Part 20

Longtai stood in front of his mirror, staring at his reflection as if it would magically tell him what to do. Behind him, his bed was a mess of carefully laid-out outfits-shirts, jackets, pants, and accessories scattered everywhere like he had torn through his entire wardrobe. His fingers fidgeted at the hem of his oversized black t-shirt, the one he had been wearing all morning while pacing around his room, trying to decide what to wear.

His heart hadn't stopped hammering since he woke up. A date. He was going on a date with Yok. The thought alone made his stomach twist-half from nervousness, half from excitement.

He had never done this before. Never gone on a date, never had to think about what to wear for one. He didn't even know how dates worked. Did they hold hands? Did they just talk and eat? What if it was awkward? What if he said something weird? What if-

He groaned and ran a hand through his hair, frustrated at his own overthinking.

Just breathe, Longtai. It's just Yok.

Except it wasn't just Yok. Because Yok had kissed him. Yok had looked at him with those warm, playful eyes and asked him out. And Longtai had said *yes*.

A nervous but excited warmth spread through his chest. He glanced back at the outfits on his bed, chewing his lip. He wanted to look nice, but not too much. Something comfortable but also-he swallowed-cute.

He had pulled out a soft beige sweater, thinking it looked cute but worried it might be too plain. Then there was the light blue button-up-maybe that was better? But was it too formal? And the pastel pink hoodie? Too casual? Too much color? Would Yok even care?

His gaze landed on a soft white t-shirt and a green cardigan draped over the edge of his bed. It was simple but nice, something he knew suited him. He paired it with his favorite blue pants, the ones that fit him well but weren't too tight.

For accessories, he picked up the small pearl necklace his mom had gifted him a while ago, hesitating before fastening it around his neck. It was subtle but elegant. He added a thin gold chain, just enough to give a layered effect.

He grabbed his favorite sneakers-the ones he always felt comfortable in. He knew he'd probably be walking a lot, and he didn't want to risk sore feet just for the sake of fashion.

Once dressed, he stepped back and looked at himself in the mirror.

His heart stuttered a little.

He looked... good.

The outfit felt right-not too much, not too little. Just him.

His eyes flickered to his nightstand, where his camera rested. He paused, remembering the text Yok had sent him earlier:

Yok : "Bring your camera. You'll want it. ;)"

Longtai picked up the camera, running his fingers over the familiar buttons. His lips tugged into a small, shy smile.

*What is he planning?*

The nervous energy in his stomach mixed with anticipation.

With one last deep breath, he slung the camera over his shoulder, grabbed his phone, and left his room-his heart pounding as he headed toward a day he knew he'd never forget.

---

Yok stood in the middle of his room, hands on his hips, staring at the mess he had just created. Clothes were everywhere-scattered across the bed, the chair, the floor. His laundry basket was completely empty now, its contents strewn around like a tornado had ripped through his room.

With a sigh, he picked up a black t-shirt and gave it a sniff. His face twisted immediately. Nope. He tossed it onto the growing pile of rejected options.

He grabbed another one-a dark blue shirt this time-holding it up to the light. The moment he spotted dried streaks of paint on the fabric, he groaned. *When did I even wear this?* He flung it over his shoulder.

Another. Nope. More paint stains.

Another. Nope. Wrinkled beyond saving.

Another-what the hell is this smell? Nope.

Yok ran a frustrated hand through his already messy hair. "What the hell do people even wear on a date?" he muttered, kicking aside a pair of jeans that had somehow ended up on the floor.

He wasn't the type to care much about outfits. Most of his clothes were dark, comfortable, and splattered with remnants of his art-reminders of late nights spent painting, lost in his own world. But today was different. Today, he was taking Longtai on a date.

That thought alone sent a weird flutter through his chest, and he scowled at himself in the mirror. Get it together.

With a sigh, he started digging again. He pulled out a plain sleeveless grey top and inspected it. No stains, no weird smell...He nodded to himself. This could work. He paired it with his best-fitting dark pants-the ones that made him look good without trying too hard.

Next, he grabbed his favorite sneakers, well-worn but still stylish. Comfort was key, and he wasn't about to deal with blisters on a date.

For accessories, he reached for his silver chain and fastened it around his neck. It wasn't much, but it added just the right touch.

Finally, he grabbed a cap and threw it on, tilting it slightly before stepping in front of the mirror. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to make it look effortlessly good.

He tilted his head, examining himself.

Yeah... not bad.

A smirk tugged at his lips.

"Good enough to make Longtai blush, at least."

With that, he grabbed his phone and keys, took one last glance at the disaster zone that was his room, and decided-future Yok could deal with cleaning up. Right now, he had a date to get to.

--

Yok stood outside Longtai's place, leaning casually against his bike, fingers tapping idly against the handle. He exhaled slowly, feeling the cool evening breeze, but his nerves weren't settling. This wasn't like him. He wasn't the type to get nervous over a date-hell, he wasn't even sure what he was supposed to feel.

But then the sound of footsteps on the stairs pulled him out of his thoughts, and he looked up.

And just like that, everything stopped.

Longtai was descending the stairs, dressed in an outfit that somehow made him look even softer than usual. The white t-shirt, the light green cardigan draped over his shoulders, the neatly fitted blue pants-it all suited him perfectly. But what really caught Yok's attention was his hair.

Those dark strands that usually fell over his forehead were brushed to the side just enough to show a glimpse of skin, his bangs slightly parted, adding a new touch of innocence to his usual quiet charm.

Yok's eyes refused to leave him.

He had always thought Longtai looked cute, too cute, but this? This was something else. Maybe it was because he knew Longtai had put in this effort just for him. Just for their date.

Yok felt a small smile creep onto his lips, unable to stop it.

As Longtai reached the bottom step, Yok let out a low whistle, shaking his head slightly. "Damn. You look... really good." His voice was softer than usual, but the words carried weight.

Longtai's eyes widened for a moment, then darted away as he rubbed the back of his neck, clearly flustered. "Thank you..." he mumbled, barely above a whisper. His fingers played with the hem of his cardigan as he dared to glance back up at Yok.

He hesitated for a second before speaking. "You look good too," he said, his voice holding that quiet sincerity.

Yok, who was usually unaffected by compliments, felt something odd stir inside him. His grip on the handle of his bike tightened slightly.

He scoffed, playing it off. "It's nothing." He waved a hand, as if brushing the words aside.

But inside, his heartbeat wasn't as steady as he wanted it to be.

He cleared his throat, shifting the attention away. "Come on, let's go."

Longtai nodded, stepping closer. Yok reached toward his bike and grabbed an extra helmet hanging from the handle, then turned to Longtai. Without a word, he lifted it over Longtai's head, carefully lowering it onto him.

Longtai's breath hitched slightly as Yok's fingers brushed against his hair while adjusting the fit. He swallowed, feeling the warmth of Yok's hands as he reached under his chin to tighten the strap. The space between them had shrunk, and Longtai could feel the heat creeping up his neck, his heartbeat quickening.

Yok, completely focused on making sure the helmet was secure, didn't seem to notice-at first. But when he finished fastening the strap and looked up, he caught Longtai staring at him.

Their eyes locked.

The air felt different.

Yok tilted his head slightly, lips curving into a teasing smirk. "You keep looking at me like that, Longtai, and I might think you don't want to leave."

Longtai's eyes widened, snapping out of his daze, and he quickly looked away. "I-I wasn't-!"

Yok chuckled, shaking his head as he stepped back. He grabbed his own helmet, slipping it on smoothly before hopping onto the bike. "Alright, alright," he said, voice still laced with amusement. "Hop on, cutie."

Longtai hesitated for only a second before climbing onto the bike behind him, fingers gripping the edge of his cardigan nervously.

Yok started the engine, glancing over his shoulder. "Hold on tight."

And with that, they sped off into the night, the city lights glowing around them, the wind brushing against their skin-and the unspoken feelings lingering between them.

----

The soft hum of the coffee machines, the faint sound of mellow jazz playing in the background, and the warm glow of the dim lights made the café gallery feel like a different world-peaceful, intimate.

Longtai looked around, recognizing the place immediately. Yok had brought him here before, but tonight it felt different. The café wasn't just a place to relax; it was their date spot.

Yok led him toward a table by the large window, the same one they had sat at last time. The city lights outside flickered in different colors, casting a glow over the quiet streets. It was late, so there weren't many people, just a few customers scattered around, lost in their own world.

Longtai sat down, adjusting his cardigan as he glanced at Yok, who was already flipping through the menu with an easy smile.

"What do you want?" Yok asked, looking up.

Longtai hesitated for a second before replying, "Just something warm... maybe a caramel latte."

Yok grinned. "Good choice. I'll get my usual then-bubble tea with no sugar."

Longtai raised an eyebrow. "You don't like sweet things?"

"Not really." Yok leaned back against his chair, tapping his fingers against the table. "But I think I can handle a little sweetness today." He shot Longtai a teasing look, making the latter glance away, his ears slightly red.

After placing their order, a comfortable silence settled between them. Longtai found himself staring down at his hands, fidgeting slightly with the edge of the tablecloth. His fingers twitched, betraying the nervous energy running through him. This was his first date. Just thinking about it made his chest feel tight-not in a painful way, but in a way that made him hyperaware of everything around him.

The way Yok sat so casually across from him, his posture relaxed, as if this was the easiest thing in the world. The way his eyes stayed on Longtai, unwavering yet gentle. And the way he leaned forward slightly, as if he was genuinely interested in everything Longtai might say, even before he said it.

Longtai's pulse thrummed in his ears. He didn't know what to do with his hands, so he laced them together on his lap, hoping it would make him feel more composed.

Then, Yok finally spoke, breaking the silence with a voice that was smooth but laced with something softer-something that made warmth coil in Longtai's stomach.

"So..." Yok tilted his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "I brought you here because I wanted to know more about you."

Longtai blinked, caught off guard. His fingers curled slightly against the fabric of his pants. "Know more about me?"

Yok nodded, his usual teasing expression softening into something sincere. "Yeah. I like you, Longtai. And when you like someone, you want to know everything about them."

The words struck Longtai like a sudden jolt of electricity. His breath hitched, his heartbeat kicking up into an uneven rhythm. He knew-deep down, he had always known-that there was something between them. The way Yok looked at him, the way he always found ways to be close. But hearing it spoken aloud so openly, so effortlessly, was entirely different.

His chest tightened, an unfamiliar warmth spreading through him, overwhelming in its intensity. He lowered his gaze, staring at the way his fingers trembled slightly before he clenched them into fists. He wanted to say something, anything, but the words were stuck in his throat.

Yok seemed to notice. His gaze softened even more, his voice gentle when he spoke again.

"You don't have to tell me everything at once," he reassured, leaning forward so that the space between them felt smaller, more intimate. "But how about this? I'll start first."

That got Longtai's attention. His eyes flicked up, cautious but curious. "You?"

Yok's lips curled into a lopsided smile, his elbows resting against the table as he propped himself up. "Yeah. It's only fair, right? You should know things about me too."

There was something warm about the way he said it, something that made Longtai's tightly coiled nerves loosen just a little. It wasn't a demand. It wasn't pressure. It was an invitation.

Longtai swallowed, his voice coming quieter than he expected.

"Alright..."

And for the first time since the date started, he let himself meet Yok's eyes fully, letting the moment settle between them like something fragile and precious.

Yok tapped his fingers thoughtfully against the table, his gaze drifting upward as he considered what to share. Then, with a small grin, he said, "Okay, something simple. Hmm... I used to be terrible at painting. Like, really bad."

Longtai blinked, his brows drawing together in surprise. Out of everything he expected, that wasn't one of them. "But... you're so good now."

Yok chuckled, resting his chin against his palm. "Exactly. I was so bad at it that my art teacher almost gave up on me. She once told me I had the artistic talent of a potato." He smirked at the memory, shaking his head. "But I kept practicing, and eventually, I got better." His expression softened slightly. "Now I can't imagine my life without it."

Longtai watched him closely, taking in the sincerity in his voice, the way his fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of his coffee cup. There was a quiet sort of passion in the way he spoke-one that Longtai found himself drawn to.

Then Yok tilted his head, eyes shining with quiet encouragement. "Your turn."

Longtai hesitated. His fingers curled slightly around the fabric of his cardigan, the warmth of the restaurant suddenly feeling heavier, like the air had thickened around him. But Yok was waiting-not impatiently, not expectantly, just... waiting.

So, in a soft voice, he finally said, "I... grew up in a small village. I only moved here when I started high school."

Yok didn't react, didn't interrupt. He simply listened, his focus solely on Longtai, his expression open and calm.

Taking a quiet breath, Longtai continued, his voice steady but laced with something heavier. "After my parents passed away..." His fingers tightened slightly, knuckles paling as he gripped his cardigan. "I had to start over. Everything felt different. The city, the people... I didn't really know how to fit in."

The words left him feeling bare, exposed in a way he wasn't used to. He rarely talked about it-never really found the right way to explain how disorienting it had been to lose everything familiar and be thrown into something so new.

For a moment, Yok didn't say anything. Then, slowly, he reached across the table, his fingers brushing against Longtai's before finally settling over his hand.

The warmth of Yok's touch sent a quiet shiver through Longtai, grounding him in the present. His heart skipped a beat as he glanced down at their joined hands, the contrast of their skin tones, the way Yok's fingers curled ever so slightly, as if offering comfort without demanding anything in return.

Yok's grip was steady but gentle, his thumb lightly brushing over the back of Longtai's hand. It was an unspoken reassurance. A silent, I'm here. I hear you.

Longtai hesitated, his throat tightening slightly. But then, in a quiet voice, he continued.

"My grandparents raised me after my parents passed." His fingers absently played with the fabric of his cardigan, his gaze dropping slightly. "They... they were always kind to me. Even when I didn't talk much, even when I was struggling to adjust, they never made me feel like I was a burden."

Yok's hold on his hand tightened just a little, just enough to let him know he was still there. Still listening.

Longtai swallowed, the weight in his chest feeling just a little lighter. "And my cousin... he takes care of me too. In his own way." A small, almost nostalgic smile appeared on his lips. "He's always teasing me, but I know he means well."

Yok smirked slightly, a glint of amusement returning to his eyes. "Sounds like he's just being a typical cousin."

Longtai chuckled softly, the sound light despite the emotions lingering in his chest. "Yeah, maybe."

Yok leaned back slightly, lifting his coffee cup and taking a slow sip. His expression had shifted, something thoughtful lingering behind his usual easygoing demeanor. "It's nice, though... having people who care about you."

His voice was quieter now, almost distant, as if the words carried a weight of their own.

Longtai studied him, sensing something beneath those words. Something unspoken.

Yok exhaled, setting his cup down. His fingers tapped against the ceramic for a moment before he spoke again. "It was just me and my mom, you know? She worked so hard to raise me. And people... they didn't always treat her right."

Longtai's breath stilled, watching as Yok's expression darkened slightly. Not with anger, but with something quieter. A tired sort of acceptance.

"She worked day and night, and no matter how much effort she put in, the rich always found a way to take advantage of her. They stole her ideas, made her work twice as hard for half the credit, and when she fought back, they shut her out."

Longtai's chest tightened, his fingers unconsciously gripping Yok's hand a little tighter.

Yok let out a small, humorless chuckle. "Guess that's why I started drawing. It was my way of fighting back, I think. At first, I just wanted to show the truth-the kind people like to ignore. The masks the rich wear, the things they pretend not to see."

He glanced at Longtai then, a soft smirk tugging at his lips. "Now I just draw whatever I want."

Longtai didn't speak right away. Instead, without thinking, he squeezed Yok's hand, grounding him just as Yok had done for him earlier.

Yok blinked, a little surprised, his fingers stiffening slightly before relaxing again.

Longtai didn't meet his gaze. Instead, he turned toward the mural beside them, his voice quiet. "I think... you tell stories in a way people can't ignore."

Yok's breath caught for a second. The sincerity in Longtai's words settled deep, curling around something inside him that he hadn't even realized was aching.

Then he smiled, something softer this time. Something real.

"Yeah?"

Longtai nodded. "Yeah."

Yok's fingers gave a gentle squeeze before he finally let go, but the warmth of his touch lingered.

He leaned back with a grin, tilting his head toward Longtai. "Well, I'm not the only one who tells stories, you know."

Longtai frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Yok smirked. "Your photography. You capture things people don't usually notice, don't you?"

Longtai hesitated, caught off guard by how easily Yok seemed to understand him. "...I just... I like seeing things differently. Finding something special in what others think is ordinary."

Yok's eyes softened, watching him. "That's exactly what I mean."

There was a quiet moment between them, something unspoken lingering in the air. Then, suddenly, Yok stood up, stretching his arms with a dramatic sigh.

"Alright, enough of the serious stuff. We still have a whole adventure ahead of us!"

Longtai blinked up at him, confused. "Adventure?"

Yok grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. He held out a hand, as if daring Longtai to take it. "Trust me."

Longtai hesitated, but then, slowly, he reached out and placed his hand in Yok's.

And just like that, the rest of their day unfolded in ways he never expected.

The afternoon passed in a blur of colors and laughter. They wandered through hidden alleyways, stumbling across vibrant murals that stretched across entire walls, each one telling a story of its own. Tucked-away bookstores beckoned with the scent of old pages, their shelves filled with stories waiting to be discovered. Street performers lined the sidewalks-one juggling knives with effortless precision, another twisting balloons into elaborate creatures that almost seemed to breathe.

Of course, Yok couldn't resist challenging the balloon artist to make the most ridiculous thing possible. After much deliberation and some amused eye rolls from the artist, Yok ended up with a tiny, lopsided dragon perched proudly on his shoulder.

Longtai laughed, the sound bubbling out of him before he could stop it. It felt unfamiliar, but in the best way-like something long buried had found its way to the surface.

He took pictures-of everything. The way the sunlight hit the murals just right, casting soft golden hues over the artwork. The way the city seemed alive in the smallest details-a child tugging their parent toward a street musician, the way a cat stretched lazily atop a sun-warmed windowsill, the way Yok's eyes glowed with mischief every time he spotted something new.

Unbeknownst to him, Yok was doing the same.

While Longtai was lost in his camera lens, Yok was sketching. His pencil moved across scraps of paper, capturing not just the city, but him. The way Longtai's brows furrowed in concentration as he adjusted his camera settings. The way his lips parted slightly when he found the perfect shot. The way the wind tousled his hair, strands falling into his eyes, making him huff in frustration before brushing them away absentmindedly.

Every once in a while, Longtai would glance up, only to catch Yok quickly hiding a folded piece of paper behind his back.

Longtai narrowed his eyes. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," Yok said-too quickly.

Suspicion flickered in Longtai's expression. "You're sketching me, aren't you?"

Yok smirked, tilting his head playfully. "You're not the only one who captures things, you know."

A deep flush crept up Longtai's neck, his ears burning. "Stop that."

"Make me," Yok teased, winking.

Longtai huffed, turning his attention back to his camera, but he didn't argue further.

Later, as the sky deepened into soft hues of pink and gold, they found themselves standing in front of a towering mural. It was stark, haunting-faceless figures wearing masks, surrounded by looming skyscrapers that stretched endlessly upward. The brushstrokes were jagged, urgent, carrying a weight that settled heavy in the chest.

Yok grew quiet, his usual energy subdued. His eyes traced the painted figures, something unspoken flickering behind his gaze.

"This one," he murmured.

Longtai looked at him. "What about it?"

Yok exhaled, running a hand through his hair, making it even messier than before. "This is the kind of thing I used to draw," he admitted. His voice was softer now, like he was speaking more to himself than to Longtai. "When I was younger, I thought if I showed people the truth, they'd care. That maybe things would change."

Longtai studied the mural, then turned his attention back to Yok. "And now?"

Yok gave a small, sad smile. "Now I just draw because I love it. And because... I think even if the world doesn't change, art still matters. It makes people feel something."

Longtai didn't respond right away. Instead, he reached out, hesitating for just a second before taking Yok's hand.

Yok blinked, startled.

But Longtai wasn't looking at him. He was looking at the mural, his fingers curling slightly around Yok's. His grip was warm, steady-anchoring.

"Then that means it does change things," Longtai said softly.

Yok's breath hitched. His heart stuttered for just a moment, caught off guard by the quiet certainty in Longtai's voice.

He tightened his fingers around Longtai's, just for a moment.

And neither of them let go.

A comfortable silence stretched between them before Yok finally turned his attention back to Longtai, curiosity flickering in his expression.

"What about you?" he asked.

Longtai hesitated, his fingers fidgeting slightly against Yok's hand before he finally pulled away. He glanced at his camera, then back at the mural, his lips pressing together in thought.

"I was... the unusual kid in school," he admitted quietly. "People used to make fun of me because I was weak. I got sick a lot. I missed so many classes that I always felt like I was behind everyone else."

Yok watched him, expression unreadable. He said nothing, simply listening.

Longtai exhaled, a faint smile-tinged with something bittersweet-crossing his lips. "Then my grandfather gave me a camera when I was little." His fingers brushed over the strap of his camera, almost instinctively, like it was second nature. "At first, I didn't know what to do with it. But then... I started looking through the lens. And suddenly, the world felt different."

He paused, his gaze distant as if remembering the first time he held that camera in his hands. "I think, back then, I used it as a way to escape. Everything felt too loud, too fast, but when I looked through the lens, I could slow it down. I could focus on the small things-the things other people didn't pay attention to."

He turned to Yok then, meeting his gaze. "That's how I learned to see things differently."

For a long moment, Yok said nothing.

Then, slowly, a grin spread across his lips.

"That's exactly what I mean," he murmured.

Longtai frowned slightly. "What?"

Yok nudged him playfully. "You capture things through your camera. I capture things through my sketches." His voice softened. "We're not so different, you know."

Longtai blinked, caught off guard. He had never really thought about it like that.

Yok smirked, bumping their shoulders together lightly. "Guess that means we make a good team, huh?"

Longtai turned his face away, pretending to focus on his camera, but the slight warmth in his cheeks gave him away. "...Maybe."

Yok laughed, a light, genuine sound that made Longtai's chest tighten.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows against the mural, they stood there-two artists, two storytellers, each capturing the world in their own way.

And in that moment, without saying it aloud, they both knew.

They understood each other.

The air between them felt different now-charged with something unspoken, something fragile yet electric. The sky had deepened into a canvas of indigo and gold, city lights flickering to life around them, casting soft glows along the pavement. But Longtai wasn't paying attention to any of it.

His focus was entirely on him.

Yok stood just a step away, his gaze steady yet filled with something unreadable. His fingers curled around his pencil, the grip just a little too tight, betraying the nerves he didn't often show.

"There's something I've been wanting to draw for a while," Yok admitted, voice quieter now, as if speaking too loudly might shatter the moment.

Longtai tilted his head slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "What is it?"

Yok hesitated. He almost looked uncertain, and that alone made Longtai's chest tighten.

Then, he stepped closer.

Too close.

Close enough that Longtai could feel the warmth radiating from him, could see the way the streetlights reflected in his dark eyes.

"You," Yok said.

Longtai blinked, his breath catching slightly. "Me?" His voice came out softer than he intended. "But-"

"Not like before." Yok's voice was calm, but there was something intense in the way he looked at him, something that made Longtai's stomach twist. "Not silly or exaggerated." He tilted his head slightly, studying him, as if committing every detail to memory. "I mean... really you."

The words sent a flutter through Longtai's chest, something both overwhelming and thrilling. His fingers instinctively gripped the edge of his cardigan, twisting the fabric slightly as his heart pounded against his ribs.

Yok stepped even closer.

Longtai swallowed hard, frozen in place under that unwavering gaze. It wasn't like the teasing, playful looks Yok usually gave him. This was something different. Something real.

"You-You've drawn me before?" Longtai asked, voice barely above a whisper.

Yok nodded slowly. "A few times."

Longtai's lips parted slightly. "Then why haven't you ever shown me?"

Yok's fingers tightened around his pencil, his other hand flexing slightly at his side. He hesitated, then admitted, "Because I never finished them."

Longtai frowned slightly. "Why?"

Yok's eyes softened, his gaze never leaving Longtai's. "Because every time I tried... I felt like I wasn't capturing it right."

Longtai swallowed, his heartbeat quickening. "Capturing what?"

Yok didn't answer immediately. His eyes flickered over Longtai's face-the curve of his jaw, the way his brows furrowed ever so slightly in confusion, the nervous way his fingers curled into his sleeves.

Then, quietly, almost like a confession, he murmured, "The way I see you."

The words hit Longtai like a sudden gust of wind, stealing the air from his lungs.

His pulse roared in his ears. His skin felt hot, too hot, and he had to resist the urge to look away. But he couldn't. Not when Yok was looking at him like that-like he was something precious, something worth seeing.

He didn't know what to say. His throat felt tight, his thoughts tangled.

Yok, for once, didn't tease. Didn't smirk. He just watched him, waiting.

And Longtai...

His fingers curled into his sleeves even tighter, his heart hammering wildly. But somehow, even with all the chaos inside him, he nodded.

Yok exhaled. A small, almost relieved smile ghosted across his lips.

"Okay," he murmured.

His heart was beating like crazy, but he wanted to see where this would go.

Wanted to see himself-through Yok's eyes.

-

Author's Note :

Their date was absolutely adorable-awkward yet charming, full of little moments that made you smile. And now, let's see how Yok will capture Longtai in his art. Will he draw him with the same raw emotion and depth that he feels? We'll have to wait and see, but it's bound to be beautiful!

Keep reading!

Love Yoon