The morning sunlight slipped through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. Yuwon's eyes fluttered open, blinking against the soft brightness. Tae was still beside him, arms wrapped securely around Yuwon's waist, breathing steadily in his sleep.
Yuwon turned his head slightly, staring at the man sleeping beside him.
The morning light made Tae look even more handsome—his sharp jawline, the faint shadow under his eyes, his broad shoulders. So grown up now. Yuwon couldn't help but whisper to himself, "Tae… you've become a strong man."
He stared for a while longer before his chest tightened.
But I can't do this… I've always thought of him as my little brother. That night… was a mistake I can't let happen again. I have to understand his feelings—but not lose myself in them.
Tae's eyes slowly blinked open. He looked at Yuwon and smiled softly.
Tae (groggily): "Good morning… Hyung."
Startled, Yuwon quickly looked away.
Yuwon (hurried): "I'm late for work…"
He sat up and tried to get off the bed, but Tae reached out and grabbed his wrist gently.
Tae: "Hyung, are you trying to ignore me again?"
Yuwon: "No—Tae, really. If I'm late, I'll get in trouble. We can talk later."
Tae pulled him a little closer, his tone quiet and a little hurt.
Tae: "We just met again after five years… and you're still thinking about work before me?"
Yuwon opened his mouth but had no words. He's right, he thought. I'm trying to ignore him, just like I did back then…
Tae's face was now close, too close. His voice dropped, soft and vulnerable.
Tae: "Hyung… can we spend the day together? Just one day. It's been five years. Why are you still pushing me away like this?"
Yuwon met Tae's eyes. They were the same eyes from that first day—warm, hopeful, stubborn. It hurt to see them look at him like that.
He took a slow breath.
Yuwon: "I'm sorry, Tae. You're right. We can spend today together. Let me call the office first."
Tae's eyes brightened, a smile forming like that of a boy receiving a long-awaited gift.
While Yuwon made the call, Tae sat on the bed, watching him with quiet joy.
After the call, Yuwon turned back.
Yuwon: "Tae, go take a shower. I'll make you some breakfast."
Tae stood up quickly and wrapped his arms around Yuwon's waist.
Tae (grinning): "Okay."
He leaned in, trying to kiss him. But Yuwon gently pushed him back.
Yuwon: "Go. I'll be in the kitchen."
He left the room without looking back, leaving Tae standing there, lips parted in surprise.
Tae clenched his fist, watching the door Yuwon walked through.
Tae (to himself, voice low):
"Push me all you want, Hyung. I don't mind. Because in the end, it's already decided—
you're mine."
Yuwon moved around the kitchen quietly, preparing breakfast. The smell of toast and eggs filled the cozy apartment. Just as he was setting the table, he heard soft footsteps behind him.
Tae walked in, freshly showered, hair damp, wearing a clean shirt that still clung a little to his skin. His eyes lit up the moment he saw Yuwon smiling at him.
Yuwon (gently): "Come eat."
Tae nodded and walked over, sitting down like a quiet child. He watched as Yuwon set the last plate down, then sat across from him.
They started eating in silence, the only sound being the soft clinking of cutlery.
After a moment, Tae looked up with a small smile.
Tae: "I missed this."
Yuwon (softly): "Me too."
There was a calm warmth between them—something familiar yet fragile.
After a few bites, Yuwon glanced up and asked casually,
Yuwon: "So… after breakfast, what do you want to do?"
Tae looked at him, his eyes lingering on Yuwon's lips longer than they should have.
What I want is to touch you… to kiss you… to make you mine, he thought silently.
But instead, he gave a soft, innocent smile and said,
Tae: "I just want to stay close to you, Hyung."
Yuwon lowered his gaze, staring at his half-eaten food. He knew what Tae truly meant, even if the words didn't say it. He was trying so hard to hold onto the boundary of "brother," but Tae was slowly pushing past it.
Tae watched him closely, his smile fading just a little.
He's still pretending. Still trying to act like we're just brothers.
But I'm not his little brother anymore. And I don't want to be.
After breakfast, Yuwon quietly carried the plates to the sink and started washing them. The running water filled the silence, and for a moment, everything felt calm.
Then, without warning, arms wrapped gently around his waist from behind.
Yuwon's eyes widened.
Tae (softly): "Hyung…"
Yuwon froze for a second, the warmth of Tae's body pressed against his back. He hesitated, then spoke quietly.
Yuwon: "Tae… you should wait for me on the sofa."
Tae (clinging tighter): "But hyung… I want to hug you like this. Just keep washing—I'll stay like this."
Yuwon didn't have the heart to refuse. It reminded him too much of the little Tae from years ago—the boy who used to hug him suddenly, smiling brightly or crying into his shirt.
Nervous, Yuwon gave in and continued washing the dishes, letting Tae hold him silently from behind.
Tae (murmuring): "Hyung… can we go get ice cream? At my favorite place?"
Yuwon paused, a small smile pulling at his lips. He nodded.
Yuwon: "Okay."
As Tae rested his chin on Yuwon's shoulder, Yuwon's thoughts wandered.
He's grown up so much on the outside—taller, stronger, even his voice deeper… But inside, he's still the same Tae. The Tae who smiled when I played with him. The Tae who cried when I left his side. The Tae who always followed me like a shadow…
I'm trying so hard to make things like they were. To bring us back to being just brothers.
He let out a quiet breath, finishing the last plate as Tae still hugged him tightly.