Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The sun was high, the air smelled of soil and sweat. The cornfield stretched wide behind the mansion, a sea of green waiting to be worked on.

Workers were already busy, hands deep in the dirt, while Leo wiped the back of his neck with a small towel.

He’d been working since morning, assigned to help plant the new set of corn seedlings. His mother used to say, “Work hard, don’t mind the rich people’s business.” And Leo always did — he's quiet, focused, never the type to meddle.

Until Sangwon showed up.

From the mansion came a sleek black car, dust swirling as it stopped by the field. The workers straightened up, murmuring quietly. Out came Sangwon — the young son of their boss.

He wore clean black boots , sage green croptop t-shirt that clearly weren’t meant for farm work. His hair was neatly styled, and his expression calm but proud — the type of person who never heard the word no in his life.

Leo looked up, squinting.

Sangwon smiled at the workers, his voice soft and polite. “Good morning po! My father said I can help today.”

Everyone smiled back awkwardly, unsure how to respond. Nobody expected the rich heir to touch dirt.

Leo just went back to work.

Sangwon walked closer, holding a small shovel. His steps were light — too light.

“Uh, excuse me—” Leo started, but it was too late. Sangwon’s foot landed right on a tray of seedlings. The fragile stems snapped under his boots.

There was a small gasp from the other workers.

Sangwon blinked down, clearly confused. “Oh—wait, did I just—?”

Leo sighed, standing up slowly. His voice was calm but tight. “You stepped on it.”

“Oh. I didn’t see it.”

“Obviously,” Leo muttered, brushing dirt from his hands.

Sangwon frowned, a bit defensive. “You don’t have to sound mad. It’s just a few seedlings.”

Leo turned to him fully this time, expression unreadable. “Just a few? Those ‘few’ take days to prepare. We plant them to grow — not to be stepped on.”

The tone wasn’t loud, but it hit Sangwon harder than he expected. No one ever talked to him like that.

“I said I didn’t mean to,” Sangwon shot back, crossing his arms. “Do you always talk that way to your employer’s son?”

Leo’s jaw tightened. “Do you always step on things that aren’t yours?”

For a second, they just stared at each other — the air thick with tension, workers pretending not to notice.

Sangwon looked away first, mumbling under his breath. “You’re kind of rude, you know that?”

Leo didn’t respond. He just crouched again, fixing the soil, saving what was left of the broken seedlings.

Sangwon watched him quietly, unsure whether to walk away or apologize. Something about Leo’s calm, collected attitude made him feel small — and he wasn’t used to that.
When Leo finally spoke, it wasn’t angry anymore, just firm.

“Next time, look where you’re going. This isn’t your mansion floor.”

Sangwon bit his lip, eyes darting down. “I will.”

And for the first time in his life, the brat who always got what he wanted didn’t know what to say next.

Leo didn’t understand why the young master kept showing up.

Three mornings in a row, and there he was again — standing in the middle of the field with his too-clean sneakers and that smug little smile that just screamed trouble.

“Good morning!” Sangwon called out cheerfully, waving a gloved hand like he owned the place.

Leo muttered under his breath, “Why are you even here?” before turning back to his work.

He was busy transferring seedlings when Sangwon crouched beside him, clearly not helping but pretending to.

“So, what do you do first?” Sangwon asked, peering too closely. “Do you, like, just shove it into the ground or something?”

Leo exhaled slowly, counting to three in his head before answering. “You plant it properly. It’s not a toy.”

Sangwon frowned. “You could’ve just said yes.”
“I didn’t.”

That earned Leo a glare. “You know, you talk like you’re mad all the time.”

“I’m not,” Leo said, voice flat. “You just talk too much.”

Sangwon scoffed, crossing his arms. “I’m just trying to learn. Is that illegal now?”

Leo glanced at him, unimpressed. “You’re not learning. You’re distracting.”

“Wow. You really have a thing against people who are trying to learn, huh?” Sangwon shot back.

Leo looked at him “No,” he said calmly.

Sangwon blinked, his mouth slightly open. “Then why are you so sarcastic?!”

Leo just raised a brow.

The workers nearby exchanged glances, pretending not to listen but clearly entertained. One even whispered, "Looks like Sir Sangwon’s getting irritated.”

Sangwon straightened, brushing imaginary dirt from his sleeves. “Fine! Maybe I’ll go find someone else who appreciates my effort to learn.”

“Good idea,” Leo replied without looking up.

Sangwon’s jaw dropped. “You’re supposed to stop me!”

“Why?”

“So you have another helper, duh isn't obvious”

Leo finally looked at him, dead serious. “You broke five seedlings yesterday.”

Sangwon gasped. “You counted?”

“I had to.”

“That’s obsessive.”

“That’s farming.”

For a moment, Sangwon was speechless — and that rarely happened. He glared, turned on his heel, and marched away, muttering, “You’re unbelievable.”

Leo just shook his head, a small smirk slipping before he caught himself. He’s worse than a child.

But that afternoon, as the workers packed up, Leo caught sight of Sangwon again — sitting under a mango tree, fanning himself with a piece of cardboard. He hadn’t actually gone home like he said he would.

When their eyes met, Sangwon quickly looked away, pretending to fix his shades.

Leo didn’t say anything, but he couldn’t help thinking — if this is how it’s going to be every day, I might actually go crazy.

Meanwhile, Sangwon, still sulking under the tree, whispered to himself, “I hate him. So much.”

But his lips curled into a small, annoyed smile.

By the fourth day, everyone had accepted that Sangwon wasn’t going anywhere.

He came early — earlier than most of the workers. His car parked neatly by the fence, a lunchbox in hand, pretending like he had official business.

When Leo arrived, still half-sleepy and carrying his tools, he stopped short. “You’re here again?”

Sangwon smiled sweetly. “Good morning! I’m just… checking the progress.”

Leo raised an eyebrow. “You mean you’re bored.”

Sangwon’s smile twitched, patience wearing off. “You’re very observant.”

He followed Leo around like a shadow, asking questions that didn’t really need answers.

“What’s that tool for?”“Why do you tie them that way?”

“Are you always this quiet or just with me?”

Leo barely responded — a few nods, and a few sighs.

Around noon, the workers started preparing lunch under the big acacia tree near the edge of the field. The women were busy cooking adobo and ginisang gulay (sauteed vegetables) on open fire, while the men gathered wood, laughing and teasing each other.

The smell of smoke and soy sauce filled the air — that familiar, comforting scent that meant it was almost time to eat.

Sangwon lingered nearby, pretending to help but mostly watching. He wasn’t used to this — people laughing, some eating with their hands, and wiping sweat with their sleeves. But it didn’t look bad. It looked… warm.

And then his eyes found Leo again.

Leo was chopping wood a few meters away, sleeves rolled up, sweat glistening on his arms. The swing of the axe was strong and precise, his jaw clenched with focus. Every thud echoed through the quiet field.

Sangwon froze for a second, swallowing hard.

Why does he look like that?

He quickly looked away, pretending to fix his shawl. But his eyes found their way back again — and again.

The sun hit Leo just right, and Sangwon hated how his chest felt weirdly tight watching him work.

One of the older workers noticed and smiled teasingly. “Sir Sangwon, please have your meal first, no need to wait for Leo!”

“Huh? No, I’m fine,” Sangwon said too quickly, waving his hand. “I’ll just… wait.” "How did he know I'm waiting for Leo? wait no! I'm not waiting for Leo." he muttered to himself .

He didn’t even notice he was smiling a little.

When Leo finally joined them, sitting down with his plate of rice and adobo, Sangwon scooted closer — too close.

“You worked hard,” Sangwon said casually.

Leo just nodded. “Everyone did.”

“Yeah, but…” Sangwon hesitated, trying not to sound too obvious. “You looked like you’ve been doing that all your life.”

Leo looked at him with mild amusement. “Because I have.”

Sangwon opened his mouth, then closed it. He didn’t know what to say next, so he picked up a piece of adobo and said, “This is good. Not like the ones we have at home.”

Leo raised an eyebrow. “Too simple for your taste?”

“No,” Sangwon said softly. “Too real.”

There was a small silence between them, the kind that made Sangwon suddenly aware of every sound — the crackle of firewood, the laughter of the others, the gentle wind passing through the trees.

He turned away before Leo could see the faint color rising on his cheeks.

“Don’t look at me like that,” Sangwon muttered.

Leo frowned. “I wasn’t looking.”

“Then stop not looking,” Sangwon shot back, not even sure what he meant anymore.

Leo blinked, clearly confused, then shook his head. “You really don’t make sense sometimes.”
Sangwon smiled slightly, picking at his food. “You’ll get used to it.”

And even if Leo didn’t reply, Sangwon could feel it — the air between them was changing. Not soft yet, but not as sharp as before.

Somewhere between the laughter of the workers and the scent of cooked rice, the brat who once stepped on seedlings started realizing something he couldn’t name yet.

Chapter Text

After lunch, the air turned heavy with the kind of heat that made the skin sticky. The workers were laughing while they cleaned up the long wooden tables, plates stacked one after another, the smell of adobo and grilled fish still hanging in the air. Sangwon, wearing a plain white shirt and a designer watch that looked too out of place among the sweat and dust, was busy trying to help.

He was awkward about it — holding the plates too carefully, walking too slow, like he was afraid of breaking something. Every now and then, one of the older women would chuckle at him.

“Careful, iho,” one of them said, smiling. “You’re not used to this, no?”

Sangwon just grinned sheepishly, cheeks pink from the heat. “Trying to learn po.”

Leo, who was stacking bamboo benches nearby, glanced his way. He wasn’t used to seeing the rich kid actually working — or at least trying to. Earlier this week, Sangwon had done nothing but complain about the sun, the dirt, the noise and he thought he would give up with his ulterior motive of just annoying everyone with his presence. But now, he was sweating, red-faced, and still trying to keep up.

It made Leo pause a little longer than he should.

“Hey,” Leo said, voice calm but carrying that quiet teasing lilt. “You don’t have to do that. You’ll just end up tiring yourself out.”

“I’m fine,” Sangwon said quickly, brushing his damp hair away from his face. His voice carried a light laugh. “I want to help. Besides, you all make it look so easy. I want to know what it’s like.”

Leo smirked, setting down the benches. “It’s not something rich people usually want to know.”
Sangwon turned to him, half-smiling, half-offended. “You’re saying I can’t handle it?”

Leo shrugged, wiping his hands on a towel hanging over his shoulder. “I didn’t say that. But judging by how you almost dropped that plate earlier…”

“Oh my god, that was one time!” Sangwon said, rolling his eyes, his lips curling in amusement.

“You really love teasing me, huh?”

“Just calling it like I see it.”

Their eyes met for a moment — long enough for Sangwon to look away first, pretending to focus on stacking spoons.

Leo’s gaze lingered a bit. Sangwon’s shirt was already sticking to his skin, damp with sweat. His cheeks glowed from the sun, hair sticking messily to his forehead. There was something strangely… human about it.

Not the bratty kid from the mansion, not the spoiled Sangwon who complained about how hot the weather is— just someone genuinely trying.

“You’re sweating a lot,” Leo finally said, breaking the silence. “You might want to take a bath in the river before you melt.”

Sangwon looked up, confused for a second. “River?”

Leo nodded “Yeah, down that trail. The water’s cold there. Perfect for this heat.”

Sangwon’s eyes lit up like a kid who just discovered something new. “Wait—you mean like an actual river? Where people… bathe?”

Leo chuckled. “You sound like you’ve never seen one.”

“I have!” Sangwon protested, though his tone betrayed the truth. “Well… I mean, I’ve seen rivers in pictures. But never—like—used one."

Leo gave him a small grin. “Then it’s about time. Come on.”

Sangwon blinked, a bit surprised. “You’re coming too?”

Leo raised an eyebrow. “You think I’ll just let you go alone? You’ll probably slip on a rock or something, and you don't even know the path where”

Sangwon laughed, pretending to look offended, but secretly glad. “Fine, lead the way, farmer boy.”

The path to the river was narrow and shaded by tall trees. The ground was a mix of soil and dried leaves, crunching under their steps. Cicadas sang loud in the background, and every now and then, a faint breeze would pass, carrying the smell of wet earth.

Sangwon kept glancing around, eyes wide like everything was new to him — the rustle of banana leaves, the distant laughter of children bathing somewhere downstream, even the soft hum of the river growing louder as they walked.

Leo, walking a few steps ahead, would glance back from time to time, half-amused. “You’re walking like you’re in a museum.”

“I’m just appreciating nature!” Sangwon said, swatting a mosquito away. “It’s… nice. Different.”

“Different from your mansion, huh?”

Sangwon smirked. “Very. For one, the air here doesn’t smell like imported perfume.”

Leo laughed quietly, shaking his head. “You’re something else.”

When they reached the riverbank, Sangwon stopped — breath catching. The water was clear, flowing gently over smooth rocks. Light filtered through the trees, glittering against the surface. A few workers were already there, some washing up, others chatting while dipping their feet. It was simple, real — and to Sangwon, it felt strangely magical.

Leo placed his towel on a rock. “See? Told you it’s nice here.”

Sangwon nodded, taking off his shoes and rolling up his pants. “It’s beautiful…”

He crouched down, touching the water with his fingertips, gasping at how cold it was. “Oh! It’s freezing!”

Leo smirked, watching him. “That’s the point. Go on, try it.”

Sangwon stood up, hesitating only a second before stepping in. The water splashed around his legs, and he laughed — loud, genuine, the kind of laugh that reached his eyes.

Leo found himself staring again. He didn’t know why, but seeing Sangwon like that — carefree, simple, alive — stirred something unexplainable.

Sangwon splashed a bit of water toward him. “Come on, don’t just stare! You’re the one who said to take a bath!”

Leo grinned and stepped in too, the cold water biting his skin. “I didn’t say I’d join you.”
"Well, too late now!” Sangwon said, sending another playful splash.

Leo dodged easily, shaking his head with a soft laugh. “You really don’t listen, huh?”

“I listen,” Sangwon said, standing in the shallow part, wiping his face. His white shirt clung tightly to his body now, the fabric nearly see-through from the water. Leo tried not to look too long, but something caught his attention — a faint, firm shape pressed across Sangwon’s chest, like something wrapped tightly underneath.

He frowned slightly. It wasn’t what he expected. For a second, he wondered — but stopped himself. It wasn’t his business.

“You okay?” Sangwon asked, noticing Leo’s silence.

Leo blinked, looking away. “Yeah. Just… you’re enjoying that a bit too much.”

Sangwon chuckled. “Of course I am! This is way better than any pool I’ve been to.” He cupped his hands, letting the water run through them. “It’s so clear, so—real.”

Leo smiled faintly. “Told you. Simple things are better sometimes.”

Sangwon turned to him, smiling back. “Maybe you’re right.”

The sound of water filled the pause between them. It wasn’t awkward — more like the kind of silence that comes when both people are just... there, sharing the same air, the same sun.

Leo leaned on a rock, arms crossed, watching Sangwon as he waded further. He was all laughter and brightness, the sun catching on his damp hair.

“Careful,” Leo said suddenly, “there’s a drop on that side.”

Sangwon looked down, eyes wide, then stumbled a little — splashing water all over himself.
Leo stepped forward quickly, grabbing his wrist. “Hey, I said careful!”

“I’m fine!” Sangwon said, laughing breathlessly. “You just scared me!”

Leo held on for a second longer than necessary before letting go. His hand lingered in the air, warm from the brief contact.

Sangwon looked at him, cheeks flushed — maybe from the heat, maybe from something else. “Thanks.”

Leo cleared his throat, looking away. “Just—don’t get yourself hurt. You’re too used to smooth floors and glass walls.”

Sangwon smirked softly. “And you’re too used to underestimating me.”

Leo couldn’t help but smile at that. “Maybe.”

The wind blew gently, rippling the surface of the river. For a moment, time slowed — the laughter of the other workers fading into the distance. Leo found himself studying Sangwon again, the faint smile on his lips, the glimmer in his eyes, the way he stood there — a little clumsy yet proud.

He didn’t understand why, but Sangwon didn’t look out of place anymore.
Leo thought, maybe this brat wasn’t what he thought he was after all.

The sun was dipping low when the laughter of the workers began to fade, replaced by the soft murmur of the river and the hum of cicadas. Sangwon sat on a smooth rock near the edge, water dripping from his hair, his white shirt clinging loosely to his frame. Leo sat beside him, elbows resting on his knees, staring at the golden shimmer of the water as it reflected the dying light.

For the first time that day, they were quiet. No teasing, no arguing — just the sound of the river and their breathing.

“You really don’t have to help with the field, you know,” Leo said after a moment, voice low, almost casual. “You’re not used to it. Anyone can tell.”

Sangwon turned his head, eyes curious. “What makes you say that?”

Leo gave him a small look, half-smiling. “You don’t even hold the tools right. And your hands—” he nodded toward Sangwon’s palms, soft and still clean despite the day’s work, “—they’ve never known a callus.”

Sangwon laughed quietly, tracing his thumb along his own hand. “I guess you’re right.”

“So why?” Leo asked, glancing at him again. “Why do it? What made you wake up one day and decide to plant corn when you could be in your mansion, or your city condo, or… wherever rich people usually are?”

Sangwon’s smile faltered slightly. He didn’t answer right away. The question wasn’t harsh — it was honest, curious. And somehow, that made it harder to brush off.

“Honestly… at first, i just wanted something to do. I'm on vacation—no classes in the city right now. I got bored. everything at home feels the same—aircon, gadgets, food ready every time I blink.”

He smiled faintly, almost to himself. “so I thought maybe I’d come here and… I don’t know, try something different. Maybe post about it online, make it look like I’m this humble, hardworking guy. I thought it’d be funny. Something to brag about. just for clout.”

Leo didn’t say anything right away. He only turned his head slightly, his expression unreadable.

Sangwon sighed, his smile fading. “But after I got here, it didn’t feel like a joke anymore. when I saw how the workers moved—how careful they are, how much effort goes into every step—I realized I didn’t know anything.”

He looked toward the field in the distance, where the tall corn swayed softly in the wind. “I thought work was something people just do but it’s not that simple. It’s patience, timing, care. even you… the way you move, it’s like you’ve been doing this your whole life.”

Leo looked down, the corner of his mouth twitching. “I have.”

“yeah,” Sangwon said, smiling lightly. “it shows.”

for a moment, the only sound was the river flowing gently. Leo leaned back a little, watching the sky begin to shift colors—orange melting into violet.

“You’re… not what i expected,” leo said finally

Sangwon turned to him. “and what did you expect?”

“some brat who’d complain about getting mud on his shoes,” leo admitted.

“well,” sangwon chuckled, “I did complain at first.”

Leo smiled a little. “you did.”

the silence stretched again, comfortable now. somewhere nearby, a few of the older workers called out goodbyes as they started heading home, their laughter echoing faintly.

Sangwon watched them, his voice softer this time. “I didn’t think I’d like it here this much. it’s… peaceful. people are kind. even when I messed things up, they still smiled.”

Leo glanced at him, something gentler in his tone now. “It’s different here. simple. we don’t have much, but people look out for each other.”

Sangwon nodded slowly. “maybe that’s why it feels real.”

a long moment passed before leo spoke again, voice low. “so you’re staying for a while?”

“maybe,” Sangwon said, brushing back his damp hair. “depends if I get bored again.”
Leo chuckled. “then I guess we’ll see how long before you start complaining about mosquitoes.”

Sangwon laughed. “i’ll try my best to survive.”

They shared a small smile. it wasn’t much, but it felt like the start of something quieter, something genuine.

By the time they stood up to leave, the sky had darkened into shades of purple and blue. The air was cooler now, filled with the smell of damp soil and the faint chirping of crickets. The other workers were gone, and so was Sangwon’s car—or at least, the man who drove it.

he frowned, looking around. “Huh? where’s kuya ramon?”

Leo scanned the area too. no headlights, no engine sound. “probably went back already. maybe thought you left with the others.”

“great,” Sangwon muttered, though he didn’t sound angry—just lost.

Leo rubbed the back of his neck. “I can take you home.”

Sangwon turned, surprised. “how?”

Leo nodded toward the trail. “kalabaw. there’s a cart tied near the trees.”

Sangwon blinked, eyes widening slightly. “like… an actual buffalo cart?”

Leo smirked. “you scared?”

Sangwon shook his head quickly. “no! i’ve just never ridden one before.”

“first time for everything,” Leo said, starting to walk. “come on before it gets darker.”

The kalabaw waited patiently by the path, its dark hide glistening under the fading light. a small wooden cart was attached behind it, worn but sturdy. Leo climbed in first, checking the reins and the balance.

“careful when you step up,” he said.

Sangwon hesitated only for a second before climbing in, holding onto the side as he sat down. the wooden seat creaked a little under their weight.

“this is… kind of amazing,” Sangwon said, looking around.

“amazing?” Leo chuckled, taking the reins. “it’s just a cart.”

“yeah, but it’s real,” sangwon said, his eyes bright despite the dimming light. “no noise, no smoke. just the sound of hooves and the wind.”

Leo smiled faintly. “you really are something.”

As the kalabaw started moving, the cart rocked gently over the dirt road. fireflies began appearing between the trees, blinking like tiny stars. sangwon leaned back slightly, watching the open fields pass by, the cool breeze brushing against his face.

for the first time in a long while, he felt light—like the world was slower, softer.

Leo glanced at him from the corner of his eye. Sangwon looked content, almost childlike, a small smile playing on his lips.

“you really don’t mind this?” Leo asked. “i thought you’d find it uncomfortable.”

“why would I?” Sangwon said, turning to him. “it’s nice. i’ve never experienced anything like this before. I want to remember it.”

Leo looked at him a second longer, then turned back to the road. “you’re strange.”
“maybe,” Sangwon said with a soft laugh. “but you’ll get used to it.”

Leo didn’t reply, but his smile gave him away.

the ride continued quietly, the night deepening around them. crickets sang from the fields, and the stars began to show. the air smelled of grass and distant rain.

when they finally reached the edge of the paved road near the big gate of Sangwon’s property, Leo slowed the kalabaw to a stop.

Sangwon turned to him, holding onto the side of the cart. “thanks, Leo.”
Leo looked up at him. “for what?”

“for today,” Sangwon said simply. “for the river, the ride… and for not laughing when I looked stupid trying to help earlier.”

Leo’s lips curved into a quiet smile. “you didn’t look stupid.”

Sangwon raised a brow. “really?”

Leo nodded. “you looked rather determined.”

for a brief moment, they just stared at each other—soft, unhurried, like the night itself was holding still.

then Sangwon smiled, that warm kind of smile that reached his eyes. “goodnight, Leo.”

“goodnight,” Leo said, his voice steady but gentle.

as Sangwon climbed down from the cart, the gate slowly opened, revealing the faint glow of the mansion lights beyond. but before walking inside, he turned one last time, looking back at the quiet road, the cart, and to Leo who had just show another experience.
He wave his hands and said another goodbye.

"take care" he whispered.

Chapter Text

The morning light streamed through the wide windows of the Velarde family’s ancestral house, scattering across the polished marble floor. The faint hum of workers outside blended with the sound of birds calling from the garden. Somewhere in the distance, the faint noise of trucks heading toward their cornfield could be heard.

Sangwon came down the stairs, hair still damp from his shower, his white shirt loose and casual. His mother looked up from her cup of coffee as he entered the dining room.

“You’re up early again,” she said, smiling. “Where are you off to this time?”

His father, seated across from her with a newspaper in hand, raised an eyebrow. “You’ve been out in the fields a lot lately. What’s gotten into you?”

Sangwon pulled out a chair and sat, pretending to be calm. He reached for a piece of pandesal before answering. “Ah, that. I just… like helping in the field.”

His mother blinked. “Field? As in our cornfield?”

He nodded, biting into the bread. “Yeah. I wanted to experience something new. I’ve been too used to the city—aircon, coffee shops, and my phone. I thought maybe it’s time to try something I haven’t done before.”

His father chuckled softly, lowering his newspaper. “So, the city boy wants to be a farmer now?”

Sangwon grinned. “Yeah kind of. I just want to see what it’s like. The workers there are kind. They even taught me how to plant yesterday.”

His mother smiled, her eyes soft with affection. “That’s nice, son. We’re happy you’re doing something you enjoy.”

His father nodded. “As long as you’re safe and happy, that’s what matters. Just don’t push yourself too hard. You’re not used to that kind of work.”

“I won’t, Dad,” Sangwon said with a small laugh.

His mother took another sip of coffee before asking, “When are you going back to the city? classes are starting soon, right?”

“Two and a half weeks left,” he answered, leaning back in his chair. “So I still have time.”

“Then make the most of it,” his father said, folding the newspaper neatly. “But wear something more fitting for the field next time. You looked like you were going to the mall yesterday.”

Sangwon laughed. “Yeah, I kind of realized that too late.”

His mother smiled knowingly. “Ask Liza to find you something more appropriate to wear.”

A few minutes later, Sangwon found himself near the laundry area where Manang Liza, their long-time helper, was hanging clothes under the sun.

“Manang,” he called. “Do we have something I can wear for working in the field? Like a plain shirt or long sleeves?”

The woman turned, chuckling. “Ay, Sir Sangwon, you really want to work there? It’s so hot in that place!”

“It’s fine,” he said, smiling. “Just for a few hours.”

Manang Liza shook her head but rummaged through a pile of neatly folded clothes. After a moment, she pulled out a plain brown long-sleeved shirt and a pair of slightly faded slacks.

“Here,” she said.

“Thank you,” Sangwon said, holding up the shirt. “This’ll do.”

“But, Sir,” Manang teased with a grin, “you’re not going to wear boots again, are you? You’ll look like you’re going to a photoshoot, not to the field.”

He laughed. “Of course I am! You never know, Manang—someone might take a picture.”

She just laughed at Sangwon antics.

Back in his room, the large mirror reflected a version of Sangwon halfway between rich heir and countryside worker. He slipped on the brown shirt—it was a little loose—and tucked it into the slacks. Then, of course, came the boots.

He adjusted his collar and inspected himself carefully before grabbing a small pouch from his table. His “no-makeup” look routine began: a little concealer, some powder, a bit of tint. Just enough to look clean and effortless.

When he finished, he smirked at his reflection.

“Perfect so rural chic,” he murmured giggling at himself.

Grabbing his hat, he stepped outside. The morning air was warm and alive with the sounds of workers preparing for the day.

The cornfield stretched wide under the sun, golden and busy. Workers were scattered around—some pulling weeds, others tending to the rows of growing crops. Sangwon waved cheerfully as he approached, the loose dirt crunching under his boots.

“Good morning!” he greeted.

A few workers looked up and waved. “Good morning, Sir Sangwon! Back again, huh?”

He laughed lightly. “Yeah. I missed it here.”

He looked around casually, pretending to check the crops but really searching for someone in particular. His eyes lingered on the small shed by the edge of the field, then the row of workers bending over the soil.

No Leo.

After a while, he approached an older worker who was tying a bundle of corn stalks.

“Manong,” Sangwon asked carefully, “Leo isn’t here today?”

The man looked up and squinted. “Ah, Leo? Haven’t seen him today. Maybe he’s resting at home. He’s been working hard these past few days.”

“Oh, I see,” Sangwon replied, nodding casually even though something in his chest felt oddly heavy. “Thank you.”

“Why, you looking for him?” the man asked, smiling teasingly.

Sangwon chuckled a little too fast. “No, no! I was just wondering. That’s all.”

The man grinned. “Alright, I’ll tell him you asked for him when I see him.”

“Please don’t,” Sangwon said quickly, laughing nervously.

The man just chuckled and went back to work.

Sangwon exhaled slowly .

He told himself he was there to learn, to help, to experience real work for once.
But as the sun climbed higher, burning softly over the rows of corn, he couldn’t ignore that small restless feeling.

Why didn’t he come today?

Sangwon couldn’t resist anymore. The curiosity — or maybe something deeper — was gnawing at him. He finally asked one of the workers where Leo’s house was. The worker smiled knowingly, then called his younger son, Yunseo, to guide Sangwon there.

Yunseo’s small frame was lively and full of energy, and the moment they started walking, the boy began chatting endlessly about the field, the workers, and even about Leo.

Sangwon, surprisingly, didn’t mind. He found Yunseo’s innocence comforting, and he answered each question with patience, occasionally laughing at the boy’s witty remarks.

Their path cut through the cornfield, the tall golden stalks swaying gently under the afternoon breeze. The air smelled faintly of earth and ripened crops. Birds chirped from the nearby trees, and the faint hum of cicadas filled the spaces between their laughter.

When they finally arrived, Sangwon stopped in front of Leo’s wooden house. The house was simple but beautiful—built with dark polished wood, surrounded by flowers and greenery. The sunlight filtering through the trees cast warm patterns on the walls, and it felt so different from the concrete mansions Sangwon was used to. It was so alive.

He thanked Yunseo and offered him a few bills for fare, but the boy quickly shook his head.

“It’s really not far, kuya. We just passed through our shortcut,” Yunseo grinned before waving goodbye and running off.

Left alone, Sangwon suddenly froze. He realized he didn’t really know what to say—what reason did he have for showing up unannounced? He took a deep breath, straightened his sleeves, and knocked softly on the wooden door.

“Hello? Is anyone here?” he called.

The door opened, revealing a beautiful and kind-looking woman—Leo’s mother. Her eyes squinted slightly in surprise, but her tone was warm.

“And what brings you here, young man?” she asked, wiping her hands on her apron.

Sangwon hesitated for a second, almost stammering. “Ah… I was just passing by, ma’am. I was looking for Leo.”

Her face softened. “Oh, I see. Come inside, come inside,” she said, motioning him to sit on one of the bamboo chairs on the porch. The wooden floor creaked lightly as he stepped in, and the faint aroma of freshly cooked sweets filled the air.

As they waited, Leo’s mother brought out a plate of homemade treats—pastillas, polvoron, and a few coconut balls neatly arranged.

“These are what I make for our small business,” she said with a proud smile. “That’s actually why Leo isn’t in the field today. I asked him to go around and sell these in the nearby barangay.”

Sangwon smiled politely, taking one piece. The sweetness lingered on his tongue, and somehow, it reminded him of Leo—humble and warm, yet unexpectedly comforting.

And for the first time, Sangwon felt a strange flutter in his chest.

He wasn’t sure if he came here to see Leo… or to feel something real again

Chapter Text

It was almost eleven when Leo finally returned home, the sound of laughter echoing before he even reached the front yard. Beside him was another boy, carrying a half-empty basket and teasing Leo about something only they could understand.

From the porch, Sangwon stood frozen, his eyes following the two as they entered the gate. Leo was smiling — genuinely, like he was in his element. The boy beside him laughed loudly, brushing his shoulder like they’d known each other for years.

Something in Sangwon’s stomach twisted. He didn’t understand it, but it was there — a quiet, odd weight in his chest.

Leo’s mother noticed the look on his face and smiled gently.

“That’s Sen,” she explained, glancing toward the approaching pair. “Leo’s childhood friend. They grew up together here.”

“Oh…” Sangwon said quietly, his gaze flickering away for a second.

When Leo spotted him, his smile faltered in surprise. “Sangwon? What are you doing here?”

Before Sangwon could reply, Leo quickly turned to the boy beside him. “Ah—this is Sen. Sangwon, this is Sen.”

Sen grinned, offering a friendly wave. “Hello! Leo mentioned someone new’s been helping in the field. That’s you, huh?”

Sangwon nodded, shaking his hand politely. “Yeah. That’s me.”

Sen gave him an easy smile. “Good to know. Anyway, I’ll get going — my mom asked me to drop these sweets by the store.” He gave Leo’s shoulder a playful tap. “See you later.”

When Sen left, Leo’s mother gave them both a knowing look. “I’ll leave you two to talk,” she said with a chuckle before heading back inside.

Silence settled in, only broken by the faint buzz of cicadas outside.

Leo was the first to speak, smirking as he leaned against the wooden post. “So? What brings you here, rich boy? Don’t tell me you missed me?”

Sangwon rolled his eyes instantly. “No way. I just came to tell you some of the workers were looking for you. They said you were missing.”

Leo laughed lightly, shaking his head. “They know it’s my day off. You didn’t have to come all the way here just to say that.”

Sangwon huffed. “Fine. Maybe I just wanted to see how you were doing. Or maybe…” he paused, trying not to sound defensive, “…maybe I was hoping you could teach me something new. You know, work.”

Leo arched a brow, amused. “Really? What happened? Family went bankrupt already?”

Sangwon gave him a sarcastic smile. “Ha-ha, very funny.”

Leo grinned, clearly enjoying how easy it was to tease him. “Alright then, if you really want to work, come sell sweets with me later. My mom made a fresh batch this morning.”

Sangwon’s face brightened almost instantly. “Sure! What time?”

“After lunch. Maybe around one,” Leo replied, adjusting the basket in his hand. “The weather’s not too bad today, so it should be fine.”

“Perfect,” Sangwon said, already sounding excited. “Wait, I’ll just change into something more… appropriate.”

Leo frowned, confused. “Change? For what?”

Sangwon grinned, playful as ever. “To dress nicely, of course. A good outfit attracts more customers.”

Leo laughed under his breath. “You’re unbelievable.”

By one o’clock, the two were already out by the roadside, a small table set up beneath the shade of a mango tree. The weather was kind — warm but breezy, the kind of afternoon where the air smelled faintly of earth and sweet rice.

Leo arranged the trays carefully, while Sangwon took charge of calling out to people passing by.

“Fresh kakanin! Don’t miss out! Buy one, get one smile for free!” Sangwon called, his voice cheerful and confident.

People couldn’t help but laugh. A few stopped by out of curiosity — drawn not just by the sweets but by the sight of the well-dressed boy grinning behind the table.

Leo just shook his head amused. “You really think this is a fashion show, huh?”

Sangwon smirked. “It’s called presentation. You should try it sometime.”

Despite the teasing, their teamwork worked. The trays emptied faster than usual. Sangwon’s energy drew people in, and Leo’s calm presence balanced it out. They made a good pair — even if neither of them would admit it yet.

By the time the last pack was sold, Leo was still shaking his head in disbelief.

“You actually made us sell out faster,” he muttered, wiping his hands with a towel.

Sangwon only grinned, brushing imaginary dust from his shirt. “Told you. Dressing nicely pays off.”

Leo looked at him for a moment, unable to hide his small smile. “Yeah… maybe it does.”

Leo faced Sangwon "Thank you, if it's not your help I wouldn't sell this fast" 

Sangwon just chuckled" It's really no biggie"

The afternoon breeze carried their laughter away — light, unforced, and almost warm enough to forget how different their worlds were.

It was nearly five in the afternoon when Leo and Sangwon finished packing up what was left of the empty trays. The sky had begun to shift — orange melting into gray, the air thick with the smell of oncoming rain.

Sangwon brushed his hands on his pants, a small grin on his lips. “That was fun. We sold out early again, huh?”

Leo nodded, a hint of amusement in his tone. “Yeah, thanks to your antics.”

Sangwon smirked. “You mean charm.”

Leo rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. “Whatever you call it.”

They started walking toward the edge of the road, where Leo’s kalabaw waited. Sangwon was supposed to be dropped off like the last time, but before they could even climb onto the cart, a sudden gust of wind swept through the air. The clouds darkened fast, and then—

Plok. Plok. Plok.

The first drops fell, soft but heavy enough to warn what was coming. Within seconds, rain poured down hard, soaking the earth, the cart, and the two of them in a blur of water.

Leo immediately grabbed Sangwon’s arm. “Come on, we can’t make it back in this rain! Let’s go inside!”

They ran back to the house, laughing breathlessly as thunder cracked in the distance. By the time they reached the porch, both of them were dripping wet. Leo’s mother came rushing out with a towel, worry written all over her face.

“Oh, heavens! You’ll both catch a cold,” she said, ushering them inside. “Sangwon, dear, don’t even think about going home now. You’ll stay here for the night.”

Sangwon hesitated. “Ah, no need, ma’am—”

“None of that,” she interrupted firmly. “The roads will be flooded soon. You’ll stay, end of discussion.”

Sangwon glanced at Leo, who only shrugged, suppressing a smile. “You heard her,” he said. “Guess you’re stuck with us.”

Inside, the house felt even cozier than earlier — the faint scent of wood mixed with the aroma of rice cooking somewhere in the kitchen. As the rain roared outside, Sangwon’s gaze wandered around the small living room.

Then, his eyes landed on a framed photograph sitting above the old wooden shelf. Four people — a younger Leo, his mother, a man with kind eyes, and a little girl smiling brightly.

But in every photo on the wall, it was only Leo and his mother now.

Sangwon’s brows knitted slightly. Before he could ask, Leo, who was drying his hair with a towel, caught his expression.

“My sister’s studying in the city,” Leo said, as if reading his thoughts. “She’s younger than me. That’s why I stopped school for now. I wanted her to finish first.”

Sangwon blinked, caught off guard. “You… stopped school?”

Leo nodded, his voice steady but soft. “Yeah. I’m saving up so I can go back later. One at a time, you know?” He smiled faintly, though his eyes flickered toward the picture. “My dad passed away two years ago. So it’s just the three of us now.”

There was a brief silence — only the sound of rain hitting the roof.

Sangwon’s chest tightened, something warm and unfamiliar spreading inside him. He had everything handed to him his whole life — but Leo… Leo worked for everything he had. And still, he smiled like nothing was missing.

He admired him for that. Deeply.

A moment later, Leo’s mother called from the kitchen. “Leo! Help me with the dishes! We’ll have to make something warm for dinner.”

Leo shouted back, “Yes, Nay!” before looking at Sangwon. “Stay here, I’ll help her.”

But before he could move, Sangwon followed. “Wait, I’ll help too.”

Leo turned, half amused. “Do you even know how to cook?”

“Maybe not,” Sangwon admitted quickly, “but I can try.”

Leo’s mother laughed when she saw him in the kitchen doorway. “Oh, no, dear, you’re a guest! You’ll just rest, hmm?”

But Sangwon shook his head, embarrassed. “Please, I can’t just sit around while you both do everything. Let me help at least a little.”

Leo’s mom chuckled, exchanging a look with her son. “Alright, alright. You win.” She handed Sangwon a towel and pointed toward the sink. “You can help wash the plates then. Leo, assist him.”

“Yes, Nay,” Leo said, grinning.

Sangwon rolled up his sleeves and took his spot by the sink. The water was cold, and the plates clinked softly as he rinsed them one by one. Leo leaned beside him, arms crossed, quietly observing.

“You’re actually doing okay,” Leo said after a while, tone teasing. “Didn’t think someone like you even touched dishes before.”

Sangwon side-eyed him but smiled faintly. “Don’t underestimate me. I’m full of surprises.”

Leo chuckled, handing him another plate. “Oh, I can tell.”

They worked in comfortable silence after that, the air filled with the sound of rain and the faint crackle of oil from the stove. Leo’s mother hummed a soft tune while cooking, occasionally glancing at the two boys with a fond smile.

By the time everything was ready, the sky outside had turned deep gray, the rain still pouring. The table was simple — rice, a steaming bowl of tinola, and a plate of fried fish — but the warmth of it all filled the small house.

Sangwon sat across Leo, who handed him a bowl. “Eat up,” he said with a grin. “You worked hard today, rich boy.”

Sangwon rolled his eyes but smiled anyway. “You really love calling me that, huh?”

Leo just laughed. “Because it suits you.”

And even as the rain continued outside, neither of them minded. The small house felt brighter, and warmer.

Chapter Text

The rain had started not long after dusk — gentle at first, then steady enough that its rhythm filled the small house like a heartbeat. Sangwon’s phone buzzed on the wooden table.

He looked down and saw his mother’s name on the screen. He picked it up immediately. “Hello, mom?”

“Son, it’s raining hard. Where are you now?” her worried voice asked. He glanced outside, where the night had turned silver with rain. “I’m still here at my friend's place, mom. The rain’s too strong. I’ll sleep here for the night.” There was a pause, then a soft sigh.

“Alright. Just take care, okay? stay safe, son.” “I will. Goodnight.” When the call ended, Leo’s mother walked in from the small kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel. She was smiling. Her voice was gentle, the kind that could ease anyone’s nerves.

“You should take a bath first before you catch a cold. Leo can lend you some clothes.”

“Thank you po, Ma’am,” Sangwon said, a little shy. The woman laughed lightly.

“Don’t call me ma’am, that makes me feel old just vall me Auntie Lea.” He smiled awkwardly.

“Thank you… Aunty Lea.” “Good boy.” She grinned.

“Leo, show him the bathroom.” Leo stood from the bench, stretching lazily. “This way,” he said, glancing at Sangwon with a half-smile. They walked down a short hallway, rain pattering on the roof above. When they reached the small bathroom, Leo opened the door.

“We don’t have a shower,” he said with a hint of playfulness. “Jus a faucet and a bucket.”

Sangwon gave him a look, suppressing a laugh. “I know that.” Leo’s smirk widened.

“Just making sure.” When Sangwon closed the door, he exhaled, feeling the warmth of the air against his skin.

The sound of rain made the world quieter — more intimate somehow. As he poured water over himself, his thoughts began to drift. He thought about earlier that day — Leo’s laughter when their hands brushed while wrapping sweets; the way Leo shielded him from the sun with an old umbrella; how Leo looked when he was focused, sweat beading on his neck as he carried the boxes to the cart.

Sangwon didn’t mean to smile, but he did. There was something about Leo’s presence — rough around the edges yet gentle without trying. It wasn’t the grand gestures that stayed with him, but the small things. The quiet care. The teasing words that didn’t feel mocking. The way Leo always looked at him like he was easy to be around.

When he finished, he dried off with the towel neatly folded on the hook. A knock came softly on the door. “Sangwon? You done?” “Yeah,” he answered, pulling on his shirt.

Leo pushed the door open slightly, handing him a folded bundle of clothes. “Here. My jacket and pajama. And—uh, a boxer.”

Sangwon blinked, surprised.

“Don’t worry,” Leo added quickly, almost defensive. “It’s new. Never used. The rest aren’t, though.”

Sangwon laughed quietly, shaking his head. “It’s okay.”

When Leo left, he changed into the clothes — slightly loose, carrying a faint scent of detergent and something faintly familiar, maybe Leo’s soap. He caught himself giggling under his breath, cheeks warming. Maybe this was how it started — that slow, uncertain feeling blooming from ordinary things.

When he stepped out, Leo was already laying a mat on the wooden floor. “You can take the bed,” Leo said. “I’ll sleep here.” Sangwon frowned.

“You should take the bed. You live here.” Leo shook his head. “You’re the guest.”

They stared at each other for a few seconds before Sangwon sighed in defeat. “Fine.” He sat on the edge of the bed while Leo settled on the mat. The rain outside softened into a drizzle, tapping gently on the roof.

“Hey,” Leo said suddenly, turning his head toward him. “Remember when you almost tripped earlier while carrying the box?”

Sangwon groaned. “Don’t remind me.” Leo laughed. “You should’ve seen your face. I thought you were gonna fall right into the mud.”

“You didn’t even help me!”

“I did! After I finished laughing.” Sangwon threw a small pillow at him, which Leo caught with ease, still grinning.

Their laughter faded into the quiet hum of the night. After a while, they both grew still, lying in their separate spaces but close enough to hear each other breathe.

Sangwon turned to face the window, the soft glow of the lamp outlining his features. “Goodnight, Leo.” Leo’s voice came, low and easy. “Goodnight.”

For a few moments, neither of them spoke again. Then, just before sleep pulled him under, Sangwon smiled faintly — thinking of Leo’s laugh, his calloused hands, his quiet warmth — and realized, maybe, something in him had started to change.

___

The morning light slipped through the thin curtains, soft and still foggy, spilling across the wooden floor. The rain had stopped sometime in the night, leaving the air cool and heavy with the scent of wet soil. Sangwon stirred awake, his body heavy and warm under the blanket.

For a second, he didn’t remember where he was. Then the memories came — the rain, Leo’s laughter, the quiet talk before sleep.

He smiled faintly, until a dull pain tugged at his lower back. He winced, thinking maybe he had just slept wrong.

But then it came again — a deeper, twisting ache in his abdomen that made him draw a sharp breath.

No.

His eyes widened.

A sinking realization hit him. He sat up too quickly, heart pounding, the world spinning for a moment.

Then he saw it — the faint red stain on the white bedsheet beneath him. His breath caught in his throat.

No, no, no.

He froze. His hands trembled as he lifted the blanket slightly — confirming what he feared most.

The pajama Leo lent him was soaked with blood. His face went pale. His chest tightened. Not here.

Not now.

Panic rushed through him, but his body felt stiff, frozen between wanting to run and not knowing where to go.

His heart raced so loud he almost didn’t hear Leo stir on the floor beside the bed.

“...Sangwon?” Leo’s voice was still hoarse with sleep.

He blinked up, stretching slightly — until his eyes landed on the stain. He sat up instantly, alarm flashing across his face.

“Hey—what happened?!” Sangwon’s throat went dry. He wanted to speak, to explain, but no words came.

Leo rushed to his side, eyes scanning him for cuts. “Did you get hurt? You’re bleeding—”

He reached for Sangwon’s arm gently, trying to check, but stopped when he noticed where the stain came from — the pajama, darkened near Sangwon’s thighs.

His brows furrowed, confusion and concern crossing his face. “Sangwon… what’s happening?”

Sangwon looked away, tears blurring his vision. He could feel his heart hammering against his ribs, shame pressing heavy in his chest.

“I—” His voice broke. “I didn’t mean to— I forgot it was today—” Leo blinked, trying to understand.

“What do you mean?” And then, with a trembling breath, Sangwon knew there was no other way but to tell him.

“I’m… not like you think,” he said, voice barely above a whisper. “I’m— I’m a trans man, Leo.”

Leo didn’t move. His eyes softened, but he stayed quiet, listening.

Sangwon swallowed hard, forcing himself to continue. “I was born… female. I have—” His voice cracked, tears threatening to fall.

“I have a body that doesn’t match who I am. And sometimes, that means… this still happens.” He gestured weakly toward the bloodstained sheet. “I didn’t want you to find out like this. I was scared,” he said, his words tumbling out now.

“People— they usually don’t understand. Some think it’s disgusting, or weird. I didn’t want you to look at me that way. I just… wanted to be normal around you.”

For a long moment, the only sound was the slow ticking of the old wall clock and the faint drip of water outside. Then Leo let out a slow breath. He looked at Sangwon — really looked — not with confusion, not with judgment, but with something quieter. Something gentler.

“Sangwon,” he said softly, “you don’t have to apologize for who you are.” Sangwon blinked, his lip trembling.

“You’re… not angry or disgusted?” Leo shook his head.

“Why would I be angry? You trusted me enough to tell me. That means something.” He sat down on the edge of the bed, keeping a respectful distance. “I don’t understand everything,” he admitted honestly.

“But I know what it means to hide something about yourself because you’re scared people won’t accept you. That’s not your fault.” Sangwon’s chest ached — not from pain, but from relief so deep it almost hurt.

Leo continued, voice steady but quiet. “You’re still you, Sangwon. You still laugh the same, talk the same, help others the same way. You being a trans man doesn’t change that.” Tears slipped down Sangwon’s cheeks before he could stop them. He covered his face, shoulders shaking.

Leo reached out gently, hesitated for a second, then placed a hand on his back — careful, warm. “Hey,” Leo murmured, “breathe. It’s okay.” Sangwon nodded weakly, wiping his tears with the back of his hand.

“I’m sorry about the bed. I didn’t mean to ruin it.” Leo smiled faintly. “That’s what you’re worried about?” Sangwon glanced up, confused.

“It’s just a bedsheet, Sangwon. It can be washed. You—” Leo paused, his voice softening even more.

“You matter more than that.” Sangwon let out a shaky laugh, half embarrassed, half overwhelmed. Leo stood up, trying to lighten the air.

“Alright. Let’s clean this up, yeah? And maybe get you something warm to drink. You look pale.”

Sangwon nodded, his heart still pounding — but the fear that had weighed heavy in his chest had begun to ease.

As Leo left to get fresh sheets, Sangwon stared at his hands. For the first time, he didn’t feel like he was hiding anymore. He exhaled deeply, his lips curving into a faint, quiet smile. Leo understood.

Maybe not everything, but enough. And that — that was more than he had ever hoped for. ___ The rain had softened into a faint drizzle, the house felt quieter now — the kind of stillness that came only in the early hours after a storm.

While Sangwon was still inside taking a bath, Leo slipped on his slippers and headed toward the small store across the muddy path.

The air was cool, and puddles shimmered faintly under the pale morning light. He pushed open the wooden door of the small store, greeted by the smell of coffee and bread.

The woman behind the counter, a friendly middle-aged lady with a towel over her shoulder, smiled when she saw him. “Oh, Leo! You’re up early,” she said warmly.

“What do you need?” Leo rubbed the back of his neck.

“Uh… sanitary pads, please.” The woman blinked, surprised for a moment, then let out a small laugh.

“For your mother? I thought she was already past that!” Leo’s cheeks reddened slightly.

“No, ma’am. It’s for a friend. Someone’s staying at our house.”

The woman chuckled, not unkindly. “Ah, I see. You’re a good boy for helping your friend. Wait here, I’ll get you one.” Leo smiled politely, used to this kind of teasing.

People in their town were like that — open, teasing, but still kind. He paid for the item and thanked her before heading home, his slippers splashing lightly against the puddles.

When he returned, the air inside the house smelled faintly of soap and mint. Sangwon had just stepped out of the bathroom, hair still damp and sticking to his forehead, wearing Leo’s jacket from the night before.

His cheeks were flushed, perhaps from the warm water or the lingering embarrassment. Leo held up the small paper bag.

“Here.” Sangwon froze for a second, eyes wide.

“You bought this for me?” Leo nodded, setting it gently on the small table. “Yeah.”

Sangwon’s voice softened. “How did you even know what to buy?”

Leo shrugged. “I have a mother and a sister. I know what these are for.” The simplicity of his tone made Sangwon’s heart feel strangely full. He looked away, his lips curling into a shy, almost trembling smile.

“Thank you, Leo.”

“You’re welcome,” Leo said simply, his voice warm but calm.

A few minutes later, when Sangwon had finished preparing himself, Leo called out from the next room,

“Come to the living room. Breakfast’s ready.” Sangwon followed the faint aroma drifting through the house — something earthy, comforting, and a little sweet.

The wooden floor creaked softly under his feet as he entered the small dining area. The table was already set: two plates, a kettle still steaming, and two cups of hot tea.

“My mom went to the market,” Leo explained, pouring tea into Sangwon’s cup.

“So I thought I’d make something simple. These mint leaves are from my dad’s old garden. He used to grow them himself. They help with the pain.” Sangwon watched him carefully, something tender building in his chest.

Leo’s movements were steady, quiet — every action deliberate, unhurried.

“You didn’t have to do all this,” Sangwon said softly. Leo met his eyes for a brief moment.

“Yeah, but I want to" The words made Sangwon pause. He glanced down at the cup, watching the faint steam rise.

“Still,” he murmured, a small smile forming, “thank you.” Leo leaned back slightly, arms crossed with a teasing glint in his eyes.

“Drink your tea before it gets cold.” Sangwon laughed quietly and obeyed.

The warm mint spread through his chest, easing the dull ache in his stomach. The sound of the rain outside had faded completely, leaving only the occasional chirp of birds and the soft clink of cups against saucers.

It wasn’t a grand morning, not something that would be remembered by anyone else — but for Sangwon, it was peace. He didn’t say it out loud, but he knew. Something between them had quietly changed.

Chapter Text

By the time the sun had fully risen, the air around the small house smelled faintly of mint tea and fried rice. Leo and Sangwon had eaten quietly, laughter occasionally breaking the silence when one of them said something awkward or clumsy.

When they finished, Leo stood up first, brushing the crumbs off his hands. “Come on,” he said. “I’ll take you home. You shouldn’t walk with your stomach still aching.”

Sangwon blinked, startled. “You’ll take me? How?”

Leo grinned, washing his hands in the water basin. “Junmin’s motor he's in next door. I’ll borrow it for a while.”

He left for a few minutes and came back holding a helmet, his hair a little messy from the wind. “He said I can use it, but I owe him pancit later.”

Sangwon chuckled softly, standing by the door. “You two are really close, huh?”

“Yeah,” Leo said as he fastened the strap on the helmet. “We grew up together here. He’s probably the reason I know everyone’s gossip.”

Outside, the morning was golden, the kind of light that softened the whole street. The air smelled like laundry detergent and the faint smoke of someone cooking breakfast.

Leo swung one leg over the motorcycle, then looked over his shoulder. “Come on. Sit behind me.”

Sangwon hesitated for a moment before climbing on. The seat was a little higher than he expected, and Leo noticed him wobble. Without saying anything, Leo reached back, gently taking Sangwon’s wrists and guiding them around his own waist.

“Hold on tight,” he said, his tone casual but low.

Sangwon froze for half a second, feeling the warmth of Leo’s shirt under his palms. “Y-yeah,” he muttered, face flushing a light pink.

As the motor started, the hum filled the quiet street. The wind blew against their faces, and Sangwon could feel the scent of mint leaves still clinging to Leo’s clothes. It was oddly comforting—peaceful, even.

They reached Sangwon’s house in less than fifteen minutes. Leo parked neatly in front of the gate, switching the engine off.

“Here we are,” he said, turning slightly to help Sangwon get down. He offered a hand, steady and gentle, until Sangwon’s feet touched the ground.

“Thanks,” Sangwon said, brushing his hair aside, cheeks still tinted.

Leo smirked a little. “Take care, Madam Baby.”

Sangwon blinked, half confused, half amused. “Madam Baby? What kind of nickname is that?”

Leo shrugged, his grin widening. “Because you complain a lot like an old lady but still look like a baby. It fits you.”

Sangwon laughed softly, shaking his head. “You’re ridiculous.”

“Maybe,” Leo said. “But at least you’re smiling now.”

A short silence passed before Sangwon fumbled with his phone. “Uh—Leo?”

“Hm?”

“Can I… maybe have your number?”

Leo raised an eyebrow, a teasing smirk forming. “Why? You planning to bother me every morning?”

“No!” Sangwon said quickly, flustered. “Just—so I can ask for mint tea, if my cramps come back or something.”

Leo laughed under his breath but took his keypad phone anyway, typing his number in. “Here. Save it before I change my mind.”

Sangwon smiled shyly, tucking the phone in his pocket. “Thank you… for everything. For today.”

Before Leo could respond, Sangwon suddenly stepped forward and wrapped his arms around him—briefly, softly.

Leo froze, then relaxed, smiling faintly. “You’re welcome,” he said quietly.

When Sangwon finally let go and disappeared behind the gate, Leo stood there for a moment, rubbing the back of his neck. There was something warm in his chest he couldn’t quite name.

He rode back to Junmin’s place, parking the motor by the fence. Junmin was sitting on a wooden chair outside, smirking as soon as he saw him.

“So?” Junmin started, crossing his arms. “That boy you were with earlier—is he your boyfriend?”

Leo scoffed, shaking his head as he removed the helmet. “No. He’s just… a friend.”

“Sure,” Junmin said with a grin. “You looked pretty happy for someone who’s ‘just friends.’”

Leo didn’t reply right away—just smiled, faintly, almost to himself.

“Yeah,” he said softly after a while. “Maybe I was.”

---

After a long warm bath and a quiet dinner with his mother, Sangwon lay on his bed scrolling through his phone. He wasn’t expecting any messages, so when the notification sound popped up, his heart jumped a little.

Leo:

Are you still awake?

Sangwon smiled faintly before typing back.

Sangwon:

Yeah. Why?

A few seconds passed before Leo replied.

Leo:

Just wondering… are you still planning to go to the field tomorrow? You’re still on your period, right?

Sangwon bit his lip, smiling a little at how direct Leo was. He typed slowly.

Sangwon:

Yeah, I’ll go. Don’t worry, I won’t do anything heavy. I just… don’t want to stay home doing nothing.

Leo taking a minute to replied as he's only using a keypad cellphone.

Leo:

You’re really stubborn, huh?

Sangwon:

You’re the one who told me not to stay gloomy.

Leo sent a smiling face emoticon — and that made Sangwon’s chest flutter a little.

Leo:

Fine. I’ll see you tomorrow then.

Sangwon:

Good night, Leo.

Leo:

Good night, Madam Baby.

Sangwon laughed softly, tossing his phone beside his pillow. His cheeks hurt from smiling too much, but he didn’t care. It was the first time in a long while he actually looked forward to morning.

The next morning, sunlight streamed gently through the thin curtains of Sangwon’s room. The air still smelled faintly of rain — cool, fresh, and soft against his skin.

He stood in front of the small mirror beside his bed, checking his outfit for the day. He wanted to look casual, but something inside him—something he didn’t quite want to name—made him pay a little more attention than usual.

He ended up wearing a white crop top with a cartoon print on the front, layered over green striped sleeves that hugged his arms. The shirt rode up slightly when he moved, showing a bit of skin above his belt. His olive cargo pants were loose but comfortable, cinched perfectly with a white studded belt, and his chunky white sneakers gave a playful edge that made the whole look feel balanced.

His hair, a little messy but styled intentionally, framed his face with loose strands. It was the kind of look that said he didn’t try too hard, yet somehow, it worked perfectly.

He took one last look at himself in the mirror, a quiet smile tugging at his lips. “Okay,” he murmured. “Let’s do this.”

---

By the time he arrived at the farm, the sun had just begun to climb high enough to warm the wet soil. The workers were already busy, but they’d gotten used to Sangwon showing up by now. They just waved or nodded, no longer curious — as if he had always been part of their rhythm.

Leo was waiting by the gate, leaning casually against a post, one hand in his pocket. His motorbike, the same one he’d borrowed from Junmin, was parked nearby.

When Sangwon spotted him, Leo grinned and lifted a small paper bag. “You’re early,” he said. “I brought breakfast and some sweets, nanay made them.”

Sangwon’s eyes softened. “You didn’t have to.”

Leo shrugged. “I wanted to.”

He also carried a small flask, and when he handed it over, the faint scent of mint drifted through the air. “Mint tea,” Leo said. “In case your cramps still hurt.”

Sangwon smiled, his chest tightening a little. “You remembered.”

“Of course,” Leo replied simply.

Before they could say anything more, a familiar voice called from behind. “Hyung!”

It was Yunseo, running toward them with Chingyu and Sanghyeon following close behind, all three looking bright and cheerful as usual.

“Hey,” Sangwon greeted, smiling. “You’re all early.”

“We heard you were coming today,” Yunseo said, grinning. “We wanted to hang out—if that’s okay?”

Leo glanced at them, half-teasing but protective all the same. “You can,” he said, “as long as you don’t bother him or start doing anything stupid.”

“Of course not!” Chingyu said, pretending to be offended.

Sanghyeon laughed. “We’ll behave, promise.”

Leo only nodded, though his eyes lingered on Sangwon for a moment longer than necessary. He didn’t say it aloud, but in his mind, he was already making sure Sangwon wouldn’t lift anything heavy, wouldn’t overwork himself — not while he was still on his period.

Sangwon, unaware of his silent concern, just took a sip of the mint tea and smiled quietly to himself. The warmth of the drink spread through his chest, calm and steady.

Today felt different — lighter somehow, easier.

And though he didn’t fully understand why yet, he knew it had something to do with Leo.

. After breakfast, everyone had fallen into an easy rhythm — the soft rustle of leaves, laughter from the workers in the distance, and the steady hum of crickets hidden in the grass.

Yunseo and the others were restless.

“Hyung!” Yunseo called out, waving from the nearby path. “Come with us to the river!”

Sangwon looked up from where he sat under a tree, startled. “The river?”

“Yeah!” Chingyu grinned, holding up a small fishing net made from bamboo and string. “We’re going to catch some fish — maybe frog eggs too!”

Sangwon blinked, half laughing. “Frog eggs?”

“They’re fun to find!” Sanghyeon chimed in, already bouncing in excitement. “You’ll see, hyung. It’s like a little adventure.”

Leo, who had been a few feet away arranging tools, glanced over at the group. His brows rose slightly. “You sure you’re up for that?”

Sangwon smiled, the edges of his crop top fluttering in the breeze. “Yeah. I’ve never done it before, actually. I want to try.”

That answer alone made the younger boys cheer. They each grabbed a small net or pail and began leading the way, chattering among themselves as Sangwon followed behind, laughing quietly at their energy.

The path to the river curved through patches of tall grass and wildflowers, the air warm but not too heavy. When they reached the shallow riverbank, sunlight glittered off the water’s surface, and the faint croaks of frogs echoed through the reeds.

Yunseo stepped into the shallows first, the water splashing softly around his ankles. “Here, hyung,” he said, handing Sangwon one of the spare nets. “You just wait and move slow, like this.” He demonstrated, dipping the net gently into the current.

Sangwon crouched carefully, his cargo pants rolled up to his knees. “Like this?” he asked, mimicking the movement.

“Perfect!” Chingyu said, giving him a thumbs-up.

The water was cold against his skin, but the feeling made him laugh — light and genuine, the kind of laugh that made Leo, watching from the bank, smile unconsciously.

“Be careful, hyung!” Sanghyeon warned, his voice full of mock seriousness. “Don’t get wet! Leo-hyung will scold us if you do.”

Sangwon chuckled, looking over his shoulder at Leo. “Will he?”

Leo crossed his arms, pretending not to hear, though a faint smirk tugged at his lips. “They’re right. I’ll scold them, not you.”

The group burst into laughter, and the air felt light again.

Soon enough, the boys started cheering every time someone caught a small fish. Sangwon’s eyes widened when he managed to scoop one himself — a tiny silver thing that wriggled before slipping back into the water.

“I did it!” he said, surprised, grinning brightly.

Yunseo clapped, nearly dropping his own net. “Hyung’s a natural!”

Leo shook his head, half amused, watching as Sangwon crouched again with careful focus. There was something in the way he moved — gentle, curious, full of life — that made Leo’s chest ache in a quiet way.

He wasn’t sure if it was protectiveness or something deeper, but either way, he didn’t look away.

The kids continued to dart around the river, scooping water, laughing every few seconds. Sangwon joined in completely — no hesitation, no worry, just the joy of the moment. His sleeves were damp, his hair loose from the humidity, and his smile — bright and open — seemed to reflect the sunlight itself.

And for Leo, standing there with the river breeze brushing his skin, it felt like one of those rare, unplanned mornings that you never want to end.

The laughter of the boys echoed across the shallow river as they crouched over the water, their nets dipping and splashing in rhythm. After a while, they decided to keep the few tiny fishes they caught — glimmering, restless things that darted in circles inside a small glass jar they’d brought.

“They’re so cute!” Yunseo said, eyes sparkling. “We should keep them as pets!”

Sangwon knelt beside them, brushing damp hair from his forehead. “Pets?” he repeated with a small laugh. “Can they even survive like that?”

“Of course!” Chingyu answered quickly, though the uncertainty in his voice made the others snicker. “We’ll feed them crumbs! Right, hyung?”

Sangwon only smiled, looking at the tiny creatures swimming anxiously in the glass. “Alright then. But we have to take care of them properly.”

He was about to stand when it happened — a simple shift of balance, too sudden, too careless. His foot slipped on the smooth river stones, and the world tilted just enough for his body to lose steadiness.

“Oh—!” Sangwon gasped, the jar wobbling dangerously in his hands.

Before he could fall, a firm hand caught his arm — steady, sure, warm. The movement was quick but somehow stretched in time, like the world itself slowed down to watch. The sunlight glinted against the water, droplets scattering midair as Leo pulled him back toward balance.

For a moment, Sangwon’s breath hitched. They were too close — Leo’s hand still on his arm, his gaze sharp and worried, the scent of earth and mint clinging faintly to him.

“Be careful,” Leo said, his voice low but firm. It wasn’t scolding — more like something gentle wearing the shape of concern.

“I— yeah,” Sangwon managed to reply, blinking rapidly, cheeks warm. “I’m okay. Thanks to you.”

He tried to laugh it off, but the sound came out softer than he meant it to. Leo’s fingers lingered for a second longer before he let go, his expression unreadable.

“Seriously, hyung!” Sanghyeon shouted from behind them, half-exasperated, half-teasing. “We almost had a heart attack! You scared us!”

“Yeah, don’t move too fast!” Yunseo added, clutching the glass jar protectively. “What if you fell and crushed the fish!”

The kids’ voices broke the tension like sunlight breaking through clouds, and Sangwon chuckled, brushing imaginary dust from his pants. “I’m fine,” he said quickly, flashing them a grin. “Thanks to your Leo-hyung here.”

The way he said it — playful, teasing — made the boys’ eyes go wide before they burst into a chorus of “Eyyyyy!” and laughter.

“Hyung, you’re blushing!” Chingyu sing-songed, waving his net like a flag. “Are you sure you’re okay, or just shy?”

Leo groaned under his breath. “You guys…” He turned slightly away, but not before Sangwon caught the faint, reluctant smile tugging at his lips.

To hide his own embarrassment, Sangwon clapped his hands lightly. “Alright, alright. Enough teasing.” His voice softened. “Let’s take the fishes home. I have an aquarium at my place — we can put them there.”

Leo raised an eyebrow. “You sure they’ll live? These are river fish. They might not like… tap water.”

“They’ll live,” Sangwon insisted stubbornly, gathering his bag and standing straight again. “I’ll make sure they do.”

Yunseo looked between them, grinning. “Then it’s decided! We’re going to Sangwon-hyung’s house!”

The boys cheered, already grabbing their things, chattering excitedly about naming the fishes and decorating their new “tank.” Leo stayed still for a moment, watching Sangwon — the way his crop top fluttered lightly in the wind, the sunlight painting his skin in soft gold.

He didn’t say anything, but something in his chest tightened — a quiet warmth, a kind of affection he didn’t yet know what to do with.

Sangwon glanced back and caught him looking. “What?” he asked, smiling faintly.

Leo shook his head, adjusting his cap to hide the way his mouth curved. “Nothing. Let’s go, before your new pets run out of air.”

And just like that, the group began walking back through the fields, the jar of fish glinting in the sun.

Chapter Text

The afternoon sun hung lazily above the fields, painting everything in shades of soft gold and green. The sound of cicadas hummed in the distance as Sangwon, Leo, and the children walked along the path leading to sangwon home. The kids walked ahead, laughing and swinging the glass jar of tiny fishes between them, sunlight catching on the water.

“Careful,” Sangwon called out, though his voice was gentle, almost amused.

“You don’t want your new pets to fall.”

“They’re strong, hyung!” Yunseo replied proudly, holding the jar higher. “Just like me.”

Sangwon laughed softly. “We’ll see about that.”

Leo walked beside him, a few steps slower, his eyes lingered on Sangwon — the way his hair caught the light, the way his shoulders relaxed when he laughed with the kids. It was strange, how natural he looked there, smiling as though the world had slowed down just for this moment.

“You’re good with them,” Leo said suddenly.

Sangwon turned to him, surprised. “With the kids?”

Leo nodded. “Yeah. You have this… calmness around you. Like they trust you.”

Sangwon smiled faintly. “I think they just like the idea of being listened to.”

“Then that’s exactly why,” Leo said quietly, almost as if to himself.

When they reached Sangwon’s home, Leo slowed down without meaning to.

The tall, black iron gates opened into a long, paved driveway lined with trimmed santan and bougainvillea bushes. At the end stood a grand mansion — pale beige walls, wide windows framed with white curtains, and a marble staircase that gleamed under the afternoon light. The air smelled faintly of guava and jasmine drifting from the garden.

The children ran ahead, laughter echoing through the wide open space as they disappeared into the house.

Sangwon said lightly, though there was a softness in his voice. “Come in.”

Inside, the mansion was warm and bright — sunlight spilling across marble floors, paintings along the hallway, and the distant sound of water trickling from a fountain outside. The scent of fresh linen and citrus polish filled the air, mixed with the faint sweetness of something baking in the kitchen.

The children went straight for the living area, their excitement spilling over. “Hyung, where’s the aquarium?” Yunseo asked, already looking around.

“By the glass wall near the veranda,” Sangwon said, slipping off his shoes. “Careful not to spill anything, okay?”

They hurried off, and Leo followed slower, still taking everything in. The grand chandelier above glimmered softly, and the curtains moved gently in the breeze.

Fishes into the aquarium, Sangwon knelt beside them, guiding them with patient hands. Leo leaned against the doorway, watching quietly — the soft curve of Sangwon’s smile, the sunlight catching in his hair. For a second, the world around him seemed to pause.

“Hyung!” Sanghyeon called out. “Can we eat now? I’m hungry!”

Sangwon blinked and laughed. “Alright, alright. I’ll make something for us.”

“You cook?” Leo asked, raising a brow.

“Not really,” Sangwon admitted with a grin. “But I can learn.”

He disappeared into the kitchen — a wide, open space gleaming with stainless steel counters and big windows that looked out into the garden. Manang Liza, the old housekeeper, was there slicing vegetables when Sangwon appeared, sleeves rolled up, looking more eager than prepared.

“Banana cue, Manang,” Sangwon said with a grin. “Please teach me how to make it.”

She laughed softly. “Oh, so you’re in the mood to learn today, huh? Alright, but don’t burn yourself, sir.”

“I’ll try not to,” Sangwon said playfully.

Before long, the kitchen filled with the scent of caramelized sugar and the warm crackle of oil. Sangwon leaned close, carefully dipping the bananas in sugar, turning them with focus and delight.

Leo stepped into the kitchen just in time to see him flinch as a drop of oil splattered onto his wrist.

“Ouch—!”

“Hey, careful,” Leo said quickly, crossing the distance before Sangwon could move. He took Sangwon’s wrist gently, inspecting the small red mark. “You shouldn’t be this close to the pan.”

“It’s fine,” Sangwon said, his tone soft. “Just a tiny burn.”

Leo looked up at him, brow furrowed. “You always say that.” His voice was teasing, but his thumb brushed lightly over Sangwon’s skin — careful, almost tender.

For a moment, they just looked at each other — the sound of sizzling sugar fading into the background. The space between them grew smaller, the air thick with something unspoken.

Then—

“Hyung!” Yunseo’s voice rang out from the hallway. “Are you two flirting again?”

Sangwon nearly jumped, stepping back as Leo’s lips twitched in amusement. At the kitchen doorway, the three kids stood grinning like they’d caught a secret.

Sanghyeon snickered. “You were holding hands!”

Leo exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “You three better set the table before I make you clean the kitchen.”

“But Leo-hyung, you looked like in a movie!” Chingyu laughed. “Slow motion just like when Athena saw Kenjie”

“Out,” Sangwon said, cheeks burning. “Go, all of you.”

The children dashed away, still giggling. Leo watched them leave before turning back to Sangwon, a small smile tugging at his lips. “You’re not denying it.”

Sangwon shot him a glare that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “You’re not helping.”

“Maybe I don’t want to,” Leo said, voice low.

Sangwon’s lips curved despite himself. He turned back to the pan, pretending to focus on the caramel-coated bananas, while Leo moved closer to help fried them, their shoulders brushing every so often. The air felt warm, sweet, alive — like something was quietly blooming between them.

When they finished, they carried the plate out to the veranda together. The table was set beneath a wide archway overlooking the gardens, the afternoon light soft and golden. The kids cheered when they saw the food, rushing forward with plates in hand.

Sangwon smiled as he placed the skewers on the table. “See? I told you I could learn.”

Leo sat across from him, eyes glinting with amusement. “You did. And you didn’t even burn the house down.”

The kids laughed, and Sangwon rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile. But when Leo looked at him again — really looked — there was a softness there, something that made Sangwon’s heart skip in quiet recognition.

For a brief moment, surrounded by laughter, the warm scent of banana cue, and the golden light falling through the veranda, it felt like time itself had stopped — leaving only the quiet pulse of something new, and the way Leo’s gaze lingered a little too long on him.

---

Sangwon chuckled as he set the plate down on the glass table. “Eat first before you explore. You’ll get lost if you go wandering.”

The boys sat cross-legged on the rattan chairs, biting eagerly into the caramel-coated bananas. Their laughter echoed softly against the high ceilings and the gentle sound of wind chimes.

Leo watched from his seat, half-smiling. He’d never been inside a house like this before — the kind where every hallway looked like a painting, and even the air felt heavier with old money. Yet somehow, with Sangwon sitting there barefoot and relaxed, it didn’t feel intimidating. It just felt… warm.

Sangwon leaned his chin on his palm, watching the kids devour the food. “It’s not bad for my first try, right?”

Leo grinned. “You almost burned the kitchen, but yeah — not bad.”

Sangwon rolled his eyes, laughing softly. “You’re never going to let that go, are you?”

“Probably not,” Leo said, his voice low and teasing. “You make it too easy.”

The kids giggled at the banter, glancing between the two with mischievous smiles. But soon, their laughter faded as the Velarde family driver arrived to fetch them.

“Time to go home,” Sangwon said gently, brushing Yunseo’s hair back. “We’ll play again next week, okay?”

The children nodded, hugging him tightly before running to the car. Their voices trailed off as the vehicle rolled down the long driveway, leaving the veranda quiet except for the rustle of leaves.

Sangwon stood there for a moment, staring at the fading dust on the road. The stillness after the laughter made everything around them sharper — the chirping of crickets, the low hum of the fountain, the afternoon light softening at the edges.

Leo leaned against the balustrade, arms crossed, just watching him. “You really care about them,” he said quietly.

Sangwon turned, smiling faintly. “They remind me of what it’s like to be… free to just play and have fun .”

There was a long pause. The golden light reflected off the marble floor, catching in Sangwon’s hair. Leo followed the way it glowed against his skin, then quickly looked away.

“You know,” Sangwon said softly, “when I decided to stay here in the countryside for a while, I thought I’d hate it. But it’s strange… I’ve never felt this at peace in the city.”

Leo’s lips curved into a quiet smile. “Maybe peace was all you ever needed.”

Sangwon looked at him, something unspoken flickering in his eyes — gratitude, curiosity, something that hovered just between friendship and something deeper.

“Maybe,” he murmured.

For a while, neither of them said anything. The world seemed to slow down — just the two of them, the soft scent of sugar in the air, and the hum of the countryside wrapping around them like a secret.

Then Sangwon chuckled softly, breaking the stillness. “You’re quiet today.”

Leo shrugged. “Just… thinking.”

“About what?”

Leo looked up, meeting his eyes. “About how easy it feels to be here. With you.”

Sangwon froze for a second, caught off guard by the honesty in his tone. He didn’t answer right away — just smiled, that quiet, almost wistful smile that didn’t need words.

“Then stay a little longer,” he said simply.

Leo’s heart stumbled in his chest.

And as the sun dipped lower, painting the mansion in gold, they sat there side by side — just two people learning to exist in the same calm rhythm, each one silently hoping the afternoon would never end.

Chapter Text

The following week, Sangwon was back in the city. The air smelled different here—no trace of soil or cornfields, only the faint scent of perfume and coffee that lingered inside the university halls.

His life shifted back to its usual rhythm: lectures, group reports, psychology readings. But despite the noise of his classmates and the busy footsteps echoing down the polished corridor, his thoughts kept drifting elsewhere.

To Leo.

Sangwon sat near the window of his lecture room, his phone resting on his lap as he absentmindedly refreshed his messages. The screen stayed blank. He sighed softly, tapping it once more before sliding it into his pocket.

“Hey,” Anxin nudged him from the side, whispering as their professor scribbled notes on the board. “You’ve been staring at your phone since we started. Who are you waiting for, hmm?”

Liyu, seated behind them, leaned forward with a teasing grin. “Is it that worker guy from your province you told us about? the one from the cornfield?” Sangwon’s ears turned pink immediately.

“He’s not just—he’s not just a worker,” he said, trying to sound calm, but the warmth on his face betrayed him. “His name’s Leo.”

Both of his friends gasped dramatically. “Oh my god,” Anxin squealed under his breath, hitting Liyu’s arm. “You like him!” Sangwon pressed his lips together, his expression caught between laughter and embarrassment.

“I don’t know if it’s like that,” he murmured, eyes dropping to his notebook. “It’s just… whenever I think of him, I feel calm. You know? Like I could stay there and forget time.”

Liyu smirked. “That’s how it starts.” The three of them tried to suppress their laughter as the professor glanced their way.

But when they quieted down, Sangwon’s smile softened—his gaze drifting again toward the window.

Flashback

That afternoon before he left the province, the sky was warm and tinted gold. The kids were playing near the gate while Leo helped Manang Liza pack the sacks of corn into the truck.

Sangwon stood beside the car, luggage already loaded, his heart heavier than expected. “You’re leaving already?” one of the kids asked, frowning as they hugged his leg. “I’ll be back,” Sangwon promised, patting their heads.

“You three better take care of the fishes, okay?” The children nodded, though their faces looked unsure.

Leo wiped his hands with a towel, walking over to him. “You really have to go now?” he asked quietly, avoiding his eyes. Sangwon nodded, forcing a small smile. “Classes start tomorrow.”

There was a moment of silence—awkward, gentle, almost fragile. The hum of the engine filled the space between them.

“You’ll message, right?” Leo finally said, looking down at the gravel under his feet. “I will,”

Sangwon replied quickly. “I promise.”

Then, in a voice barely above a whisper, he added, “You take care, okay? you’re still pretty clumsy” Sangwon just smiled—soft, small, the kind of smile that said more than words could.

“You too, Leo.” As the car door closed and the engine started, Sangwon kept looking back through the window.

The image of Leo—standing there with the sunset casting gold on his face—stayed with him long after the road curved out of sight.

Back in the present, Anxin leaned close again, whispering, “So, what are you gonna do about it?” Sangwon blinked. “About what?”

“About the feelings, dummy.” He chuckled softly, staring at the faint reflection of himself in the window.

“I don’t know yet,” he admitted. “Maybe I’ll just… wait for his message.”

But even as he said it, he couldn’t stop the small, hopeful smile tugging at his lips. 

---

After class, the corridors of the university buzzed with chatter and laughter. The afternoon sunlight spilled across the courtyard, and students in crisp uniforms clustered in small groups, talking about exams, crushes, or the latest café near campus.

Sangwon walked alongside Anxin and Liyu, who were still teasing him about “Leo the guy from the province.”

“So what’s he like again?” Anxin asked, looping her arm around his. “Tall, tanned, hardworking, and smells like—what did you say? Sugar and soil?”

Sangwon laughed. “I didn’t say that! You’re making things up.”

“You did,” Liyu insisted, grinning as they crossed the street. “And you said he’s quiet but caring. That’s so your type, Sangwon.”

Sangwon groaned, covering his face with his hand. “You two are impossible.”

They entered a small street lined with boutiques and fruit stalls. Anxin stopped at one window, his eyes widening at a row of pastel shirts. “Let’s go inside! We need new clothes for Friday’s event.”

“I have class that day,” Sangwon said, but they were already dragging him in.

Inside, the three moved through racks of summer clothes, trying on accessories and commenting on each other’s choices. Liyu picked out a bucket hat and placed it on Sangwon’s head. “This suits you,” she said, smiling.

Sangwon looked at himself in the mirror and shook his head, laughing softly. “I’ll pass. But Leo might like this one,” Liyu teased, pointing to a plain white shirt that looked oddly similar to what Leo usually wore back in the fields.

Sangwon hesitated before picking it up. “Maybe,” he said, and something in his tone softened—a trace of longing hidden under the playful words.

Anxin noticed. “You’re totally gone for him,” he whispered, nudging him. “If he texts you tonight, you’ll smile like an idiot.”

Sangwon rolled his eyes but didn’t argue. Instead, he smiled to himself, tucking the shirt over his arm before heading to the counter.

---

That evening, the city lights flickered outside as Sangwon arrived home—a grande, elegant mansion tucked inside a quiet subdivision. Its wide glass windows reflected the glow of the skyline, and the marble steps gleamed beneath the porch lights. 

Manang Liza’s daughter;Ate Rose, who worked there during the week, greeted him at the door. “You’re home early, Sir Sangwon. Should I prepare dinner?”

Sangwon shook his head. “Not yet, Ate. I’ll just change first.”

He went up to his room, dropped his bag on the floor, and collapsed on the bed. The ceiling fan spun lazily above him. For a moment, everything felt still—until his eyes drifted to his phone again.

No message.

He sighed, rolling onto his side. On his desk sat a glass jar—the same one they used for the little fishes he caught with the kids. It was empty now, cleaned and polished, but he kept it there anyway. A small reminder of that afternoon by the river.

Sangwon smiled faintly. “You’re probably busy, huh?” he whispered, imagining Leo’s voice, his calm way of talking, his hands rough from work but gentle when he saved him from falling.

He got up, opened his window, and looked out into the glowing skyline. The air smelled faintly of rain and smoke, but somehow, in his memory, it still felt like the countryside—like the quiet hum of cicadas and Leo’s laugh echoing across the field.

---

The faint hum of the air conditioner filled the quiet room, the soft morning light barely slipping through the curtains. Sangwon was still half-asleep, his face buried in the pillow when his phone suddenly buzzed beside him.

He groaned, reaching out lazily, eyes half-closed. “Who’s calling this early…”

When he squinted at the screen, his sleepiness vanished almost instantly.

Leooo 

Without thinking, he answered. “Hello?”

“Good morning,” came Leo’s voice, warm and familiar, low with a little static from the poor signal.

Sangwon blinked, sitting up slightly. “Leo?”

Then, faintly, laughter erupted from the other end — high, excited voices he immediately recognized.

“Good morning, hyung!”

“Hyung, did you sleep late again?”

“Hyung, we caught another fish yesterday!”

Sangwon smiled despite still being half-asleep. “Yunseo? Sanghyeon? Chingyu? You’re all there?”

“Yes!” Yunseo answered proudly, the sound of footsteps and someone giggling in the background. “Leo-hyung said we can call you today!”

Sangwon chuckled, rubbing his eyes. “You guys really sound like you’re having fun.”

“We are! But we miss you!” Sanghyeon said, his voice full of energy. “When will you come back?”

“Soon,” Sangwon promised gently. “When school gives me a break.”

They talked a little more — about the fish they caught, about the banana cue they tried to cook by themselves (and burned), and about how the cornfield was starting to bloom again. Their laughter filled the quiet space of Sangwon’s room, and for a moment, it felt like he was there again — barefoot, with sunlight and soil under his hands.

Then he heard Leo’s voice in the background. “Alright, kids, say goodbye to hyung for now.”

“Aww…”

“Okay! Bye, hyung!”

“Don’t forget us!”

“I won’t,” Sangwon said softly. “Be good, alright?”

The line went quiet for a few seconds. Then Leo spoke again, his tone quieter now — almost careful.

“Sorry,” he said. “I wasn’t able to text yesterday.”

Sangwon leaned back on the headboard, the corners of his lips curving faintly. “It’s fine. I thought maybe you were busy.”

“I was,” Leo admitted. “But mostly because there was no electricity here all day. No charging, no signal, nothing. I wanted to send even just a message, but…”

His voice trailed off, like he didn’t want to sound like he was making excuses.

Sangwon’s heart softened. “You don’t have to explain that much.”

Leo sighed, and there was the faint sound of him moving — maybe sitting under the same tree he always sat by after work. “It’s just… I said I’d text you every day. Even if I had nothing to say. I guess I broke that promise on the second day.”

Sangwon smiled, shaking his head. “You didn’t break anything. You called, didn’t you? That’s more than enough.”

There was a small silence — not awkward, but warm, like both of them were simply listening to the sound of each other breathing.

Then Leo chuckled softly. “You still sound sleepy.”

“I was,” Sangwon said honestly. “Until you and your little gang woke me up.”

“Then I’ll let you sleep again,” Leo replied, his tone gentle, but there was a small smile in his voice.

Sangwon didn’t want to hang up just yet. “Wait, Leo.”

“Yeah?”

“...Thank you,” he said quietly. “For calling. It’s really nice hearing from you.”

There was a pause — then Leo answered, just as softly.

“Always.”

The line ended with a faint click, and Sangwon sat there for a moment, staring at his phone. The sunlight had grown a little brighter now, slipping across his sheets. He couldn’t help but smile, his heart strangely full for a morning that had only just begun.

He placed the phone down, leaned back, and whispered to himself —

“Always, huh?”

Chapter Text

Three weeks passed.

Texting had become their small routine — short, simple messages, sometimes late at night, sometimes early in the morning.

“Good morning.”

“Did you eat?”

“Don’t tire yourself too much.”

It wasn’t much, but it was theirs.

Until the messages stopped coming yesterday.

No “good night,” no “how are you.” Not even a missed call. Sangwon told himself maybe Leo was just busy, maybe something happened at the field again. But the silence still lingered in his chest, a small ache he couldn’t quite name.

“Finally, freedom!” Liyu stretched his arms, yawning as they exited the lecture hall. “I can’t believe Professor Lee made us write another essay!”

“Let’s just eat somewhere nice,” Anxin said, looping his arm through Sangwon’s. “I’m craving iced coffee and something cold.”

Sangwon smiled faintly. “Sure.”

They walked out of the university building, joining the flow of students flooding the sidewalks. The afternoon sun painted everything gold — the stalls, the asphalt, even the glass buildings around them. It was one of those city afternoons that felt too ordinary to hold heartbreak.

Until Sangwon stopped.

His steps froze midair, eyes catching something — or someone — across the street.

Leo.

He was sitting on a small wooden stool by a street food stall, the kind that sold fishballs and kwek-kwek. The tattered umbrella above him fluttered in the wind. He was laughing — or maybe just smiling — as he reached out with a stick of fishballs toward the boy beside him.

Sen.

The sight felt simple, harmless — two people sharing street food on a humid afternoon — but to Sangwon, it hit like a slow, sharp sting.

Leo looked different here. Softer. At ease. His laugh carried faintly over the noise of traffic, blending with the sizzle of the frying pan and the vendor’s shouts. He looked like he belonged — and yet he didn’t, because the Leo Sangwon knew was supposed to be miles away, not sitting there beside someone else.

“Sangwon?” Anxin’s voice broke through, confused. He followed his gaze. “Wait— is that him? The guy you told us about?”

Liyu squinted. “The one from the province? He’s… here?”

Sangwon didn’t answer. His lips parted slightly, but no words came out. His pulse raced so hard he could hear it in his ears.

Across the street, Leo glanced up mid-laugh — maybe by instinct, maybe because he felt someone watching him.

Their eyes met.

And in that instant, the world seemed to stop moving.

The cars kept passing, the city kept buzzing, but for the two of them, everything slowed down — just a stretch of distance between one sidewalk and another, too far to cross, too late to pretend.

Leo blinked, his expression shifting from surprise to hesitation. He opened his mouth slightly, as if to say something — but beside him, Sen tugged on his sleeve, pointing at something the vendor was saying. Leo looked at him, just for a moment.

And that tiny, unthinking moment — that turn of his head — was enough to shatter the fragile quiet holding Sangwon still.

He tore his gaze away first. His chest ached, but his face stayed calm.

“Let’s go,” he said quietly, though his voice trembled at the edges.

“Sangwon—” Anxin began, but he was already walking, fast, almost running.

The pedestrian light turned green. People crossed, chattering, laughing. Leo stood there on the other side, frozen, wanting to move but not knowing how.

By the time he gathered the courage to step off the curb, Sangwon had already turned the corner, disappearing into the crowd.

Leo stood there with the noise of traffic swallowing the air around him, Sen still beside him, confused.

He could still see Sangwon’s expression in his mind — that calm look that wasn’t calm at all, that silence that said everything Leo hadn’t.

__

The sound of the taxi door closing felt louder than it should’ve been.

Inside, the air was still, the hum of traffic muffled behind the glass. Sangwon sat by the window, eyes fixed on the blur of passing buildings. He could still see the street in his head — Leo sitting there, smiling beside someone else, unaware of how much that moment had hurt.

Anxin and Liyu exchanged glances before Anxin spoke gently, “Won… are you okay?”

He didn’t answer. His fingers fidgeted with the hem of his sleeve, his jaw tight, his throat burning from words he couldn’t say.

Liyu sighed softly. “You could’ve just talked to him, you know,” he said carefully. “What if it wasn’t what you think? Maybe that guy’s just a friend. You didn’t even ask.”

Sangwon’s eyes flickered, but he kept his gaze outside, watching the traffic lights change from red to green.

“Yeah,” Anxin added, leaning forward slightly. “You always tell us not to assume things too fast. But you just walked away. Why, Won?”

“I don’t know,” Sangwon murmured, barely audible. His voice cracked a little, his hand curling tighter on his lap. “I just… couldn’t.”

The taxi slowed at an intersection. The late afternoon light spilled across his face — tired eyes, slightly red, but no tears yet.

“I know we’re not… anything,” he said quietly, his voice trembling now. “He doesn’t owe me an explanation. He doesn’t owe me anything.”

“Then why are you acting like he broke your heart?” Liyu said softly, not as a scolding, but as a truth.

Sangwon let out a shaky breath. “Because maybe he did,” he whispered.

For a moment, no one spoke. The sound of the engine filled the silence, steady and cruel.

Anxin reached over and gently placed his hand on his arm. “You’re allowed to feel hurt, Won. But don’t close yourself off like this. Maybe he just didn’t know how to tell you he was coming. Maybe he wanted to surprise you.”

Sangwon shook his head slowly. “Maybe,” he said, his tone flat — not dismissive, just tired. “But seeing him there… it felt like I didn’t exist. Like those weeks we talked meant nothing.”

His words hung in the air, fragile and heavy.

Outside, the city blurred into streaks of orange and blue. The taxi turned another corner, and Sangwon’s reflection flickered faintly on the window — his lips pressed tight, his eyes glistening but dry.

He wanted to cry, but his pride wouldn’t let him.

He wanted to be angry, but he couldn’t even find the strength to hate.

So he just sat there — silent, unmoving — while his heart tried to make sense of a pain that had no name.

The evening settled softly over the city, the streetlights flickering one by one.

Leo walked beside Sen, both of them quiet as they made their way back to the small boarding house they had just moved into that morning. The air smelled faintly of exhaust and fried food, the city’s usual rhythm starting to slow.

Sen glanced at him a few times, noticing the way Leo’s steps had lost their usual steadiness. “Hyung,” he said softly, “are you okay?”

Leo managed a small nod. “Yeah,” he murmured. “Just… tired.”

They turned into the narrow street leading to their building. The sound of tricycles faded behind them.

After a while, Sen spoke again. “The person you saw earlier… that was your friend, right?”

Leo’s hand tightened around the strap of his bag. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “Someone important to me.”

Sen only nodded. He didn’t ask more. He didn’t have to. The silence between them said enough.

When they reached their room, Leo sat down on the edge of the bed, staring at his phone. His thumb hovered over Sangwon’s name — the contact that had become his favorite notification for weeks.

He pressed call.

Once.

Twice.

No answer.

He sighed, pressing the heel of his palm against his chest, trying to ease the weight there. “Please,” he whispered, though no one could hear him, “just pick up.”

But the line stayed empty.

---

At the same time, across the city—

Sangwon laying in his room bed, the lights dimmed to a faint golden hue. His clothes were scattered carelessly on the floor, his pillow damp from tears he thought he had already run out of.

Liyu and Anxin had stayed with him for a while earlier, coaxing him to eat, holding him when his voice broke mid-sentence. But now they were gone — their worried goodbyes fading behind the closing door.

And he was alone.

He lay on his bed, bare and vulnerable, like a fragile newborn stripped of everything that used to protect him. His face was swollen from crying, his lips trembling as he tried to laugh — a hollow, broken sound that filled the silence.

“How ridiculous,” he muttered under his breath, wiping at his eyes only for more tears to fall. “We weren’t even anything.”

He turned onto his side, facing the ceiling as the image replayed again — Leo and that boy, standing together, eating street food like it was the most natural thing in the world. The way Leo smiled, the way he looked comfortable.

He bit his lip hard, trying not to cry again, but the thought burned deeper.

“Maybe they’re really meant for each other,” he whispered bitterly. “That boy… he’s like him. quiet and simple. They would understand each other.”

He laughed softly, self-mockery twisting his voice.

“Not like me.”

He stared at the ceiling, the ache in his chest rising again.

“I’m spoiled. I complain too much. I don’t even know how to blend in. I’m… too much.”

The jealousy wasn’t sharp or cruel — it was soft and heavy, the kind that made him feel small. He didn’t hate the boy; he envied him. He envied the way he fit so easily into Leo’s world.

His world that Sangwon always had to reach for.

He pressed a pillow against his chest, breathing in shallow gasps as more tears spilled. “I’m so stupid,” he murmured. “crying over something that was never mine.”

He laughed again, a sound that came out broken. “I fell too deep, didn’t I?”

The room was quiet except for the faint hum of the aircon and his own shaky breaths.

Then—

Ring.

His phone buzzed on the nightstand.

He turned his head slowly, eyes hazy and red. The name on the screen made his heart stop.

Leooo

He froze. For a few seconds, all he did was stare. The screen glowed faintly in the dark, his name blinking like a heartbeat.

He almost laughed again — a bitter, trembling laugh.

“Now?” he whispered. “After all that?”

The phone kept ringing.

He didn’t move. He let it ring out once. Then again.

By the third call, he couldn’t take it anymore. His fingers shook as he reached out and pressed answer.

The line connected.

For a moment, neither spoke.

All that filled the silence was the faint sound of their breathing — two people who didn’t know where to start.

Chapter Text

Leo had been waiting at the park by the corner, his fingers nervously brushing the rim of his cup. The noise of the city faded the moment he saw someone crossing the street—Sangwon. He almost forgot to breathe.

The sunlight pooled over Sangwon’s figure, softening the cream fabric of his shirt that swayed lightly with each step. The loose black slacks framed his legs just right, his hair slightly tousled by the wind. There was something ethereal about him—like time itself slowed just to let Leo take this in.

Sangwon lifted his gaze, eyes meeting Leo’s, and that familiar twist in Leo’s chest tightened.

“Hey,” Sangwon greeted, his voice calm, almost shy. Leo blinked, realizing he’d been staring.

“You look…” He trailed off, laughing softly, shaking his head as if words failed him. “You look—really good.”

The air between them was heavy but not uncomfortable, like a bridge waiting to be crossed. “Can I—” Leo started, his voice gentler than usual. “Can I hug you?” Sangwon froze, his heart racing despite the composed look he tried to keep.

For a second, he hesitated. Then, with a small nod, he stepped forward. Leo pulled him into a quiet embrace. The city blurred around them—the cars, the chatter, everything—just the warmth between two people who had missed each other more than they could say.

“I missed you,” Leo murmured, his breath brushing Sangwon’s ear before he pulled back just enough to take Sangwon’s hand and press a kiss to his knuckles.

Sangwon’s lips parted, but no words came out. Leo smiled faintly, still holding his hand. “About that day,” he said softly, “I really wanted to explain in person.” And so he did—calmly, with every detail.

He told Sangwon about the busy days gathering documents, the rush to complete his college application, how he’d planned to surprise him after buying food with Sen.

“I wanted to tell you everything in person,” Leo said, eyes never leaving Sangwon’s. “I didn’t want another misunderstanding between us.” Sangwon stayed quiet, eyes down, his expression unreadable. He could feel Leo’s sincerity in every word, the steadiness in his tone, the way his voice didn’t waver.

Slowly, the weight in his chest began to ease. When Leo finally finished, he exhaled softly, searching Sangwon’s face. “Are you… okay now?” he asked, his voice careful but hopeful.

“If you are, maybe I can make it up to you? Let me treat you to lunch. Just the two of us.” Sangwon blinked, surprised by the sudden invitation. Then, for the first time in days, a small, genuine smile curved his lips.

“Alright,” he said quietly. “But on one condition.” Leo tilted his head. “What condition?” Sangwon crossed his arms lightly, his tone teasing but sincere.

“You’re not taking me somewhere expensive. I want to eat in a carinderia—something simple, affordable. You’ve been working hard to save up for school and for your sister. I don’t want to be a burden.” Leo looked at him for a moment, almost touched beyond words.

“You’d really be fine with that?” “Of course,” Sangwon said, shrugging with a soft laugh. “I actually like the idea. I haven’t tried eating in one before.” Leo chuckled, shaking his head gently.

“You’re unbelievable.”

Sangwon raised a brow. “Why?” “Because even when you’re mad at me,” Leo said, smiling faintly, “you still think about my situation before your own.” Sangwon looked away, pretending to fix his sleeves.

“Don’t make it sound like I’m being too kind. I’m just… trying to be practical.” “Still,” Leo said softly, eyes lingering on him, “thank you.” The wind carried the faint scent of fried food from a nearby vendor.

Leo turned toward the street and gestured. “There’s a carinderia just a block away. Their foods are good good, and it won’t hurt my wallet.” Sangwon laughed—quiet, genuine, a sound that made Leo’s chest warm.

“Then let’s go,” Sangwon said, walking ahead just a bit. Leo followed beside him, their steps falling in sync again.

The small carinderia smelled of sautéed garlic and simmering broth. It was half full — a few students, a group of tricycle drivers eating at the far end, and the faint hum of a radio playing an old love song.

Sangwon stood beside Leo at the counter, scanning the trays of food displayed behind the glass. He tilted his head slightly, unsure. “There are so many…” he murmured, eyes flicking from one dish to another — adobo, sinigang, menudo,  caldereta — all rich and steaming under the yellow lights. Leo, who’d been watching him quietly, couldn’t help but chuckle.

“You look like a lost puppy,” he teased, his voice light. “Can’t decide?” Sangwon pouted a little, flustered.

“I just don’t know which one tastes good.” Leo leaned forward, hands resting casually on the counter. “Everything here is good, but…” he glanced at him, a small grin tugging at his lips, “I think you’d like caldereta. It’s rich, a bit sweet — suits your taste.”

Before Sangwon could protest, Leo was already pointing to the dish. “One caldereta, please,” he told the vendor. “And dinuguan with bulalo for me.” Sangwon blinked, surprised.

“You didn’t have to choose for me.” Leo just laughed softly. “You looked too cute trying to decide. I couldn’t help it.” That made Sangwon blush, the heat rising to his cheeks.

“You—stop saying things like that,” he muttered, half hiding behind his hand. They took their plates and settled at a small table by the window.

The chatter from the street drifted in, mixed with the sound of clinking spoons. It felt simple, easy — something domestic in its own quiet way. Leo started first. “You know,” he said between bites, “it’s funny back home, my mom kept convincing me to continue school.”

Sangwon looked up, half-smiling. “She did?” “Yeah,” Leo nodded. “She said since our small business is doing better now, there’s no reason for me not to. And—” he paused, his gaze softening, “—she heard you came back here, continued your studies, she thought maybe I should too.”

Sangwon froze for a moment, touched but unsure how to react. “She said that?” Leo chuckled. “She did. You know how she is — always thinking ahead. She said it’s her responsibility to help me and my sister finish school. And that… maybe it’s time I catch up with you.” Something warm spread in Sangwon’s chest.

He didn’t say anything, just smiled faintly. Leo continued, his tone lightening. “And Sen—you saw him that day, right?” he added carefully, watching Sangwon’s reaction.

“He’s my best friend. He was actually the one who suggested this university said it’s free and has good scholarships. We found a boarding house nearby too.”

Sangwon just nodded quietly, the small flicker of jealousy he’d felt before now replaced with something softer — relief, maybe, or guilt for assuming too much.

“I see…” he said, tracing the edge of his plate. “That’s… really nice of him.” Leo smiled, grateful that Sangwon didn’t sound bitter anymore.

“Yeah. He’s been helping a lot.” After a beat, Sangwon looked up again. “As for me,” he said, “I’ve been busy with paperwork. There’s a lot to prepare before the finals week.” His expression brightened a little.

“But I’ve also been… interested in terrariums lately.”

“Terrariums?” Leo repeated, amused. “Like plants in glass jars?” Sangwon nodded. “It’s relaxing. I like watching how they grow in such small spaces. It’s quiet… stable.” Leo smiled.

“Sounds a bit like you.” Sangwon blinked. “Like me?” Leo’s lips curved into a grin.

“Small, but full of life.” Sangwon laughed softly, shaking his head, cheeks still pink. The tension that had lingered between them for weeks finally eased — replaced by laughter, and warmth.

After finishing their meal, Leo leaned back in his chair, smiling as he wiped his hands with a tissue. “That was good,” he said, glancing at Sangwon. “You liked the caldereta, didn’t you?”

Sangwon nodded, eyes soft. “I did. You were right — it suits my taste.”

Leo chuckled. “Told you so.”

He looked out the window, the sunlight already slanting into soft gold. “Hey,” he said after a moment, turning back to Sangwon, “since it’s still early, do you want to walk a bit? There’s a bay walk nearby — full of trees, and it’s not that hot this time of day.”

Sangwon blinked, caught off guard. “Walk?”

“Yeah.” Leo grinned. “Just walk. You know, stretch our legs after eating too much.”

Sangwon’s lips curved into a small smile. “Alright.”

They left the carinderia, stepping into the calm rhythm of the late afternoon. The city was quieter now, the sun low, painting everything in a mellow amber hue. As they reached the bay walk, the wind carried the faint scent of salt and flowers, the rustle of leaves blending with distant laughter.

Vendors lined the walkway — balloons, peanuts, fishballs, and a cart with a man ringing a small bell, calling out, “ ice cream!  ice cream!”

Leo grinned, motioning to the vendor. “Two cones, please. Cheese and ube mix.”

When the vendor handed them the ice cream, Sangwon looked at his like it was a rare treasure. He took a small lick — and his eyes brightened immediately. “It’s… sweet.”

“Of course it’s sweet,” Leo said, amused. “It’s ice cream.”

Sangwon glared half-heartedly. “I meant—it’s really good.”

Leo laughed, watching as Sangwon ate with quiet joy, his tongue occasionally brushing the side of the cone, a faint smear of purple at the corner of his lips. Leo wanted to tease him but bit his tongue, afraid his chest might burst instead.

Then they stopped by another stall — cotton candy this time. Leo bought one impulsively, handing it over. “Here. Try this too.”

Sangwon blinked at the pink fluff. “Is this even edible?”

Leo’s laugh echoed softly. “You’re impossible,” he said, breaking off a piece and handing it to him. “Here—just taste.”

Sangwon accepted it, cautious at first, then his lips parted into a quiet smile. “It melts…”

By the time they finished, the sun was already dipping lower, the horizon tinted orange and lilac. It was nearing 5 o’clock. The shadows grew longer on the pavement as they walked side by side.

Leo glanced at him, gentle. “It’s getting late. Do you want to head home now? To your apartment?”

Sangwon slowed his steps, eyes still fixed ahead. “I…” he hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around the paper stick of the cotton candy. “I don’t really want to go home yet.” His voice came out quiet, unsure. “But I don’t know if that’s okay.”

Leo watched him for a moment — the way he avoided eye contact, how his tone wavered between longing and restraint. Then Leo smiled softly. “You don’t have to say it,” he said. “I get it.”

Sangwon looked at him, a little startled. “You do?”

Leo nodded, calm and warm. “If you want… we can go to my boarding house. But—” he raised a brow, teasing lightly, “I’m warning you, it’s not really spacious. You might be uncomfortable.”

Sangwon’s lips parted into a small grin, his heart suddenly lighter. “I don’t mind,” he said, his voice almost eager. “I would love the idea.”

Leo chuckled, shaking his head fondly. “You sure?”

“Positive.”

“Alright then,” Leo said, still smiling. “Let’s ride a taxi. It’s faster.”

But Sangwon shook his head quickly, eyes bright with a kind of innocent excitement. “No. Let’s take the jeep because…” He trailed off, shyly glancing down. “It’ll be my first time. And I want to experience it—with you.”

Leo blinked, then smiled so wide it nearly hurt. “Then,” he said softly, “your first jeep ride it is.”

And as they walked toward the waiting line, the warm wind brushing between them, it felt like the world had slowed just for the two of them — a simple day, a small walk, a quiet kind of happiness neither of them wanted to end.

By the time they reached Leo’s boarding house, the sun was already low — its fading light filtering through the rows of windows and the sound of televisions from nearby rooms. The air smelled faintly of detergent and cooked rice.

“This is it,” Leo said with a small smile, opening the door to his room. “Welcome to my humble place.”

It wasn’t much — a simple space with a small bed, a wooden desk, and two chairs pushed against the wall. A single curtain swayed by the window, letting the breeze in. It was clean, though, and it felt lived in — small pieces of Leo scattered around the room: a few books stacked neatly, a photo of his sister, a hanging jacket, and a mug half-filled with pens.

Sangwon stepped inside, looking around curiously. “It’s… cozy,” he said softly. “I like it.”

They sat for a while, talking in low voices about the day — the jeep ride, the food, the view of the bay. The quiet stretched between them, easy and warm.

Then, almost out of nowhere, Sangwon said softly, “I really want to spend the night with you.”

Leo froze mid-motion. His mind stopped completely.

He turned to look at Sangwon, wide-eyed. “You mean… to sleep here?”

Sangwon’s cheeks flushed, but he nodded, earnest. “Yes.”

For a moment, Leo couldn’t speak. Then Sangwon stood and, without another word, wrapped his arms around him.

“I missed you,” Sangwon whispered against his shoulder, his voice small but trembling with emotion.

Leo’s breath hitched. He hesitated only for a heartbeat before he hugged him back — firm, warm, grounding. “I missed you too,” he murmured, his chin brushing Sangwon’s hair. “You don’t even know how much.”

They stayed like that — quiet, holding onto each other as if the weeks apart had left an invisible mark that only this embrace could heal.

After a while, Sangwon pulled back, his eyes softer, his tone shy. “Can I… take a bath?”

Leo blinked, still half-lost in the moment. “Huh? Oh—uh, yeah, of course.”

“But,” Sangwon continued, “I don’t have clothes with me.”

The way he said it — the small, almost teasing lilt — made Leo’s thoughts stumble. He blinked twice, caught off guard, feeling his ears heat up.

“Oh. Right. Uh…” He cleared his throat, trying not to look flustered. “You can borrow mine. They might be a bit big, but they’ll do.”

Sangwon smiled — that soft, knowing smile that made Leo’s heart skip again. “I don’t mind.”

Leo rummaged through his cabinet, pulling out a clean shirt and shorts, then handed them to Sangwon. “Here. The bathroom’s this way.”

He led the way down the narrow hall, passing by a few rooms. The air smelled faintly of soap and damp clothes hanging to dry.

Just as they reached the bathroom door, one of Leo’s new boardmate, Xinlong, stepped out of his own room holding a towel around his neck. He stopped, took in the sight — Leo guiding someone unfamiliar toward the bathroom — then raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at his lips.

Leo’s face turned pink immediately. “It’s not what you think,” he said quickly, giving an awkward laugh.

Xinlong just chuckled, shaking his head as he walked past. “Didn’t say anything,” he teased.

Sangwon bit his lip, trying not to laugh at Leo’s expression.

“Don’t mind him,” Leo muttered under his breath, running a hand through his hair. “He’s just… like that.”

Sangwon smiled, clutching the borrowed clothes. “It’s fine,” he said softly, still amused.

Leo’s laughter broke through, gentle and genuine. “Yeah, sure,” he said, smiling. “Go ahead, the water’s warm.”

Sangwon exhaled, grinning despite himself as he slipped inside the bathroom.

Leo leaned against the wall, still smiling faintly — his heart fluttering in a way that felt both new and familiar all at once.

Chapter Text

When Sangwon finished his bath, he stepped quietly into Leo’s room, a towel still hanging loosely around his neck. The white cotton shirt Leo had lent him was undeniably a little too big, its sleeves almost swallowing his hands, and the fabric hung loosely on his shoulders.

Leo, who was in the middle of preparing the bed and smoothing out the striped blanket, froze completely. He straightened up, his hands still clutching the fabric, and just looked.

The loose collar of the oversized shirt had fallen slightly off one shoulder, completely revealing the pale, sharp line of Sangwon’s collarbone. More than that, with no binder, the shirt only softly contoured the line of his chest. Leo’s eyes widened, his breath hitching. The fabric was thin, and in the warm, diffused light of the room, he could clearly see the soft curves that were just right—not too big, but undeniably present—and the subtle jut of a nipple poking beneath the soft material.

Leo’s mind went blank. The blanket slipped from his numb fingers, landing soundlessly on the floor. His face felt like it was instantly on fire, a deep, painful red spreading from his neck up to the tips of his ears. He was utterly stunned.

“Leo?” Sangwon tilted his head, noticing the sudden silence and Leo’s frozen, beet-red state. He took a hesitant step into the room, a faint smile tugging at his lips, a lock of wet hair falling across his forehead. “Are you okay?” he asked softly.

Leo remained frozen, Sangwon, however, knew exactly what he was doing. The subtle exposure was deliberate, a confident statement of trust and teasing. Seeing Leo so utterly stunned only made the smirk playing on his lips widen into something deliciously mischievous.

He took a slow, confident step into the room, his eyes locked on Leo’s, acknowledging the chaos he had caused. He stopped right in front of Leo, leaning in slightly.

"Where do I sleep?" Sangwon asked, his voice low, his damp hair giving off a clean, soapy scent.

Leo blinked, trying desperately to focus on the question and not the chest inches from him. "H-h-here!" he stammered, frantically pointing at the bed. "I mean, in the bed. You take the bed. I… I’ll sleep on the floor. It’s no big deal."

Sangwon tilted his head, his smile deepening. The move was pure pretense, and he knew Leo could see right through it. "Why?" he asked, his voice carrying an exaggerated, innocent lilt, though his eyes were anything but. "You don’t want to sleep with me?"

Leo looked like a man having an internal crisis. The heat in his chest was so intense he felt dizzy. He tried to speak, but only a strangled squeak came out. He couldn't trust himself to be that close to Sangwon all night, not when he was looking like that. He was too focused on the things that were poking at Sangwon's shirt to even register the audacity of the question. He said nothing.

"Relax, Leo~," Sangwon chuckled softly, his voice full of quiet confidence. "That’s why I asked to sleep here. So we can sleep together."

Leo finally managed to whisper, "S-Sangwon…"

Before Leo could finish the thought, Sangwon moved. He gently reached out, took hold of Leo's trembling hand, and guided it toward the edge of the bed. With a decisive, smooth motion, Sangwon pushed Leo backward onto the mattress.

Leo landed with a soft oomph, eyes wide with shock. Before he could sit up, Sangwon was over him, straddling his hips. The soft, oversized shirt draped down, leaving their faces close and personal, and Leo could feel the warmth and weight of Sangwon’s body pressing down on him. All thoughts of the floor, the blanket, or his own sanity vanished. There was only Sangwon, looking down at him with a conquering, smoldering gaze.

Leo lay pinned beneath Sangwon, completely breathless. His wide eyes stared up, taking in the defiant curve of Sangwon's smile and the way the too-big white shirt was draped like a tease.

Before Leo could utter another stuttering protest or question, Sangwon reached down. He took Leo's trembling right hand and, with surprising force, lifted it and placed it directly against his chest, right over the soft fabric of the shirt where the nipple was poking.

A sharp inhale escaped Sangwon—a soft, involuntary moan. The heat radiating from his chest was intense, scorching through the thin cotton and straight into Leo’s palm. The contact was electric, and Leo felt his own blood surge.

"S-Sangwon," Leo finally managed, his voice strained and thick with confusion. He couldn't grasp why Sangwon was being this bold, this open, this... intimate. "W-what... what's going on? What came over you?"

Sangwon merely shook his head, a look of focused desire replacing his smirk. He reached out a free hand and gently placed two fingers over Leo's mouth, silencing him with a soft "Shh."

His eyes, usually so gentle and quiet, were now blazing with a purpose Leo had never seen. Without breaking eye contact, Sangwon slowly, deliberately began to grind his groin against Leo's pelvis. The friction was immediate and devastating.

A low, guttural sound escaped Leo's throat as the physical pressure, combined with the heat under his hand, overloaded his senses. He no longer needed an explanation for Sangwon's actions. The answer was right there, pressed against him—a powerful, unmistakable message of desire.

The friction, coupled with the scorching heat under his hand, was a physical shock that ripped through Leo’s hesitation. A low, desperate groan rumbled in his chest. His body responded instantly, a fierce, protective heat rising inside him. The sweet, clean smell of Sangwon, the pressure of his body, and the shocking intimacy of the moment were too much. He couldn't think about his confusion anymore; he could only feel.

Sangwon felt the immediate, electrifying response beneath him. The soft moan he had let out was quickly followed by another, deeper one. His own composure shattered. The teasing game was over; he couldn't  endure the mounting desire anymore.

His eyes blazing, Sangwon snatched the hem of the too-large white shirt. With a quick, sharp tug, he pulled the shirt right over his head and tossed it carelessly aside.

Leo’s breath caught—not just in surprise, but in sheer awe.

For the first time, he saw Sangwon's whole upper body. The sight was breathtaking: the beautiful, slight curve of his chest, the delicate structure of his ribs, and the soft, perfect mound where Leo's hand had been resting. His pink areolas were visible, standing taut in the dim light. It was a picture of pure, vulnerable beauty.

Leo's eyes darkened, but his focus snapped back to his ingrained sense of responsibility. He squeezed his hand, still resting on Sangwon's warm skin, his gaze meeting Sangwon's fiercely.

"You know this thing, Won," Leo said, his voice husky and strained, his jaw clenched with the effort to hold back. "If we do this, there's no going back."

He swallowed hard, the need to respect Sangwon's heart overriding his explosive desire. "And I'm still not courting you," he confessed, the words tasting like ash. "Can we wait for this until you say yes? Until we're official?"

Sangwon didn't hesitate. He was too far to care now, his eyes dark with immediate, urgent need.

He leaned down, their foreheads touching, his breath hot against Leo's lips. "The courting can wait," Sangwon breathed out, a desperate finality in his tone. "This is not."

And then he closed the distance, silencing any further protest with a fierce, demanding kiss that left no room for retreat.

Sangwon plunged into the kiss, his mouth urgent and demanding. It started as a fierce clash, driven by months of unacknowledged tension and explosive need. But Leo, finally committing, instinctively gentled it. He shifted his hands from Sangwon's waist up to cup his bare face, tilting his head just slightly.

The kiss smoothed, becoming slow and smooth, a careful exploration of soft lips and warm breath. It was tender, lingering, and full of the quiet confession they hadn't allowed themselves to speak aloud.

For a moment, it was innocent, a promise rather than a consumption.

Then Sangwon broke the fragile peace. He pulled back just enough to gasp for air, his eyes dark and dilated. With a raw, needy sound, he grabbed the edges of his damp shorts and tugged them down quickly, pulling them right off. They landed in a heap next to the discarded shirt.

Leo's eyes widened, taking in the full, stunning view. Sangwon was completely naked, his body flushed with heat and desire, no underwear to hide anything. Leo’s gaze went immediately to the juncture of his thighs, where he saw a slight trembling and the telltale shine of arousal. There was a clear substance leaking down the inside of his leg, a silent, visible sign of how desperate Sangwon had been before even entering the room.

Sangwon threw his head back on a choked gasp, his chest heaving, his body aggressively grinding down again. He looked down at Leo, his face earnest and utterly without shame.

"I need you, Leo. Please," Sangwon pleaded, the formal address of his name only underscoring the sincerity of his need.

Leo's mind, which had been foggy with shock, cleared instantly. All his earlier reservations about waiting and courting evaporated. This wasn't a choice anymore; it was a fundamental, powerful need.

"Okay," Leo breathed out, his voice a low rumble of surrender and desire. "I hear you, baby"

Leo slipped his fingers downward. The skin was slick and incredibly hot. His touch initially gentle as he explored the sensitive, swollen folds. A soft moan escaped Sangwon as Leo's thumb found the hard, needy clit, circling it once.

Then, with an assured, steady touch, Leo brought his middle and index fingers together. He found the slick, heated entrance. Slowly, deliberately, he pressed the tips of his fingers in.

Sangwon’s whole body went rigid on a sharp gasp. He pushed his face into the side of Leo’s neck, trying to smother the raw, choked cries that threatened to erupt. Leo felt the tightness, the immediate rush of heat, and the sudden clenching around his fingers.

Leo moved his fingers just slightly deeper, fingering him with a slow, deliberate rhythm. The friction was perfect, and the walls of the small channel instantly began to grip him.

"So wet for me," Leo murmured, his voice thick with awe and satisfaction, his fingers continuing the steady movement.

Sangwon cried out against the overwhelming sensation, the sound a mix of pain and pure ecstasy. He shifted his weight instinctively, rotating his hips to chase the pleasure.

Leo gently released his hold on Sangwon's hips and, with careful movements, guided him off his lap and onto the mattress. Leo then quickly shifted his body, moving from the center of the bed to kneel between Sangwon's legs.

Sangwon landed softly on his back, naked and panting. His eyes were wide with a mix of anticipation and surprise at the sudden change in position. Leo gently took hold of Sangwon's thighs, urging them wider so that Sangwon was fully exposed on the bed.

Leo bent his head forward, lowering his mouth directly to the slick, trembling juncture of Sangwon’s thighs.

A strangled, shocked gasp tore from Sangwon’s throat. His hands, which had been clutching Leo, now instinctively covered his face, overwhelmed by the sheer intimacy of the act.

"Stay," Leo commanded, his voice muffled against Sangwon's skin. He didn't wait for permission; he simply parted Sangwon’s soft folds with his fingers and brought his tongue to the incredibly sensitive, engorged flesh.

The sensation was immediate and devastating. Sangwon let out a high, ragged moan that finally broke free. He pulled his hands away from his face and placed them on the back of Leo’s head, urging him closer as he instinctively thrust his hips up, chasing the contact, his initial embarrassment replaced by an explosive need for more.

Leo began to eat his cunt, his tongue sharp and precise, attending to every heated, exposed curve. He pulled the already leaking fluid into his mouth, savoring the taste, and then returned with renewed focus to the sensitive core of nerves beneath him.

"You needed this, didn't you?" Leo mumbled, pausing only long enough to confirm his understanding.

Sangwon couldn't speak. He could only whimper Leo’s name and continue to thrust his hips up, his body shuddering violently as Leo continued the delicious, relentless assault. The entire force of his climax was concentrated on the devastating pleasure being delivered.

The tremors that had seized Sangwon’s body finally subsided, leaving him breathless, slick, and utterly spent on the mattress. Leo lingered for a long moment, the complex, intensely personal flavor of Sangwon's climax a profound confirmation of their bond. He pulled back, gazing up at Sangwon with eyes dark with adoration.

"That was incredible, Won-ah," Leo murmured, his voice thick with satisfied emotion. "The sweetest thing I’ve ever tasted."

Sangwon gave a shaky, grateful laugh, his eyes shining as he looked at Leo. "Leo..." he managed, exhausted but content.

Leo smiled, placing a soft, possessive kiss on Sangwon’s belly before gently rising. He carefully helped Sangwon settle flat on the bed.

"We’re stopping here," Leo stated gently but firmly. "I need you to be fully clear in your mind when we do the rest. We’ll do this right, when you can fully say yes to everything."

Sangwon was too tired to move or speak, but the deep gratitude in his eyes was answer enough. He offered a small, weak nod, and within minutes, he was soundly asleep, his body completely relaxed and vulnerable.

Leo watched him, a soft, protective expression settling on his face. He kissed Sangwon's forehead and then quietly slipped out of the bed to the bathroom. He returned with a basin of warm water and a clean, damp towel and began the aftercare.

He worked silently, sitting on the edge of the bed. He gently cleaned the space between Sangwon's thighs, wiping away the residue with slow, respectful strokes. He then moved to wipe the sweat from Sangwon's neck, chest, and sides. Leo's movements were silent and full of profound tenderness, a final, quiet promise of commitment that needed no words.

Once Sangwon was clean and dry, Leo pulled the blanket up high and climbed back into the bed, gathering Sangwon close against his side and holding him carefully, ensuring his peaceful, exhausted sleep was uninterrupted.

Chapter Text

The first hint of morning light was a soft, pale gold filtering through Leo’s curtains. Sangwon was the first to stir. He woke to the comforting weight of the blanket and the even warmer weight of Leo’s arm draped securely over his waist.

He turned his head slowly, finding Leo's face close to his own. Leo was sleeping gently, his features soft and relaxed, the harsh lines from his earlier panic completely gone. Sangwon couldn't help but feel a rush of thrill—a dizzying, fluttery delight—as the memories of the night before flooded back: the desperate plea, the wild release, and the tender, quiet aftercare.

Smiling softly, Sangwon raised a hand and began to trace his finger lightly along the sharp line of Leo's jaw, marveling at the peace in his expression.

Leo’s eyes flickered open instantly, catching Sangwon in the act. He blinked once, his sleep-heavy gaze locking onto Sangwon's. A slow, warm grin spread across his face.He caught Sangwon’s hand mid-stroke, bringing it to his lips for a soft, sleepy kiss.

"You're being naughty in the morning, Won-ah," Leo murmured, his voice husky.

He immediately pulled Sangwon close, squeezing him tight in a wordless embrace that confirmed everything. "Good morning," Leo whispered into his hair.

"Good morning, Leooo~," Sangwon replied, his voice still thick with the residue of deep sleep and contentment.

Eventually, the reality of the morning required them to move. They pushed the blanket back and sat up. The white shirt from the night before was twisted slightly, and as Sangwon stretched, the fabric fell away again. Leo saw Sangwon’s breast again—unbound and slightly swollen from the previous night's intense pleasure. For a brief second, Leo was utterly in awe, his eyes softening with immediate adoration before he quickly turned his gaze away, respecting the boundary.

He scrambled off the bed, heading to his dresser. He pulled out a fresh, fluffy towel and a new set of clothes.

"Here," Leo said, handing Sangwon the towel first. He then offered a clean, grey t-shirt and a pair of dark cotton shorts. He hesitated, his face flushing slightly. "Is it okay if it’s boxers that I’ll give? I don’t have much else that would fit comfortably." His tone was distinctly awkward, unsure if it was overstepping.

Sangwon took the clothes, his chest warm from the care. He was more than happy to receive them. "Yes, that's perfect. Thank you."

Leo nodded, relieved. While Sangwon headed to the bathroom, Leo grabbed a fresh pair of pajama bottoms and, still shirtless, draped a clean towel over his shoulder. He headed for the kitchen to start on breakfast.

Leo prepared their breakfast—a simple, comforting meal of fried eggs, hotdogs, and rice.

Sangwon, now dressed in Leo's clothes, emerged from the bathroom and quietly sat at the small kitchen table. He rested his chin on his palm, silently observing the domestic scene.

He watched Leo, whose back muscles flexed as he stirred the rice, the pajama bottoms hanging low on his hips. With no t-shirt and only the towel draped carelessly over his shoulder, Leo looked rugged and completely at ease. Sangwon couldn't help but think, He looks so hot. The combination of the mundane routine and Leo's bare, familiar form was deeply appealing. It wasn't the high-octane passion of the night, but a quiet, powerful confirmation that this place, and this man, was home.

__

Leo slid a plate loaded with rice, perfectly browned hotdogs, and a sunny-side-up egg across the table toward Sangwon. He then sat opposite him, taking his own plate and a deep breath, the steam from the rice rising between them.

"Sorry, it's nothing fancy," Leo said, picking up his fork. "My cooking skills peak at frying things."

Sangwon picked up his chopsticks, his gaze still lingering on Leo’s bare shoulders. "Noo ,It's perfect" 

The quiet hum of the refrigerator filled the space as they ate, but the silence felt comfortable, not strained. Sangwon was still soaking up the sight of Leo, shirtless and domestic.

Leo glanced up, catching the intensity of Sangwon's look. A faint flush rose on his neck. "What are you looking at, Won-ah?" he asked, though his lips twitched with amusement.

Sangwon didn't look away. "You," he admitted simply, a soft, cheeky smile playing on his lips. "You look incredibly good making breakfast. You look... safe." Leo put down his fork, his amusement fading into something serious and tender. He reached across the small table and took Sangwon's hand, his thumb stroking the back of Sangwon's knuckles.

"I am safe, Won-ah. Always," Leo affirmed, his eyes locking with Sangwon’s. He paused, his expression growing slightly nervous. "About last night... I know I said we'd wait, but I need to know, are you okay? With everything? With me stopping?"

Sangwon squeezed his hand reassuringly. "Leo, I'm more than okay. I fell asleep feeling completely loved and cared for. You stopped because you respect me, even when I was too far gone to respect myself." He leaned in slightly. "You took care of me. That means more than finishing.

Leo visibly relaxed, a huge weight lifting from his shoulders. "Good. Because I meant what I said. I want to court you properly. I want to take you out on dates. I want us to agree to this when you're completely lucid." He squeezed Sangwon's hand one last time before letting go, a determined light in his eyes. "So, I’m starting today. Finish your hotdogs."

Sangwon laughed, the sound bright and joyful. He picked up his chopsticks again. "Fine. Court me."

Leo grinned, a wide, genuine smile that lit up his entire face. "Deal."

After finishing breakfast and washing up, Leo insisted on walking Sangwon back to his own apartment so Sangwon could get ready for his afternoon class.

"I'll just wait here while you change into your uniform," Leo said once they were inside Sangwon’s place, settling casually on the small sofa. "And then I'm walking you to the main road to get a taxi."

Sangwon emerged a few minutes later, holding his crisp school uniform. "Actually," he said, giving Leo a meaningful look, "I'd like you to accompany me all the way to school."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Your school?"

"Please? It's kind of a big deal for me," Sangwon murmured. "Besides, you can take a taxi back. I'll pay for the fare."

"Absolutely not," Leo countered immediately, standing up. "I'm not letting you pay for my taxi. That’s my job, as the... well, as the one who's supposed to be taking care of you."

Sangwon just kept that wide-eyed, irresistible expression fixed on him. "Think of it as payment yesterday. Please, Leooo~. You're my date today."

Defeated by the sheer power of Sangwon’s cuteness and the explicit mention of "date," Leo sighed dramatically, but his eyes were soft. "Fine" 

Ten minutes later, Sangwon was dressed in his school uniform, looking impossibly neat, and they were settled in the back of a taxi heading towards the campus.

The noise of the city traffic rushed past the windows, but inside the cab, their silence felt private. Sangwon, still riding the high of the morning, reached out. Leo immediately laced his fingers with Sangwon's, giving his hand a warm squeeze.

Sangwon leaned his head against Leo's shoulder, enjoying the simple contact. Leo turned his head and pressed a light kiss to Sangwon's temple. 

They rode the rest of the way in comfortable silence, their hands clasped tightly between them, the shared intimacy of the morning traveling with them through the busy streets.

Chapter Text

The bell of the morning rang, echoing through the empty hallway as Sangwon walked to class, a ghost of a smile still playing on his lips. Leo's "See you later, baby!" was a warm whisper in his mind, and the memory of their morning together, of Leo’s strong arm around his shoulders, left a pleasant hum beneath his skin.

He pushed open the classroom door to a familiar, expectant silence, broken only by the rustling of textbooks. The moment he stepped inside, however, that silence shattered.

"BUTTERCUP!" Anxin shrieked, practically leaping from his seat, his eyes wide with a mix of scandal and glee. Liyu, ever the calmer of the two, merely pointed a perfectly manicured finger at him, his lips pursed in mock disapproval.

"Oh, now you decide to grace us with your presence?" Liyu drawled, but the twinkle in his eyes betrayed him. "What is our dear Leo doing half-naked on your story before 8 AM? We need answers."

Anxin was already pulling out his phone. "Don't play coy, honey! I screenshot it! We know Leo, yes, but why is he topless in a random, suspiciously non-Sangwon bedroom? That is not your wall, Buttercup. Did the pretty princess stay for the night?" He waved the phone like an incriminating piece of evidence, displaying a slightly blurry but undeniably appealing image of Leo's muscular back as he reached for something on a shelf.

Sangwon felt a blush creep up his neck, but he couldn't help but grin at their theatrics.

"Later, later! we have General Psychology now, remember?" He tried to sound stern, but a laugh bubbled out instead. "and if Professor Reyes catches you ogling Leo's back instead of Pavlov's dogs, Anxin the blossom, you’ll be doing extra credit."

Anxin scoffed, but tucked his phone away, still throwing him knowing glances. Liyu just shook his head, a soft smile on his face. As Professor Reyes droned on about classical conditioning, Sangwon caught Anxin mouthing, "The Powerpuff Girls convene at lunch," which only made him suppress another laugh.

Lunch break was a welcome escape, and they quickly made their way to their favorite cafeteria, the air thick with the smell of garlic and fried fish. They found their usual spot, and before Sangwon could even pick up his spoon, Anxin launched his interrogation.

"Okay, spill! The tea is piping hot and I need to drink it all!" Anxin demanded, his eyes practically bugging out of his head. "Was that Leo's boarding house? Don't skip a single second between the day and the shirtless Instagram story."

Liyu, always more strategic, started gently. "We know you two have been circling each other. But what happened yesterday morning, Sangwon? Was it just a harmless overnighter or... something else?"

Sangwon sighed, a happy, content sigh. He explained the slight misunderstanding about their time together, which had led to them spending the morning talking for hours—about everything and nothing, about their dreams, their fears. He confirmed the location, explaining that it happened so quickly they were now on Leo's boarding house. He recounted the moment in the room when they were so close, their hands touching, the air thrumming with unspoken feelings. He skipped over the specifics, the exact words, the precise sensation of Leo’s breath on his skin, but the profound intimacy of the connection, he shared that freely with his closest friends.

Anxin gasped dramatically, practically dropping his spoon. "My God, Buttercup, you're living in a rom-com!"

Liyu nodded slowly, a genuine warmth in his eyes. "I understand. You don't need to elaborate. The feeling is clear." He paused, then reached across the table to squeeze Sangwon's hand.

"But you know what this means, right?"

Sangwon blinked, confused. "What?"

Anxin leaned in, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, though his eyes were shining with fierce affection. "This means... you finally let someone in, Sangwon. Really, truly in."

Liyu chimed in, "The Sangwon we know, the one who charms everyone with his flirting but keeps his heart locked away. The one who's afraid to show the vulnerable parts, the insecure parts, the bare parts of himself." He gave him a knowing look.

"He's letting a person see his 'whole being bare' now, isn't he? And not just Leo's bare back on Instagram, you cheeky little minx."

Sangwon felt his face flush again, but this time it wasn't just embarrassment; it was a profound sense of being seen, understood, and loved by his friends. He tried to protest, but Anxin was already nudging him playfully.

"Don't worry, we're not judging," Anxin teased, taking a big bite of his food. "just... immensely proud and slightly jealous. I mean, who gets a rom-com worthy moment and a bare-back reveal all in one day? You're setting the bar too high, Buttercup."

Liyu chuckled. "It's about time, Sangwon. We always knew you had so much love to give, beyond the witty banter. It's just... nice to see someone finally getting past the 'flirty Sangwon' facade and seeing the real, beautiful, slightly terrified, but utterly radiant Sangwon beneath."

Sangwon just shook his head, a genuine, unguarded smile spreading across his face. "You two are impossible," he mumbled, but his eyes were shining with affection. He knew they were right. And for the first time in a long time, the thought of being seen, truly seen, didn't feel terrifying at all. It felt... liberating and exciting.

Now the final bell shrieked, a symphony of freedom that sent Sangwon, Liyu, and Anxin spilling out of the school gates exactly at 4 PM. The late afternoon sun cast long shadows. Sangwon was busy adjusting the strap of his backpack, still half-thinking about Liyu’s ridiculous nickname for him.

"You know, for two guys who call themselves the Powerpuff Girls, you're both surprisingly intimidating," Sangwon grumbled, nudging Anxin.

"It's the duality, Buttercup," Anxin replied, adjusting his own hair. "We embody the sweet and the chaotic."

A murmur of excitement suddenly rippled through the throngs of students on the sidewalk, pulling Sangwon’s attention away. A crowd was gathering up ahead, forcing them to slow down.

"Ugh, what's with the crowd? Is there a flash sale at the convenience store?" Sangwon asked, craning his neck, completely clueless about the reason for the commotion.

They gently steered Sangwon closer to the edge of the crowd.

"Maybe it's a basking, Sangwon," Liyu said

Sangwon squinted, trying to peer over shoulders. Then he saw them – a small makeshift stage, a familiar face with a guitar, and a mic stand. Leo.

 Leo, flanked by Xinlong with the keyboard and Sen with the bass guitar. Leo caught his eye, and a slow, tender smile spread across his face.

"Wait a minute," Sangwon whispered, his jaw dropping slightly. "Is he... is he actually singing?" He was still processing the shock of the performance itself.

Leo strummed his guitar, and his voice, rich and warm, filled the air, carrying the melody of "When I Met You."

"There I was, an empty piece of a shell," Leo sang, his gaze locked onto Sangwon's, the music soft and earnest. "Just mindin' my own world... Without even knowin' what love and life were all about."

Sangwon's breath hitched, the realization of who the performance was for hitting him like a physical wave. He felt rooted to the spot, a delicious warmth spreading through him. Liyu and Anxin were now standing behind him, practically vibrating with shared excitement.

Leo continued, his voice swelling with emotion as he moved into the refrain: "You gave me a reason for my being, and I love what I'm feelin'." He took a step, then another, walking away from the mic stand and straight toward Sangwon. "You gave me a meaning to my life. Yes, I've gone beyond existing..."

Leo was right in front of Sangwon, still singing, his guitar slung comfortably. His eyes never left Sangwon's, and as he reached the final line of the refrain, his eyes sparkling mischievously, he winked.

"And it all began when I met you."

The music held, and Sangwon was too surprised to move. Leo simply kept walking, closing the small gap between them. Leo reached out his hand, still singing the next verse:

"You taught me how to love, you showed me how tomorrow and today... My life is different from the yesterday... And darling, I will always cherish you... Today, tomorrow and forever."

Leo’s fingers gently laced with Sangwon's. He finished the song's last lingering notes, and his hand closed around Sangwon's. The public serenade was over, replaced by a private, intimate moment. Sangwon, completely overwhelmed, could only stare, his eyes wide and bright. He knew his friends were right; this felt more liberating and exciting than anything he had ever known.

The final chord of the serenade faded, swallowed by the buzz of the thrilled student crowd. For a long moment, there was just the gentle thrum of the bass guitar and the sound of Leo’s steady breathing, his hand warmly clasped around Sangwon’s.

Leo, usually so self-assured and easygoing, looked genuinely nervous. His eyes searched Sangwon’s face, betraying a flicker of anxiety as he waited for a response.

"So," Leo asked, his voice a little softer than when he was singing. "How was it? Too much?"

Sangwon didn't speak. He was too full—full of the sheer audacity, the overwhelming sweetness, and the public, unabashed declaration of affection. He was trying to process the fact that this handsome man, who had only been a casual acquaintance weeks ago, had just put his feelings out for the entire school to witness.

The emotion was too much. Sangwon’s eyes welled up, and before he could stop himself, he surged forward, burying his face into Leo’s shoulder, his arms locking around Leo’s waist in a fierce, grateful hug.

"Why?" Sangwon mumbled into the fabric of Leo’s shirt, his voice thick with tears. "Why did you all do this?"

Leo immediately dropped his guitar pick and wrapped his free arm tightly around Sangwon, tucking his chin over Sangwon's head. He simply chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that vibrated through Sangwon's chest.

"I said I’d court you, right?" Leo whispered, his voice warm and steady. "I'm just doing the right thing."

He leaned closer, his lips brushing Sangwon’s ear, dropping his voice even lower so only Sangwon could hear. "And I should have done this first instead of prioritizing the heat of the moment, you know."

Sangwon pulled back just slightly, his eyes still shining with unshed tears, but a playful annoyance coloring his expression. He gave Leo a soft but unmistakable tap on the shoulder, a silent 'I can't believe you just said that' gesture.

"I like it, you idiot," Sangwon finally managed to say, a genuine smile breaking through the tears. "Heck, I love it."

He pulled back fully, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. His confusion quickly turned to curiosity as he looked past Leo to Xinlong and Sen, who were grinning broadly while carefully handling their equipment.

"But seriously," Sangwon asked, genuinely impressed. "Where did you afford the time and effort to bring your friends, an amp, and all these instruments? We literally just saw each other this morning."

Leo’s confident grin returned, his eyes dancing as he wiggled his eyebrows playfully. "I find ways, Madam Baby ."

He then explained, gesturing towards his friends. "Xinlong here has a band, so I just rented out their gear and bribed them with future favors. And luckily for me," he clapped Sen lightly on the back, "Sen knows how to play a mean bass, so he was happy to fill in last minute."

Sangwon shook his head, looking from Leo to his friends, overwhelmed all over again. The sheer effort and planning that must have gone into this grand, ridiculous, and incredibly romantic gesture was staggering.

"You really are something else, Leo," Sangwon said, his voice soft with pure, grateful affection.

"Okay," Sangwon said, turning to face the other two band members. "I need to properly thank the accomplices in this operation." He gave Xinlong and Sen a warm, genuine smile. "Hi, I'm Sangwon. Thank you, seriously. That was... the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me."

Xinlong quickly stepped forward, offering his hand. "I'm Xinlong, and this is Sen, the bassist," he said, indicating his friend. Sen gave a cool, friendly nod. "No problem, man! Leo's been buzzing all day planning this. We're glad it went well."

"Ahh! and these two," Sangwon continued, pulling Liyu and Anxin forward from where they had been observing the scene with wide, teary-eyed appreciation, "are my two closest friends and personal drama critics, Liyu and Anxin."

Liyu stepped up first, extending a hand to Leo. "It’s a pleasure, Leo. We know of you, of course. You've made our Buttercup very happy." He then turned to Xinlong and Sen. "Seriously, you guys absolutely rocked the setup. Great timing."

Anxin, true to his chaotic nature, beamed at Xinlong and Sen. "Okay, Xinlong, let me just say, that keyboard work was flawless," Anxin gushed, completely fanboying over their musicianship.

"And Sen, your bass line was the heart of the whole thing! You guys have a band, you say? Where do you play? We need to follow your gigs!"

Xinlong and Sen chuckled, clearly flattered. Leo just watched the exchange, shaking his head fondly.

"We're already fanboying your entire group," Anxin called out, still chatting animatedly with Xinlong about music gear. "And don't think we didn't notice the effort. You set a new bar for Buttercup's love life!"

Sangwon rolled his eyes affectionately at his friends, but his heart was swelling with gratitude. He squeezed Leo's hand, feeling the solid, grounding presence of the man who had just changed his afternoon—and maybe his life.

"They're a bit much," Sangwon murmured to Leo, who was still smiling easily.

"Nah," Leo replied, his gaze warm as he looked over the newly merged groups.

"They're perfect. They're yours." He lowered his voice, leaning in to whisper in Sangwon’s ear,

"Now that I have the blessing of the Powerpuff Girls, I think my courtship is off to a great start, don't you think?"

Chapter Text

By the time the sun began to dip, painting the sky in fiery colors, it was time for Leo to leave. He insisted on accompanying Sangwon to his house again, holding his hand the entire way. Once they were standing in the quiet familiarity of Sangwon's living room, the seriousness of their future returned. Leo reached out and gently tucked a stray strand of hair behind Sangwon’s ear.

"Look, Won-ah," Leo began, his voice dropping slightly. "I got the results this morning, right before I left for the serenade. I got into the Computer Science program here. That means my classes are starting soon."

Sangwon smiled. "  that's amazing, Leo! congratulations."

"Thank you," Leo said, looking a little apologetic. "But it also means I probably can't take you out on a date or walk you to class every day. My schedule is going to be brutal." He held Sangwon's gaze, wanting to be completely honest.

"I promise, if I have time, I will come to your school, but I might not be as available as I was today."

Sangwon immediately wrapped his arms around Leo's waist, hugging him tightly.

"It's really okay, Leo," Sangwon assured him, pulling back just enough to look into Leo’s eyes. "You’re here for your school, and you're here for your family, too. You have to focus on that. I can wait. We have all the time in the world, now."

Leo felt a surge of warmth and relief. He leaned down and kissed Sangwon, a long, deep kiss that was full of promises for the future.

When they finally broke apart, Leo knew he had to leave. He pulled Sangwon close for one last, hard hug, then held him at arm's length, his eyes shining with affection.

"I have to go now, baby but I'll call you as soon as I get home."

Leo leaned in once more, placing a sweet, lingering kiss right on Sangwon's lips—a soft, tender seal on their entire day. It was a promise, not a goodbye.

"Bye, buttercup" Leo whispered.

Sangwon watched him go, a profound sense of peace settling over him. The thought of waiting didn't feel daunting at all; it felt exciting.

But for two weeks, they didn't see each other. The distance between their schools felt vast, and their packed schedules ensured they couldn't meet in person.

Leo plunged headfirst into the rigorous Computer Science program, and his initial promise to visit Sangwon's school became impossible to keep. His days were consumed by coding, algorithms, and complex readings, often leaving him in the library until closing time.

Similarly, Sangwon was deep into his own heavy coursework. His readings for General Psychology and other core classes piled up, demanding long hours and intense focus.

Their courtship shifted entirely to the digital realm.

Leo and Sangwon relied heavily on late-night phone calls and constant texts to bridge the gap.Texts during the day were short and sweet: a quick good luck before going to school, a miss you sent during a boring lecture, or a frustrated emoji chain about a difficult assignment. Calls were their lifeline, usually happening late in the evening after their roommates were asleep.

One night, exhausted after an intensive coding session, Leo called Sangwon.

"Hey, baby," Leo murmured into the phone, the term now a familiar endearment.

"Hey~ you sound dead," Sangwon chuckled softly.

"I am. I think my brain just committed suicide by C++," Leo sighed. "When can I see you? I keep thinking about that breakfast we had two weeks ago."

Sangwon paused. "I'm really swamped right now, Leo. My readings are intense, and I can't afford to fall behind." He added gently, "You shouldn't bother to spend so much money on cab fare to come all this way, either. You just started your program; you need every hour and every peso."

Leo understood immediately. There was no argument or disappointment, only respect. "You're right, Won-ah. I get it. My program is demanding, too. But I miss seeing your face."

"I miss you too," Sangwon admitted. "But we're doing this for us, right? So we can have a future where we don't worry about cab fare or late assignments."

The conversation continued for another hour—not about grand dates, but about shared fatigue, class notes, and encouraging each other to keep pushing. They concluded the call with a familiar promise.

"I'm keeping my courting list safe," Leo vowed. "The minute we both have a free weekend, I'm taking you out."

"I'll be ready," Sangwon replied, his voice soft with certainty. "Good night, Leo~."

Despite the physical distance, the two weeks deepened their bond, proving that their relationship was built on understanding, respect, and mutual support for their dreams.

It was a slow, agonizing Tuesday afternoon. Sangwon had just finished his grueling three-hour General Psychology lecture and had retreated to the quiet corner of the library to tackle his mountain of readings. Instead, he found himself doom-scrolling on Twitter, missing Leo acutely.

Suddenly, a post stopped his thumb cold. It was a clear, high-quality candid video that had gone locally viral within the university sphere.

The subject? Leo.

He was sitting on a cement bench beneath a sprawling tree, his posture relaxed and entirely unaware of the camera. His guitar was resting casually across his lap, and he was leaning in slightly, smiling warmly at the person next to him—a fellow student, based on their CCIS (College of Computer and Information Sciences) lanyard.

The caption above the video was clear, bold, and entirely too accurate:

"He's so handsome?!? CCIS students never beating the handsome and talented allegations "

Sangwon felt a cold knot tighten in his stomach. He clicked on the post and scrolled to the comments, which instantly set his mood plummeting.

The sheer volume of appreciation was overwhelming, but these comments hit him hardest:

"Okay, but the way he looks at her? I volunteer as tribute!"

"The dimples and the guitar combo is illegal. He can debug my code any day."

"Who is this god, and why is he just sitting on a public bench? I need his @. I'm ready to risk it all."

"That bone structure could cut glass. Is he even real?!"

"He looks like he smells expensive and codes like a genius. Perfect man alert!"

The sight of Leo, looking devastatingly handsome and available, paired with the chorus of strangers thirsting over him, didn't help Sangwon's already existing sadness from missing him. He was supposed to be Leo’s focus, but here Leo was, turning into the entire campus's crush. Just as the jealousy started to curdle in Sangwon's gut, he heard familiar, hurried footsteps approaching his table.

"Buttercup!" Liyu hissed, sliding into the seat opposite him, his eyes wide. Anxin followed, practically vaulting over a chair to sit beside Sangwon.

"Did you see it?!" Anxin demanded, already pulling out his phone. "That viral post? That's our Leo! He's absolutely setting the bar for handsome geeks!"

Liyu shook his head, looking slightly scandalized. "The comments, Sangwon. The comments are feral. They're like wolves. You need to..."

Liyu trailed off, realizing his mistake. Sangwon’s expression—a mix of sadness and possessive irritation—told them everything.

"You already saw it," Liyu finished quietly.

Sangwon sighed, leaning back and running a hand through his hair. "Yeah," he mumbled, closing the Twitter app. "I saw the video. And the thirst. I'm over here trying to be a good boyfriend and focus on my readings, and he's out there being a national treasure."

Anxin reached over and patted Sangwon's arm firmly. "Okay, let's take a deep breath. He's your national treasure. And clearly, we need to remind everyone of that fact."

Sangwon lamented, the insecurity a sharp, sudden pain. "He’s my suitor, but he’s currently everyone's fantasy."

Liyu gave him a sharp, knowing look. "Then you need to remind him, and them, exactly who he belongs to. Call him."

Sangwon shook his head, pushing Anxin's phone away. He lifted his chin, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Nahh, I don't chase, I attract," Sangwon said, the words coming out half-jokingly, a desperate attempt to maintain his usual flirty confidence. But beneath the facade, the truth was clear: he meant it. He was proud, and seeing his suitor become campus property felt like a direct threat to the fragile intimacy they were building.

Liyu gave him a knowing look. "He's already attracted, Buttercup. But I agree with Anxin. This needs a preemptive strike."

"Forget the preemptive strike," Sangwon muttered, standing up abruptly. He started gathering his textbooks, shoving them into his backpack with unnecessary force. "I have class."

They stayed with him through his final afternoon lecture, but the earlier conversation had poisoned Sangwon's focus. He kept checking his phone—not for the viral post, but for a single text. A "Just finished class" or a "Missed you today" from Leo.

 He walked to the main gate with Liyu and Anxin, checking his phone every five steps. Leo had sent nothing. The silence after becoming a viral sensation was a profound, pointed hurt.

They reached the main road, the place where Leo had serenaded him days earlier.

Anxin nudged Sangwon, his voice dropping. "So, plan of action? Are we messaging him the post with a passive-aggressive emoji? Or should Liyu use his superior detective skills to find that girl?"

"No," Sangwon cut him off, his eyes flashing with determination. "I'm not waiting anymore. I'm tired of waiting for a busy man to squeeze me in between coding and fan mail. If he wants to be that popular, fine. But he doesn't get to treat me like a future option while he's the main event of CCIS."

"But, Buttercup, his classes—" Anxin protested.

"If he's busy, he's busy. But he's going to tell me that to my face, not with silence," Sangwon declared, his resolve hardening. He hailed the first available taxi. He pulled open the door and looked back at his friends, his expression a complicated mix of fear and resolve. "I need clarity. Now."

He slid into the cab and slammed the door shut, leaving Liyu and Anxin standing on the sidewalk, their faces etched with concern.

But Sangwon didn't go to Leo’s boarding house. The adrenaline rush of anger faded quickly, replaced by overwhelming insecurity and shame. What if I'm overreacting? What if he really is just busy?

He got to his house and immediately retreated to his room. He didn't turn on the light; he just sat on the edge of his bed, tormenting himself with the viral post's comments.

The room was dark and quiet when his phone finally vibrated. It was Leo. Sangwon stared at the screen, letting it ring once, twice, three times. On the fourth attempt, he picked up, but remained silent, his breath uneven.

"Hi, Madam Baby," Leo’s voice was warm and cheerful, unaware of the crisis. "guess who's in dress going to date?" he asked teasingly.

Sangwon squeezed his eyes shut. The teasing was too much for his frayed nerves. He remained silent, unreasonably upset.

Leo paused, sensing the lack of response. "Won-ah? You there? What's up?" His tone softened. "Why? What do you feel like? Worried?"

That word—worried—combined with the earlier image of Leo smiling at another classmate, was the final trigger. Without a word, he hung up.

Leo stared at the dead line, instantly knowing something was wrong. He dropped everything and rerouted his taxi to Sangwon's place. He was greeted by Rose, the maid, who confirmed Sangwon was home but refusing to answer. Rose had already knocked once, but Sangwon was silent.

"He won't open," Rose told Leo. "He's been like this since he got home."

Leo looked down the hallway, determination hardening his gaze. "Rose," he said gently, "I think he's waiting for me. I'm going to go knock, can I?."

Rose smiled, understanding. "Go on" 

Leo walked down the hall and stood before the closed door. He raised his hand and rapped firmly on the wood.

"Sangwon, baby it's me. Open the door please."

Leo stood before the closed door, rapping firmly. "Sangwon, it's me. Open the door."

The lock clicked. The door didn't swing open right away, but Sangwon eventually pulled it inward just enough for Leo to step through. He didn't look at Leo. He didn't speak. He simply walked toward his bed, climbed under the blankets fully clothed, and turned his back to Leo, facing the wall. Leo closed the door softly. The room was dark, the air thick with hurt and unspoken jealousy. He recognized this behavior instantly; Sangwon was retreating, guarding himself with silence. Leo knew there was a significant problem.

He approached the bed, his movements slow and non-threatening. He sat gently on the edge of the mattress.

"Won-ah," Leo began, his voice soft, coaxing like he would a child. "What happened? You hung up on me. You won't look at me. Did something happen at school?"

Sangwon didn't answer. His shoulders remained rigid beneath the covers.

Leo sighed inwardly, knowing anger wouldn't work. He moved closer, settling onto the bed and carefully positioning himself behind Sangwon. He slipped an arm around Sangwon's waist, pulling him back against his chest in a warm back hug.

Leo dropped a soft kiss on Sangwon's cheek, then another on his temple. "Tell me what the problem is," he murmured, his breath warm against Sangwon's ear.

Sangwon tensed, the contact softening his resolve but not his bitterness. "You really don't know the problem?" he asked, his voice low and laced with a sarcastic edge.

Leo remained patient. "How can I know the problem if you don't say it?" he countered gently. "I'm not a mind-reader, baby."

With a sudden, quick movement, Sangwon reached out from under the covers, grabbed his phone from the nightstand, and unlocked it. He shoved the screen backward over his shoulder, holding it out for Leo to see. Leo took the phone, squinting in the dim light to look at the viral post. He saw the candid video, the smiling face, the guitar, and the obnoxious thirst comments. He saw the entire story immediately.

He didn't get defensive; he got reassuring. He put the phone down, pulled Sangwon closer, and buried his face in Sangwon's hair.

"Oh, Won-ah," Leo sighed, his voice full of genuine affection and a hint of self-reproach. "You scared me. I'm so sorry, baby."

He tightened his arms, making sure Sangwon felt the solid sincerity of his hug.

"I didn't even know I was being filmed," Leo assured him. "I was just sitting there waiting for my next class. That was Jia, my groupmate. We were going over our activity for the new Java project. She's the only one in the group who knows how to debug the main function."

Leo kissed his temple again. "The minute I realized I hadn't texted you, I panicked and called you. My head has been completely stuck in code all day. I wasn't ignoring you"

He paused, letting the truth sink in. "And for the record, I'm only dressing up for one person, and I was driving to your house to surprise you and take you on that date I promised you." He rested his chin on Sangwon's head. "No amount of thirsty comments changes who I want to spend my time and attention on. That’s you, Sangwon. Only you."

Sangwon lay still for a moment, absorbing the warmth and the sincere conviction in Leo's voice. He was acutely aware that he was being unreasonable. As a psychology student, he knew the exact pitfalls of avoiding communication and allowing catastrophic thinking. He was the one who lectured his friends about emotional regulation, yet here he was, doing the exact opposite: shutting down, being sarcastic, and pushing away the person he needed most. The hypocrisy made him deeply embarrassed.

He couldn't speak, though. The knot of insecurity and shame was too tight in his throat. He just shut down, allowing the silence to stretch.

Finally, he gave up the fight. Sangwon turned slightly in Leo’s embrace and reached up, locking his arms around Leo's neck. He pulled Leo close, burying his face in the sensitive curve of Leo's neck. He didn't offer a full explanation, just a muffled, choked "Sorry... sorry, Leo..." murmured repeatedly into Leo's skin.

Leo held him tight, gently rubbing his back. "I know, baby," he whispered. "It's okay to feel jealous and scared. I should have texted."

Then, Leo surprised him completely. He pulled back just slightly, his eyes filled with quiet concern and a hint of calculation.

"Won-ah," Leo asked softly, his tone incredibly thoughtful. "Are you on your period?"

Sangwon instantly went rigid, surprised and shocked. He lifted his head, staring at Leo with wide eyes. "Why would you ask that?"

mfw 

Leo gently smoothed Sangwon's hair back from his forehead. "Because you're usually so good at talking things out. But right now, you snapped without warning, and you're punishing yourself for it."

Leo gave a small, self-deprecating chuckle. "After that night when you didn't have your binder on, I knew I needed to educate myself. I saved up and got this," he tapped the smart screen of the phone resting on the nightstand. "I've been searching everything I can about female anatomy, hormonal cycles, and how trans men's bodies and moods can be affected." Sangwon stared at Leo, his mind reeling from the sheer depth of Leo's preparation. Leo hadn't just accepted him; he had researched how to best support him.

Leo gently cupped Sangwon's cheek. "I didn't mean to offend you, baby. I just care. I want to know the science so I can support you."

The tears that had dried up instantly began to well up again, not from sadness, but from overwhelming gratitude.

"No, Leo," Sangwon choked out, leaning into the warmth of Leo's hand. "You didn't offend me at all. It's... it's the kindest thing anyone has ever done."

He took a shaky breath, needing to offer his own piece of clarity. "But I need to correct you." Sangwon gently took Leo's hand and placed it on his own chest. "I’m not taking any pills or testosterone yet. I haven't started any medical transition. So the mood swings... they’re just hormones being hormones, I guess."

Sangwon looked away, the shame returning, but then he frowned. He lifted the blanket and glanced down at his white slacks—part of his psychology uniform. His eyes widened slightly.

"Wait a minute," Sangwon whispered, realizing the irony. "I can't believe I'm about to do this."

He quickly scrambled out of the hug, standing up and pulling the waistband of his slacks forward to check the fabric near his hips. He then looked back at Leo, his face a mixture of mortification and resigned confirmation.

"You absolute genius," Sangwon muttered, shaking his head. "You actually guessed it right. I was so busy being jealous and feeling sorry for myself, I didn't even realize I was having severe mood swings because of this."

He laughed—a harsh, tearful sound. "It's so ironic. I'm a psychology student, and I just had a major emotional breakdown, and my Computer Science suitor had to solve the root cause with a medical diagnosis. The problem wasn't a girl; the problem was my own cycle."

Leo immediately got off the bed and stepped toward him. He pulled Sangwon back into a tight, warm hug, his sincerity palpable.

"It's not ironic, Won-ah," Leo murmured, kissing the top of his head. "It's just life. And it's just you. We'll figure it out together. Now, stop worrying about the damn viral post. You need a hot pack and some chocolate."

Sangwon squeezed him tighter. "I love you, you genius," he mumbled, the phrase now a tender confession.

Leo chuckled, relief flooding his system. "I love you too, my ridiculously complicated but beautiful man. Now, let's get you a hot pack and some—"

"I think you should stop courting me now," Sangwon said, cutting Leo off, the sudden change in topic and tone making the statement sound serious and abrupt.

Leo instantly froze, his relief vanishing. He pulled back, his eyes wide with surprise and a fresh wave of panic. He searched Sangwon’s face, wondering if the hormone-fueled meltdown was starting again. "Why?" Leo asked nervously, his voice tight. "What's wrong again? Did I say something wrong about the meds? I can delete the search history—"

Sangwon watched his genuine, flustered panic and couldn't help but smile—a wide, bright, mischievous grin.

"You're my boyfriend already, Leo," Sangwon declared, his tone utterly matter-of-fact. "Stop the courting."

Leo blinked, completely baffled. He stared at Sangwon, processing the sudden, massive leap in status. "Wait, what? I... I haven't even taken you on a proper first date yet! I was planning a whole itinerary! I said I would court you first before you said yes."

"And I already said yes," Sangwon countered, rolling his eyes affectionately. "I literally let you serenade me in front of my school, let you see me in my most vulnerable state twice, and let you go down on me. I practically gave you a background check. You passed."

He stepped closer, his smile softening. "I'm not really into prolonging the courtship. It's exhausting." Sangwon pointed out, "And obviously, this is the result. So why prolong it?"

Sangwon took Leo's hand, his expression firm. "You can still court me even if we're already in a relationship, duhh. Now you just have to do it as my official boyfriend."

Leo’s surprised expression slowly morphed into a huge, delighted grin. He burst out laughing, a deep, joyful sound. He pulled Sangwon into a fierce, elated hug.

"You are absolutely insane," Leo laughed into his hair. "But fine. You just gave me the best job title in the world. I accept the promotion."

He kissed Sangwon—a long, certain kissand when he pulled back, the nervousness was completely gone, replaced by pure, joyous determination.

Chapter Text

"Okay, let's go get some chocolate and a hot pack," Leo said, his arm going easily around Sangwon's shoulder as they walked toward the nearby convenience store.

Inside the brightly lit store, Leo navigated the aisles with focus, quickly locating the small, adhesive heat patches and a carton of rich hot chocolate. Sangwon, however, lingered by the personal care section. They walked to the counter, Leo setting the hot pack and the hot chocolate down first. He reached for his wallet, his mind still slightly preoccupied with the earlier emotional upheaval.

As the cashier scanned the items, Sangwon casually stepped up and slipped a small box of condoms—a brightly colored, discreet pack—onto the counter beside the hot chocolate. The young cashier looked down at the unexpected item, then up at Sangwon, a brief look of surprise flashing across her face before she quickly started scanning the box.

Leo, who had just pulled out his money, froze completely. He looked from the condoms, to the cashier, and finally to Sangwon. His mouth opened slightly, clearly surprised and completely flustered by the sudden, brazen declaration. Sangwon didn't blink. He just met Leo's stunned gaze, his eyes shining with mischief and confidence. He offered Leo a slow, private smirk—a silent, assertive confirmation that while the courtship might be over, the journey of their physical intimacy was definitely not.

Leo let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. He quickly snapped out of his shock, a huge, appreciative grin spreading across his face.

"Right," Leo chuckled, pulling out a few extra bills. 

As they left the store, hand in hand, Sangwon leaned in, whispering, "I told you, Leo. I'm not into prolonging things."

Leo stared at the plastic bag in his hand—heat pack, hot chocolate, and the brightly colored box of condoms. He was still reeling from Sangwon's assertiveness at the counter, a smile stubbornly plastered on hi face.

 He nudged Sangwon gently with his shoulder. "I see you believe in efficiency. We're officially together for five minutes, and you're already planning logistics."

Sangwon squeezed Leo's hand, his earlier embarrassment completely gone, replaced by confident affection. "Well, someone has to be the strategic one, Leo. You’re too busy being cute and letting me have emotional breakdowns."

"Hey! I was being the patient, supportive boyfriend," Leo protested, though his eyes were twinkling. "And I bought the hot pack first. Priorities."

"Which I appreciate," Sangwon said, leaning his head briefly on Leo's shoulder. "But you solved the emotional problem and the relationship status problem. It seemed only fair I handle the next step."

Leo stopped walking for a second, turning Sangwon to face him under the amber glow of a street lamp. He slipped the grocery bag onto his wrist and cupped Sangwon's face, his gaze warm and serious.

"Won-ah, listen," Leo started, his voice dropping. "I meant what I said about waiting. You’re having a tough cycle right now, and I want you to be completely comfortable. I'm ready to wait as long as you need, okay?"

Sangwon gave him a soft, understanding look. "I know you are, Leo. And I appreciate that more than you know." He traced the sharp line of Leo's jaw. "But I also feel better now that I know what's going on and being with you... is a very good comfort."

Sangwon stepped closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "Besides, we have the hot pack for the cramps, the hot chocolate for the comfort, and the box for the pleasure. It's the perfect combination, don't you think?"

Leo let out a heavy, ragged sigh—a sound of utter surrender. He kissed Sangwon gently, his lips brushing his with sweet devotion.

"You are going to be the death of me, Sangwon," Leo murmured against his mouth. "

"You absolutely are."

___

Leo and Sangwon's journey to their intimate moment was marked by a deep connection and mutual respect. Leo, known for his devotion and care, took the lead with a gentle yet firm touch, exploring Sangwon's body with reverence. Sangwon, with his body responding to every caress, allowed himself to be fully present in the moment, savoring every sensation.

Leo's hands gently caressed Sangwon's bare back, feeling the soft curve of his spine. Sangwon lay beneath him, hid eyes closed, his breath already quickening with anticipation. Leo leaned down, his lips brushing against Sangwon's ear. Sangwon's response was a soft moan, his body arching slightly as Leo's fingers traced delicate patterns down his sides. Leo's touch was both tender and firm, exploring every inch of Sangwon's skin, igniting a fire within him. Sangwon's hands found their way to Leo's shoulders, gripping tightly as Leo's lips found his neck, kissing and nibbling gently.

As Leo helped Sangwon out of his underwear, he noticed the faint trace of blood, a reminder of Sangwon's period. It didn't deter him; instead, it heightened his sense of care and protection. Leo's fingers gently traced the sensitive folds, feeling the warmth and the slight dampness from the blood. Sangwon's body responded with a shiver, a mix of vulnerability and desire. 

"Leo, you really know how to make me feel so good," Sangwon murmured, his voice laced with desire. Leo's response was a deep, throaty growl as he captured Sangwon's lips in a passionate kiss, his tongue exploring every corner of his mouth. Their tongues danced together, a sensual tango that left them both breathless and wanting more.

 Leo reached for the condom on the nightstand, tearing it open with his teeth. Sangwon watched, his breath hitching with anticipation as Leo rolled the latex over his painfully hard, thick and veined cock, curving up towards his stomach, his movements were quick and efficient. A soft, appreciative sound escaped Sangwon. 

Leo's hands moved to cradle Sangwon's face, tilting it up so their eyes met. "Tell me if anything hurts, okay? We'll stop if you need to."

Sangwon nodded, his eyes shining with a mix of anticipation and vulnerability. "I trust you, Leo. I trust you completely."

Leo positioned himself at Sangwon's entrance so wet and so ready for him, his eyes meeting his, a silent question passing between them. Sangwon nodded, his lips curling into a seductive smile.

 "Take me, Leo. make me yours," he whispered, hid voice filled with desire.

Leo complied, thrusting into him Sangwon cried out, his body arching off the bed as Leo filled him completely. Leo's movements were slow and deliberate at first, allowing Sangwon to adjust to his size.

The feeling was overwhelming. After hours of focusing solely on Sangwon's pleasure, the sensation of his own was almost too much to bear. Sangwon was so tight, so hot, so impossibly deep. He felt like heaven and hell and everything in between but as his moans grew louder, his body moving in sync with his, he increased his pace, his thrusts becoming more urgent, more demanding.

Leo's body pressed against Sangwon's, the weight of him both comforting and exhilarating. Sangwon's legs parted instinctively, welcoming Leo closer. Leo's hands moved to Sangwon's hips, holding him firmly as he began to rock against him, the friction building a delicious tension. Sangwon's hips moved in sync with his, their bodies finding a natural rhythm.

"God,baby, you feel amazing," Leo whispered, his voice rough with need. Sangwon's legs wrapped around Leo's waist, his heels digging into his back, urging him on. "I want you so badly, Leo. Don't hold back please," he breathed, his eyes flashing with desire. Leo's hands roamed lower, cupping Sangwon's ass, pulling him closer, their bodies aligning perfectly.

Leo's lips left Sangwon's, trailing kisses down his jaw, his neck and his collarbone. He took his time, exploring every inch of his skin, his tongue tasting, his teeth nipping gently. Sangwon's body arched beneath him, his breaths coming in short gasps as Leo's mouth found one of his nipples, capturing it between his teeth.

"Leo, yes, right there," Sangwon gasped, his hands tangling in Leo's hair, holding him close.

Leo's tongue swirled around his nipple, his teeth grazing the sensitive bud, sending waves of pleasure coursing through Sangwon's body. He moved to his other breast, giving it the same attention, his hands continuing to roam his body, touching, teasing, driving him wild with desire.

The room was filled with the sound of their ragged breathing, the slick, wet sound of their joining, the creak of the bedsprings. Sangwon's hips bucked against Leo's, his body trembling with need. Leo's grip tightened, his movements becoming more frantic as he felt Sangwon's body tensing, his release building. 

"Leo, yes, just like that," Sangwon panted, his body convulsing with pleasure. Leo's hands found their way between their bodies, his fingers wrapping around Sangwon's clit, stroking in time with his thrusts. 

"You're gonna make me come, Leo," Sangwon cried, his body starting to tremble. "Fuck, I'm gonna come on your cock."

Sangwon's hips bucked, his body trembling with each touch. Leo's grip tightened, his movements becoming more frantic as he felt Sangwon's body tensing, his release building.

"Come for me, baby," Leo growled, his voice low and commanding.

Sangwon's cries grew louder, his body shuddering as Leo brought him to the edge, holding him there for a moment before pushing him over. Sangwon's release was intense, his body convulsing with waves of pleasure, his inner muscles clenching around Leo's length.

Leo's own release followed soon after, his body shuddering as he spilled into the condom, his hips jerking with each wave of pleasure. Sangwon's body milked him, his inner muscles contracting around him, drawing out his release until he was spent and trembling.

As they lay there, their bodies still joined, Leo's mind was a whirl of sensations and emotions. He knew that this moment, this connection, was something special, something to be cherished. And he vowed to himself that he would always strive to make Sangwon feel as loved and desired as he did in this moment. Leo's lips found Sangwon's once more, a soft, tender kiss that spoke volumes of the love and desire between them. Sangwon's arms wrapped around him, holding him close, his body still trembling with the aftermath of their passion.

"Leo, that was incredible," Sangwon whispered, his voice filled with contentment. Leo's response was a soft smile as he pulled him closer, his arms wrapping around him protectively.

"You're incredible, Sangwon. Everything about you drives me wild," he murmured, his voice soft and gentle.

Sangwon's eyes fluttered open, meeting Leo's gaze with a warm, loving look. "I love you, Leo. More than anything," he replied, his voice filled with emotion. Leo's heart swelled with love and gratitude. 

"and I love you more" He knew that Sangwon was his rock, his anchor, his everything. He leaned down, capturing his lips in a soft, tender kiss, pouring all of his love and devotion into it.

The intensity of their shared passion had faded, leaving the room quiet and warm. Sangwon was curled on his side, his body pleasantly heavy and exhausted, while Leo held him close, their limbs lightly tangled beneath the shifted blanket. After a few minutes of simply holding him, Leo shifted, gently sliding out of the embrace. Sangwon whined softly at the loss of contact, his sound muffled by the pillow. He was too tired to respond fully, just registering the cold air where Leo had been.

"Just a second, baby," Leo murmured, his voice thick and tender. "I'll be right back."

He knew exactly where to go. He quickly and quietly located a clean towel and went straight to Sangwon’s bathroom to fetch warm water. He returned a moment later with the damp towel.

He returned to the bed and sat beside Sangwon, his movements gentle and deliberate. Leo carefully and respectfully cleaned Sangwon, wiping away the remnants of their closeness with slow, smooth strokes. Sangwon offered no protest or help, his exhaustion complete.

Once the cleanup was done, Leo tucked the towel away and returned to Sangwon, pulling him close again.

"You are so beautiful," Leo whispered into Sangwon's hair, resting his chin on his head.

He then retrieved the water bottle from the nightstand. He held the bottle to Sangwon's lips.

"Hydration and comfort," Leo stated, ensuring Sangwon took a slow sip. "And then sleep."

Sangwon managed a weak sip, burrowing his face against Leo’s neck. He was already sinking into sleep, his arm wrapping weakly around Leo's waist.

Leo smiled, holding him tighter. "I'm always here, won-ah."

Chapter Text

The morning air in the Velarde home was thick with the comforting aroma of garlic, tomatoes, and sizzling longganisa. In the kitchen, bathed in the soft morning light, was a picture of perfect, unhurried domesticity. Leo, with an apron tied neatly around his waist, stood before the stove, expertly flipping the sweet sausages. His brow was furrowed in concentration, but a soft smile played on his lips.

Sangwon was perched on a counter stool, chin resting on his hand, completely mesmerized. He didn't just see a man cooking; he saw his whole future. The apron, the way the light caught the dark curl of Leo's hair, it was like watching a private, perfect dream play out in his own kitchen. It felt like Leo didn't just cook breakfast for him; he had hung the very stars in the sky.

He was so lost in this feeling—this blissful, domestic certainty—that the sudden sound of the front door opening shattered the moment like breaking glass.

"Son, we're home!" a cheerful voice called out, followed by a lighter, more curious one.

Sangwon’s head snapped toward the door. "Mom? Dad?" He scrambled off the stool, heart hammering against his ribs. "But... it's still harvest season. I thought you were still in the province managing the cornfield."

In the kitchen doorway stood Mrs. Velarde and Mr. Velarde . They were dusty from the road, but their expressions weren't tired—they were utterly, hilariously shocked. Their gaze went from Sangwon, looking flustered and half-dressed in a loose shirt and boxers, to the man in the apron calmly stirring eggs at their stove.

Mr. Velarde's eyes narrowed slightly, not in anger, but in confusion. "Leo? What... what are you doing here? And why are you in our house, in the kitchen?"

The silence that followed was so thick you could slice it with a knife. Sangwon and Leo were frozen; Sangwon’s mind was a frantic scramble of excuses and apologies. But Leo, ever the gentleman, was the first to regain his composure. He turned off the heat, wiped his hands on the apron, and took a deep, steadying breath.

He walked over to the parents, standing straight and respectful, lowering his head slightly.

"Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Velarde," Leo said, his voice was earnest and clear. He knew they recognized him from their field visits, but he introduced himself with a formality that showed his respect for their house and their son. "I'm Leo Rivera."

He bowed slightly. "I am truly sorry for my actions. Coming into your home without your knowledge and, more importantly, not seeking your permission to court your son. It was very rude of me, and I beg for your understanding and forgiveness."

Sangwon rushed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Leo, a protective arm brushing his own, his face etched with worry. "Dad, Mom, wait, please listen. It's not just him; it's us. And I thought you wouldn't be back until next week..."

Mrs. Velarde, who had been observing the entire interaction—the apron, the shared surprise, Leo’s immediate, respectful apologies softened her gaze. She nudged her husband and gave Sangwon a knowing look.

Mr. Velarde looked at the full spread on the stove: the eggs, the rice, the longganisa. He sighed, a dramatic but ultimately genial sound, and cracked a small smile.

"The longganisa smells good, Leo," he said, the tension in the room instantly dissipating. He looked pointedly at the stove.". We just got back. Cook more so we can eat breakfast together."

The four of them sat at the breakfast table, eating the hearty meal. The air was no longer tense, but still charged with a quiet seriousness.

Leo kept his eyes downcast, addressing the parents with sincere humility. "Mrs. and Mr. Velarde, I want to apologize again. I know it’s shameful—to move so fast and not talk to you first. But I truly care for your son, and I want to do things the right way, with your blessing."

Mrs. Velarde placed a gentle hand on Leo’s arm. "Hijo, you don't have to worry too much about that. Sangwon is an adult. He is our only son, but he can love whoever he likes."

Mr. Velarde nodded, taking a thoughtful sip of his coffee. He looked directly at Leo, a keen, honest look.

"The only thing we want, Leo, is someone who will treat our son right." He paused, letting the weight of the words settle. "Someone we can trust will not break his heart. Someone who sees his worth, even when he doesn't see it himself."

Leo looked into the older man's eyes, his resolve absolute. "I promise you, sir. I will be that person. I will treat Sangwon with respect, love, and loyalty every single day."

A moment passed in silence, sealed by the shared promise.

Finally, Mrs. Velarde spoke up, a playful glint in her eye. "Good. Then you can't just leave after saying all that! Why don't you stay for today, Leo? Just one day. We have so much catching up to do, and we want to get to know the man who makes our son look like he just won the lottery."

Mr. Velarde cleared his throat, his expression turning serious again, but with a paternal kindness. "Yes. After we finish breakfast, I want to have a man-to-man talk with you, Leo. We can talk about... corn harvest and all that," he finished with a barely perceptible wink. The request was an invitation, a test, and a tentative acceptance all rolled into one. Sangwon breathed a sigh of relief, reaching under the table to squeeze Leo’s hand..

After breakfast, Mrs. Velarde insisted that Sangwon and Leo sit with her in the living room while she recounts the amusing difficulties of the corn harvest. She was sharp, funny, and mostly, she was observing. She watched how Leo listened to her stories, how he made subtle eye contact with Sangwon, and how easily he helped clear the dishes without being asked.

Around noon, Mr. Velarde, Ramon, finally cleared his throat, signaling the moment had arrived.

"Leo," he said, holding up a small glass of mango juice. "Come with me to the lanai."

The lanai was a cozy, shaded patio. Ramon offered Leo a seat, and they settled into the quiet hum of the afternoon. Ramon didn't mince words, but his tone was genuinely calm, not confrontational. He started not with Sangwon, but with Leo's background.

"Your parents, I know them, they’ve been in the field for years. You’re a hard worker, I know that. But the farm work is honest, hijo, and not easy," Ramon began. "Sangwon is different. He's... sensitive, he has a good mind, an easy life here. Do you understand the kind of life he is used to?"

Leo nodded, meeting his gaze directly. "Yes, I do. And that is why I know what a great honor it is to be with him. I know I don't have a big house or a degree yet, but I am willing to work for it. My promise is not to change Sangwon's life, but to support it. To be his stable ground, no matter what."

Ramon took a slow, deliberate sip of his juice. "You saw how he looks at you this morning. Like you hung the stars for him. You have a great power over his heart now, Leo. A simple worker from my field, yes, but to Sangwon, you are everything right now."

He leaned forward, his voice softening with paternal concern. "My fear is that the light in his eyes will go out. My fear is that you will treat this lightly. In our culture, when a man courts, he is making a serious declaration. Are you ready for that kind of serious responsibility? Can you truly be the person he deserves?"

Leo did not look away. He spoke with a quiet certainty that held far more weight than bluster.

"I love your son, sir. It is not a passing thing. I am here today, not just to ask for your permission, but to ask for your trust," Leo replied. "I promise to respect his heart, his dreams, and his family. I promise to never take advantage of the trust he gives me. I will always be honest with him"

A long silence settled between them, broken only by the chirping of a distant bird. Ramon finally broke into a slow, warm smile.

"Good. That is all I needed to hear, anak," he said, using the casual endearment that instantly elevated Leo from a worker to a member of the family circle. "The only thing a father wants is to know his child is safe and loved. And I can tell you love him."

The rest of the afternoon was marked by a comfortable, easygoing rhythm. Ramon's initial skepticism melted away as he watched Leo interact with Sangwon. Mrs. Velarde started asking Leo about his favorite dishes, immediately trying to teach him a trick for making calamansi juice less bitter. Ramon put Leo to work helping him fix a minor plumbing issue near the garden hose, an old-school Filipino test of usefulness and skill. Leo, handy from years of farm work, impressed him easily.

 Sangwon simply watched, his heart swelling with pride and relief. Seeing his parents laugh and relax in Leo's presence was everything he had hoped for.

As the sun began to set, they were all in the kitchen, Sangwon leaning against Leo as they prepared for dinner.

"So, you passed the plumbing test," Sangwon whispered, grinning.

"It was harder than getting your father's blessing," Leo joked softly, before squeezing Sangwon's hand. "But I think I'm starting to win them over."

Ramon walked into the kitchen, looking at the easy domestic scene. "We're going to keep you busy tomorrow, Leo. We have a lot more catching up to do, and I want you to tell me more about that new hybrid corn we planted."

It was a gentle, firm confirmation: Leo was staying and welcome.

Two weeks had passed since the family breakfast and the successful "man-to-man talk." The initial, exciting relief of his parents' acceptance had been replaced by a gnawing sense of absence.

Sangwon sat in his university lecture hall, his notebook opened but his mind was miles away. His gaze was fixed on the calendar—two weeks without seeing Leo—only quick, exhausted texts and late-night calls. Leo was diligently working his new schedule, and Sangwon was consumed by his own "hell week" of exams and papers.

He finally snapped his fingers, a brilliant idea forming.

He leaned back in his chair, whispering across the desk to Liyu and Anxin, his two closest friends.

"Hey, listen up," Sangwon hissed, excitement bubbling. "This hell week is killing us. I just had a thought: private island vacation. My family’s place. Three days and two nights. Are you two game?"

Liyu’s eyes immediately lit up. "Are you kidding? We haven't seen the sun and sand in months. Absolutely game!."

Anxin, always the practical one, chimed in. "As long as there's reliable Wi-Fi for my streams, I'm in. Wait, is this an us trip, or are we bringing significant others?"

Sangwon grinned, running a hand through his hair. "I want to bring Leo. I miss him like crazy. And you two should bring your partners too, if you want. It’ll be a proper double date getaway."

Liyu leaned closer, his expression suddenly curious. "That sounds great. But speaking of Leo, you mentioned he got a job? What is he doing now?"

"Yeah," Sangwon sighed, the excitement dimming slightly. "He found a part-time job as a waiter at a restaurant near his school. He's been so busy, that’s why I haven't seen him."

 It’s late one evening, a few days after Leo was accepted by Sangwon’s parents. They are lying tangled together in the quiet intimacy of Leo’s small dorm room bed. Leo was tracing patterns on Sangwon's back. "I found a job," he murmured, his voice laced with tired satisfaction.

"Oh yeah?" Sangwon shifted to face him, propping his head up.

"It's a part-time gig at a decent restaurant downtown. Waitering on weekdays during my free class hours, and delivery boy on the weekends."

Sangwon’s heart ached with pride, but also concern. "Leo, that’s too much. You’ll burn out. Why don’t you just work for my dad? We have other construction supply businesses. It would be easier, better pay, and more flexible."

Leo gently brushed a stray curl from Sangwon's forehead. He was sincerely touched, but his resolve was firm.

"Thank you, baby. Truly. But I can't. Your family has already given me so much—their acceptance is the biggest gift. I can’t just depend on your family's wealth," he explained softly. "I want to do this on my own. I want to build something. I want to look your father in the eye and prove that I can earn my way, that I can do anything for you, with my own two hands."

He kissed Sangwon gently, his eyes full of earnest love. "Let me do this. It’s important to me."

Back in the classroom, Sangwon was folding his vacation plan into existence.

"Okay, look," Sangwon told his friends, determined. "The island trip is Friday to Sunday. I think Leo’s off on a few weekdays this month. I'm going to check his schedule, and maybe... surprise him at work today."

Liyu chuckled. "Go for it, blossom. It'll be a better study break than caffeine."

Later that afternoon, Sangwon stood outside a bustling casual dining spot, adjusting his jacket. He felt a nervous flutter in his stomach—he was about to see his boyfriend, but in his professional, hardworking environment. He walked inside and was immediately seated at a small table by the window. He didn't have to wait long. Leo emerged from the back, balancing two trays, his movements quick and efficient. He was wearing a crisp polo and an apron, and his hair was slightly damp from the heat of the kitchen. He looked completely professional, but also beautifully exhausted.

When Leo turned and saw Sangwon, his composure broke for a brief, wonderful instant. His eyes widened in genuine shock, a flash of pure, unadulterated delight washing over his face.

"Sangwon?" Leo whispered, recovering quickly but unable to stop the warm smile. He approached the table. "What are you doing here?"

"I was hungry," Sangwon replied innocently, picking up the menu. "I hear this place has excellent service."

Leo rolled his eyes, a soft laugh escaping him. "This is so typical of you. What do you want, sir?"

Sangwon leaned over the table, his voice low and teasing. "I'll take the handsome waiter on the menu. But since that’s not an option, I'll have the Spicy Chicken Pasta."

Leo chuckled, jotting down the order. "Pasta, coming right up. You wait right here, okay? I have a break soon."

Sangwon watched him walk away, his heart feeling full and warm. He was incredibly proud.

Sangwon waited patiently, enjoying his meal and watching Leo work his shift. Finally, around ten o'clock, Leo walked back out, shedding his apron and jacket, looking instantly relieved.

"Finally free," Leo sighed, taking Sangwon's hand.

They walked next door to a small 24/7 convenience store, grabbing two cold bottles of soda and settling onto a small concrete bench outside, under the glow of the store's neon sign.

"You really surprised me," Leo said, leaning his head on Sangwon’s shoulder, the exhaustion finally catching up to him. "It made my whole shift."

"I missed you," Sangwon admitted simply, squeezing his hand. "Two weeks felt like two years. And I wanted to see you doing your thing. You were amazing, love your fast, polite, everything."

"It's honest work," Leo murmured. "It's just that I’m so tired by the end of the day, I can barely keep my eyes open for our calls."

"I know," Sangwon said. "And that's why I had an idea."

Sangwon leaned his head back, turning to face Leo. "I’m planning a getaway this weekend. Liyu, Anxin, me... and you or you can also invite your friends. My family's private island. Just three days of sun, sand, and absolutely no work. No customers, no deliveries, just us. Are you free this weekend? Say you're free pretty please."

Leo looked at him, his tired eyes suddenly glittering under the street lamp. The thought of two whole days of pure relaxation, just with Sangwon, was the most beautiful thing he could imagine.

He immediately brightened, then his smile slowly faltered. A look of quiet, familiar struggle crossed his face. He gently pulled his hand away to fidget with the soda bottle label.

"I can... I can probably reschedule my weekend delivery route," Leo started, his voice a little lower, full of hope, then hesitation. "But I have to check... I have to see if I can afford it, love."

He took a slow breath, his eyes fixed on the condensation dripping down the bottle. It was embarrassing to admit this after such a grand invitation, but he had to be honest.

"The money I made these past two weeks, I just sent it to my sister for her school allowance and to my mother. It will take another full week of shifts to save up for something like a trip, even a short one..." he trailed off, looking up apologetically. "I don't want you to have to pay for me, Sangwon."

Sangwon immediately reached out, taking Leo’s hand and lacing their fingers together again. He recognized that proud, self-sufficient look in Leo’s eyes, and he smiled with deep affection.

"Oh, hijo," Sangwon said gently, using a teasing tone his mother often used. "Stop worrying about your beautiful head about money."

He tapped Leo's nose lightly. "It's free, love. It's our property, our private little island. There are no hotel bills, no tickets, no need to pay for anything but the food we’ll bring from the city. Consider it my welcome-to-the-family-and-survival-of-hell-week gift."

He looked earnestly into Leo’s eyes. "The only expense you have is saying yes and showing up. Your presence is the only payment I want. Please."

Leo finally let the stress leave his body. He sighed happily, letting his head drop against Sangwon's shoulder on.

 "Okay, okay. I need that. I'm free for you, and for this free trip. Thank you, baby. Thank you."

Chapter Text

Leo sat on the corner of Sangwon's bed waiting patiently for Sangwon. He checked the clock, then softly called out towards the bathroom door.

"Baby, the van driver is waiting for us," Leo murmured, his voice laced with the tenderness of a shared private moment. "You look like you’re ready, won. You really don't need a makeover , but whatever makes you happy."

Sangwon finally emerged, looking perfectly put together, yet relaxed. He grinned, walking over to grab Leo's hand and pull him up. "I have to look good for the camera and for you, my love. Let's go!"

They rushed downstairs and out to the large van, both buzzing with anticipation for the escape.

They quickly picked up Liyu, who was already fussing over the logistics, despite the luxury transport.

"Buttercup, did you already check the itinerary of our trip and please tell me you didn't forget the medical kit in case someone needs it," Liyu said, buckling his seatbelt with a worried sigh.Typical Liyu the mother of the group.

"Yes, and no, I didn't forget the medical kit, Blossoms," Sangwon replied, rolling his eyes fondly. "It's a 3 days therapy session, not a military deployment so relax, you nervous wreck."

Next, they drove to Anxin's house. When Anxin appeared, he wasn't alone. Trailing behind him was a tall, slightly reserved young man.

"Hey, guys, uhm this is Nian," Anxin introduced, looking a bit awkward. "My dad agreed to let me go on the trip only if I brought my cousin. He thinks I need supervision."

Nian gave a stiff, slight bow from the waist while holding his bag close. He was tall and broad, and his deep voice was almost startling when he spoke.

"Hello," Nian said, his eyes flicking quickly over the group before settling down.

They simply smiled at Nian. "Welcome to the group, Nian."

The final stop was Leo's boarding house to collect Xinlong and Sen. They were already outside, laughing at something Xinlong had said. Everyone in the van knew them except Nian, and the atmosphere felt instantly warmer.

"Took you long enough, lovebirds!" Xinlong teased, easily the most outgoing of Leo's friends."We're so excited, three days of not thinking about exams? ohh I'm in heaven."

 Sen who's more reserved but offers a genuine, gentle smile to Sangwon and Leo. 

With the final guests loaded, the large van merged onto the highway.

As the van rolled out of the city, the music played louder and the windows came down, letting the wind rush in. Sangwon leaned closer to Leo, eyes bright as he pointed out the scenery.

“Look at that, love,” he said softly, his voice full of wonder. “It reminds me of the province.”

Leo turned to look outside—the stretch of green fields, the quiet farms, the sky so clear it almost looked new. He rested his head lightly against Sangwon's shoulder.

“It feels like home,” Leo murmured, closing his eyes for a second, just letting the calm sink in.

Anxin leaned forward, laughing as he pointed out cows and small fruit stands by the road, while Liyu quietly snapped photos of the passing fields. Nian, silent as always, just watched the view with that same thoughtful look in his eyes.

The yacht finally slowed to a stop near the small island dock, the engine dying down with a soft shudder. For a moment, all that could be heard was the crash of waves and the cries of distant seagulls. The air was thick with salt and the scent of wildflowers drifting from the jungle-covered hills nearby.

Anxin was the first to break the silence.

“Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!” he squealed, practically bouncing as he leaned over the railing. “It’s even prettier than the pictures, Sangwon! Look at that water—it’s so clear! I swear I could just jump in right now!”

Liyu, ever the calm one, tightened the strap of his bag and placed a steady hand on Anxin’s back. “You might want to actually step off the boat first before you go swimming,” he said, his tone calm but teasing.

Nian let out a deep, quiet laugh—rare, but genuine. “Yeah, because if you jump, I’ll have to dive in after you,” he said, shaking his head. “And I don’t think my phone’s waterproof enough for a rescue mission.”

Xinlong, standing behind them, grinned and clapped Anxin on the shoulder. “Relax, man! You’ll scare the crew before we even unpack.”

Sen just smiled faintly, amused.

Finally, the crew waved them off, and everyone started filing out onto the wooden dock. The planks creaked softly under their feet, warm under the afternoon sun. At the end of the path stood a man in a crisp white uniform, flanked by two younger staff members, all smiling in welcome.

“Welcome back, Mr. Sangwon!” the man greeted, bowing slightly. “The villa is ready for you and your guests. It’s a perfect day to be at the beach.”

“Thank you, Mang Ben,” Sangwon said with a grin, shaking the man’s hand. “It’s good to see you again. I brought a few friends this time, people who needed a little sunshine.”

While the staff began unloading their bags onto a small electric cart, Mang Ben presented a three rustic brass keys.

“Here are the keys to your rooms, sir,” he said politely. “The main villa has three large rooms ready.” Sangwon nodded and took them, turning to face the group with a mischievous glint in his eye.

“Alright, everyone, room assignments!” he announced, lifting the keys like a game show host.

Anxin immediately perked up. “Ooh! Let’s hear it! Who’s roommate with who?!”

“Calm down,” Sangwon said, fighting a smile. He held up one key. “Obviously, Leo and I will be sharing a room.”

That earned a chorus of teasing groans and laughter.

Liyu elbowed him lightly. “Of course. Wouldn’t want the lovebirds to be separated.”

Anxin gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “What?! You’re ditching us for love, Sangwon? After everything we’ve been through?” He then immediately turned to Sen, eyes gleaming mischievously. "Sen! You're with us!"

Before Sen could even react, Anxin grabbed his arm. "Come on, Sen! You're quiet, and Liyu is calm, and I'm… well, I'm me! It's a perfect balance! The three of us should share a room! We can get to know you better!"

Liyu sighed but followed, taking Sen’s other arm like they were kidnapping him. “It’s true. Someone has to supervise Anxin, and two people might not even be enough.”

Sen blinked, taken aback, but a small shy smile broke through. “Uh, alright then,” he said softly, letting them drag him away. “If you say so.”

That left Xinlong and Nian standing together, looking at each other, a beat of awkward silence hanging in the air.

 Xinlong, always quick to adapt, grinned at Nian. "Well, looks like it's just us, big guy!" He clapped Nian on the shoulder, making the shy cousin jump slightly. "We're roomies! We can talk about... uh... gaming strategies! Or... how to survive Anxin!"

 Nian, after a moment of surprise, offered a small, hesitant smile that softened his features significantly. His deep voice rumbled. "It seems so. Alright." The idea of being paired with the outgoing Xinlong seemed less daunting than being alone.

Behind them, Leo and Sangwon lingered for a moment, exchanging a look that said everything—relief, affection, and that quiet thrill of knowing they were about to spend the next few days together, away from everything else.

It was just past 6:00 PM. The fierce heat of the afternoon had softened into the cool, refreshing chill of the island evening. The air was now scented with salt and a hint of smoke from the fire pit.

Down by the shore, the logistical team—Leo, Nian, and Xinlong—had already finished setting up. Leo was expertly arranging charcoal in the large grill, his movements efficient and focused. Xinlong was laying out platters of marinated meats, singing loudly to himself. Nian, looking more comfortable in the absence of direct conversation, was quietly stacking driftwood near the bonfire pit, his tall figure illuminated by the soft light .

Up in the main villa, the others were finalizing preparations.

Sangwon walked briskly down the hall to the room shared by Liyu, Anxin, and Sen. He knocked once, then poked his head in.

"Liyu, do you have those super fancy imported chips you promised?" Sangwon asked, smiling. "We need them for the snack table."

Liyu, who was neatly folding his clothes into his bag even though they’d only been there a few hours, pointed to a bag. "They're right there. I made sure they didn't get crushed. Don't let Anxin eat all the cheddar ones."

"No promises," Sangwon chuckled, grabbing the bag.

Meanwhile, Anxin was bouncing near the bed, his energy levels fully recharged. He waved his hands impatiently at Sen, who was lying down for a quick rest, scrolling through his phone.

"Sen, let’s go! We have to get to the shore!" Anxin pleaded, his voice high with excitement. "You can’t lie down; we have a party! The fire's probably lit already! Come on, come on!"

Sen smiled, shaking his head at Anxin's endless energy. "Alright, alright. I'm coming," he said, finally sitting up. "just trying to pace myself so I don't run out of energy before the marshmallows are done."

Soon, the whole group made their way down to the beach where the crackling fire pit beckoned.

Sangwon quickly spotted Leo at the grill and walked over, his steps light on the sand. He was dressed for the tropical evening, contrasting the darkening sky: black cycling short and a white crop-top long-sleeve shirt. The outfit was casual and stylish, showing off his physique.

He stopped right beside Leo. "Need a hand, chef?"

Leo turned, his eyes sweeping over Sangwon's outfit. The soft light caught the exposed skin between the shirt's hem and the shorts, and the white fabric made Sangwon glow slightly against the twilight.

Leo paused his work, his brow furrowed slightly in concern, but his tone was gentle and warm. He wasn't judging the clothes; he was focused on his comfort.

"Hey, baby," Leo said, setting down his tongs. "You look good, but... it's getting a bit cold out here with the breeze. Are you sure you aren't cold? I can go grab my hoodie."

Sangwon leaned closer, resting a hand on Leo's arm, feeling the warmth of his skin. "I'm fine, love," he assured him, smiling reassuringly. "Don't worry about me. I'm used to this cold, honestly. I've been walking around in T-shirts all day."

Leo looked at him for another moment, seeing the certainty in his eyes. He wouldn't argue. "Okay, okay," he conceded easily, picking up his tongs again. "But if you even get one goosebump, you tell me immediately, okay?."

As the savory smell of grilled meat began to fill the air, the party truly began. The fire pit cast a warm, flickering glow over the group, creating an atmosphere that was both cozy and intimate.

The snacks were laid out, and a portable karaoke machine was quickly set up.

Anxin immediately seized the microphone. He stood right next to the flames, eyes closed dramatically, and launched into a powerful rendition of Starship's "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now." His enthusiasm was infectious, though his voice occasionally soared into an unexpected cracked falsetto on the high notes.

The rest of the group was thoroughly enjoying the spectacle. Liyu, Sangwon, and Xinlong were gathered near the snacks, laughing heartily every time Anxin's voice broke.

Leo, having finished the main grilling, sat back next to Sangwon. They shared a plate of food, their knees touching, exchanging private, affectionate smiles over the rim of their drinks. They were content in their bubble, watching their friends enjoy the night.

Sen sat a little away from the main noise, quietly eating a skewer of grilled meat. He was smiling softly, his head bobbing slightly to the rhythm of the song. He wasn't participating actively, but he was undeniably vibing with the atmosphere, clearly enjoying the relaxation.

Across the fire pit, Nian was sitting on a piece of driftwood. He was sipping his drink and silently watching the scene. His gaze, however, kept returning to Sen. Nian wasn't watching him to judge the silence; he seemed interested, observing Sen's gentle, composed demeanor and the small, easy smiles that came from enjoying the simple act of eating and listening. The contrast between Sen's calm presence and Anxin's booming, slightly off-key song seemed to hold Nian's quiet attention.

It was a perfect end to the first day: laughter, music, warm fire, good food, and the beautiful, complex intertwining of two groups of friends now starting to feel like one.

The bonfire had burned down to a bed of glowing embers, the orange light flickering across their faces as laughter and low chatter filled the air. The night had turned soft and warm, the ocean humming quietly in the background. The drinks had been flowing for a while now, loosening everyone up. Conversations had naturally split into smaller circles around the fire.

Leo and Xinlong were deep in a nerdy discussion about their Computer Science core, both crouched in the sand, drawing little diagrams with sticks.

“Honestly, Professor Reyes almost made me drop out of Discrete Math,” Xinlong said, groaning dramatically before taking another swig from his cup. “He’s like a walking final exam—just pure pain.”

Leo laughed, shaking his head. “He’s strict, yeah, but his logic actually makes sense if you follow it. Remember his whole Turing machine obsession? It’s genius once you get it.”

Every now and then, Leo glanced at Sen, who was sitting quietly nearby, nursing his drink. “What about you, Sen? You’re in accounting, right? Do you guys have your own version of Reyes?”

Sen smiled a little, “we do. Professor Diaz,” he said, chuckling softly. “She can spot a misplaced decimal from across the room. It’s terrifying.”

“Sounds like trauma in numbers,” Xinlong muttered, earning a small laugh from everyone.

Beside them, Sangwon was nestled close to Leo, their hips are literally attached to each other. He wasn’t paying much attention to the math talk, though—his focus was on Anxin and Liyu, who were arguing passionately about music videos.

“That SZA video is literal art,” Sangwon insisted, gesturing with his drink. “It’s not just visuals—it’s the emotion, the storytelling. You don’t get that with random bass drops.”

Anxin gasped dramatically. “Excuse me? The bass is the story!” he argued, slurring slightly as he leaned closer to Liyu for backup.

Liyu just smiled, calm as always. “I think you both just like being dramatic,” he said quietly, making Sangwon laugh.

At the edge of the group, Nian sat quietly, half-listening to both conversations. When Xinlong noticed, he looked up and called him in. “Hey, Nian—you’re in architecture, right? You guys use coding too, yeah?”

“A bit,” Nian answered, his voice low and soft. “Mostly modeling. We deal more with structure and aesthetics. Our version of your terror is the building code—it’s long, boring, and impossible to escape.”

That earned a round of knowing laughs. For a while, everything was just comfortable—voices blending with the sound of the waves, firelight flickering over the group like a heartbeat.

But as the night stretched on, exhaustion and alcohol started to creep in.

Anxin, the lightweight of the group, was the first to go. He tried to stand, wobbling, and pointed at the sand. “Is… is the ground moving?” he asked, wide-eyed and giggling uncontrollably.

Sen wasn’t far behind. His usual calm expression was melting into a soft, unfocused smile, and he was blinking slowly, clearly tipsy but still trying to hold it together.

Nian immediately started to rise, but Liyu stopped him with a small gesture. “It’s okay, I’ve got Anxin,” Liyu said calmly, wrapping an arm around Anxin’s waist before the boy could trip over himself. “He just needs water and his bed.”

Liyu then turned to Nian. “But Sen looks like he’s next. Can you help him? He’s going to need someone steady.”

Nian nodded, no questions asked. He walked over to Sen and placed a large, steady hand on his shoulder. “Come on,Sen” he said gently. “Let’s get you to your room.”

Sen gave a drowsy, grateful nod. “Thanks,” he murmured, letting Nian guide him up the path, his steps uneven but safe under Nian’s quiet watch.

Back at the bonfire, Xinlong had already started cleaning up bottles and trays. Leo stood to help. “Let me give you a hand,” he said.

Xinlong waved him off with a knowing grin. “Don’t bother, man. You’ve got your hands full.”

Leo followed his gaze—and there was Sangwon, slumped over in Leo’s old spot, head drooping, mumbling softly to himself.

Leo sighed, smiling helplessly. “You’re right,” he said, rubbing the back of his neck. “This cleanup’s on me.”

“Go,” Xinlong laughed. “That’s a better job anyway.”

Leo crouched beside Sangwon, brushing a strand of hair from his face. “Come on, love,” he whispered, voice tender. “Time to sleep.”

Sangwon murmured something incoherent and tried to stand, but his legs gave out almost immediately. Without a second thought, Leo turned around and carefully hoisted him up, carrying him on his back.

The path back to the villa was dimly lit, the night air cool and quiet. Sangwon’s voice was soft and heavy near Leo’s ear.

“You know, love,” he mumbled sleepily, words slurred but full of feeling, “you’re… you’re the best. I don’t know why you picked me. You could’ve had anyone. You’re smart, and hardworking, and you make my parents like you.”

Leo smiled to himself, his chest tightening in the best way. “Shh,” he said gently. “You’re everything I could ever want. I’m the lucky one, remember?”

Sangwon let out a soft hum, the kind that sounded almost like a sigh of relief.

When they finally reached their room, Leo laid him gently on the bed. Sangwon immediately curled up, face relaxed in the dim light. Leo sat on the edge of the bed, gently pulling off Sangwon’s sandals. He tucked a blanket lightly over him, then leaned down to press a warm, lingering kiss to Sangwon's temple—a simple, goodnight gesture of care and devotion.

He started to rise, preparing to quickly change his clothes and sit nearby. But before he could pull away, Sangwon’s hand shot up, his fingers weakly but purposefully wrapping around Leo's wrist.

"Wait," Sangwon mumbled, his eyes still heavy, but his gaze is now fixed on Leo's face.

Before Leo could ask what was wrong, Sangwon rose suddenly, his body fueled by the deep, urgent gratitude he couldn't fully express while riding on Leo's back. He threw his arms loosely around Leo’s neck and pressed his lips firmly against Leo's.

It wasn't a desperate kiss, but one that was deeply heartfelt and slightly clumsy with intoxication. It was a tangible expression of every thankful word he had just whispered on the path.

Leo reciprocated immediately. He shifted his weight, using one hand to steady Sangwon's shoulder and the other to cradle the back of his head, turning the eager, slightly slurred contact into a slow, steady connection. The kiss was gentle, patient, and full of the profound love that needed no words.

Chapter Text

Leo broke the slow kiss, his heart hammering against his ribs. He gently pressed his forehead against Sangwon's, whispering, "I love you." He began to pull away, needing to give Sangwon a moment to rest and prepare himself for sleep.

He was about to get up when Sangwon's arms tightened, pulling Leo's head down and close again.

Sangwon's eyes, previously drowsy, now held a deep, intense focus. The drunken haze had burned away, leaving behind a raw, sincere need that was palpable in the small, quiet room.

"No, wait, don't go," Sangwon breathed, his voice a low, husky plea. 

He looked up at Leo, his gaze unwavering. The soft light filtering through the window illuminated his face, making his vulnerability clear.

"I need you," Sangwon said, his voice barely above a whisper, yet vibrating with emotion. It was a complete surrender, a confession that went deeper than just physical desire—it was about emotional security.

Before Leo could respond—before he could speak a word of comfort or assurance—Sangwon raised his hands to the hem of his white crop-top long-sleeve shirt. With slow, deliberate movements, he pulled the shirt up over his head, discarding it onto the floor beside the bed.

He lay upper exposed before Leo, his bare body beautiful and vulnerable, a silent and complete invitation. The action was raw, immediate, and fueled by the emotional truth released by the liquor.

Leo's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. 

Leo didn't hesitate; he understood the moment demanded immediate, tender reciprocation. He leaned down and finally, truly joined Sangwon on the soft bed, his presence and a warm weight of commitment.

With a deep, reverent tenderness, Leo's gaze never left Sangwon's face, making every movement a deliberate affirmation of love. He reached out with a gentle hand and began a feather-light exploration of Sangwon's breast. His fingers traced the contours of muscle and skin, a soothing, deliberate action that communicated care rather than haste.

Then, his hand found its way to one of Sangwon's perky nipples. Leo began to fondle it, his thumb and forefinger moving with an exquisite sensitivity, rolling the small nubbin gently between his digits. This focused, tender attention was utterly simple, yet profoundly intimate, making the vulnerability of the gesture complete.

A soft, raw sound escaped Sangwon's lips—a deep, low moan that was less about immediate pleasure and more about the overwhelming relief.

"Ahhh~" 

He instinctively arched into the caress, burying his face into Leo's shoulder. All the exhaustion and emotional weight of the week, and the stress of the school initially melted away into the shared warmth of the island night.

Leo felt the tremor run through Sangwon’s body and only tightened his embrace, letting his fingers continue the gentle, focused exploration. He kissed Sangwon's hair, breathing in the scent of sweetness and the faintest hint of alcohol.

As Leo’s fingers continued their gentle exploration, Sangwon shifted beneath him. He reached down and seized Leo's hand, his grip surprisingly firm. He guided Leo's hand down, pressing it low against his own body—directly onto the dark, damp fabric of his black cycling shorts.

Leo's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as his palm registered the hot dampness soaking through the short. The physical proof of Sangwon's intense need was undeniable.

Leo pulled his hand back slightly, resting it instead on Sangwon’s hip. He looked deeply into Sangwon's eyes, his expression serious and tender, ensuring this intoxicated impulse was fully consensual.

"Are you really okay with this, love?" Leo murmured, his voice low and steady. He wasn't hesitant due to lack of desire, but out of profound respect. "We can stop right here , we can just sleep."

Sangwon didn't hesitate or look away. He shook his head slowly, the movement firm. "No," he whispered, his eyes blazing with clear, earnest intent. "Proceed. I need you, please."

Leo immediately accepted the passionate plea. He moved over to Sangwon, his intent now absolute. He cupped Sangwon's clothed pussy, feeling the heat and dampness through the short. With focused determination, Leo used one hand to quickly undress Sangwon's black cycling shorts, pulling them down past his hips and off onto the floor.

Sangwon was completely exposed. Leo's eyes swept over his lover's body, noticing the thin hair barely noticeable surrounding his folds , which were glistening with how wet he was. The sight was deeply arousing.

He lowered his head slightly, his mouth descending to lick at Sangwon's nipple, drawing a sharp inhale from his lover. Simultaneously, Leo used his thumb to circle Sangwon's clit, applying a gentle, rhythmic pressure.

A profound gasp tore from Sangwon's throat as Leo then slid his middle finger into his wet pussy.

"Leo," Sangwon breathed, his voice broken and low. "I want you, love."

Leo quickly pressed his lips to Sangwon's forehead. "Shh," he hushed gently. "Yes, I will, but first your comfort is my priority. I will prepare you first."

Leo thrust his finger more frantically, matching the urgent tempo of Sangwon's need. He leaned up to capture Sangwon's lips in a fierce, wet kiss. "Shh. You don't have to beg, baby," Leo murmured against his mouth. "I'll give it to you willingly."

Sangwon was so wet now that the natural lubrication easily allowed Leo to slip a second finger in.

With Sangwon now fully bare and slick, Leo made quick work of getting himself undressed, tossing his own shorts aside.

Sangwon whined when Leo's fingers left his heat, but the distraction of Leo's newly sculpted body immediately silenced him. Though Sangwon had seen him bare before, in this light and in this moment, he couldn't help but ogle. Leo’s frame was lean and powerful, not overly bulky, a beautiful distribution of muscle.

Sangwon's hands went up, gliding on Leo's body like tracing paper, feeling the curves of lean muscle—the strong shoulders, the defined biceps, the tight stomach. He savored the sensation, running his palms over Leo's firm skin to his content.

Sangwon's hands finally glided down to Leo's cock. It was hard and heavy, looking angry with the veins popping off along the shaft. Sangwon held it momentarily, then slowly began to slide his grip up and down.

A deep, gutteral moan erupted from Leo's throat.

 Sangwon looked up, his eyes meeting Leo's, an enchanting, teasing look in his gaze. Slowly, Sangwon brought Leo’s length to his mouth. He licked the tip, still holding fierce eye contact. He then bobbed his head, trying to swallow all of Leo's size, but it was too big for his mouth.

Leo’s breath hitched, his body trembling with the intensity. "Stop," he gasped, pulling Sangwon back before he could climax. "Stop or I'm coming."

Leo drew a ragged breath. He looked down at Sangwon, hair starting to cling to his forehead with sweat.

"Did you bring a condom?" Leo asked, his voice thick.

Sangwon just shook his head, his chest heaving.

Leo sighed, looking deeply into Sangwon’s eyes, emphasizing the seriousness. "Okay, baby, I hear you. I wanna feel you full and bare too," he admitted, his own desire warring with caution. "But you know what will happen if we don't use it."

"I understand," Sangwon said earnestly. "But I can take a pill. Right now, I want to feel you raw."

"and please put it in already," Sangwon pleaded, arching his back, desperate for the full connection.

Leo’s resolve broke before the pleading sincerity. "Okay, baby."

He took his position. He held his cock and guided it to Sangwon's beautiful, slick hole. He paused at the entrance, ensuring he was gentle. Then, slowly, with exquisite care, he slid it into Sangwon.

A sharp, powerful breath escaped Sangwon. His back arched, and a visible shiver ran through his entire body as he felt the heavy, full connection of Leo within him. 

"Fuck yess, Leo" 

With Leo's length finally seated inside him, a sharp, powerful breath escaped Sangwon. He let out a low, guttural moan, and instinctively spread his perfect-shape thighs wider apart against the sheet for more access.

"Ah, Leo~, ," Sangwon breathed, signaling his readiness.

Leo let out a heavy sigh, feeling profound contentment as he rested for a moment, letting himself be fully enveloped. He could feel Sangwon's intense tightness gripping him, a warm, slick welcome. He began to thrust slowly at first, ensuring Sangwon’s complete comfort and acclimatization to his size.

Sangwon quickly curled his arms around Leo's neck, pulling him closer and whispering, "You can move now, love."

Leo kissed Sangwon's lips—a fierce, quick seal of promise. His one hand held Sangwon’s head gently, ensuring his safety and connection. Then, with a breath-taking confidence, Leo dragged his cock almost entirely out of Sangwon, only to slam back in with powerful force. He repeated the action again and again, pulling out and thrusting back in with impressive, controlled strength, his free hand gripping Sangwon's waist to guide the rhythm.

A deep, desperate moan tore from Sangwon's throat. He felt an intense, overwhelming pleasure—the friction, the heat of Leo’s cock inside his body—that brought him to the edge. He began chanting soft, explicit words that only fueled Leo’s intensity.

As the rhythm intensified, Leo reached down. He began to fondle Sangwon’s healthy breast, his fingers circling, then nipping the pink nipples with sharp, localized pleasure, as if indulging a specific, beloved chest kink.

"Right there, love," Sangwon gasped, urging him on.

Leo reached up, his hand gently framing Sangwon's face, his eyes full of passionate admiration. "You're so beautiful, baby," Leo panted, his voice thick with emotion. "You look like a goddess, and I feel like I'm invading the body of holiness." He checked one last time: "Do you want me to make it faster, hmm?"

Sangwon was now entirely consumed by pleasure, his eyes rolling back in his head. "Yesss, please!" he screamed.

Leo looked at Sangwon’s body, his chest heaving with exertion. "God, you're so beautiful that I want you to make me a mother with our babies," Leo panted, gazing at Sangwon with a mesmerized intensity, as if his lover were an untouchable deity he was privileged to possess.

"Yes! Make me!" Sangwon screamed, feeling the full, stretching pressure of Leo's cock reaching deep inside his leaking hole.

Leo let out a loud, heavy grunt. He then ground his entire cock into Sangwon's pussy in one strong, deep push. The friction was intense, making Sangwon's pussy feel swollen and red. Sangwon’s moans became messy and uncontrolled. 

"Mhmmm, yess" Sangwon pants, his wet pussy squelching loudly.

" Fuck me harder , Leo "

"Ah, ah , yes like that, love" he shouted.

He threw his head back against the pillow, sobbing and his hands gripping Leo's shoulders hard as pleasure built and built.

It's so deep , Leo's cock in Sangwon. He loves this feeling, this fullness that only Leo can bring.

Sangwon's cunt clenched hard around Leo, he can feel his bladder full bursting for release 

"wait- i " and he screamed as he shattered into his climax .

Sangwon didn't just cum, he squirted he can feel it dripping in his ass and Leo seems not bothered. 

Leo felt the exquisite pressure of Sangwon's body clenching around him. Knowing he was at the brink, he felt the primal urge to pull out, but Sangwon's legs snapped shut, locking Leo's hips with his legs.

"Come inside me, please! I need to feel you!" Sangwon pleaded in a final, breathless demand. With Sangwon's raw need as his permission, Leo succumbed. He let out a final, shuddering roar and came, filling Sangwon to the brim with his hot essence.

Sangwon immediately hummed happily, body still trembling from overstimulated. He grabbed Leo's head, pulling him into a deep, after-bliss kiss. Leo reciprocated, still pushing into Sangwon as his body continued to empty.

Finally, Leo collapsed, heavy and completely spent, resting his head on Sangwon's damp chest.

"That was the best, baby," Leo whispered, his voice exhausted but filled with adoration.

Sangwon, too tired to speak, just managed a weak, contented "Mhmmm," burrowing his face into Leo's neck, the perfect weight of his love still resting heavily inside him.

Chapter Text

Sangwon stirred awake to the smell of coffee and the soft crash of waves outside. His head throbbed a little , body aching — the kind of ache that came after too much laughter, and the glorious ache of his body after their intense night. For a second, he smiled to himself, remembering last night: the bonfire, the music, Leo’s voice in his ear.

He stretched out an arm, expecting to feel Leo beside him, but his hand only met cold sheets. His eyes blinked open. The spot next to him was empty, the pillow already cooling. For a brief moment, his stomach dropped. It was silly, but there was always that tiny fear that good things never stayed. He sat up, rubbing his eyes, and glanced around the room. The sunlight was soft and golden, the curtain swaying lightly with the breeze.

Then, the door creaked open.

Leo stepped in, balancing a wooden tray with both hands. The smell of butter and coffee filled the air instantly. There were eggs, toast, a steaming cup, and even a glass of cold water.

Sangwon blinked, half-smiling. “You made breakfast?”

Leo set the tray down and came over, pressing a kiss to his temple. “Good morning, baby. I didn’t want to wake you. You looked too peaceful.”

Sangwon let out a small laugh, tugging Leo closer by the wrist. “I woke up and thought you left me.”

Leo chuckled, sitting beside him. “Never. I just didn’t want you to starve or suffer your hangover alone.”

That made Sangwon laugh harder, the sound bright and easy. He leaned in, wrapping his arms around Leo’s neck. “Thank you,” he murmured. “You’re too good to me.”

After breakfast, Leo lounged on the bed while Sangwon got ready. The shower ran for a while, and Leo could hear him humming quietly — some slow tune mixed with the splash of water.

When the door finally opened, Sangwon walked out dressed in cream shorts and a light blue knit polo. His hair was still damp, pushed back from his forehead, and his skin had that fresh, just-showered glow.

Leo’s eyes softened instantly. “You look…wow.”

Sangwon laughed, adjusting his collar in the mirror. “You’re being dramatic again.”

“I’m being honest,” Leo said, standing up. “You look like an ad for vacation life.”

“Please,” Sangwon groaned, rolling his eyes but smiling anyway. “Let’s go before Anxin starts spamming us.”

Leo grabbed their bag and nodded toward the door. “Still worth the wait.”

The ride down to the dock was filled with wind and laughter. Anxin, Liyu, Nian, Sen, and Xinlong were already there, half-ready and half-asleep.

“Finally!” Anxin yelled. “The lovebirds are here!”

Sangwon flipped him off playfully as they boarded the boat. The small motor started, and the group slowly drifted away from shore. The water glittered like glass under the morning sun. Xinlong showed Nian a stupid video on his phone, both of them laughing so hard that even Sen cracked a smile. 

Leo and Sangwon sat near the bow, away from the chaos. Sangwon leaned back against Leo’s chest, watching the sea stretch endlessly around them.

Leo pointed at a rock formation ahead. “That one looks like a turtle.”

Sangwon squinted. “That looks nothing like a turtle.”

Leo laughed. “You just have no imagination.”

When they reached the small cove, the group jumped off the boat and started setting up under the huge Molave tree that spread a wide patch of shade across the sand. The air smelled like salt and sunlight.

They laid out a big sheet, unpacked food, and made themselves comfortable. It was one of those moments where everything felt easy. After a while, most of them went swimming. Sangwon and Leo stayed close to shore; Leo kept one arm around him, teasing whenever he flinched at the cold.

Across the beach, Xinlong was yelling at Liyu, who was trying — and failing — to float. “Relax! You’re stiff as a board!”

Anxin stood nearby, laughing so hard he could barely talk. “You look like a dying starfish!”

Meanwhile, Nian and Sen stayed on the sheet under the tree. Sen was quiet for a long time before he finally asked, “You’re not swimming?” 

Nian shook his head. “Not yet. You?”

Sen shrugged. “I don’t know how."

Nian looked at him for a second, then smiled. “Then I’ll stay here too, it's no fun going in alone.”

Sen turned his head, cheeks faintly pink. “You don’t have to—”

“I want to,” Nian said simply. “But if you want to learn, I can teach you.”

Sen hesitated, then nodded. “Alright… maybe a little.”

When the two finally got up and headed toward the water, the others immediately noticed.

Anxin, of course, couldn’t resist singing "love is in the air, i can feel it everywhere. love is like the sun, shining on everyone~” waving dramatically. The rest joined in, singing and laughing. Xinlong started humming, Liyu added cheering, and even Leo and Sangwon joined in the teasing chorus.

Nian and Sen just laughed, embarrassed but smiling, before wading into the water hand in hand.

And for the rest of that bright, salty afternoon, time slowed — just sun, laughter, and the kind of calm that only comes when you’re surrounded by people you love.

The sun began its slow descent as the boat returned them to the main island dock. The friends gathered their belongings and piled into the large van one last time. Despite the exhaustion, a deep sense of contentment and shared warmth filled the vehicle.

The quiet, comfortable mood didn't last long, thanks to Anxin.

As soon as they hit the main road, Anxin, still buzzing from the day's laughter and swimming, reached for the auxiliary cord.

He immediately launched into the smooth, soulful melody of Arthur Nery's "Take All the Love," his voice surprisingly sweet despite his earlier karaoke antics.

"Take all the love that you gave to me, darling"

 "Hold it close to you 'til the morning"

"You know I've always been faithful, baby"

Xinlong quickly joined in, singing the harmony slightly off-key but with enthusiasm. Liyu, who usually remained silent, hummed the melody along with the rhythm. Sen leaned back against the window, a genuine, soft smile on his face, occasionally mouthing the lyrics.

Next to him, Nian watched Sen, his large frame relaxed. He didn't sing, but he kept time by gently tapping his finger against his thigh. He leaned slightly closer to Sen, their knees brushing subtly in the tight space, a silent, comfortable acknowledgment of the new connection they had forged.

Sangwon was nestled against Leo in the back seat, his head resting heavily on Leo’s shoulder also humming the lyrics .The journey back was the final, perfect moment of their sanctuary. Leo gently ran his fingers through Sangwon’s hair, enjoying the rhythmic sway of the van. He looked around the car—at Anxin's passionate singing, at Liyu's calm acceptance, and at the quiet, happy dynamic between Nian and Sen.

"They had a good day," Leo murmured to Sangwon, his voice low enough to be heard over the music.

"We all did," Sangwon sighed contentedly, lifting his head just enough to look at Leo. 

Leo kissed the top of Sangwon’s head. 

The van continued its drive, the sound of their friends singing about holding onto love carrying them all back to the city, carrying all the beautiful memories with them.

Two years flew by in a blur of late-night study sessions, challenging projects, and the deepening, stable love between Leo and Sangwon. Now in their fourth year of college, the pressure was mounting for graduation.

The Psychology Department was buzzing with preparations for the annual College of Humanities and Social Sciences (CHASS) Days program. Sangwon, Liyu, and Anxin were huddled together in the library, piles of thesis drafts and research materials surrounding them.

"Unbelievable," Sangwon muttered, glaring at his two friends who had just nominated and voted him into a corner. "I am so swamped right now with our special problem—which is basically a thesis—not to mention three other backlogs. And now you vote for me to be the modern standard dancer?"

He kept his voice low so the other students wouldn't overhear his specific complaints.

Liyu immediately leaned in, speaking with earnest sincerity. "Listen, Sangwon, we did this because it's the right time! This is literally the last chance you'll have before we graduate and scatter. This is the last time we will see you dance so elegantly on a proper stage."

Anxin nodded vigorously. "And let's be honest, you look like you need a break! You looked like you missed dancing when you talked about those old videos last month. Plus, we promise—we will help each other with the SP,  this a team girls not a competition"

Sangwon crossed his arms, but his initial anger was already melting into reluctant excitement. "But you two are just as busy! How are we going to manage all the backlogs?"

Anxin and Liyu exchanged worried glances, fearing they had pushed him too far.

"Buttt if you really hate the idea," Liyu quickly interjected, "we can find another student. We'll go to the head program and beg them to take you out. We don't want you to be angry and sulky with us."

Sangwon sighed, a small, genuine smile finally breaking through. "No, stop. It's fine." He looked at them. "Okay, I won't lie. I also miss dancing. I'm okay with it. But—and this is non-negotiable—we will help each other in our backlogs, okay?"

Liyu and Anxin cheered quietly, fist-bumping in relief.

Anxin then lowered his voice again, a slight nervousness returning. "Okay, final question... are you okay wearing the woman's outfit for the standard dance? Are you comfortable with that?"

Sangwon looked at them, surprised by the worry in their eyes, and his tone softened entirely. "It's just clothes, guys. It’s a costume designed for the performance. I'm comfortable with who I am today, and that will not change just because I wear a dress. I miss the Sangwon who was competing in all those competitions back when in elementary. This is just a way to bring her back."

Later that day, Leo arrived at Sangwon's house for dinner. Sangwon was practically vibrating with energy.

"Guess what?!" Sangwon exclaimed excitedly, pulling Leo into the living room. "I got chosen to represent Psychology in the CHASS Days modern dance!"

He jumped a little, the sheer joy overwhelming him. "I know I said I was busy, but I'm going to do it. It's going to be so great to train again. I was good at this, love. I won the first year dance sport competition, remember? I will be joining dance sport again!"

Leo, watching the sheer, vibrant happiness radiating from his partner, felt his own heart swell with pride. He sat down, pulling Sangwon onto his lap.

"That is amazing news, baby! You deserve this break," Leo said happily, running his hands up Sangwon's back. "You've been so stressed over those requirements. Congratulations, my dancer! Tell me everything about it! What kind of dance is it?"

Sangwon launched into a detailed explanation of the Modern Standard requirements, the style, and the elegance of the routine, Leo listening patiently, completely absorbed in Sangwon's passion.

Two days later, Sangwon was at the campus dance studio, waiting for his partner. He was energized but slightly nervous. His dance mentor, Kuya Jericho, a cheerful and his senior, stood nearby.

"Alright, Sangwon, your partner is here!" Kuya Jericho announced cheerfully, waving toward the door. "The first volunteer backed out, but don't worry! This guy volunteered right away, and he has a solid dance background. We cheered when he offered!"

Sangwon turned, eager to meet the person he would spend the next few weeks rehearsing with.

The man who walked in was tall, impeccably dressed in athletic wear, and carried himself with an undeniable, confident grace. He looked entirely familiar, yet devastatingly unexpected.

Sangwon froze. His smile vanished. The music in the practice room seemed to mute entirely.

It was David. His ex.

Sangwon was so utterly shocked that he couldn't speak, his eyes wide and fixed on the man who had been a ghost in his life for years. He looked frantically at Kuya Jericho, whose expression remained blissfully oblivious to the shared history in the room.

"Sangwon, this is David. David, meet Sangwon," Kuya Jericho said simply.

David walked slowly, deliberately toward Sangwon. He stopped just a foot away, his eyes lingering over Sangwon's face with an intensity that felt like a physical touch.

"It's nice to see you again, Sangwon," David said, his voice low and smooth. "You're so beautiful as always."

Chapter Text

The air in the practice room was thick with unspoken history. For Sangwon, the first rehearsal with David was a dizzying mix of familiarity and unnerving surprise.

The practice itself went surprisingly smoothly. Because Sangwon was already a seasoned dancer, the warmup and basic routines were second nature to him, and he found that David was also quickly picking up the footwork. In fact, David moved with an unexpected grace and precision.

It hit Sangwon then: he never knew David could dance.

A chilling thought surfaced, what was our relationship, really? They had been together for months, yet he barely knew this side of David. They had spent so much of their time fighting, arguing about David's demands, and dealing with Sangwon's own insecurities that they had never engaged in a simple, mutual activity like this. He felt a deep, unsettling sense of having wasted time with a stranger.

As soon as Jericho called for a short water break, Sangwon reached out to him.

"Kuya Jericho," Sangwon murmured, pulling him aside near the stereo. "Is it okay if I back out now? I'm sorry, I really need to."

He hated himself for asking, but the intense, controlled closeness required for Modern Standard felt like an invasion of his current peace. Even though David hadn't done anything overtly malicious yet, Sangwon knew the tension would only grow.

"I really want to back out," Sangwon insisted.

 Jericho looked genuinely distressed. "Sangwon, please don't do this. We only have five days until the event. There’s no time to train someone else to your level!" He put a reassuring hand on Sangwon's shoulder. "You are just the right person for this. You're a professional in this field—you already know the routines. You will carry the performance."

Sangwon looked down, his anxiety spiking. He knew Jericho was right. He had already agreed, and he was the department's best chance. The thought of letting his program down, coupled with his fear of others' judgment—of being seen as difficult or unreliable—was overwhelming.

Swallowing the lump of discomfort, Sangwon just nodded in understanding. He couldn't let his personal drama ruin the event or risk the judgment of his peers. He would endure it.

"Okay, Kuya," Sangwon said, forcing a calm tone. "Let's go back. I'll finish this."

He walked back onto the floor and spent the next hour enduring the unsettling closeness with David, focusing solely on the count and the required technique, pushing the uncomfortable feeling deep inside.

Practice finally ended, leaving Sangwon physically tired but emotionally drained. He quickly grabbed his bag and headed straight for the exit door, intending to vanish before David could speak.

Just as he reached the hallway, David's voice cut through the air.

"Wait, Sangwon!" David called out, catching up to him easily. He flashed the same winning, easy smile he'd used when they first met. "It's been a while. Can we catch up?"

Sangwon stopped, but didn't turn around fully. He wasn't buying the pretense of politeness. He rolled his eyes, a reaction he wouldn't have dared to show during their relationship.

He finally turned, his expression cold and unyielding. "I don't have time for you," he stated flatly.

He spun on his heel, walked swiftly to the curb, and immediately hailed the first taxi he saw, escaping the room and David's lingering presence.

Sangwon finally made it back to his own apartment, but the calm atmosphere of his room offered little comfort. He tossed his bag onto the chair and sank onto his bed, staring at his phone.

The entire practice replayed in his mind—the unsettling realization that he didn't truly know David, the tightness of their embrace in the routine, and David's chillingly smooth invitation to "catch up."

He wanted nothing more than to call Leo right now. He wanted to confess everything: the surprise partner, the awkward closeness, the sharp rejection he'd delivered in the street. Leo was his anchor; telling him would instantly lessen the immense stress he felt.

He hovered over Leo's contact, his thumb shaking slightly.

No.

He pulled his hand away. David is irrelevant. That was the thought he clung to. It was only five days. Why should he introduce unnecessary stress into Leo's life? Leo was swamped with his own deadlines, and midterms were coming up. If Sangwon told him the truth, Leo would worry, he'd get protective, and it would distract him from his studies. Sangwon truly believed he could endure five days of professional discomfort for Leo's peace of mind. He would finish the performance, and then David would vanish again.

He put his phone down. He would not tell Leo not now.

The next afternoon, Sangwon was getting ready to leave for the second practice. He was meticulously packing his dance shoes and water bottle, trying to look casual.

Just as he was about to head out, Liyu and Anxin barged in, armed with energy drinks and thesis drafts.

"Hey! Where are you running off to?" Anxin demanded, plopping onto the chair. "We came here to work on the methodology, and then maybe talk about what outfit you're getting for the competition."

Liyu looked up from the documents he was setting down. "Yeah, practice is this week, right? How is it going? Is your partner good?"

Sangwon froze, quickly turning away to zip his bag. He knew the instant he named David, Anxin would be planning a confrontational scene and Liyu would be demanding a meeting with Kuya Jericho to have David immediately replaced. The drama would derail the performance and their studies.

"It's... it's going good," Sangwon said, forcing an awkward smile that felt glued to his face. "He's very knowledgeable in the dance, so we're moving fast."

Liyu and Anxin exchanged a quick, suspicious look. They knew Sangwon well enough to spot the strained enthusiasm.

"Okay," Liyu said slowly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Just 'good,' huh? no gossip? no complaining?"

"Nope! Just dancing!" Sangwon replied quickly, grabbing his keys. "Look, I have to go. Let's tackle the SP chapter tonight. I'll see you guys later!"

He practically fled the room, leaving his two best friends staring at the closed door with mounting curiosity. He had decided he would not tell Liyu and Anxin either. The less they knew, the less drama he had to handle, and the sooner he could put the ghost of David behind him.

Sangwon arrived at the dance studio, his heart already pounding with anxiety rather than exertion. Jericho was adjusting the music, and David was already stretching near the barre, looking perfectly relaxed. Sangwon forced a quick nod to both men, immediately finding the farthest corner to warm up.

They began with basic routines, and soon Jericho called them to the center of the floor.

"Okay, let's work on the Tango today," Jericho instructed, clapping his hands. "We need to hit the climax of the routine. The whole dance builds to this."

 Jericho walked them through the core choreography, emphasizing the specific, powerful moment where the dance demanded the most intense trust and contact. It was an extremely intimate part of the Tango—a deep reverse dip where the two bodies collided and relied entirely on one another for stability.

"This is the highlight of the dance," Kuya Jericho explained. "The crowd needs to feel the passion and the absolute connection here."

And the pose required a profound level of physical contact and mutual reliance. As David held him, Sangwon felt the heat and familiar solidity of the man pressed against his waist, and he had to fight the urge to flinch away. He was furious that his body was performing this beautiful intimacy with the man who had caused him so much pain.

"That was perfect!" Jericho cheered. "Okay, take five and hydrate! We'll run it again, faster."

Sangwon immediately darted toward the water dispenser and then headed to the restroom to splash cold water on his face, leaving his belongings on the small bench by the wall.

As soon as the door swung shut, the silence in the practice room was broken by a soft, cheerful melody. Sangwon's phone began to ring.

David, who was drying his face with a towel nearby, heard the distinctive ringtone. His eyes snapped over to the phone resting beside Sangwon's bag. Curiosity got him.

He walked over and discreetly peeked at the screen.

The incoming call ID read: Leo.

David’s attention instantly focused on the wallpaper. It was a mirror selfie. The photo showed Sangwon's radiant face smiling brightly, holding the phone, while Sangwon was sitting on someone's lap. David could only see the broad, solid back and the strong line of the shoulder belonging to the person Sangwon was resting against, but the comfortable, possessive way Sangwon was nestled there confirmed the intimacy.

A flicker of resentment crossed David's face. 

With a swift, silent movement, David pressed the decline button, silencing the call.

He was back to his stretching position just as the restroom door opened. Sangwon emerged, looking composed but stressed.

"Alright, guys! Let's hit it!" Jericho called out, already walking toward the stereo. "Another round! Let's clean up those steps!"

Sangwon nodded, ignoring David, and walked back onto the floor, completely unaware of the invasion of privacy and the call he had just missed.

Sangwon finally made it home, managed a quick shower, and headed out to meet Leo for dinner at their favorite food street near Leo's campus. The noise, the lights, and the comforting smell of grilled street food were a welcome distraction from the heavy tension of the practice room.

They settled down at a small plastic table, sharing skewers and a cup of iced juice. They talked about their respective days—Leo describing the frustrating debugging process of a new coding project, and Sangwon giving a vague but cheerful summary of his lectures. Sangwon carefully avoided any mention of the dance practice specific contents.

Leo listened, his gaze focused on Sangwon, absorbing the bright energy his partner always radiated.

"So, how was practice, baby?" Leo asked, reaching across the table to gently wipe a bit of sauce from Sangwon's cheek with his thumb. "Is it hard?"

Sangwon froze mid-chew, the sudden, pointed question snagging his attention. It was barely a pause, but Leo noticed it.

Sangwon quickly recovered, laughing easily as he leaned back. "Hard?" he scoffed dramatically. "Come on, it's just a few steps, love. It's very easy, you know it's not a hassle for me." He puffed out his chest playfully. "It's Sangwon Velarde we're talking about, after all."

Leo didn't immediately join the laugh. He just held Sangwon's gaze, his eyes searching. Leo knew Sangwon. He knew the difference between genuine confidence and an attempt to deflect. The boastful tone felt just a little too loud, the smile a little too wide.

A knot tightened in Leo's chest. He felt an agonizing ache—not because he suspected anything specific, but because he sensed the start of a wall. It wasn't the first time he'd seen Sangwon put up a protective facade when stressed or worried, but this one felt heavier. Leo wanted to press, to ask, Is your partner okay? Why did you pause?

He knew, however, that pushing would only make Sangwon retreat further. Trust meant giving space.

Leo took a slow breath, forcing the tension from his shoulders. He shrugged gently, managing a small, soft smile in return. "Right," he conceded, reaching for another skewer. "How could I forget? you're the greatest dancer of this generation."

He let the subject drop, but the uneasy feeling—the sense that Sangwon was carrying a secret burden alone—lingered, souring the sweetness of the dinner. I'm

It was the fourth day of practice, and the atmosphere was even tenser than the day before. The urgency was palpable, with the CHASS Days event now just hours away.

Sangwon arrived, steeling himself for the inevitable physical closeness. David and Jericho were already there.

"Alright, guys! Good news and bad news," Jericho announced, adjusting his jacket. "The bad news is, I have an unexpected org meeting right now and I can't stay. The good news is, you two are professionals and you can handle the Viennese Waltz on your own!"

 Jericho quickly demonstrated the key transitions and turns, emphasizing the importance of consistent timing. "Keep running the choreography I just showed you," he instructed. "I'll be back in an hour. Don't waste the floor time!"

With their mentor gone, the silence in the room was heavy, broken only by the classical music pouring from the speakers. Sangwon immediately focused on the routine, using the technique as a shield against the man holding his hand.

They moved across the floor, the dizzying turns of the Viennese Waltz forcing them close. Sangwon could feel David’s arm tight around his waist, guiding him through the rapid steps.

Then, breaking the concentration, David spoke.

"I didn't know you also danced," David murmured, his voice low against Sangwon's ear as they spun. "You didn't tell me."

Sangwon stumbled slightly, his focus instantly broken by the remark. He pulled away fractionally, his irritation flaring. "Well, you didn't try to ask," Sangwon retorted, his voice clipped. "And can we please just practice and shut up?"

David ignored the harsh response completely, his expression softening into an unnerving mask of regret. They continued the steps mechanically as he spoke again.

"Okay. I'm sorry, Sangwon," David said, his grip tightening. "I know I fucked it up, our relationship. I was a little ignorant at that time."

Sangwon stopped abruptly, halting their motion in the center of the room. He didn't want to hear this. He didn't want the past to contaminate the present.

"Please, can we not?" Sangwon said, his voice quiet but sharp with finality. "It's done. We are not talking about this."

David took a step toward him, his eyes holding a look that Sangwon recognized as his old, manipulative persistence. "I know, I know I caused you pain, but looking at you again... I realized that I still love you."

Sangwon felt a cold wave wash over him. His blood ran cold not from fear, but from a sudden, fierce protectiveness of the life he had built with Leo.

"No, you didn't," Sangwon countered, his voice steady now. He didn't allow for an argument.

He immediately turned, grabbed his bag and water bottle, and hurriedly bolted for the exit, leaving David standing alone in the center of the studio. He didn't hail a taxi this time; he just needed to run, to get as much distance as possible between himself and David’s toxic claim.

The sharp, stinging reality of David’s words in the practice room—“I still love you”—shattered Sangwon's composure, sending him tumbling back into the single worst moment of their past.

It was early afternoon in their first year. Sangwon was still giddy, completely absorbed in the thrilling newness of dating David. He knew all of David’s preferences, and today he was bringing David’s favorite large iced caramel macchiato.

Sangwon walked confidently toward David’s classroom, where David often killed time with his friends before their next lecture. Sangwon stopped just outside the half-open door, already smiling, ready to walk in and surprise him.

Then, the sound hit him. Loud laughter, followed by a specific question that sliced through the easy chatter.

“Bro, you’re telling me you’re gay?” one of David's friends asked, a clear tone of disbelief and teasing in his voice.

Sangwon paused, the plastic cup of coffee cool in his hand. He heard David’s laugh—a loud, barking sound that grated on his nerves.

“Tf no! HAHAHA,” David scoffed, the denial was instantaneous and forceful. His next words were the most gut-wrenching Sangwon had ever heard in his entire life, delivered with an ignorant, dismissive casualness that burned worse than rage. “Sangwon still got cunt in ‘her’ legs. It’s just a matter of time I will taste it. I really don’t get the idea of calling ‘her’ a ‘him,’ a man, when she still got boobs and cunt but he’s so pretty; it will do.”

The world dissolved into static. The laughter of David's friends, the smell of the coffee, the blood rushing in Sangwon’s own ears—it all faded into a heavy, suffocating roar. Sangwon’s body seized up completely. He couldn’t move even an inch. His limbs were cold, frozen in the posture of a loving boyfriend delivering coffee.

The full, raw implication of the statement—that his relationship was a challenge, a conquest, and that David saw him as nothing more than a woman in men’s clothes—crushed his heart. He wasn't seen; he was being tolerated and used.

The expensive coffee slipped from his numb fingers, hitting the floor with a quiet, dull splash that went unnoticed by the men inside. Sangwon turned away, leaving the spill and the shattered pieces of his belief in David behind.

Later that night, the breakup was cold and sharp. Sangwon didn't cry; he was beyond tears. He was simply empty.

He met David at a quiet corner of the library. David was confused, annoyed, and trying to pull his usual charm.

"What's wrong with you? I called you, you didn't answer," David complained, reaching for Sangwon's hand.

Sangwon flinched, pulling his hand away as if burned. "I'm breaking up with you."

David blinked, genuinely shocked. "What? Why? Did I do something? Look, if it's about yesterday, I'm sorry I was late. But that's not a reason to end things!"

"It's about what you said today," Sangwon stated, his voice flat.

David’s face went blank for a split second, then he quickly put on a mask of confusion and denial.

"What are you talking about? I didn't say anything!" David insisted, his denial loud and irritating. "I was with the guys! We were just joking around. Stop being dramatic!"

"I heard you, David," Sangwon countered, holding his gaze steady. "I was at your door, you told your friends I was just a woman with a challenge. You denied who I am!."

David's denial grew aggressive. "You're taking things out of context! You know I love you! I was just playing cool with my friends. Guys talk shit! It didn't mean anything!"

"It meant everything," Sangwon whispered. He finally understood that David would never see him, only the idea of him. "It meant I wasted my time with someone who doesn't see me as a man. You don't love me, David. You just want to conquer me. And I deserve to be seen and loved entirely."

Sangwon didn't wait for David's inevitable, self-pitying plea. He turned and walked away, leaving David stuttering in denial behind him. It was a clean break, but the wound—the knowledge that he was only a challenge to David—never truly healed.

The memory of David's casual cruelty from years ago, it feels a suffocating weight. He stumbled into a small, empty neighborhood playground several blocks from the university.

He sank onto a wooden bench, shoulders heaving. He leaned over, trying to catch his breath, the tears starting to come in hard, hot spasms. He didn't want to be here; he didn't want to feel this exposed, raw panic.

He needed to call Leo. He needed Leo's steady voice, his practical reassurance.

With a trembling hand, Sangwon reached for his small messenger bag, seeking his phone. He rummaged through the main compartment—nothing. He checked the side pockets—empty. His hands, still slightly sticky with sweat from the dance, were now shaking uncontrollably.

He dumped the contents of his bag onto the ground beside the bench—a water bottle, dance tape, a worn textbook, his wallet—frantically sifting through the meager pile.

His phone wasn't there.

The small, simple loss was the last straw. The physical exhaustion, the sudden, overwhelming memory of betrayal, and now the complete disconnection—it all crashed down on him.

He buried his face in his hands and cried until there was nothing left. The sobs were messy and loud, the kind that steal your breath and ache in your throat. 

The air in Sangwon’s living room still feels heavy, though Sangwon is trying hard to seem normal. Anxin and Liyu stand before him, holding the dress he will wear in competition. They are oblivious to the recent confrontation, but they are keenly aware of their friend’s distress.

Liyu who's holding the dress "This looks great. Perfect for you but seriously, look at you. Your eyes are like stoplights. What happened?"

" Did you pull an all-nighter for that paper?" Anxin asked 

Sangwon forces a shaky, tired smile "No, no. I was reading this gut-wrenching story. You know, the kind where the ending just... crushes you. I just kept crying."

Anxin and Liyu exchange a deep, worried glance. Sangwon’s performance isn't convincing.

Liyu lowered his voice "Sangwon, we’re not judging, but you haven't been acting like yourself for the past few days."

Anxin stepping closer, his eyes full of concern "Yeah. Look, if you have a burden in your mind, we can share it. Even just telling us can make the weight lessen. That's what we're here for."

Sangwon’s smile fades, replaced by a tense rigidity. He can’t bring himself to talk about David yet. He shakes his head quickly.

" Honestly, guys, it's really nothing, just the usual uni stress piled up. I’m fine, promise."

They don't believe him, but they accept the denial for now.

Liyu opens his arms wide "Okay. Secret or not, you’re getting a hug."

Anxin immediately joins, and they squeeze him in a tight, protective embrace. Sangwon holds onto them, fighting the urge to crumble.

"We love you. We'll be there tomorrow. Good luck. You're going to nail this."

Sangwon’s mind immediately snaps back to the David problem. He needs them not to be there.

Sangwon hesitantly asked " You two have a meeting, right? For our org? So you two don't really need to be there. I can just send you a video of the presentation."

Liyu frowning deeply " What are you talking about? No. We’re your support system, Sangwon. We have to be there. We’ll attend the meeting late."

" It's final, we're ready to cheer."

Sangwon’s shoulders slump. His worry intensifies, but he knows this battle is lost.

 It's okay. He will explain it to them later. He hopes they will understand when he finally tells them.

Liyu and Anxin offer one last pat on the arm and disappear out the door.

As soon as the door clicks shut, Sangwon collapses onto the sofa, pulling out his phone. He needs to hear Leo’s voice. He dials.

It rings once. Then twice. Leo finally answers.

Sangwon exhales softly "Hello, love." 

A momentary silence, then a low, steady voice "yes, baby? I miss you." 

Sangwon who wants to cry, but forces the tears down " miss you too. It’s been two days." 

" I know, sweetheart. I’m so slammed with work. Tell me what’s happening on your end."

They share again their frustrations and anxieties over uni stress—a familiar and comforting shield.

Sangwon manages a light laugh "You know how it is. Just hoping tomorrow goes well."

The fluorescent lights of the dressing room hummed, reflecting off the mirror where Sangwon sat. A makeup artist carefully applied light foundation to his skin, masking the last traces of his sleepless night and the puffiness around his eyes. Another stylist meticulously combed through his neck-length hair, shaping it away from his face, highlighting his sharp features. He looked at his reflection, a stranger staring back—perfectly polished, yet inside, a coiled spring of nerves. He wasn’t nervous for the crowd, for the judges, or even for the performance itself. His anxiety was solely for a certain person he knew would be out there.

As the makeup and hair were finished, Sangwon was led to a waiting area backstage. The buzz of anticipation, the murmur of other competitors, filled the air. He found a seat, his heart thumping against his ribs. He stole a glance to his right, and there he was: David. David sat composed, a faint, unreadable smile playing on his lips, looking directly ahead. Sangwon’s jaw tightened. Every fiber of his being screamed to get up and walk away, to escape this forced proximity. But he couldn’t. Just one more day, he told himself. Endure this one day, and then it’s over. No more of this bullshit.

Suddenly, a voice boomed over the intercom.

“Next up, number seven!”

Sangwon and David.

They stood, the air thick with unspoken tension. They followed the stagehand, moving from the dim backstage into the wings.The roaring applause of the audience washed over them.

As they held that opening pose, the spotlight found them. Sangwon's eyes, still scanning the vast crowd, widened. His world stopped. There, in the first row, framed perfectly by the stage lights, was Leo. He was looking at Sangwon, a wide, proud smile on his face, his eyes shining.

He was incredibly handsome, styled impeccably: his hair was swept back from his face, slightly long at the nape, giving him a striking, masculine elegance. He wore a dark suit jacket over a white tank top, the simplicity of the colors highlighting his features. 

Sangwon was momentarily lost in that sight.

Then, he could feel David's hand press firmly against his lower back, a silent, physical signal that it was time to move. David’s touch, sharp and demanding, dragged Sangwon back to the present.

The main routine began. They moved to the throbbing rhythm, their dance telling a complex story of push and pull, partnership and confrontation.

For their last, major highlight move, they executed a dramatic dip and lift. David supported Sangwon entirely, arching him backward until Sangwon’s face was inches from David’s, held aloft in a position of complete vulnerability.

As Sangwon was suspended there, his eyes swept over the audience one last time. He saw Leo, still smiling proudly. But just beside Leo, in the third row, he saw Anxin and Liyu.

Their faces weren't beaming. They were frozen in an expression of sheer horror, their eyes wide and fixed on David and Sangwon. They looked like they had just seen a ghost.

The announcer’s voice boomed through the speakers, cutting through the final bursts of applause. "And the winners of this year's Duo Contemporary Division, scoring a perfect 98.7... BS in Psychology!"

A fresh wave of applause erupted. Sangwon felt a cold surge of dread mix with the fleeting elation of victory.

In the audience, Anxin and Liyu were still locked in their position of shock. The applause was a distant sound; their focus was fixed entirely on the two figures on stage. The realization of who Sangwon's dance partner was had completely silenced their planned celebration. They made no move to rush the stage.

Leo, however, was beaming. He cheered loudly, a look of pure, unadulterated pride on his handsome face. He was about to stand up, but then paused, deciding to wait for the commotion to subside. He wanted Sangwon to feel the moment and would wait backstage for a more intimate congratulation.

Sangwon’s first instinct was to scan the audience, find Leo, and run to him—to hug him and finally feel the joy of his hard-won victory. But before he could even take a step, a hand wrapped firmly around his arm.

It was David.

David pulled him close, his breath warm against Sangwon’s ear. "We still need to get the medals, the trophy, and the awards from the stage, partner," he whispered, a smirk in his voice.

Trapped, Sangwon was forced to follow David to the center platform for the ceremony. As they accepted the large trophy and pinned on their medals, Sangwon kept a desperate eye on the crowd, hoping to catch Leo’s gaze again, needing his reassurance.

The official ceremony ended. Before Sangwon could break free, Jericho—the competition organizer—was gesturing from the wings. "Number Seven! Backstage, now! The school media is waiting!"

Disappointment washed over Sangwon. He couldn't protest. He just followed David off the stage, his chances of finding Leo shrinking by the second.

Backstage was a controlled chaos of officials and journalists. Jericho immediately congratulated them, followed by several psychology officers who had helped manage the athletes. As the group began to disperse, leaving only a few people, David grabbed Sangwon, pulling him into a tight, crushing hug.

Sangwon was completely shocked, his arms hanging awkwardly. He tried to pull back, but David held fast.

Then, David briefly pulled his head back and pressed a soft, lingering kiss directly onto Sangwon's cheek.

In that agonizing, frozen moment, as David pulled away with a triumphant, possessive look, Sangwon's eyes darted past David’s shoulder.

Standing there, framed in the doorway, were Leo, Anxin, and Liyu.

Sangwon’s blood ran cold.

Leo’s proud smile was instantly replaced by a look of gut-wrenching horror and pain. His beautiful eyes, so full of love moments before, seemed to shatter. Anxin and Liyu’s faces, already pale with shock from seeing David, intensified into an expression of utter disbelief and betrayal.

Leo didn't speak. He just took a slow, agonizing step backward, then turned and began to walk slowly out of the backstage area. Anxin and Liyu, their horror compounding the disaster, followed him, their silence deafening.

That was the breaking point. The culmination of the stress, the deceit, the fear, and the absolute humiliation snapped the tight control Sangwon had maintained.

He pulled back from David with a raw strength born of agony, his hand flying up.

SMACK!

The sound of his open palm connecting with David's cheek echoed in the small space. David staggered back, his smug expression replaced by confusion and a burning red mark.

Sangwon shouting, his voice ragged with tears and fury "Why would you do that?!

He didn't wait for David to explain or retaliate. He spun around, leaving David stunned and holding his face, and stormed out of the backstage area, pushing past officials and ignoring the shouts of the competition staff.

He has to find Leo.

Sangwon burst out of the backstage door, the cool night air hitting his heated face. He ignored the stares and confused murmurs as he plunged into the dwindling of departing spectators. Panic clawed at his throat. "Leo! Leo!" he called out, his voice hoarse.

His eyes frantically scanned every face, every figure, desperately searching for the familiar silhouette, and his comforting presence. The thought of Leo's shattered expression replayed in his mind, fueling his frantic pace. He pushed past groups, and bumped into strangers, his elegant competition clothes now wildly out of place.

Suddenly, his foot caught on something. A fallen tree branch, partially hidden in the dim light near a planter, snagged the hem of his dark, tailored competition dress. With a sickening rip, the fabric tore. The elegant, sleek line of his outfit was ruined, a long, jagged slit now running up the side of his leg, exposing his skin.

Frustration, humiliation, and terror converged. Sangwon stumbled to a halt, the weight of everything crushing him. He looked down at his wrecked clothes, then back at the sea of strangers. A sob escaped him, raw and uncontrollable. He pressed his hands to his face, the tears finally bursting forth in a torrent. He stood there, alone and broken, in the midst of the dispersing crowd.

As he stood there, his shoulders shaking with sobs, something in the periphery of his tear-blurred vision caught his attention. A familiar figure, walking slowly, almost aimlessly, just ahead. Leo.

Leo was moving with a heavy, and absentminded , his head slightly bowed, his hands shoved into his pockets. He looked lost, his usual vibrant energy completely extinguished.

Sangwon didn't hesitate. He pulled his hands from his face and began to run, the torn fabric, his heels clicking awkwardly on the pavement. He ignored the stinging in his eyes, the ache in his lungs. All that mattered was reaching Leo.

He closed the distance, his breath catching in ragged gasps. When he was close enough, he threw his arms around Leo from behind, pulling him into a desperate back hug.

Sangwon buried his face in Leo's back, his voice thick with tears and hiccups " L-Leo! Wait... wait, love!" "

Leo froze, then slowly turned around in Sangwon's embrace. His face was etched with a profound sadness that mirrored Sangwon's own, but he didn't pull away. Gently, he reached up and wiped a tear from Sangwon's cheek with his thumb.

He gazes up at Leo, tears still streaming down his face "I can explain... it's not what you think, please... just wait..."

Leo didn't let him continue. He simply lifted a finger to Sangwon's lips, a soft "Shhh." He continued to gently wipe the tears from Sangwon's eyes, his touch impossibly tender. His gaze then drifted down, noticing the large, gaping tear in Sangwon's competition dress. He could clearly see Sangwon's safety short through the ripped fabric.

His voice is soft, laced with a quiet concern "Your dress... it’s wrecked." 

Hearing the worry in Leo’s voice, the genuine concern amidst the unspoken pain, broke Sangwon’s fragile control even further.  He collapsed against Leo again, burying his face in his chest, and began to cry loudly, his body shaking with the force of his anguish.

Without a word, Leo unzipped his own leather jacket. He carefully draped it around Sangwon's waist, tying the sleeves loosely to cover the exposed slit in Sangwon’s ruined outfit. Then, he wrapped his arms tightly around Sangwon, holding him close as Sangwon sobbed into his shoulder.

 The voice so soft rumbled against Sangwon’s ear " I didn't even congratulate you." 

He paused, holding Sangwon for a moment longer, letting him cry. Then, he pulled back slightly, looking into Sangwon’s tear-streaked face with a gentle, if still sorrowful, expression.

A small, soft smile forming on his lips, full of genuine pride "Congrats, baby. You did a great job out there."

Sangwon, still hiccuping and gasping for air, could only bury his face deeper into Leo’s chest, clutching onto him as if he were his only anchor.

Leo held him for a long moment, feeling Sangwon’s tremors subside. He knew they couldn't talk here.

 Leo led him straight to the bedroom. Sangwon, still clad in the torn competition dress and Leo’s leather jacket, collapsed onto the edge of the bed, utterly drained.

Leo standing over him, his voice gentle but firm "Just sit here. I’ll find your clothes." 

Sangwon reach out, catching Leo’s hand "Wait. About earlier... I can explain. It’s really not what it looked like."

Leo paused, his movement halting. He looked down at Sangwon, and the deep sadness was evident in his eyes, quickly masked by a practiced tenderness. He gently squeezed Sangwon’s hand.

"That can wait, baby. You’re shaking. Let’s get you out of those ruined things first. I’ll find your clothes."

Sangwon, too exhausted to fight, simply nodded, relinquishing his hand. Leo went to the closet and pulled out a comfortable pair of sweats and a soft t-shirt. He returned and helped the weary Sangwon change, maneuvering around the remnants of the torn outfit and carefully removing the uncomfortable shoes. Sangwon allowed himself to be dressed, his body heavy with fatigue from the performance and the emotional shock.

They settled on the bed, Sangwon leaning against the headboard. 

Just as Sangwon took a deep, shaky breath to begin, Leo's phone began to ring. He glanced at the screen. It was his sister.

"I'll answer this first, baby, hmm?" 

Sangwon nodded, trying to calm his racing heart.

Leo put the phone to his ear, and his face instantly clouded with worry. "Hello? What? Are you okay?" Leo's voice grew louder, laced with concern. "Okay, okay, I'll go there in a minute."

He ended the call quickly and looked at Sangwon, his face filled with genuine distress.

worry evident in every line of his face "Baby, I'm so sorry, but my sister really needs me right now. She said there's a suspicious someone lurking around her apartment building. She sounds terrified."

Sangwon’s immediate worry for his sister overrode his own need for absolution.

Sangwon sit up, concerned "Go. Your sister needs you the most right now."

" But... how about you? We haven't talked, and you're upset—"

He reached out to hold his arm " I'll be fine. Your sister needs you the most right now. Go. You can come back later when the problem is solved. Please, go."

Leo hurriedly walked to Sangwon, bent down, and pressed a quick, firm kiss to his temple.

" I'll be back. I promise." 

He rushed out of the room and out of the apartment, leaving Sangwon alone, dressed in soft clothes, the weight of the day—and the unspoken truth—still heavy on his chest.