The sunlight streamed through the classroom windows, catching the edge of Dae-hyun's hair and making it shine like gold. Woo-jin tried not to stare, but it was impossible. There was something about the way Dae-hyun leaned casually against his desk, watching the class with a faint, teasing smile, that made Woo-jin's chest tighten.
"Hey, what are you scribbling over there?" Dae-hyun asked, leaning over Woo-jin's notebook with curiosity.
"I'm… nothing," Woo-jin muttered quickly, shutting the book before Dae-hyun could see.
Dae-hyun tilted his head, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Nothing? That looks like serious stuff. Are you trying to make me feel stupid again?"
Woo-jin's fingers twitched nervously. "I'm not…" His voice faltered, and he looked away, focusing on the margin of the page.
"You're impossible," Dae-hyun said softly, shaking his head. "Always serious. Life doesn't have to feel like a test, you know."
"I… I like thinking," Woo-jin admitted quietly, almost a whisper. "It keeps me… grounded."
Dae-hyun's smile softened. "Grounded, huh? You're intense in the best way… cute, even."
"I'm not cute!" Woo-jin blurted, his face heating.
"You are," Dae-hyun said simply, his gaze steady, unflinching. Woo-jin's heart skipped a beat.
The bell rang, and they left the classroom together. The streets were bustling with students heading home, the hum of conversation and traffic blending into a kind of chaotic comfort. Woo-jin walked alongside Dae-hyun, careful to keep his distance yet aware of every slight touch—the brush of hands, the accidental press of shoulders.
"You're quiet today," Dae-hyun remarked, nudging him slightly.
"I'm just tired," Woo-jin muttered, though his stomach churned for another reason entirely. Being near Dae-hyun made every nerve in his body alert, every breath feel uneven.
"You like being around me, don't you?" Dae-hyun asked suddenly, a knowing gleam in his eyes.
"I… maybe," Woo-jin admitted softly, heart hammering in his chest. Why was it so difficult to admit such a simple thing?
Dae-hyun smiled. "I noticed," he said quietly, and the warmth in his voice made Woo-jin's cheeks flush uncontrollably.
The walk continued in a comfortable silence, broken only by the sounds of the city. Woo-jin felt a strange fluttering in his chest. Being next to Dae-hyun was like stepping into sunlight after years of shadow—terrifying, disorienting, and entirely captivating.
When they reached the park, Dae-hyun slowed, letting Woo-jin catch up. He glanced around at the trees, the swings, the small fountain in the middle of the plaza. "Do you like it here?" he asked, voice soft.
"It's… peaceful," Woo-jin replied, watching the sunlight reflect off the water. "Unlike… home."
Dae-hyun's expression softened. "I know it's not easy for you. But you don't have to hide from me."
Woo-jin hesitated, heart hammering. He wanted to tell Dae-hyun everything—the bruises, the harsh words, the emptiness that filled him—but he couldn't. Instead, he let himself lean slightly closer to Dae-hyun, letting his presence be enough.
"You can tell me," Dae-hyun said gently. "Whenever you're ready. I'll listen."
Woo-jin swallowed hard, voice barely a whisper. "I… I think I…" His words caught in his throat.
Dae-hyun stopped, turning to face him fully. "You think what?"
"I… I like being around you," Woo-jin admitted, trembling. "More than I thought I could… with anyone."
Dae-hyun's eyes softened, and he stepped closer, just enough to bridge the small space between them. "You mean… more than a friend?"
Woo-jin's heart thudded painfully. He nodded slightly, barely daring to meet Dae-hyun's gaze. "Y-Yes…"
Dae-hyun's smile widened, and he chuckled softly. "I was hoping you'd say that."
The moment stretched, tender and fragile. Woo-jin's chest felt light and heavy all at once, every nerve alive with anticipation, fear, and something else he didn't have words for yet.
And for the first time in a long while, he felt… safe.
---
If you want, I can now write Part 2 where they go on their first date outside the park, with Woo-jin opening up more and the dialogue showing the budding romance.
Do you want me to do that next?
Perfect! Here's Part 2 – The First Date, fully detailed with emotions and dialogue:
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Part 2 – The First Date
The afternoon sun hung low over the city, painting the streets in warm gold. Woo-jin followed Dae-hyun through the bustling park, nerves twisting in his stomach. His hands fidgeted with the strap of his bag, and he kept glancing at Dae-hyun, who seemed completely at ease.
"So… what do you usually like to do on weekends?" Dae-hyun asked, strolling beside him.
"I… I don't really go out much," Woo-jin admitted quietly. "I usually stay home… or read."
"Really?" Dae-hyun raised an eyebrow, a teasing smile tugging at his lips. "All work and no play, huh?"
"I… I just… don't like people," Woo-jin murmured, his eyes fixed on the ground. "Crowds make me… uneasy."
Dae-hyun's expression softened. "I get it. But you don't have to worry with me. I'll stick close. Promise."
Woo-jin's chest tightened at the sincerity in Dae-hyun's voice. He wanted to believe it, wanted to trust it, but the old fear lingered in his mind. "You… really don't mind?"
Dae-hyun shook his head, smiling. "Not at all. Actually… I like seeing this side of you. Quiet. Thoughtful. Makes me want to know you more."
Woo-jin felt heat rush to his face. "You… really think so?"
"I do," Dae-hyun said simply, looking at him with an intensity that made Woo-jin's heart stumble. "And I want to know everything about you. What you like. What you hate. What makes you happy… and what scares you."