Chapter 54: The Weight of Unspoken Words

Minho wasn't sure when it started.

When the sight of Hyunjin sleeping next to him became something he looked forward to.

When the soft rise and fall of his chest became a source of comfort.

When watching over him felt less like an obligation—

And more like a choice.

But here he was, lying in bed, staring at the ceiling, and replaying the words he had whispered into the darkness.

"I think I'm in love with you."

Hyunjin hadn't heard them.

But Minho had said them.

And that was enough to make his heart pound against his ribs, as if his body itself was trying to tell him

-

There was no turning back.

--

Minho woke up to the sound of soft shuffling.

Hyunjin was already up, sitting at the edge of the bed, stretching his arms over his head.

Minho blinked sleepily. "You're up early."

Hyunjin turned, offering a sleepy smile. "Morning."

Minho had seen Hyunjin smile countless times before.

But this morning, it felt different.

Maybe it was the way the morning light hit his skin, painting him in soft golden hues.

Or maybe it was because, for the first time, Minho was allowing himself to see him.

Really see him.

Minho pushed himself up, rubbing his face. "Did you sleep well?"

Hyunjin hummed. "Yeah. I feel... I don't know, lighter somehow."

Minho swallowed.

If only Hyunjin knew the words that had been spoken into the silence last night.

If only he knew—

How much Minho wanted to be the reason he felt lighter.

--

Minho had never been the type to stick to people.

He had always preferred distance, keeping interactions to a minimum.

But lately, his feet seemed to have a mind of their own—

Leading him to Hyunjin.

It didn't go unnoticed.

Felix elbowed Jisung as Minho slid into the seat beside Hyunjin at lunch. "So this is a thing now, huh?"

Jisung snickered. "Should we be honored that the great Lee Minho has chosen our humble table?"

Minho shot them a flat look. "Shut up."

Hyunjin only smiled, hiding his laughter behind his hand.

Ahyeon, ever the observant one, leaned in. "Not that I'm complaining, but why the sudden interest in joining us?"

Minho shrugged. "Can't a husband sit next to his husband?"

The table went silent.

Jisung's eyes went wide.

Felix dropped his spoon.

Ahyeon gasped dramatically.

And Hyunjin?

He choked on his drink.

"Minho!" he spluttered, face turning bright red. "Why would you—"

Minho smirked, resting his chin on his palm. "What? I'm just stating facts."

Jisung gawked. "You never acknowledge the marriage."

Felix wiggled his eyebrows. "And now you're claiming him? In public?"

Hyunjin covered his face. "I hate all of you."

Minho just chuckled.

Maybe teasing Hyunjin was a little too fun.

--

The day passed in a blur, and soon, classes were over.

Minho was walking out of the university building when a familiar voice called his name.

"Minho."

His entire body tensed.

Seungmin.

Minho turned, eyes guarded. "What do you want?"

Seungmin's smile was nothing like the ones Minho used to find comforting.

There was something off about it.

"I've been thinking," Seungmin said casually, stepping closer. "About us."

Minho stiffened. "There is no us. Not anymore."

Seungmin tilted his head. "But isn't it funny how fast you ran to Hyunjin after we broke up?"

Minho clenched his jaw. "What's your point?"

"My point is," Seungmin sighed, "that you should be careful, Minho. Feelings change. People change. And Hyunjin? He's too soft for you."

Minho's patience snapped. "Don't talk about him like that."

Seungmin's smile faltered, just for a second, before he scoffed. "You're really falling for him, huh?"

Minho didn't answer.

He didn't need to.

Because the way his hands clenched, the way his heart pounded at the mere thought of Hyunjin—

It was answer enough.

Seungmin exhaled, shaking his head. "Good luck, Minho. You're going to need it."

With that, he walked away, leaving Minho standing there, his emotions in turmoil.

--

That night, Minho found himself next to Hyunjin on the couch, the TV playing some random show neither of them was really paying attention to.

Hyunjin shifted, pulling his legs up and curling into the cushions.

Minho hesitated.

Then—

He reached out.

It was subtle.

Just a hand resting on Hyunjin's knee.

But when Hyunjin looked at him, there was no fear. No hesitation.

Just quiet acceptance.

Minho swallowed. "Hyunjin."

Hyunjin hummed, tilting his head. "Yeah?"

Minho's fingers curled slightly.

There was so much he wanted to say.

So much he wanted to confess.

But instead, he simply whispered—

"Nothing. Just... stay like this for a little longer."

Hyunjin smiled.

And for now—

That was enough.