Chapter 11: Would you be my friend

The following Saturday dawned bright and clear, an inviting contrast to the turmoil of the previous evening. Despite the remnants of tension from the night before, Jihoon slept surprisingly well, comforted by the conversation he had shared with Seungmin. Still, he couldn't shake off a nagging thought—were they really okay? Did their friendship change after that fight?

After a quick breakfast, Jihoon decided to text Seungmin. The message was simple: Hey! You up for hanging out today?

Almost immediately, a response came back: Absolutely! How about that arcade we love?

Jihoon felt a rush of anticipation. He quickly got ready and made his way to the arcade. As he walked, he mentally prepared himself for the day—he wanted to enjoy the time together without the weight of unresolved feelings looming over them.

When Jihoon arrived, the arcade was alive with sounds: cheerful jingles, excited shouts, and the mechanical cacophony of games. Spotting Seungmin already immersed in a racing game, Jihoon smiled. He approached, taking a moment to watch before playfully nudging him.

"Hey there, champion! Ready to lose again?"

Seungmin glanced back at Jihoon with mock indignation. "I'm just warming up! You'll see my true skills soon!"

The playful banter helped ease the tension that had lingered between them. They spent the next couple of hours racing through various games, laughing and challenging one another. It felt like old times, and with every passing moment, Jihoon felt his worries melt away.

As they took a break, Jihoon leaned against a wall, catching his breath. Seungmin grabbed two sodas from the vending machine and returned, plopping down beside him on a bench.

"Not bad for a morning of fun, right?" Seungmin said, popping the cap off his soda.

"Right! I've missed this," Jihoon admitted gleefully. The chill of the soda in his hand felt refreshing amidst the warmth radiating from the arcade.

"Hey, about yesterday…" Seungmin started, hesitating. Jihoon's heartbeat quickened. "I just wanted you to know that I'm really glad we talked. I don't want anything to come between us, you know?"

"Me too," Jihoon replied, his heart fluttering at the admission. "I guess I got scared. I value our friendship so much, and I didn't want to mess it up."

Seungmin nodded, a comforting understanding in his expression. "I get that. But you don't need to worry. We'll be okay, just like before."

A moment of stillness enveloped them, both young men lost in their thoughts. Jihoon took a deep breath, feeling emboldened. "So, since we're already here being real with each other, can I ask you something?"

"Sure! Hit me with your best shot," Seungmin encouraged, pulling his legs up beneath him in anticipation.

Gathering his thoughts, Jihoon chose his words carefully. "Would you be my friend? Like, no matter what? I mean, I know we've been friends for a while, but I want you to know that you mean a lot to me. It's important, and I want us to keep growing together, whatever that looks like."

Seungmin's eyes widened just slightly, surprise flickering across his features, followed by a broad smile. "Of course! That's where I was headed, too! Yes, absolutely—I want to be your friend, your real friend! I don't go back on promises like that."

Relief washed over Jihoon, followed by warmth in his chest. They were both still figuring themselves out, but knowing they'd support one another made all the difference.

"Good, because I'm not letting you go that easily!" Jihoon laughed, the relief mingling with the happiness.

"Great! So, what's next for us? Challenge accepted—let's own this arcade!" Seungmin declared, standing up dramatically with a soda in hand like a trophy.

They spent the rest of the afternoon engaged in friendly competitions, from racing against each other to teaming up on cooperative games, all laughter and camaraderie.

As they left the arcade, Jihoon felt a lightness in his heart that had been missing for weeks. Glancing at Seungmin, he smiled at the sight of his friend animatedly recounting their best moments of the day. They stopped at a small park nearby, choosing to sit under a large oak tree with sprawling branches, where they continued to talk and share stories, their bond strengthening naturally as they reveled in each other's company.

"Hey Jihoon," Seungmin said, looking serious for a moment. "If I ever do something that bothers you, promise you'll tell me? I don't want misunderstandings this time."

"Absolutely," Jihoon replied sincerely. "And you promise too, okay? We gotta be open with each other if this is going to work."

"I promise!" Seungmin grinned.

The sun began to dip lower in the sky, casting golden hues across the park. A comfortable silence settled between the two, filled only with the sounds of gentle laughter from families enjoying the late afternoon. Jihoon felt grateful for this moment, a sense of belonging settling deep within his heart.

"Would you be up for trying my terrible cooking next weekend?" Jihoon suddenly suggested, breaking the silence. "I mean, if we're going to be friends, we've got to have some disasters too, right?"

Seungmin laughed, eyes twinkling with mischief. "You really think I'd miss out on 'Jihoon's kitchen calamity' while figuring out my dinner for the week? Count me in!"

As they both erupted into laughter again, Jihoon felt a flicker of hope that he never thought he'd feel. Friends, he thought—true friends—could weather storms together and come out stronger. Today was just the beginning, a new chapter that started with a simple question: Would you be my friend?

And the answer resonated within him like the happiest of melodies, a tune of connection and understanding that promised to carry them both through whatever the future had in store.