Part 9

Longtai's chest still heaved as he tried to quiet his breaths, the taste of adrenaline thick in his mouth. The muffled voices of the guards faded into the distance, their footsteps moving in the opposite direction. For now, the two of them were safe-though for how long, Longtai couldn't say.

Yok crouched beside him behind the concrete pillar, his sharp eyes scanning the shadows for any lingering threats. As the silence stretched, he reached up and tugged his mask off, exposing his familiar face.

Longtai's breath hitched, and he stared, disbelief flashing across his face. "Yok?" he whispered hoarsely, his voice barely audible.

Yok turned to him, his expression somewhere between annoyance and relief. "Yeah, it's me," he muttered, brushing a hand through his damp hair. "And what the hell are you doing here, Longtai?"

"I could ask you the same thing," Longtai shot back, his voice trembling from the fear and confusion still coursing through him.

Yok's eyes narrowed. "This is no place for you," he said, his tone a mixture of frustration and concern. "You shouldn't have-"

A distant noise cut him off-a clang of metal, far enough to not be an immediate threat but close enough to remind them of their precarious position. Yok swore under his breath and stood, reaching for Longtai's arm.

"Never mind," he said hurriedly. "We don't have time for this. Come on."

Before Longtai could argue, Yok gripped his wrist and pulled him to his feet. The urgency in his touch sent a jolt through Longtai's system, and he stumbled after him, their footsteps quiet against the cracked concrete floor. They moved swiftly, weaving through the maze of the decrepit building, keeping low and hugging the shadows.

Yok's grip didn't loosen as they ran, and Longtai felt himself being guided with practiced precision. He couldn't help but wonder how many times Yok had navigated places like this before.

He risked a glance behind him, his breath quickening as the echo of boots on concrete grew louder. A guard's voice shouted in the distance, "I found them!" The hairs on the back of Longtai's neck stood up, and before he could think, Yok tightened his hold on his hand.

"Run," Yok said, his voice low but commanding.

They ran, faster now, their footsteps frantic against the gritty floor. Longtai's heart hammered in his chest, each breath coming in sharp, shallow bursts. His body was running on pure instinct, pumping with adrenaline, his mind scrambling to make sense of the chaotic situation. He could feel the heat from Yok's hand as it pulled him along, and he couldn't help but be aware of how their fingers were locked together. It was surreal-nothing like he could've imagined.

Yok glanced over his shoulder, a grin flashing across his face despite the danger. "Don't slow down now," he said, his words sharp with excitement, as if he were enjoying this mad chase.

Longtai's legs burned, but there was no time to stop, no time to question what was happening. He just kept running, the sound of pursuing footsteps getting closer. The fear started to build in his chest, the thought of getting caught, the thought of being left behind by Yok-it all made his pulse race faster.

They burst through an alley, and Longtai barely had time to adjust as Yok steered him toward a parked motorcycle. Yok swiftly swung his leg over the seat, casting a quick glance around as if checking for any other threats.

"Hop on," Yok said, his voice still full of that cool, confident tone that only seemed to make Longtai's heart race more.

Longtai hesitated for a moment, his mind still reeling. But without thinking further, he climbed on behind Yok, holding on to the back of the bike with a mixture of confusion and reluctant excitement. He had never done something so reckless before-never imagined he would be sitting here, on the back of Yok's bike, being chased by bodyguards in some mad escape.

Yok revved the engine, his eyes flicking to Longtai. "Buckle up," he said, a grin tugging at his lips.

Longtai blinked, confused. "What?"

Yok's smile widened. "Grab me tightly," he said with a playful wink.

Longtai's face flushed instantly, the words catching him off guard. He did as he was told, wrapping his arms around Yok's waist, gripping tightly. His fingers brushed against the firm fabric of Yok's jacket, and the strange flutter in his stomach only intensified. This was a side of Yok he had never seen before-wild, unrestrained, completely in his element.

Yok gunned the engine, and before Longtai could fully process it, they were speeding off, tearing through the streets with the sound of the engine roaring in his ears.

The wind whipped against his face, and Longtai clung to Yok, the world around them blurring into streaks of light and shadow. His heart was still racing, but now there was an odd sense of exhilaration mixed with the fear. They were out of reach now, the guards couldn't follow them, and yet Longtai couldn't shake the feeling that everything had just shifted in an unexpected, chaotic direction.

Yok glanced behind them, seeing the guards still some distance away but unable to keep up with the speed of the bike. He let out a loud laugh, his voice carefree and unbothered by the chase.

"They can't keep up with us," he called back to Longtai, his voice filled with satisfaction.

Longtai was half-laughing, half-breathing heavily from the sprint, his grip tight on Yok's waist. It felt unreal, the adrenaline coursing through him as he held on tighter, barely able to hear Yok's voice over the rush of the wind. He was getting swept up in it all, in the wild freedom that Yok exuded, and for a fleeting moment, Longtai felt like he was part of something much bigger than just himself.

Yok twisted back again, this time giving the guards a cheeky wave and mouthing something he couldn't quite hear, but it was definitely a taunt. Longtai, still clinging to him, couldn't help but smile in spite of himself.

The bike surged forward, faster now, as Yok pushed the throttle and sped away from their pursuers, weaving in and out of traffic until it was clear they had shaken them off completely. Yok glanced over his shoulder one last time, ensuring they were safe, before pulling off the road and into a quieter part of town.

He slowed the bike to a stop, cutting the engine, and they were left in a peaceful lull, the sound of the engine replaced by the distant hum of the city.

"We're safe," Yok said, turning to Longtai with a grin.

Longtai exhaled deeply, his chest heaving. He had never felt so alive, so reckless, and yet so connected in that moment. The thrill of it all hadn't quite worn off, and it left him with a mix of exhaustion and exhilaration.

Yok swung his leg off the bike and slid his helmet off, then turned to Longtai, still grinning. "You okay?"

Longtai took a moment to catch his breath, still processing everything. "I... I think so," he said, his voice unsteady, though his heart was still racing in a completely different way now.

They sat down at one of the small, plastic tables by the stall. The warm scent of steamed dumplings filled the air, but Longtai barely noticed. His heart was still racing-not just from the chase, but from Yok. The way Yok had grabbed his hand and led him, the way he smiled back at him, the way he seemed to take control so effortlessly-it was all too much.

Yok leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms with an amused smirk. "So, Longtai," he began, his tone teasing. "What were you doing in an abandoned factory with security guards chasing you?"

Longtai shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Yok's gaze as he fiddled with the strap of his camera bag. "I... I was there with my friends," he mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yok raised an eyebrow. "Friends? You mean the ones who ditched you the second things got messy?" His tone was sharp, and there was an edge of irritation in his voice.

Longtai flinched slightly. "They didn't mean to... I mean, they were just scared," he said, trying to defend them, though his words lacked conviction.

"Scared?" Yok scoffed, leaning forward. "Leaving you alone to deal with security guards doesn't sound like fear-it sounds like selfishness."

Longtai didn't respond, his gaze dropping to the table. He hated confrontation, and Yok's words, though true, made him feel even smaller.

Seeing Longtai's downcast expression, Yok sighed and leaned back again, his voice softening. "Sorry. I didn't mean to snap. It just... pisses me off when people don't look out for their own."

Longtai glanced up at him, surprised by the shift in tone. "It's okay," he said quietly. "I'm used to it."

Yok frowned, his eyes narrowing. "You shouldn't have to be used to it."

The silence that followed was heavy but not uncomfortable. Yok drummed his fingers on the table, as if debating something, before finally speaking again. "What were you doing there, though? That place isn't exactly safe."

Longtai hesitated, unsure how much to share. But there was something about Yok-something that made him feel like he could be honest. "We're working on a project," he admitted. "I... I wanted to take photos of the graffiti. It tells a story, and I thought it would fit with what we're doing."

Yok's expression shifted, his interest piqued. "Graffiti, huh? So, you're into that kind of thing?"

Longtai nodded slowly. "It's... powerful. The way it can tell a story without words. It's raw and real."

Yok smiled, a hint of admiration in his eyes. "Didn't know you had that in you, Longtai. You're full of surprises."

Longtai's cheeks flushed, and he quickly looked away. "What about you?" he asked, desperate to change the subject. "What were you doing there? And... how did you know I was there?"

At this, Yok hesitated, scratching the back of his neck as he looked away. "I wasn't exactly supposed to be there," he admitted, his voice dropping slightly. "But I saw someone. A familiar figure. I thought it might be you."

Longtai's eyes widened. "You recognized me? From that far away?"

Yok shrugged, a small, sheepish grin tugging at his lips. "I don't know. I just... I had a feeling it was you. Guess I was right."

Longtai didn't know how to respond to that. His heart thudded painfully in his chest, and he felt his face growing warm again. "Thank you," he said softly. "For helping me. For... everything."

Yok leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table as he looked directly at Longtai. "You don't need to thank me. I couldn't just leave you there. Besides..." He smirked. "It was kind of fun, don't you think?"

"Fun?" Longtai repeated, incredulous. "We were being chased by security guards!"

"And we got away, didn't we?" Yok countered, his grin widening.

Longtai opened his mouth to argue but stopped when he saw the mischievous glint in Yok's eyes. He shook his head, a small, reluctant smile tugging at his lips. "You're unbelievable."

"Maybe," Yok said with a shrug, popping a dumpling into his mouth. "But you've gotta admit, it was exciting. You don't get a thrill like that sitting in class, do you?"

Longtai didn't respond. He couldn't. Because as much as he hated to admit it, Yok was right. It *had* been exciting. Terrifying, yes, but also exhilarating. And the fact that he'd experienced it with Yok made it even more unforgettable.

As Yok sat back in his chair, watching Longtai with an expression that hovered between curiosity and amusement. He popped another dumpling into his mouth, chewed thoughtfully, and then leaned forward, his elbows resting on the table. His dark eyes locked on Longtai's, a teasing glint dancing in them.

"So," Yok began, his voice smooth and casual. "What was it about the graffiti that made you do something so... reckless? I mean, you don't exactly strike me as the type to run headfirst into danger."

Longtai paused, fiddling nervously with the strap of his camera bag. He could feel Yok's eyes on him, sharp and unrelenting, and it made his heart race. Taking a deep breath, he tried to find the right words.

"It's not just graffiti," Longtai said softly, his fingers tightening around the strap. "It's... more than that. It tells a story, you know? A story that no one else is willing to tell. It's raw, unfiltered. It's like..." He hesitated, his voice faltering as he struggled to articulate the emotions swirling inside him.

"Like what?" Yok prompted, his voice low and gentle, encouraging Longtai to continue.

"Like someone screaming into the void," Longtai finally said, his voice trembling with quiet intensity. "But instead of it being lost, it stays. It becomes something permanent. A reminder. A voice that refuses to be ignored."

Yok stared at him for a moment, his usual smirk softening into something more thoughtful. "That's pretty deep, Longtai," he said, his voice carrying a hint of admiration.

Longtai flushed, looking away. "I just... I guess I connected with it. It feels like the kind of story I want to tell through my photos. Something real. Something that matters."

Yok's smile returned, but it was different this time-warmer, softer, almost proud. He leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand as he studied Longtai intently. "What if I told you..." he began, his voice dropping into a conspiratorial whisper, "...that I was the one who painted it?"

Longtai's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat. "What?" he managed to squeak out, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yok chuckled, clearly enjoying Longtai's reaction. "I'm serious," he said, his tone teasing but with a hint of sincerity. "The mural you were so fascinated by? That was me."

Longtai's face turned a deep shade of red, his thoughts spiraling into chaos. He had imagined Yok doing something like this before-something bold, rebellious, and unapologetically him. But hearing it confirmed? It made his heart race in a way he couldn't quite control.

"You're joking," Longtai said, though his voice lacked conviction.

Yok leaned back, crossing his arms with a smug grin. "Why would I joke about that?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Longtai stared at him, his mind struggling to process the revelation. Images of Yok-spray paint in hand, working under the cover of darkness, his face illuminated by the glow of streetlights-flashed through his mind. It fit him so perfectly that it almost hurt.

"I..." Longtai stammered, his face growing impossibly warmer. "I don't know what to say."

Yok laughed, the sound rich and warm, and reached out to flick Longtai's forehead lightly. "You don't have to say anything," he said. "I just thought you should know. I mean, you seemed so passionate about it. Figured you deserved to meet the guy behind it."

Longtai looked down, his fingers clutching his camera strap tightly. His heart was beating so loudly he was sure Yok could hear it. "It's... incredible," he finally said, his voice barely audible. "What you did-it's powerful. I never would've guessed it was you."

"Why not?" Yok asked, his tone teasing. "Do I not look like the type to make bold statements?"

"No, you do," Longtai blurted out before he could stop himself. "I mean, it suits you. I just... I didn't think I'd actually meet someone who could create something like that."

Yok's grin widened, and he leaned forward again, closing the distance between them. "Well, now you know," he said, his voice low and smooth. "And if you ever want to see more, maybe I can show you sometime. Just you and me."

Longtai's breath hitched, his heart pounding so hard it felt like it might burst. He couldn't bring himself to look at Yok, afraid that if he did, he'd give away just how flustered he was.

"I... I don't know," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yok chuckled again, leaning back with an air of satisfaction. "Think about it," he said casually, reaching for another dumpling. "No rush. But something tells me you'd like it."

Longtai swallowed hard, his mind a whirlwind of emotions. He didn't know what scared him more-the thought of saying yes, or the possibility of saying no.

--

Longtai lay in his bed, the soft hum of the city outside the window barely reaching his ears. He stared up at the ceiling, the weight of the day still pressing down on him, though his mind was anything but still. It had been an exhausting night, and yet all he could think about was Yok.

Yok had insisted on driving him home after the chaos in the abandoned factory, even when Longtai had protested, saying he didn't want to be a burden. But Yok's determination was unwavering. "I'm not letting you go alone until I know you're safe," he'd said, and Longtai could hear the certainty in his voice even now. It was strange-this protectiveness, this sense of calm that Yok somehow always seemed to bring, even when everything else around them was in chaos.

Longtai let out a breath and rolled onto his side, burying his face in his pillow for a moment. What is it about him? The question lingered in his mind like an itch he couldn't scratch. He had never been one to be swept up in feelings so easily, but when it came to Yok, everything felt different. He had known Yok for such a short time, and yet... it felt like he had always been there.

The day they met at the bookstore felt like a lifetime ago, yet it was burned into his memory as clearly as ever. Yok had been just another customer among many, browsing through the shelves with a quiet intensity. But for some reason, Longtai had felt this inexplicable pull, a curiosity he couldn't explain. He'd dismissed it at the time, chalking it up to the thrill of meeting someone new, someone different, but now, in the quiet of his room, that feeling resurfaced, stronger than before.

And then there had been the abandoned factory. Longtai couldn't get the image of Yok's eyes out of his mind-those dark, almost hypnotic eyes. They were deep, far-reaching, as though they held the weight of the world in them. There was an ambition there, a drive that Longtai couldn't quite place, but it was undeniably magnetic. Those eyes had been the first thing Longtai had noticed when Yok had removed his mask, and it was the last thing he thought about before he drifted off to sleep.

Longtai's fingers traced his lips absently, remembering the feeling of Yok's hand pressing over his mouth. Why did it affect me so much? he thought. He wasn't used to feeling vulnerable, but when Yok had grabbed him like that, his hand firm and secure, Longtai had felt something shift in him. It wasn't fear; it was something else-something comforting. It was as if, in that moment, nothing could hurt him, because Yok was there, shielding him, keeping him safe.

The thought of Yok's smile surfaced next-bright and genuine, but with an edge of something else, something daring. It was the same smile that had appeared when Yok had been so carefree on the bike, weaving through the streets like they were untouchable. Longtai couldn't help but feel a spark of admiration for him in those moments, something he'd never felt for anyone else.

And then there was the anonymous account, the one Longtai had been obsessing over-the account that fought for justice, exposing the truth, all the while remaining a mystery. It had consumed his thoughts for weeks, his fascination growing with each post. But when he'd learned that the person behind the account was Yok, everything seemed to fall into place in a way that Longtai wasn't quite prepared for. The person he had admired from afar was the same one who had pulled him from the wreckage of that abandoned building. The same person who had shown up when he least expected it. How could that be?

Longtai turned on his back, staring at the ceiling once more. He closed his eyes, trying to steady his racing thoughts, but all he could see was Yok's face-those dark, compelling eyes, the smirk that teased the corners of his lips, the way his voice held a sense of mystery and danger. He had never met anyone like Yok.

It felt like fate, maybe, or something far more complicated. Longtai didn't know what it was, but he knew that he couldn't ignore it. Every time he thought about Yok, there was a pull in his chest, a magnetic force drawing him in, and he couldn't seem to break free from it.

His heart fluttered in his chest, and Longtai sighed, feeling both frustrated and confused. He was used to having control over his emotions, to being logical, to thinking things through. But with Yok, everything was different. He felt like he was standing at the edge of something, something unknown and exhilarating, and he wasn't sure whether to jump or stay where it was safe.

Longtai closed his eyes, letting the thoughts swirl in his mind, the memory of Yok's voice and his touch lingering in his thoughts like a shadow. He didn't know what would happen next, or if this strange connection he felt toward Yok would turn into something more, but one thing was certain-he couldn't stop thinking about him.

~

Author's Note :

"Longtai is a sweet cinnamon bun, and Yok is all cool, 'I don't care' energy. Let's see how their opposites bring them more closer-"

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Love Yoon ~