightly wet from the shower he had taken earlier. A chuckle threatened his lips, yet he managed to suppress it before the boy noticed.
"I don't see anything wrong with it, it's casual. It wouldn't be too conspicuous and you'd look good."
Heeseung, despite being unconvinced, took the tank top, resting it on his chest as if to see if it would fit.
"And what do you think would look good on top of it?" Heeseung asked as he began to look at himself in the mirror, already imagining how cold he would be without any type of coat on.
Sunghoon brought a finger to his chin, squaring him from top to bottom.
"A black jacket will do."
Heeseung nodded before setting the clothes down on the bed. Out of curiosity, he opened the other envelope, finding a pair of flared jeans and a see-through white long-sleeved shirt. He turned to Sunghoon.
"This is more my style," Heeseung said as he continued to observe the outfit.
"That one is for me. I think you should give a slightly different impression than your usual one." Sunghoon replied as he approached Heeseung.
He tousled his hair with a smile.
"Okay then. I'll go try it on, you can change here if you want." Heeseung added, waiting for a nod from Sunghoon before leaving the room to head for the bathroom.
As soon as Heeseung finished getting ready he headed toward his room. The moment one of his hands touched the doorknob an unfamiliar voice rang in his head, making him stop on his steps.
He decided to rest an ear on the wooden surface in an attempt to figure out who it might be.
"It doesn't sound like he's as bad as you make him be. You just feel a little too entitled to judge him." An unknown voice said, causing an audible scoff from Sunghoon.
"He's my best friend, I have the right, to be honest, don't I? In the end, I just want him to make some new friends." Sunghoon replied.
"I understand that love, just have faith in him. It's already a good sign that he agreed to come with you. Just, give him time."
It's Jay, Heeseung thought to himself.
A prolonged silence made the boy still outside curious, leaving him to wonder if they were still talking or not.
When Heeseung had enough of guessing he opened the door, finding Sunghoon in front of the mirror.
"Are you making sure you are attractive enough?" Heeseung asked in amusement, noting how Sunghoon's figure was slender but still balanced.
Sunghoon searched for Heeseung's gaze through the glass. As soon as he found it his lips parted, face turning towards his friend.
He observed him for a few seconds. Heeseung looked unimpressed, scratching the back of his neck in an attempt not to be embarrassed.
Sunghoon flaunted his bright canines, clapping dryly.
"Now I can say that you're a stunner." He said with an accent of sarcasm in his voice, moving closer to him. "I'm sure you'll attract someone," Sunghoon concluded with a pat on his shoulder.
Heeseung looked at him with half-closed eyes, as if he was sure he could pierce his friend's forehead if only he put his mind to it.
"I just want to understand what a real party is like," Heeseung said with ease before rising to alertness, his gaze again fixed on Sunghoon's.
"If you leave me alone for more than ten minutes," Heeseung pointed at him, his finger going up and down. "I swear I'll get mad at you."
Sunghoon raised his hands to the sky with
an enjoyed look.
"Don't worry Mr. Safe, I won't let you down." He said before approaching Heeseung's closet.
Mr. Safe was the nickname Sunghoon's father had given Heeseung years earlier when his situation was much more delicate than the present one. Despite the various changes in his lifestyle that name remained attached to him, almost like a spell ready to follow him forever.
Heeseung strained a smile as he looked at the ground.
The feeling of nothingness in everything he did continuously tormented him. Sometimes he looked at himself and saw nothing but a child enclosed in a body with too many responsibilities. He felt so simple, devoid of content.
The most mature and independent thing he had been able to do was to move into a space that was his only. It took a while to convince his parents, especially his mother, but with Sunghoon's help he succeeded.
If there was one thing Heeseung was not used to, it was the ill sensation that people outside of his little circle gave him.
During certain times, when he felt the need to go out and did not suppress it, he happened to be the center of attention, even though it was not in his interest to be.
Unfamiliar eyes with unfamiliar ideas, what could be worse for the boy who sought only intimate contact?
"Put this on." Sunghoon stirred him, rousing him from his thoughts.
Heeseung looked up, immediately picking up the black leather jacket his friend had chosen.
Without too much effort he put it on, seeking a sign of approval from Sunghoon.
"We're almost there. Now, all that's missing is some decoration." The friend said, passing both hands over the collar of the jacket.
Heeseung watched him take something from the clothes he was wearing earlier with a confused look.
"I don't like to lend my things, but I'll make an exception for you." Sunghoon said, showing him a simple silver chain.
The younger one approached him, bringing the ends of the necklace around his neck.
Heeseung stiffened. He tried not to look at him from the corner of his eyes, not wanting to talk about something he did not want to dwell on.
"Done." Sunghoon said after distancing himself, looking contentedly at Heeseung.
"I'd say we're ready. I'm looking forward to your first social experience of the year!" He added with a mocking, higher-than-usual voice, grabbing his things before approaching the door, waiting for Heeseung to follow him.
ㅡ
It didn't take long for Heeseung to feel out of place.
He and Sunghoon had arrived slightly late, finding themselves in a narrow, large room full of people.
The dim lights and the blasting music made Heeseung uncomfortable at first. He had never felt so overwhelmed by his surroundings.
One thing he noticed right away was the serenity with which most people seemed to show themselves. Although they were all on the same track, colliding and with the same short oxygen to breathe, they did not hesitate to move as if they had only continued living for that exact moment.
Heeseung sensed his throat dry with anxiety.
"Are you ready to throw yourself into the crowd?" Sunghoon asked in his ear with a louder tone than usual, trying to make himself heard.
The two had been standing at the entrance of the place for who knows how long. Sunghoon had tried several times to move Heeseung with little to no result.
What exactly was the point of dancing when anyone could look at you at any moment?
Heeseung merely shook his head. He immediately noticed Sunghoon's bored look as he leaned against the wall next to him.
Just as he imagined, Heeseung had yet to eye anyone familiar. Sunghoon on the other hand had already greeted more people than Heeseung had met in his entire life.
In that time spent observing his surroundings he understood that there were mainly three things happening at such a social event: dancing, socializing and drinking.
Heeseung shifted his balance from one foot to the other. He would have preferred not to rattle Sunghoon for an entire day than to get into a dance among strangers, he had no intention of starting a conversation with anyone, and alcohol did not particularly appeal to him. Why did he even decide to go?
Sunghoon touched Heeseung's shoulder, signaling to him that he was walking away. Unable to contain his curiosity, Heeseung followed him with his gaze, watching him embrace a boy slightly shorter than him.
His jaw hardened as he noticed that this unidentified person brought his hands down from Sunghoon's back to his waist, pulling him closer.
An irritating itch slammed into his head. What was he supposed to do? Leave them alone?
Maybe he didn't have the right. I mean, in the end it's just a hug.
Wrong. Within seconds Sunghoon's arms ended up around the other boy's neck. Before Heeseung could fully process what was happening, the sight of his best friend's meeting the others filled his brain.
His vision darkened for a few seconds. His body moved on its own, legs galloping quickly toward the two.
Heeseung grabbed Sunghoon's shoulder, causing him to turn abruptly toward him.
The boy's shocked, irritated eyes left Heeseung silent. When he shifted his gaze to the other person he felt his blood turn cold.
Of course, how could he not think of that before he acted?
He was finally meeting Sunghoon's boyfriend for the first time, though not in the best of ways.
"Oh" Is what Heeseung mastered to say after a few moments of silence in the still noisy environment.
Sunghoon's tense expression convinced him to add something, not wanting to cause misunderstandings.
"I'm sorry. I thought it was a random guy." Heeseung said before offering a slight smile to Jay who smiled back, making him feel a little more at ease.
However, that feeling didn't last long. Sunghoon's face became completely unrecognizable, leaving Heeseung with a thousand question marks intruding on his head.
Before he could say anything else Sunghoon grabbed Jay's hand, disappearing into the crowd.
Heeseung covered his face with both hands, guilt creeping into the grip his fingers had on his cheeks.
He made a wrong move, which meant he was probably not going to see Sunghoon for the rest of the night.
Not feeling like standing between the sweaty bodies, Heeseung made his way through the whole hall in search of the alcohol stall.
Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves, so why would he deprive himself of it at that point?
After what seemed like forever, Heeseung found what looked like a kitchen with an open space. There were a few people but, with the intent to loosen up a bit, he went in, pouring himself a glass of the first bottle he came across.
From that moment he entered a loop. Open, pour, drink. Open, pour. Drink, open. Pour, drink. Open. Pour. Drink.
Feeling his stomach overflowing, he made a mental note to set the glass down for the last time. He brought his head back, squinting. Heeseung felt his face growing redder by the minute, his senses almost completely undetectable.
His shoulders were light, a cheeky smile plastered on his face. If drinking would always make him feel so carefree, it would not be the last time he would do so.
The people dancing in front of him began to look happy to the boy, causing him to release a sigh he hadn't realized he was holding.
His body suddenly felt warm. Heeseung brought a hand to his chest, feeling his pulse and begging him to let it out.
He didn't know if he would ever calm down, but maybe it was for the best. He was taking a risk by himself for the first time in his life.
His brainstorming was stopped by a loud shove that caught him off guard.
Heeseung squinted his eyes before directing them to his side. A boy slightly shorter than him had his head lowered close to his chest. He stood still in front of him, bringing a hand to his forehead as soon as he noticed that he was stumbling more toward him.
"Are you okay?" Heeseung asked, supporting him from the shoulders until the boy was fully back on his feet.
When his face became visible he took a few seconds to analyze it. Brown hair threatened to hide his curious eyes, and a sweet rosy color spread across his cheeks.
Heeseung blinked a few times. He had to make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
When the boy next to him laid eyes on him, Heeseung noticed a subtle frown on his lips.
Heeseung felt so small as if one wrong move could have destroyed him completely.
Who exactly was that boy, and why couldn't Heeseung stop looking at him?
He then shifted his gaze to his body. He was less dressed than himself, his collarbone showing through what looked like an excruciating short top.
Something about him made Heeseung sober up on the spot. The music completely ceased, his mind now occupied by the vision of the boy running his tongue over his upper lip, making it glow as if it was a prize. One Heeseung wanted to win.
Before he could say anything else the boy was gone from his side, joining a group of people not far away from where he was still standing.
He decided to keep him under his vision. The unknown boy's presence was inviting, and intriguing.
Heeseung looked at how his hands flew to the air, hips moving to the rotten beat that was again piercing his now sensitive ears.
He was the only one Heeseung could notice. It might have been the abrupt way he bumped into him, his lips, or his remarkable beauty. It didn't matter, Heeseung had and wanted to keep him on his mind.
Time flew by and Heeseung was still in the same spot he was in before.
He had nothing better to do, he also realized that the boy was a good enough distraction to keep him away from the thought that Sunghoon might still be upset by what had happened earlier.
Heeseung then decided to pour himself another glass. He felt liquid soaking his hands, yet he refused to turn towards it. He stayed as firm as he could, quickly chugging down the content.
The room began to spin. His legs were weak, yet he suffered through it, crossing them against the counter.
With half-closed eyes, he mastered all the will he could to keep his chin up.
His chest began to rise and fall more frequently, a sharp pain stinging him.
For that being his first time drinking, he wasn't doing so badly. He could have burst out his frustrations on someone, thrown up or fallen over, but instead, he was there trying to figure out what time it was based on the energy the people there were emanating.
He rested his hands on the marble surface behind him, tapping on it as if to keep the rhythm of whatever was playing at that moment.
His eyelids were getting heavier, restricting him from seeing clearly.
With a soft sigh he closed his eyes, letting his head float back.
All he could see was a pair of soft lips, the same ones that were so close to him a few minutes prior. He wished to brush his thumb over them, experiencing their plumpness on his fingertips before roughly pressing their lips together.
If only he could look at his face again, properly taking in every single detail it had to offer.
Heeseung's eyes shot open, his head feeling as heavy as ever.
He never felt such a rush of raw, unfiltered emotions taking over him before. Was that how it felt to be immediately attracted to someone?
He didn't even know his name or how his voice sounded, so why did he feel so weak already?
After gaining his balance back he sank into the booze, letting his rushed emotions drown in his stomach.
His body was sweating, making him feel even heavier than he already felt trying to stay on his feet. Without checking if anyone was watching him he took off his jacket, laying it down somewhere without giving it too much thought.
The music began to make him feel something, his feet slowly stomping to the sound as his shoulders bumped, carelessly making his way to the dance floor.
A smile bloomed on Heeseung's lips. The fear of coming into contact with strangers was gone, his body free of any filter.
As Heeseung passed through the crowd he noticed the silhouette of the boy he bumped into before. He approached him, staying behind him without trying to get noticed.
His face was exploding from the strange feeling that the mere thought of having such a handsome boy in front of him caused him.
Minutes passed and Heeseung was still there, hoping to have any interaction with that mysterious, unknown boy.
Luckily for him, it did not take long before someone made the boy notice Heeseung's presence.
As soon as he turned around, Heeseung noticed a smile on his lips, but it soon disappeared as soon as he realized who was actually behind him.
Heeseung was confused. Could he not approach him?
Seeing him move away he followed him, trying not to lose him. When he saw him enter a bathroom didn't hesitate to enter it before leaning into the closed door behind him.
When he scanned the area he found the boy at the end of the hallway with his arms crossed, gaze stinging against Heeseung's.
He froze on the spot, his mouth trembling.
"Who the fuck are you and why did you follow me?"
Heeseung did his best to suppress his excitement. He finally had a chance to hear his voice.
"I- I just wanted to see you better." Heeseung tried to pull away, lowering his head.
He could hear a muffled chuckle from the other, along with the sound of his footsteps getting closer and closer.
"I don't understand why you would want that." Said the boy, making Heeseung fidget with his hands in an attempt to stay focused.
His eyes were as red as love, Adam's apple accentuated by his slightly upturned head.
Heeseung at that sight felt the nervousness that pervaded him up to his ears.
"Because you are beautiful."
The taller man did not realize he had uttered his thoughts aloud until the other boy changed his expression into one of mockery.
"I know I am." He said as he leaned closer, pressing an elbow into Heeseung's side.
He stopped breathing through his nose, exhaling warm air as his chest bumped, almost entering the other's body.
Heeseung watched as the other's hand traveled across his forehead, shaking a few straight, damp strands from his eyelashes, making him wince.
Looking at him closely, his beauty was brought up by a hint of sexiness. Everything about him looked bold. His bare waist was accentuated by a thin chain that complemented his low-rise jeans. His legs were full but fit.
If only he could touch them, Heeseung thought, as he found himself wanting to take a quick look at his ass.
Trying to keep a straight face as his imagination ran wild, Heeseung raised his head, face now completely focused on the others.
He wanted, needed to say something, but all that came out of his mouth were unintelligible verses that made the other chuckle.
He focused on his fine, sonorous laugh. If only he could hear it whenever he wanted.
"Look, I understand that you may feel attracted to me, but-"
"I am attracted to you." Heeseung interrupted him. He was sure of it and needed to let the other know. "No buts."
"Okay, you are, but that's not the point." The boy continued, distancing himself from Heeseung.
"Then what is?" Heeseung asked, taking a step closer to him, hoping not to scare him off.
"What is your sexuality?"
"I don't understand why you-"
"Just tell me. Who are you usually attracted to?"
Heeseung thought about it for a hot minute. If it was a tricky question he couldn't quite understand the catch.
"I'm usually into boys." He replied hesitantly, running a hand through his hair. "I also like girls, but the only crush I had was a boy."
The boy nodded, now approaching the communal sink to rinse his face.
"And tell me, what exactly made you so curious about me?"
Heeseung approached him, keeping his gaze steady on his reflection in the mirror in front of him. He realized how upset he looked.
He took a moment to think about the boy's question, rinsing his face in the process.
"Your presence in general. It makes me curious." He said as he poured water over his hair, bringing it back in an attempt to regain some attention skills back.
When he turned to face the boy their eyes locked, making his teeth clench. The other boy's expression was soft, yet concerned.
The boy wiped his hands on his top, keeping his gaze on Heeseung's.
As much as he wanted to contain himself, Heeseung found himself peering at the now-wet material barely covering his nipples.
A knot formed in his throat. What exactly was happening to him?
"Let's do this." The still nameless boy began to talk with a challenging look on his appearance.
"I'll do something. If you still think you feel attracted to me after that, I'll tell you my name."
Heeseung nodded frenetically. His desire to finally address the boy correctly was enough to make him agree to any circumstance.
He stood still for a few seconds, waiting for whatever kind of gesture or reaction the other was ready to give him.
His pulse ceased to fill his hearing when the boy's face slammed into his own, much closer than before.
Heeseung blinked a few times. He noticed how the other smelled like sweet dried fruit. Odd, he thought as something he never expected from that situation swept over him louder and faster than a delayed train.
Their noses made contact along with their lips. Heeseung opened his eyes wide, pulling away immediately.
Adrenaline was consuming him. The boy's eyes haunted him for a few seconds before letting him notice his disappointed expression.
"See? You're not that attracted to me. I get that you think I'm beautiful, but that's it. You don't want to-"
The boy's mouth was forced shut by Heeseung's lips, now more sure of what to do. With his eyes closed he brought a hand to his face, tilting it slightly.
He lightly parted his mouth, letting their wet, sour, hot tongues collide.
Within seconds their bodies found themselves clinging together, eager for contact.
Heeseung, too caught up in the moment, ventured his lips down on the other's neck, wetting it along with a gentle suck.
From that moment all that could be heard in the hall were the boy's gasps that led Heeseung to nibble at his skin, leaving a faint red mark on it.
Feeling the arms of the other clinging to his neck, Heeseung returned to kiss him more casually, feeling his saliva taking over his own throat.
He brought a hand to his waist, squeezing him as their legs entangled together.
When the breathless boy pulled away Heeseung opened his eyes, then rested his forehead on his.
"Now," Heeseung panted, not letting go of his grip on the boy's body. "will you tell me your name?"
He noticed how the boy's lips were red and slightly swollen. The urge to kiss them again was tearing him apart, but before he could do anything the boy pulled away from him completely, leaving Heeseung feeling like an important piece was missing from his puzzle.
"Kyunghee." He managed to say as he cleared his throat, quickly scanning himself to be sure that he was presentable. "And yours is?"
"Heeseung," The bamboozled boy said. "Lee Heeseung."
"Okay Heeseung," Kyunghee initiated firmly as if nothing had happened just a little before. "I have to go now, see you soon."
Before Heeseung could say anything the boy had left, leaving him with mixed feelings.
Heeseung at that moment realized how much his stomach hurt. He slumped in front of a stall, hands covering his belly area.
It had finally happened. He had had his first kiss.
He had not yet properly processed what had happened due to the state he was in, and much less was sure about whether he had been a good kisser or not. All he knew was that he had felt free of all limitations.
Heeseung's legs had become bricks, anchored to the floor with zero intent to get him back on his feet.
With his chin touching his chest he heard the bathroom door open.
"Heeseung?"
That known voice caused him to find the strength to take a look at that person with tired eyes.
It was Sunghoon. Not knowing how to respond he merely flashed him a thumbs-up, lowering his head again.
Sunghoon knelt in front of him, shaking him a little in hopes of bringing him to his senses.
"What happened? Have you been drinking?" The friend asked, seeking an answer from the boy.
"I kissed someone." Heeseung managed to say in a whisper that was audible enough for Sunghoon to understand.
There was a moment of silence. Heeseung looked up, meeting the other's dead serious one.
"Who did you kiss Heeseung?"
"He was warm and soft, I want to see him again."
Sunghoon brought a hand behind Heeseung's head, forcing him to meet his eyes.
"I only saw one person come out of here. Was it him?"
Heeseung nodded, smiling at the thought of Kyunghee's silhouette wandering around.
"Did you already know him?" Sunghoon asked in annoyance.
"No, but I know him now. His name is Kyunghee."
"Was he wearing a black top?" The friend asked.
"Yes. He looks good right?" Heeseung said more to himself, his thoughts still on Kyunghee.
A laugh from Sunghoon made Heeseung's lips form a straight line.
"Why are you laughing?" Heeseung asked, confused.
"He lied to you," Sunghoon said before clasping his arms over Heeseung's body, forcing him to stand up. "His name is Jaeyun."
Heeseung looked at Sunghoon, who was meanwhile trying to get him out of the place with him.
What had just happened? More importantly, why had Jaeyun lied about his name?