Part 17

The gentle patter of rain against the large glass windows of the bookstore filled the otherwise quiet shop. Longtai stood behind the counter, momentarily abandoning the task of sorting books to watch the rain. It wasn’t the kind of rain that darkened the skies or sent the world into a stormy gloom—it was that soft kind of rain, where the sun still shone faintly behind the clouds, casting a golden hue over everything. The raindrops sparkled in the light, like delicate jewels falling from the sky.

Longtai rested his arms on the counter and sighed, his mind wandering to Yok. It was impossible to keep his thoughts away from him. Especially now, in this weather. It reminded him too much of the last time they had walked together in the rain.

Flashbacks:

It had been pouring heavily that day. The streets were practically empty, as people rushed to find shelter from the sudden downpour. Longtai had been caught without an umbrella, hurrying along the street with his hood pulled up, but it did little to keep him dry.

“Longtai!” Yok’s voice called out through the rain, cutting through the rhythm of raindrops hitting the pavement.

Longtai turned, slightly startled, to see Yok running up to him. He was holding an umbrella, his hair already wet and sticking to his forehead. He looked slightly out of breath but managed to give Longtai that familiar, easy smile.

“You’re going to catch a cold like that,” Yok had said, moving the umbrella to cover both of them without asking.

Longtai’s heart had raced in that moment, the proximity sending a wave of warmth through him despite the cold rain. They walked in silence for a few minutes, their footsteps echoing softly against the wet pavement, and Longtai could feel the warmth of Yok’s shoulder brushing against his every now and then.

“You didn’t have to…” Longtai had mumbled, barely audible over the rain.

Yok shrugged, casting him a sidelong glance. “What kind of friend would I be if I let you walk home in this?”

_Friend, _The word had echoed painfully in Longtai’s mind. It had brought both comfort and a bitter ache at the same time.

He snapped out of his flashback, the memory still lingering in his chest. He missed that moment—those small, tender moments that felt so natural with Yok, even if they made his heart ache in ways he couldn’t explain.

Longtai sighed and stared out at the rain again, the steady rhythm calming his racing thoughts. Maybe Yok hadn’t noticed how much that kiss had meant to him. Maybe Yok didn’t even think about it at all. After all, they were friends… right?

The soft chime of the doorbell startled him. Longtai glanced up and froze when he saw the figure standing in the doorway.

Yok.

He was drenched again, his sleeveless shirt clinging to his skin, revealing his tattoos, the rain dripping from his hair onto his face. He looked like he had been running, his chest rising and falling quickly as he caught his breath. His expression wasn’t his usual carefree smile, though—it was something closer to frustration.

Longtai’s heart jumped into his throat, and a wave of concern washed over him. “Why are you drenched again? You’re going to get sick!”

Yok didn’t answer right away. Instead, he strode up to the counter, leaning against it, still panting slightly. His eyes locked onto Longtai’s, and the intensity of his gaze made Longtai’s stomach flip.

Longtai’s hands fidgeted nervously on the counter. He knew he couldn’t avoid Yok any longer, not when Yok was standing right there, staring at him like that.

Yok ran a hand through his wet hair, pushing it back from his forehead before letting out a long, frustrated sigh. “Is it a habit of yours to ignore people?” Yok’s voice was low, but there was a sharp edge to it. “Or do you just like making me flustered?”

Longtai’s eyes widened, his pulse quickening. He looked down, unable to meet Yok’s piercing gaze. “I… I didn’t mean to…” he started to say, his voice barely above a whisper.

Yok leaned in closer, cutting him off before he could finish. “You promised me you wouldn’t ignore me again, Longtai.” His voice was calmer now, but the frustration was still there, simmering beneath the surface. “And now you’re doing it again.”

“I’m sorry…” Longtai mumbled, his voice small.

Yok’s eyes softened at the sight of Longtai’s obvious discomfort. He stood up straighter, letting out another sigh, this one less frustrated, more resigned. “Is it because of the kiss?” Yok asked, his voice quieter now, more serious.

Longtai flinched at the word, his stomach twisting into knots. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. The memory of the kiss flashed in his mind, and his heart pounded uncontrollably. He could feel his cheeks burning, his skin prickling with heat.

Yok watched him carefully, and when Longtai didn’t say anything, Yok’s expression softened even more. “You don’t kiss people when you’re drunk, do you?” he asked, his tone almost gentle now, as if he already knew the answer.

Longtai shook his head, finally looking up at him. “No… I don’t.” His voice was shaky, and he hesitated before adding, “It only happened because… it was you.”

Yok’s eyes widened slightly, his breath catching in his throat. For a moment, neither of them said anything. The rain outside was the only sound between them, softly pattering against the windows.

Longtai’s heart was racing so fast it felt like it might burst. His chest tightened, and his hands gripped the edge of the counter for support. He was terrified of what Yok might say next, terrified of the rejection he was sure was coming.

But then Yok did something unexpected.

He smiled.

Not his usual carefree grin, but something softer, more genuine, and his eyes held a warmth that made Longtai’s breath hitch.

“I don’t mind the kiss,” Yok said quietly, his voice gentle but firm.

Longtai’s heart skipped a beat. He blinked, unsure if he had heard Yok correctly. “You… you don’t?”

Yok shook his head, still smiling, though there was a hint of something in his eyes that Longtai couldn’t quite place. “No. I don’t mind. In fact… I wouldn’t mind if you kiss me right now when you’re sober.”

Longtai’s face flushed even more, his entire body heating up at Yok’s words. He opened his mouth to say something, but no words came out. He was too stunned, too overwhelmed by the sudden rush of emotions.

Yok’s body language had shifted, his posture more relaxed now, his gaze soft but steady as he looked at Longtai. There was no frustration in his expression anymore—only understanding. Yok leaned a little closer, his voice low but calm. “Can you promise me something?”

Longtai’s heart pounded in his chest. “What?”

“Promise me you won’t ignore me again,” Yok said, his tone softer now, almost pleading. “It drives me crazy when you do that.”

Longtai stared at him, his mind racing. He could feel the tension between them, the air thick with unspoken emotions. His heart was beating so fast it hurt, but in that moment, all he wanted to do was say yes.

“I promise,” Longtai whispered, his voice barely audible.

Yok smiled again, this time with relief, and something else—something deeper that Longtai couldn’t quite name. His heart fluttered, his stomach flipping as he looked at Yok, realizing just how much he cared for him. More than he had ever been willing to admit to himself before.

But before he could say anything else, Longtai noticed that Yok was still soaking wet. His clothes were clinging to his skin, his hair dripping water onto the counter. Longtai frowned, his concern quickly overtaking his previous anxiety.

“You’re still drenched,” Longtai said, his voice laced with worry. “You’re going to get sick if you stay like that.”

Yok raised an eyebrow, his usual smirk returning. “Well, I don’t exactly carry extra clothes with me.”

Longtai glanced out the window. The rain had picked up again, coming down harder now, the streets almost empty as people rushed to get indoors. His mind raced for a solution, his concern growing as he watched the rain pour down even more heavily.

He bit his lip, hesitating before speaking. “I… I live nearby. I might have something you can change into…”

Yok looked at him, a small smirk playing on his lips. “Are you sure you want me to come over?”

Longtai’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly nodded, trying to keep his voice steady. “You’ll get sick if you stay like that.”

Yok chuckled softly, shaking his head. “Alright, alright. I’ll take you up on that.” He glanced around the store. “Close up, and I’ll wait.”

Longtai quickly moved to close the shop, his hands shaking slightly as he locked the door and turned off the lights. His heart raced with every passing second, the tension between them palpable in the air.

Yok stood by the counter, watching Longtai with a soft smile, his eyes filled with something deeper than just friendship. As Longtai finished up, he couldn’t help but steal glances at Yok, feeling the weight of the unspoken attraction between them.

And as they stepped out into the rain together, Longtai couldn’t shake the feeling that everything was about to change.

---

The key jingled softly as Longtai twisted it in the lock, the mechanism clicking before the door swung open with a faint creak. The cool evening air filtered into the small entryway as Longtai stepped inside, his hand instinctively reaching to flick on the light switch. A warm, soft glow filled the apartment, revealing its neat, organized interior. Everything had its place—small plants sat by the window, books stacked in careful order on the shelves, and a modest kitchen area to the left with gleaming countertops.

Yok followed closely behind, his eyes immediately scanning the space. He took off his shoes, slipping into the pair of guest slippers Longtai had set out. The soft padding underfoot reminded him of the comfort this apartment exuded, the whole atmosphere tailored to match Longtai's calm and composed nature. Yok couldn’t help but smile a little as he looked around. The small apartment, with its neutral tones and minimalistic charm, suited Longtai perfectly.

As Yok stood there, Longtai gave him a quick, apologetic glance. "Let me get you something dry to wear. You’ll catch a cold otherwise," he said, heading towards his room. The quiet sound of drawers opening and closing soon followed as Longtai rummaged through his things.

Yok wandered toward the couch in the living room, his eyes falling on it. The last time he’d been here, Longtai had been tipsy—his usual controlled demeanor crumbling as the alcohol loosened his inhibitions. Yok remembered that night vividly—the warmth of Longtai’s lips when they’d kissed, his flushed cheeks, and the way Longtai had looked at him. The memory flooded his mind, and Yok’s face heated up. He shook his head quickly, trying to banish the thought. _I’m not here for that,_he reminded himself.

Longtai reappeared, holding a neatly folded set of clothes in his hands. “Here,” he said, handing them over. “They should fit.”

Yok raised an eyebrow as he unfolded the clothes, glancing from the oversized hoodie to Longtai’s slimmer frame. "You’re joking, right? These are huge," he teased, his lips curving into a smirk.

Longtai, flustered, stammered, “They’re my older brother’s. Well, cousin, but he’s like an older brother.”

Yok’s expression softened, and he chuckled. “I see. I didn’t know you had a cousin like that.”

Longtai nodded. "Yeah, he’s not around much, but he leaves some stuff here. You should take a shower before you catch something. The bathroom’s this way." He gestured toward a small door down the hallway.

Yok followed, watching as Longtai opened the bathroom door for him, the steam from the warm shower already lingering in the air from the humidity of the rain. Yok gave him a nod of thanks before stepping inside, closing the door behind him. The sound of water splashing against the tile soon filled the apartment.

After a warm, soothing shower, Yok emerged, now dressed in the oversized clothes that smelled faintly of laundry detergent and fresh linen. The hoodie was far too large, the sleeves hanging over his hands, but the comfort was undeniable. He rubbed a towel through his wet hair, padding barefoot around the living room as he took in more details.

Yok’s gaze was drawn to the small bulletin board near the desk. Tacked onto it were various photos, all neatly arranged, each one capturing a piece of Longtai’s world. Yok leaned in closer, studying the pictures. Some were of scenery—sunsets over distant hills, city streets washed in soft light, a quiet moment by a riverbank. They were all beautifully composed, reflecting Longtai’s quiet, introspective nature.

But one photo stood out. In it, Longtai stood between two men—Tain and Phupha. Tain had his arm slung over Longtai’s shoulder, grinning widely, while Phupha stood with his usual reserved expression, though there was warmth in his eyes. But it was Longtai’s smile that caught Yok’s attention. He was beaming, his face lit up in a way Yok had never seen before—carefree, almost radiant.

Yok found himself staring at the picture, feeling a strange pang in his chest. _He smiles like that with them..._ he thought. _I want to see him smile like that with me._The thought came unbidden, and he shook his head slightly, trying to brush it away.

Longtai emerged from the bathroom just then, his hair now dry and slightly tousled. He was wearing a simple white t-shirt and black shorts, casual but somehow endearing in its simplicity. He looked at Yok, a soft smile playing on his lips as he asked, “Are you hungry?”

Yok snapped out of his thoughts, glancing over at him. “A little,” he admitted.

“I’ll make something,” Longtai offered, already heading towards the kitchen.

Yok followed. “I’ll help,” he said, stepping beside Longtai at the counter.

They worked in quiet harmony, the soft clinking of utensils filling the space between them. Yok found himself sneaking glances at Longtai—his focused expression as he chopped vegetables, the way his brow furrowed ever so slightly when he was concentrating. There was a peacefulness to these small, domestic moments, but under the surface, Yok could still feel the tension—the unspoken feelings that neither of them had yet acknowledged.

As Longtai stirred something on the stove, Yok leaned against the counter, watching him. "You’ve got a nice place here," he said, breaking the silence.

Longtai glanced at him, smiling faintly. “Thanks. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s home.”

Yok nodded, his eyes flicking back to the photos on the wall. “That picture of you, with your brothers … you looked really happy.”

Longtai paused, turning to look at the photo. “Yeah,” he said softly. “That was a good day. We were out hiking, and Tain insisted on taking a picture. I didn’t even realize how much I was smiling.”

Yok’s gaze lingered on him. “I’d like to see you smile like that more often.”

Longtai blinked, his cheeks flushing slightly at the comment. He quickly looked away, focusing back on the food. “I… I guess I don’t smile like that a lot.”

Yok smiled, though there was a seriousness in his eyes. “I think you should.”

Longtai froze, his heart skipping a beat at Yok’s words. He didn’t know how to respond, his mind suddenly clouded with thoughts of their shared moments, of the kiss, and the confusing feelings that had followed.

Before he could say anything, Yok reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against Longtai’s arm. The touch was brief, but it sent a jolt through Longtai’s entire body.

“I wasn’t really angry, you know,” Yok said, his voice low and filled with a warmth that made Longtai’s chest tighten. “I just… don’t like it when you ignore me. It drives me crazy.”

Longtai swallowed hard, his heart racing in his chest. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, his voice shaky. “I didn’t mean to…”

Yok shook his head, cutting him off with a gentle smile. “It’s okay. Just… don’t do it again, alright?”

Longtai nodded, unable to find the words to say what he really felt. His eyes flickered to Yok’s face, then down to the floor, the tension between them almost unbearable now.

“Promise me,” Yok said softly, his voice laced with an unspoken plea. “Promise me you won’t ignore me again.”

Longtai’s breath caught in his throat. He looked up at Yok, their eyes locking for a long, intense moment. The words hung heavy in the air between them, and Longtai knew that this was more than just a simple request. It was something deeper, something neither of them had yet fully acknowledged.

“I promise,” Longtai finally whispered, his voice barely audible.

Yok’s smile returned, this time softer, more genuine. “Good,” he said, his voice warm and gentle.

They fell into a comfortable silence after that, both lost in their own thoughts. But there was something undeniably different now, a shift in the air between them that neither could ignore.

As they finished preparing the food and sat down to eat, Yok couldn’t help but feel that the distance between them—both physical and emotional—was closing. He watched Longtai, noticing the way his shoulders seemed to relax now, the way his guard had slowly begun to drop since the kiss they’d shared. Yok wasn’t sure what was going to happen next, but for the first time in a while, he wasn’t afraid of finding out.

This time, he wouldn’t let Longtai retreat into himself again.

After dinner, they cleaned up together in comfortable silence, but there was an unmistakable tension hanging in the air, thick and electric, unspoken yet undeniable. Once the dishes were put away, Yok stretched lazily and glanced over at the couch.

"I’ll just crash here," Yok said casually, tossing himself onto the couch with a satisfied sigh.

Longtai, standing by the kitchen counter, frowned. “You can’t sleep on the couch. I’ll feel guilty. You should take my bed.”

Yok raised an eyebrow, smirking. “And where are you going to sleep, then? The floor?”

Longtai shook his head firmly, grabbing a pillow from the couch. “I’ll sleep on the couch. It’s fine.”

But before he could settle his plan, Yok reached over and yanked the pillow out of his hands. “No way. I’m not letting you give up your bed just because I’m here.”

Longtai, not one to give up easily, snatched the pillow back. “I insist. You’re the guest. You should take the bed.”

Yok rolled his eyes playfully, lunging for the pillow again. “You’re too stubborn for your own good.”

They went back and forth, wrestling the pillow from each other’s grip like kids, neither one willing to back down. Yok managed to grab it once more, holding it triumphantly above his head.

"How about this," Longtai huffed, catching his breath, “We could just… share the bed?”

Yok stopped, lowering the pillow slightly as his smirk widened into a teasing grin. "Oh? How bold of you, Longtai. Inviting me to sleep in the same bed?" he teased, his voice dripping with amusement.

Longtai’s face flushed a deep red. “No! I didn’t mean it like that!” he stammered, flustered. “I just meant… it’s practical!”

But Yok, enjoying the moment, wasn’t about to let him off the hook. “Right, practical. Sure,” he teased, grabbing the pillow again as Longtai tried to pull it back.

In their tug-of-war, Longtai stumbled backward onto the couch, pulling Yok down with him. With a surprised yelp, Yok fell right on top of him, the pillow awkwardly wedged between them. For a second, neither of them moved, both startled into silence by the sudden closeness.

Their eyes met, and the teasing atmosphere shifted into something heavier, something charged. Yok could feel Longtai’s body tense beneath him, the rapid rise and fall of his chest betraying his nerves. The air around them felt thick, humming with an unspoken intensity. Yok's breath hitched, his eyes flickering from Longtai’s wide eyes to his slightly parted lips.

Longtai's heart was racing, pounding so loudly he was sure Yok could hear it. He wasn’t sure how it had come to this—Yok practically lying on top of him, their faces so close that he could feel the heat radiating off Yok’s skin. His stomach churned with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, and he was painfully aware of how warm Yok’s body was against his own.

For a moment, neither moved. The world outside faded away, and all that existed was this—their shared breath, the sound of rain softly tapping against the window, the weight of the unsaid between them.

Yok, trying to ease the sudden tension, cleared his throat and shifted to sit on the floor next to the couch, but as he did, his hand fell onto Longtai’s leg for balance. His eyes landed on the curve of Longtai’s thigh where the fabric of his shorts had ridden up slightly, exposing a tattoo.

"So this is the tattoo you told me about," Yok murmured, his voice low and slightly teasing. His fingers brushed over the ink, tracing the delicate cursive that read, "Mom, don’t worry." It was a small, meaningful line from a song, a quiet tribute.

Longtai flinched slightly at the touch, his breath catching in his throat. The casual brush of Yok’s fingers over his skin sent a shiver down his spine, the light caress lingering a little too long, a little too soft. He swallowed hard, trying to ignore the heat rushing to his face, but it was impossible—his entire body felt like it was on fire.

Yok, smirking, let his fingers continue to graze the tattoo, his eyes still fixed on the ink. “It’s really sexy, you know. Having a tattoo like this.”

Longtai’s face turned scarlet at the compliment, his embarrassment evident as he tried to look anywhere but at Yok. “I—uh—thanks,” he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper. His body tensed as Yok’s hand remained on his thigh, the heat from Yok’s touch burning into his skin.

Yok’s smirk softened as he glanced up at Longtai, noticing the way his lips were parted slightly, his eyes wide and vulnerable. There was something so tempting about the moment, something so fragile and electric that Yok’s heart raced in his chest. He knew he shouldn’t, knew it was dangerous, but he couldn’t help the thought that crept into his mind—the thought of leaning down, of pressing his lips against the inked skin, of closing the distance between them.

Longtai’s breathing was shallow, each second stretching out painfully as the tension between them grew. His heart pounded louder, faster, and he was sure he might lose control. The space between them felt like it was shrinking with each passing moment, their bodies leaning closer, almost instinctively. Longtai’s eyes flickered from Yok’s lips to his eyes, and for a moment, he swore Yok was going to kiss him. His mind was a whirlwind of emotions, his body aching with anticipation.

Just as Yok’s fingers tightened ever so slightly on Longtai’s thigh, and their faces inched closer, a loud sound broke the spell—a sudden thud that startled them both.

Longtai jumped, his hand instinctively grabbing Yok’s shoulder in surprise. Yok, ready to defend them from whatever had caused the noise, whipped his head around, only to see the source of the interruption—the neighbor’s cat, once again wandering in through the balcony door, its tail flicking casually as if it owned the place.

They both sighed in relief, the tension broken, the spell shattered. Longtai immediately released his grip on Yok’s shoulder, sitting up quickly. He threw the pillow at Yok in a hasty attempt to regain some normalcy. “You can sleep here,” he muttered, flustered, his voice a little shaky. “I’ll… I’ll go to my room.”

Without waiting for Yok’s response, Longtai stood up and hurried toward his bedroom, his face still flushed as he disappeared down the hallway.

Yok remained sitting on the floor, his heart still racing, his mind replaying the moment that had almost happened. His fingers tingled with the memory of Longtai’s skin, and he could still feel the warmth of his thigh under his hand. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to calm himself down, but it was no use. They had been so close. If that damn cat hadn’t interrupted, what would’ve happened? Would he have really kissed Longtai?

Yok stared at the empty couch, still feeling the heat of the almost-kiss, his heart pounding wildly in his chest. “Damn cat,” he muttered under his breath, shaking his head as he leaned back against the couch.

It took a long time for his pulse to settle, but even then, his mind wouldn’t stop racing. He was sober. Longtai was sober. This wasn’t like the last time. They had been inches away, and for once, neither of them had wanted to pull back.

-

Author's Note:

"Getting interrupted has become a universal thing for them now. Will they ever get a moment of peace? Keep reading to find out what happens next!"

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Love Yoon -