Archive of Our Own

People say, they’re like twins. Similar in so many ways- equally as tall, both have small faces, radiant smiles, full lips, medium length hair, outgoing personality and whatnot. Surface level, you’d think they’re long lost brothers or maybe perfectly compatible soulmates. But if you get a tad bit deeper, if you really look- you’ll see Dohoon’s eyes are bigger, Shinyu has slightly fairer complexion, they attend different years, have different groups of friends- different kinds of people honestly. You’ll notice that Shinyu doesn’t socialize much, mostly smiles and keeps things to himself. You’ll find reliance in his stance, safety in his company. Meanwhile Dohoon loves people. He talks to them easily, makes friends faster. His company is more on the fun side. So yeah, maybe they’re not as similar as people claim.

But there’s a secret that totally sets them apart. Dohoon’s into guys and Shinyu very obviously likes girls. No one has caught on yet because Dohoon hasn’t come out to anyone except for his best friend, Youngjae.

And yes, he has a big fat crush on his senior, Shin Junghwan, aka Shinyu.

It started back when he was a fresher. Shinyu was a member of the college dance club. He had a prominent presence, almost certain to be the president of the club in his final year. And Dohoon was an interested newbie. Him along with his best friend, Youngjae both wanted to join the club. But the club held a small audition for recruitment because applicants were flooding the studio. It’s rumoured that many attended because of Shinyu but that’s not why Dohoon was there. He was genuinely into dancing.

When hobbies turn to passion- there’s a huge factor that comes in work. For him, it was the angelic face of the angelic man, and a not so likeable first encounter. After the audition, results were announced immediately after, minus one. Youngjae, Dohoon’s best friend got recruited while Dohoon was called away by his senior, Shinyu. They walked in silence, all the way to the heart of the campus. A very awkward but short walk. Once they were perfectly noticable by almost every passing student, Shinyu began talking.

“Okay, so, you’re shortlisted as the last member. However, we need to further evaluate a few things. Are you up for it?”

Confused, Dohoon nodded. With a pretty smile, the senior spoke, “Alright then, you danced hip hop, right? Can you do dances more on the sexy side?”

“Um.. yeah.” Dohoon wondered why they were in the middle of the campus.

“Cool. Show me then.”

“Right now?”

“Mm-hm.”

“Here!?” Dohoon looked around. It was so not the place to show random body rolls. Not to mention the expression needed to properly convey the feeling. However, the vice president looked unbothered.

“Yeah, you’ll have to dance in front of people eventually.”

“But..” the younger sighed. He wanted to get into the club, especially as his best friend’s one of the members now. Slouching his shoulders, he slowly took position. But right when he moved his head back to begin the rolls, he saw the man in front of him suppress a chuckle. He quickly straightened his body and asked in a done way, “You were joking.”

Shinyu burst into laughter. “Of course I was! Can’t believe you fell for it.”

A lot embarrassed, Dohoon pouted, “This ain’t fair. Not at all.”

“Sorry, sorry.” Shinyu tried to tone his laughter down, “You were just so cute right now!” He cleared his throat and returned to his professional side, “Anyway, you actually topped today’s audition.”

The younger's eyes sparkled, “Really??”

“Yeah! The whole team was impressed. You're awesome.”

“Ah, thank you.” Dohoon looked down in shyness. Shinyu found that cute too. So he lightly patted the other, saying, “Welcome to the club, Dohoonie. Let’s get along well.”

Dohoon replied with a polite bow and a formal thank you. Shinyu acknowledged both, then walked back to the club where he announced that Dohoon would be the representative of the new members for being the best in the audition.

And honestly, there was nothing to dislike about the senior.

And they had so many opportunities to get closer. It would so happen that Shinyu would first discuss the choreo with Dohoon before demonstrating to the rest of the freshers from the club. He'd teach the genius one on one, take him to eat out (sometimes just them, sometimes Youngjae would join, and sometimes with a few others). Dohoon would get the privilege to join the seniors' team. He liked it all. He liked being favored by Shinyu. He liked spending time with his introverted but Dorky senior. He liked how Shinyu would crack lame jokes and laugh on his own, or how he'd stare at the younger with adoration. Shinyu was so handsome, so pretty and so damn attractive that anyone attracted to men would feel weak looking at him. Dohoon wasn’t any different. He didn’t nurture his crush though, at least consciously. But people talk. And he got to know the truth about the very senior soon enough.

Youngjae was the one to inform him one day, that Shinyu is supposedly dating a second year medicine girl. The friend of his was naïve, thought that such hot tea should be shared but he failed to predict that it would burn his best friend if not severely, at least enough to leave a blister. Even Dohoon himself failed to predict that he’d be that brothered by the news.

“Which girl?” He bitterly asked.

“Don’t know her name.” Youngjae casually said, “She’s pretty though. Heard she confessed first.”

“Wow. From where did you get this news?”

“Hm?” Youngjae chuckled, “Everywhere? People are dying over the news. Especially girls.”

“Oh.”

“But it doesn’t matter, I heard that he’s a real player.”

“Is that so?” Dohoon had mixed feeling regarding this particular information. Like should he feel happy? But deep inside, he was hopeful. He didn’t even know why- it’s not like a straight guy would ever look at another guy romantically. Besides, he doesn’t even like Shinyu that way.

“No idea. Let’s see how it goes.” Youngjae stood up, to do his warm up routine. He extended a hand to pick up his friend as well. And they began to stretch without continuing that topic. However, Dohoon had the whole conversation ringing in his ears.

Shinyu’s dating

Shinyu has a girlfriend.

Shinyu plays with people.

No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t shake these thoughts off. And when he saw his hyung that day, the discomfort escalated. He didn’t understand why he chose to sit farthest from the man, or why he tried to find excuses to leave the room early so that Shinyu fails to call and invite him for dinner. Well, of course, now that he’s dating, he shouldn’t be having any time at night for the juniors of his club whom he probably didn't care one bit about.

Dohoon’s distant attitude prevailed even days after. He’d avoid Shinyu as much as he could- only talking to him when necessary. Shinyu caught on, one other person saw it through as well- Youngjae, the one who knew Dohoon the best.

He didn't question his friend though, in fact, he didn’t find the opportunity because Shinyu somehow found the scope to call Dohoon for dinner that night.

Just them.

The younger wanted to decline, but his body reacted before his brain. He ended up nodding.

Dang it!

So there he was, sitting across from his handsome (probably a player) senior who was happily looking at the menu. It was a new restaurant for both of them, far from their uni. Shinyu said that he wanted to try the food there as the place has good online reviews. But why with Dohoon? Why not his friend, or maybe, his new girlfriend?

Dohoon got too curious to ignore these questions. So when they were sitting in awkward silence (okay, just him, cause Shinyu was talking about something he could barely fathom), he suddenly asked, “Hyung, why did you ask me for dinner tonight?”

Startled both by the question and by the abrupt halt in the conversation, the older male chuckled, “Why not? We’ve had dinner together before, right?”

“Yeah, that’s true. But- why me?”

“Hm?” Shinyu blinked in confusion, “Are you.. like do you not like it or-“

“Shouldn’t you to be here with your girlfriend?” Dohoon asked. He was rather loud, so Shinyu looked around in apology. Then, with a frown, looked back at the younger, “What’s wrong?”

“You tell me.” Dohoon asked, “You wanna try out a new restaurant. So you should bring someone you love. Someone who matters to you. Instead, you brought me- a junior from the club. Isn’t it ridiculous? What would your girlfriend say? Have you thought about that?”

“Dohoon ah?” Shinyu sounded even more confused. “Why does it matter to you? My girlfriend and I- we’re cool.”

“Did you tell her?”

“Um- no.”

Dohoon laughed, “You really are what they say. You don’t care about others.”

“Hey?” Shinyu began to feel annoyed, “Why does it matter to you? I asked you because I wanted you to try the new food here. What does that have to do with my girlfriend?”

“Because if you really liked her, you’d bring her here.”

“She doesn’t like seafood.” Shinyu harshly said. Dohoon felt a pang in his chest. So his senior actually wanted to bring his girlfriend along- but as that’s not happening, he chose the second option. Maybe because he got used to eating out with Dohoon. It suddenly hurt more than it should. Dohoon felt low. He lost appetite. In fact, he couldn’t stand staying there any longer. So, he stood up, breaking the last string of tolerance in his senior.

“Where are you going?” Shinyu asked aloud. Dohoon simply glanced at him, then with long steps, left the place. He felt so shitty on his way back. He knew he crossed lines. Shinyu’s one of his seniors- he shouldn’t have behaved that way. It was utterly disrespectful. It would be a wonder if the guy even looks at him after that. But he couldn’t convince his heart either. Deep down, he knew he had fallen for Shin Junghwan. Hard.

-

Dohoon’s been avoiding the dance club. Three days and he hadn’t showed up even though he had practices for the upcoming show he had enlisted for. He just couldn’t. The thought of facing Shinyu after behaving like a brat gave him shivers. He wouldn’t have forgiven his junior had they acted like that with him. Plus, avoiding Shinyu might rid him of the growing feelings. So he saw that fit. He shared everything with Youngjae right after, so his best friend was covering for him. Saying he's sick or busy at times. But that wasn’t a permanent solution and to be honest, Shinyu wasn’t gonna let it go. So he caught Dohoon on campus one day, looking displeased and annoyed.

“Kim Dohoon.” He called. His voice was commanding. Although of the same height, Dohoon felt small in front of that stern face. He gulped in nervousness and bowed in apology. Shinyu seemed to have tightened his jaw, then called the man aside. Quiet, the younger followed. They went to a barren corner, shielded by two buildings. Shinyu crossed his arms.

“What the fuck is going on?” He asked, tone filled with the same annoyance.

“Nothing?” Dohoon said, uncertain.

“Oh yeah? Then why’re you missing practice?”

“Because.. I’ve been sick and.. busy.” He replied, in consistent with his best friend’s words.

“And I look like the dumbest person on earth, right?” Shinyu rolled his eyes, “If you feel guilty then just say it. I’m not one to hold grudges.”

Dohoon looked down. He felt bad again, worse than he had felt for the last three days. His silence probably softened the older, who released those crossed hands and said in a much lighter tone, “I’m talking to you, Dohoon ah. Don’t look down.”

“I’m sorry, hyung.” Dohoon said, “I shouldn’t have reacted that way. Whatever you do is your business and I-“

“I can’t add up one thing.” Shinyu interrupted him, “Why would it bother you so much?”

Damn, Dohoon felt a pang in his chest. “Because.. I.. I don’t know. Maybe I’m just.. that serious with relationships.”

This made Shinyu chuckle, “Really? Are you sure you don’t have a crush on her or anything?”

Dohoon looked dead in his senior’s eyes. Shinyu had caught up. Just didn’t hit the right spot. Oh if he could only figure it out himself- maybe it would save the younger lots of trouble and heartache.

“Well, if you do, you’re free to court her cause I broke up with her.” Shinyu smiled. This totally puzzled the other, “Huh?”

“Yeah, you know. After that night, I figured that I’m really not- that serious about her. So I should not hold her back.”

“So you just broke up?”

“Hmm.”

‘Wow.’ Dohoon thought to himself, ‘He really is a selfish jerk who only thinks about himself.’ But on his lips, a slanted smile broke out- he had no control over it.

“So, are we good?” Shinyu asked. Dohoon widened his eyes and asked back, “Did you forgive me already?”

With a chuckle, the older draped his arm around the other’s shoulder, making his heart do a somersault, “You’re my favorite junior after all. I had to.”

And oh how butterflies swarmed in Dohoon’s poor stomach!

There was no escape from this senior- and no exit to the bottomless pit of attraction he’s falling into.

-

Dohoon joined practice per usual from then on. He was more eager, more cheerful and definitely closer to the vice president this time around. By then, whispers had started lingering around- especially as the overflowing chemistry between the junior top dancer and the would be president was hard to ignore. Shinyu would laugh them off, Dohoon would daydream. He was greedy, yes, he wished he could kiss Shin Junghwan for real, not only in his late night dreams. But he knew not to mess up a second time. Shinyu’s kind. He’s affectionate. But he might not be comfortable knowing that his junior, a guy was into him, was thinking weird stuff about him. So yeah, Dohoon zipped his desire in the deepest pit of his mind and preserved it in a shelf of pure imagination. He rather chose to enjoy his hyung’s company.

And he did. Since the show neared, they spent more time in the club, and as he had a segment, a duo performance with none other than the vice president, they’d spend a good amount of the time in the club together. So much so that even Youngjae placed second.

Dohoon wondered if he’s lucky or just a hopeless fool treasuring every single moment with his unattainable crush.

On the day of the show, he figured he falls in the second category. Because dancing next to Shinyu on stage is a heavenly feeling itself- the fact that everyone praised him for keeping up adds more to it. He was beyond happy. He couldn’t forget the feeling, he wanted to have it again and again. And he also wanted to be even closer to his senior. But, well, Shinyu had other people. He was crazy popular. His classmates, seniors, juniors, boys and girls- everyone flocked to take pictures, to talk to him, to watch him. And he was kind enough to address everyone. Dohoon watched from afar; his crush was so far away, so hard to get. He was pathetically stuck in his unrequited love for someone who doesn’t even like guys. Call him stupid, call him a brainless idiot. He couldn’t help it.

And it probably showed in his face, because soon, he was elbowed by Youngjae.

“Dude, you’re so gone for him!”

Dohoon seemed to have returned to reality, “What? I’m not.”

“There’s literally a line of people waiting to talk to you outside, yet, here you are, staring at your crush from the gap of the green room door. Like, seriously?”

“Tsk.” Dohoon uttered. He didn’t like how the other could say something so true just by glancing at him. Yes, he was utterly in love with Shinyu. He left a sigh, “I should do something about it. This is bad.”

“Like?” Youngjae asked, curious.

“Like forget him or something.” He bitterly said, “Why does he treat me so well? He’s making it more difficult everyday!”

“Mm, I have a feeling that he’d do one of two things from now on.” Said the younger male, “One, since the show’s over, he’ll start keeping his distance from you, which, you know is the most normal thing to do. He has other stuff to do, right?”

Although he didn’t like it, Dohoon agreed.

“Two, he’d still keep talking to you as much as he did, maybe even more.”

“That’s impossible-“

“And if he does that-“ Youngjae continued, “That would be unusual. That would only mean that he’s attached to you. The question remains, in which form.”

“What do you mean which form? He said I’m a junior he adores. It’s just that.”

“Or maybe he has feelings for you, he just didn’t realize yet.”

“What on earth-“

“Think about it, Dohoon ah. People already ship you. And he knows it. After today’s show, the shipping would go wilder. Anyone would feel bothered, and to avoid any confusion, would keep their distance. But if he ignores all those just to be close to you, that’s not just affection. That’s a claim. A longing. That means you’re the only one he feels that way about.”

Dohoon chuckled, “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re delusional?”

“No, cause I ain’t.”

“Your wish.” He shook his head and finally left the green room to meet people waiting to talk to him. His best friend followed with a sigh of frustration.

Now although Dohoon initially considered Youngjae’s speculation as bullshit, he couldn’t help wondering if Shinyu did feel more than just affection for him. Because even after the show that day, he continued spending the same amount of time, if not more, with his precious junior. They’d meet on campus, in the club. They’d dance together. Then they’d sometimes have dinner together. Just Dohoon and Shinyu had probably explored 30% of the nearby restaurants alone. And they had a long bucket list. There was absolutely no way Dohoon could find an escape and he didn’t even try. He loved the attention, the special treatment from such a cool senior.

Shinyu invited him to meet some of his junior friends from high school. They were all his previous club members. Dohoon recognized their faces, he had seen them a few times on campus, with Shinyu. He was glad to be able to talk to them eventually.

Hanjin, Kyungmin, Jihoon. All of them were cheerful, which Dohoon absolutely loved. He could tell why Shinyu adored them. He felt the sort of affection in him too. They were curious about almost everything- but obviously, their focus was on the new guy.

“So, hyung, you replaced us already?” Kyungmin fake sulked, “I thought we’re your all time favorites.”

With a giggle, Shinyu pinched his cheeks, “Well, of course you are.”

“Don’t confuse things, Kyungmin ah. He’s not just a junior.” Jihoon winked. Dohoon immediately froze. He knew that indication. He was scared of the older’s reaction.

“What do you mean?” Hanjin innocently asked. Jihoon wiggled his brows, “Don’t you know? The whole campus is going crazy over them.”

“Ohhh!” Kyungmin gasped in realization, “I saw one post! Damn, hyung! You didn’t tell us.”

“What’s there to say?” Shinyu chuckled, “People make so many things up.” He looked at Dohoon, “We’re like brothers, aren’t we?”

Brothers.

Dohoon could swear a rejection would have hurt less.

At least, it wouldn’t make him feel so wrong about himself. Brothers. Shinyu saw him as a brother. And him? He was out there, having wet dreams about his senior? He felt something bitter on his tongue. Self hatred, disgust and rage pooled up in his stomach. No, he wasn't in the wrong. It was Shin Junghwan who gave him all those signals. How dare he label his emotions as simple brotherly love? How dare he define what he had no idea about? How dare he play with Dohoon’s heart- again and again?

“Hey? You okay?” Jihoon asked, worried after seeing Dohoon’s fucked up face. All eyes landed on the latter therefore. Great. Just great.

“Um.. I suddenly feel sick in my stomach. I think.. I think I should leave.” He abruptly stood up, “Guys, we’ll talk later. Please excuse me for now.” He bowed and hurriedly left that place, ignoring anything anyone said. He couldn’t hold those tears back. Brothers. The word kept ringing in his ears.

In no fucking way would he ever think of Shinyu as his brother. He had way too many fantasies to turn back now. 

"Hyung! Seriously?" Jihoon complianed to his senior after Dohoon left for good, "Did you have to say it to him like that?" 

"What did I do?" Clueless, the older male asked. 

"Come on, it's clear as daylight that he likes you! You just said you're like brothers." 

"He- what?" Shinyu asked in disbelief, "No, no. You're mistaken. He doesn't like me!" 

Jihoon looked at the other two. Kyungmin nodded, "I think he does." 

"I think so too." Said Hanjin, "I mean, the moment you said that, his face lost all the glow and he looked pale. He must have felt awful." 

Shinyu brushed his hair back, "Guys, stop pushing it. Why would he like me? He has so many pretty girls waiting for him-" 

"Then why ain't he with anyone yet?" Asked Jihoon. 

"Because.. maybe he doesn't want to?" 

"Oh please." The younger said, "Okay, you believe whatever you want. I'm just saying. He really does look like he's in love with you." 

"Whatever." Shinyu waved and changed the topic. Well, he couldn't shake it off though. Dohoon likes him? Out of everyone, him? There's no way, right?

Except there was. And it didn't take long for him to find out. That night, he couldn't sleep. He kept rewinding his memories to find out any potential hint. And there were so many. He caught Dohoon staring at him way too many times. Oftentimes, Dohoon would look at his lips while talking. And then lick his own. During suggestive dancing, sometimes, he'd look away- as if he was scared of facing a sexy Shinyu. Then sometimes he's sneak peek at Shinyu's exposed waist when they lying down in the practice room side by side. He'd gulp so many times. He'd even stutter sometimes- when Shinyu's in close proximity. 

And then he'd gotten angry because Shinyu got a girlfriend- but became normal after they broke up. He never complained about the shipping, but was hurt when Shinyu said they're like brothers. Was he hurt? Was what Jihoon said really real? Was Dohoon really in love with him? If so, what should he do? 

Shinyu knew one thing well, he wouldn't ever be able to let Dohoon go. Affection? Love? Adoration? He had no clue. Dohoon was too precious. Too important. Too close to let go. 

So when, after that incident, the younger evidently avoided getting too close, Shinyu had to take things in own hands. He caught Dohoon waiting for the bus one day. The day he deliberately skipped the club activities. He was doing it again, running away from his problems. 

"Kim Dohoon!" Shinyu called, a wide eyed, pretty faced guy looked at him. There was a sparkling glint in those eyes, then it dulled. Dohoon looked sad again. 

"Hyung." He called. Shinyu walked all the way to him. 

"What's wrong, why are you skipping practice today?" 

"I don't feel well." The younger lied. Of course, Shinyu saw through that. He intentionally put the back of his palm on that forehead and spoke, "You seem fine to me." 

Dohoon took a step back, carefully. Did Shinyu see things or was he actually blushing subtly? 

"I- stomachache." He quickly said, "I don't have fever." 

"Is it because of what I said that day?" The senior went straight to the point. Dohoon understood it very well, yet, pretended to be unsure, "What did you say?" 

The senior sighed, "That I see you as a brother? Did I make you uncomfortable?" 

Dohoon looked down. A broken chuckle left him, "Hyung, why would you think that? It's an honor that you see me as close as a brother, I-" 

"But you don't. Do you?" The older continued, "Because if you did, you wouldn't run away like that." 

Dohoon felt low again. Like it was his fault for loving a straight guy. "I'm sorry." He said, "I just- couldn't help myself. I know I looked bad in front of your friends and-" 

"Dohoon ah, why would you say sorry?" For the first time, he sounded desperate. Dohoon looked up, that's when he noticed that there were people around them. Not to be the topic of gossip, he tugged at his hyung's hand to pull him aside, to a spot no one would see or hear them. He kept looking at the ground. So the other said, "There's no need to apologize. All of them understood. And they still like you very much."

Silence. Dohoon didn't say anything. 

"I... I'm sorry for going out of my way and saying that we're like.. brothers." Shinyu sighed, "I just- I didn't think it would come out like this. I assumed it on my own. Like- how else would I justify this- sense of protection, affection, pride and.. and possession I have over you?" 

The younger looked up. He could feel how his heart was beating. So fast, so crazy. He asked, "Is that how you feel about me?" 

"Fairly." Shinyu nodded, "But.. I think I.. look. I'll be honest with you. I never planned to let it go this far. I tend to have this soft spot for my juniors and I thought you're like them- everyone else. But there's something more. You're the only one who keeps me thinking this much. Like- I won't say I like you right away, cause I haven't figured it out yet. But.. I would be lying to say that you're just a close junior to me." 

"That's why you said I'm like your brother." Dohoon steadily said, "Cause I'm more than a junior to you." 

"At first I thought so too, but..." Shinyu sighed, "When I thought about the way you looked at my lips, I... I realized I've also.. stared at yours long enough to memorize the shape so clearly." 

Dohoon stared. He could only stare. What was his hyung saying?? Does he know, that he was about to send the man to heaven even before he died? 

"It's so confusing, Dohoon ah. I've never even looked at a guy before. But when I think of you, I find you so attractive and... To think that you think about me too, it's just.. for the last few days, these thoughts have messed me up. I don't know anymore. Do I like you? Like romantically?" 

The younger closed his eyes. As much as his heart raced to burst out of his chest, he realized that his hyung needed assurance. He was blabbering. He was really confused. He needed guidance. And he sought that in Dohoon, or else he wouldn't admit everything so earnestly. Dohoon stepped ahead and took his entire frame in a hug. Shinyu who opened his mouth to speak again, didn't do that. Instead, he sighed once and hugged the younger back. He seemed relaxed somehow. He pulled Dohoon closer and buried his nose in that neck. 

".. you smell amazing." He admitted, "It's calming." 

Dohoon smiled, "How are you such a turn on once and then an absolute sweetheart the other moment?" 

"I don't know." The older nuzzled his nose in the soft neck of his junior. Dohoon sighed. He felt weirdly happy. He knew his hyung didn't give him a proper answer, but that was okay. At least now he knows, he's not a brother to Shinyu. Never was. 

They hugged for a good while. Then, parted ever so slowly. Shinyu was smiling, and blushing so hard. On his pretty face, it looked even prettier. Dohoon wanted that to be tattooed in his mind. He knew it would keep him awake nights after nights anyway. 

"You're the prettiest man I know, Shin Junghwan." 

Maybe it was the name calling. Shinyu felt a beat skip. He knew he stood no chance before that man. He knew it's only a matter of time he admitted that he too, was in love with the handsome guy holding him. 

"You're staring at my lips again." He said, catching the younger looking at his lips without distraction. 

"I just really wanna kiss you." Dohoon admitted. Such a shameless, bold but honest statement. It did things to the other's stomach. He gulped. Yup. No brother would feel that way after hearing those words. He stared back at Dohoon's full lips. Nicely lined, hand painted pair of lips. How would those feel on his ones? 

"Then go ahead..." He found himself saying, "I wanna fe-" 

Dohoon didn't waste a single second to comply. Before Shinyu could complete his sentence, those lips crashed into his- pressed against them. He could literally feel the shape of Dohoon's teeth because of how strong the pressure was. But then, as the latter moved millimeter by millimeter, he felt the softness. 

And the way their lips got stuck with each others- locked at every crease, trying to hold on even after they moved far away. Dohoon carefully monitored his hyung's face once, then kissed him again. Just a peck at first, then slow parting of those lips and a very light, very subtle suck on Shinyu's bottom one. 

Then he pulled away completely. Furiously blushing as he looked away, grinning. 

"I- well, I..." He giggled, unable to even look at his crush. Shinyu giggled as well. That was one hell of an experience. 

Dohoon hugged him again. This time, from excitement. He was all jumpy. Shinyu felt so warm that he could tell, he had made the best decision in his life to give the younger a chance. 

"Oh my God.. I can't believe this is happening!" Dohoon said, letting go, "I know, we're not actually together but.. you're giving me a chance, aren't you?" 

"Mm-hm." 

"Then, can I properly court you?" 

"You can." 

"Can I walk you to your class everyday? Can I hold your hand in campus? Or- or even in the club? Can I sometimes hold you like this, and kiss you like-" 

"Don't you think you're going too fast?" Shinyu teased him. "Things like that just happen. Who asks about these beforehand?" 

"Well, I don't wanna cross any boundary so..."

"There's no boundary." Shinyu smiled, "Because I believe you won't do anything that makes me uncomfortable. I have this much confidence in you." 

Dohoon felt proud, and grateful. So he excitedly pulled his crush's face and pecked him on the lips again, "You're just.. I love you so much!" 

The older guy nodded. He might not have agreed to go on a relationship yet. But he could tell one thing- he too very much loved Dohoon. 

"I love you too." He mumbled. His tone was so low that Dohoon failed to hear that. But once delivered, Shinyu knew there was no going back. He had also fallen for Kim Dohoon. Hard. He just needs to find the route. And then, he'd follow the man to explore the endless pit of attraction they felt for each other.