Almost doesn’t count

The steady ticking of the clock filled the room. The distant noise of the city could still be heard through the large glass windows. They sat in silence, eyes fixed on the TV screen. An episode of some show was playing but neither of them really cared what it was. They both felt tense for some reason. 

It was probably just past midnight.

With every sip, Dae-jin's vision grew a little bit blurrier, and his cheeks started to slightly flush. So much for not getting drunk...

Next to him, Jae-hyun wasn't doing much better – he looked like he was feeling hot and his shirt had slipped off his shoulder, revealing a part of his bare skin. He stared straight ahead with steady breathing, carefully avoiding even a single glance in Dae-jin's direction. 

He knew that if he looked at him in that state, he wouldn't be able to hold back – not his thoughts, and definitely not himself. 

He wanted to say something to start a conversation about anything, even the dumbest topic would've done. But his mind felt foggy, and there was this weird, unfamiliar feeling that had taken hold of him. Maybe it was a bit of anxiety. Or fear, that a single word or stray thought might be enough to drive Dae-jin away. It wasn't the first time he felt like this, he even did something stupid, saying all the wrong things that he had in mind to someone he cared about. But back then, he couldn't hear the other person's thoughts and this time, the whole setup was a different game. 

On the other side of the couch, Dae-jin was dealing with the same mess of feelings. He didn't say it out loud, didn't even think through properly. But deep down, it stung – knowing just how different the two of them really were. And even though he'd never admit it to himself, a tiny part of him actually...liked Jae-hyun. 

Not because he was rich. But because he didn't give a damn about that. From the outside, maybe it looked like he only cared about appearances, since his looks and manners were always flawless. But to Dae-jin, he was just some idiot who couldn't take anything seriously and always had some messed up thought in his head. 

That thought made him smirk a little. 

- Do you think I'm an idiot? - Jae-hyun finally turned toward him, with a mix of surprise and mild offense on his face. 

- No..not entirely. - Dae-jin chuckled. - Partially. 

Jae-hyun's eyes narrowed for a moment, studying Dae-jin's expression like he was deciding whether to take the words seriously or not. Eventually, with a long sigh, he leaned back into the couch, placing his hands behind his head. 

- Partially....- he repeated under his breath. - You know, that's not what most people would say about me. 

- Most people can't hear your thoughts. - Dae-jin shot back, taking another sip and swaying just a bit – like the soju starting to mess with his balance. 

- Okay then, tell me what am I thinking right now. - Jae-hyun said, still lying on the couch in the same position while he turned his head lazily toward Dae-jin's direction. - Take a guess. 

Dae-jin blinked slowly, then took a moment to study the man next to him. 

It wasn't hard to figure out – Jae-hyun, in that moment, had only one thought on his mind. 

| I WANT TO KISS HIM!

The words hit Dae-jin like an electric shock, so much that he forgot to breathe for a moment. The room suddenly seemed to shift in his vision, and everything blurred, barely coming into focus. 

- So? - Jae-hyun asked, raised his eyebrow with a teasing smile. - What's the answer? 

- I...I don't know. - Dae-jin muttered, avoiding eye contact in any way possible. 

- Well, you better figure it out. - Jae-hyun smile widened. - Because I'm not going anywhere. 

Then Jae-hyun shifted closer on the couch. 

Dae-jin could feel the warmth of his breath brushing against his skin as Jae-hyun exhaled gently with full of desire, dangerously close now. The space between them was barely anything now. His heart thudded loudly in his chest, but he didn't move away. His pulse jumped and his mind screamed to close the gap as soon as possible to feel that touch he's wanted for so long. 

Jae-hyun slowly looked into his eyes, searching for something – an answer, a sign, anything. And when he saw that hazy, uncertain look in Dae-jin's gaze, that was all the confirmation he needed. He swallowed hard, his breath hitching then his eyes dropped – looking onto Dae-jin's lips. Dae-jin felt frozen in place, his lips parted, breathing shallow as he watched Jae-hyun lean in that final inch.. 

Their lips almost touched for a brief second when a loud thud echoed from the front door. Both of them jerked back in shock. A woman stood there glaring furiously looking at them like she had just walked in on something she's seen one too many times and had absolutely no patience left for. Her sharp eyes cut through the distance. 

- Shit. - Jae-hyun cursed. 

The woman crossed her arms. 

- Again? You brought a guy home again? - she asked, her voice was filled with accusation and a slight hint of disgust.

Jae-hyun straightened, his face looked sharp now, every muscle was tensed up. 

- No MOM. It's not like that. - he answered looking at Dae-jin.

His mother scoffed, stepping further into the room. 

- Different? How is this different from last time? You two almost broke my precious vase while kissing on the table. If i hadn't come home on time, the table would've been next. 

Dae-jin eyes widened. The warmth from the soju started to fade, replaced by a cold knot in his stomach.

He looked at Jae-hyun but all he saw was a flicker of evasion and guilt. 

The silence was too loud after. It left Dae-jin in total embarrassment, he felt like the floor had been pulled out from under him as he stood up. His hands were trembling, whether from the alcohol or the sudden shame he felt at that moment. 

- I should go home. - he said, it was barely louder than a whisper. - This was a mistake... 

Jae-hyun grabbed his hand as he spoke. 

- Wait. Don't go. 

But Dae-jin shook his hand off him. 

- I didn't lie to you. - Jae-hyun said, his voice was quiet. - I didn't plan this. I didn't bring you here to...play with you. 

Dae-jin stared at him, his jaw tightened. His expression cracked a little – just enough to show how deeply it hurt him. His thoughts echoed in Jae-hyun's head. 

| But that's what it feels like...

Then he moved forward the door with heavy steps. 

Jae-hyun didn't follow him. He just stood there completely frozen as the door closed behind Dae-jin with a quiet click.