Chapter 2: The Decision

Min-Jun couldn't shake the thoughts that had been swirling in his mind since he had found Jae-Won's diary. The emotions captured in those pages were raw and intense, revealing a depth of love and yearning that Min-Jun had never imagined. As he lay in bed, replaying the memories and entries over and over, he realized he needed to make a decision. He needed to figure out what these revelations meant for his relationship with Jae-Won.The following morning, Min-Jun woke up feeling more determined than ever. He knew he had to confront his feelings and decide on a course of action. He wanted to explore the possibility of a romantic relationship with Jae-Won, even if he didn't currently share the same intensity of emotions. Min-Jun cared deeply for his best friend, and he was willing to see where this path might lead.Flashback 4: The Silent ProtectorOne of the memories that stood out to Min-Jun was from their sophomore year, during a particularly tough time in school. Min-Jun had been struggling with his grades, and the pressure from his parents was overwhelming. He remembered feeling lost and alone, but Jae-Won had been there for him, every step of the way.Jae-Won had spent countless hours tutoring him, patiently explaining concepts and helping him catch up. He never complained, never asked for anything in return. Min-Jun had always seen this as Jae-Won being a good friend, but now he realized there was so much more behind his actions. Jae-Won's protectiveness and dedication stemmed from his deep love and desire to see Min-Jun succeed and be happy.Flashback 5: The Birthday SurpriseAnother vivid memory was from Min-Jun's 17th birthday. Jae-Won had gone all out, organizing a surprise party and inviting all their friends. The highlight of the evening was when Jae-Won gifted him a custom basketball jersey with his name on it. Min-Jun had been over the moon, touched by the thoughtfulness of the gift.Later that night, after everyone had left, they sat together on the roof of Jae-Won's house, looking at the stars. Jae-Won had seemed distant, lost in thought. Min-Jun now understood that it was likely because he wanted to confess his feelings but couldn't bring himself to do it. He had masked his love with grand gestures and unwavering support, hoping that Min-Jun would see through the façade.Min-Jun sat up in bed, determination solidifying in his mind. He knew he needed to take the first step, but he had to be careful. He didn't want to scare Jae-Won or make him feel uncomfortable. He wanted to give Jae-Won the space to confess his feelings in his own time. Until then, Min-Jun would subtly let him know that he was open to exploring their relationship beyond friendship.With a plan forming in his mind, Min-Jun decided to start paying more attention to Jae-Won's actions and emotions. He wanted to understand the depth of Jae-Won's desire and possessiveness, and how it influenced their interactions.Min-Jun was the epitome of warmth and cheerfulness. His dark, tousled hair and sparkling brown eyes gave him a boyish charm that was hard to resist. He had a lean, fit from years of playing basketball, and his easy-going nature made him popular among his peers. His infectious laugh and genuine kindness were his most endearing qualities.Jae-Won, on the other hand, was the embodiment of perfection. His chiseled features, sharp jawline, and intense gaze gave him an air of sophistication and mystery. He was tall and muscular, a result of his dedication to swimming and soccer. Despite his serious demeanor, there was a softness in his eyes whenever he looked at Min-Jun, a vulnerability that only Min-Jun seemed to bring out.Jae-Won's intelligence and discipline made him a top student, and his family's prestigious background added to his allure. He was admired and respected by everyone, but few truly knew him. He had a protective nature, often masking his deep emotions with a calm and composed exterior. But Min-Jun now knew better. He had seen the raw, unfiltered emotions in Jae-Won's diary, and he wanted to uncover more.Flashback 6: Reconnecting First Day of High SchoolOn the first day of high school, Min-Jun had been nervous. The new environment was intimidating, and he wasn't sure if he would fit in. Jae-Won had sensed his anxiety and stayed close to him the entire day. During lunch, when a group of older students tried to bully Min-Jun, Jae-Won had stepped in, his eyes blazing with anger. He had stood up for Min-Jun, making it clear that he wouldn't tolerate anyone messing with his friend.At the time, Min-Jun had been grateful for Jae-Won's protectiveness, but now he understood that it was driven by more than just friendship. Jae-Won's jealousy and possessiveness had always been there, simmering beneath the surface, fueled by his unspoken love.As the days passed, Min-Jun became more attuned to Jae-Won's subtle actions and emotions. He noticed the way Jae-Won's eyes would linger on him, the way his jaw would tense whenever Min-Jun talked to other guys. There was a possessiveness in Jae-Won's gaze that Min-Jun had previously overlooked, but now it was impossible to ignore.One evening, while they were studying together, Min-Jun decided to test the waters. He casually mentioned that he had been asked out by a girl from their class. He watched as Jae-Won's expression darkened, his grip on his pen tightening."Really? Who?" Jae-Won asked, trying to sound casual but failing miserably.Min-Jun shrugged, hiding his amusement. "Just someone from history class. She's nice, but I'm not really interested."Jae-Won's shoulders relaxed slightly, but the tension didn't completely dissipate. "Oh. Well, it's good that you're not interested. You deserve someone who truly understands you."Min-Jun smiled inwardly. He could see the jealousy and protectiveness in Jae-Won's eyes. It was clear that Jae-Won couldn't stand the thought of him being with someone else. This realization only strengthened Min-Jun's resolve. He needed to make Jae-Won feel comfortable enough to confess his feelings, and he would do whatever it took to get there.Flashback 7: The Night of the FestivalOne of their fondest memories was from the annual school festival. They had spent the entire day together, enjoying the various activities and games. That night, there was a fireworks display, and they had found a secluded spot to watch.Min-Jun remembered how Jae-Won had put his arm around him, pulling him close as the fireworks lit up the sky. He had felt a sense of comfort and safety in Jae-Won's embrace, a feeling that he now recognized as something more than just friendship. Jae-Won's hold had been possessive, as if he wanted to shield Min-Jun from the world.Min-Jun's reflections on their past interactions and Jae-Won's diary entries made it clear that his best friend's feelings ran deep. He knew he needed to handle this delicately. He didn't want to hurt Jae-Won or jeopardize their friendship, but he was also curious about exploring this new dimension of their relationship.He decided to start with small, subtle changes. He would pay more attention to Jae-Won, show him that he was open to the idea of being more than friends. Min-Jun wanted Jae-Won to feel safe enough to confess his feelings when he was ready.One evening, Min-Jun invited Jae-Won over to his house to watch a movie. It was a regular occurrence for them, but tonight, Min-Jun had a plan. He wanted to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, where Jae-Won might feel more at ease.They settled on the couch with a bowl of popcorn between them. Min-Jun chose a light-hearted comedy, something that would make them both laugh and feel good. As the movie played, Min-Jun found himself leaning closer to Jae-Won, their shoulders brushing.He noticed how Jae-Won's body tensed at the contact, his eyes flicking over to Min-Jun. But instead of pulling away, Min-Jun stayed close, allowing the warmth of their proximity to envelop them both. He could feel the tension in Jae-Won's body slowly melting away as the movie progressed.At one point, Min-Jun reached for the popcorn, his hand brushing against Jae-Won's. He felt a spark of electricity at the contact, a subtle reminder of the emotions simmering beneath the surface. He glanced at Jae-Won, who was staring intently at the screen, his cheeks slightly flushed.Min-Jun smiled to himself. He could see that his subtle actions were having an effect. He wanted Jae-Won to know that he was comfortable with their closeness, that he wasn't afraid of exploring this new dynamic between them.As the movie ended, Min-Jun turned to Jae-Won with a playful grin. "That was fun. We should do this more often."Jae-Won nodded, his expression softening. "Yeah, I'd like that."Min-Jun's heart swelled with affection. He knew they still had a long way to go, but he was determined to make Jae-Won feel safe and loved. He wanted to show his best friend that his feelings were valid and that Min-Jun was open to exploring a deeper connection.In the days that followed, Min-Jun continued to pay closer attention to Jae-Won.