Hidden | YEONGYU/BEOMJUN

02

Beomgyu was halfway through his math homework when he heard a tiny sound against his window, so soft he almost thought he imagined it. He froze, pen in hand, blinking at the open page filled with numbers that blurred together, the late summer breeze drifting through the crack of the window.

Then he heard it again.

Clink.

A small rock bounced off the glass, rolling down the tiled roof before dropping into the bushes below. Beomgyu's heart skipped, the corners of his lips twitching before he could stop them.

He knew who it was.

Pushing his chair back with a soft creak, he scrambled to the window, shoving it open, the warm night air brushing against his skin as he leaned out.

And there he was.

Choi Yeonjun stood under the tree that brushed against Beomgyu's window, the branches swaying lightly in the breeze. Streetlights cast a soft glow on his face, highlighting the gentle curve of his lips as he smiled up at Beomgyu, eyes crinkling, hair messy from the wind.

Yeonjun lifted a hand, waving at him, his smile turning impossibly softer, eyes filled with that look Beomgyu could never handle.

Beomgyu's chest felt too tight, too warm.

He mouthed, "Wait me," and Yeonjun nodded, stepping back as Beomgyu pulled himself up onto the windowsill.

The tree's branches were sturdy, worn from the number of times Beomgyu had used them as a ladder, leaves brushing against his legs as he carefully climbed down, sneakers finding the familiar grooves in the bark.

When he reached the last branch, he looked down, his eyes meeting Yeonjun's. The older boy lifted his arms, eyes sparkling under the streetlight.

"Jump," Yeonjun whispered, a playful smile on his lips.

Beomgyu rolled his eyes, but his lips curved as he let himself drop, trusting.

Yeonjun caught him, arms steady around Beomgyu's waist, pulling him close, their faces inches apart, noses brushing.

They both giggled, the sound soft, blending with the chirping of crickets and the rustling of the leaves.

"You miss me?" Yeonjun asked, his voice low, teasing.

Beomgyu looked up at him, lips pressing together as he tried to keep the warmth from spilling out, but it was useless.

"So much," he whispered.

And then, Yeonjun's lips were on his, soft and warm, fitting perfectly against his own. It wasn't rushed, wasn't desperate. Just gentle, grounding, the kind of kiss that made Beomgyu's toes curl in his shoes and his fingers clutch at Yeonjun's shirt.

When they pulled away, Beomgyu was breathless, giggling as Yeonjun leaned down to press another quick peck to his lips.

"Come on," Yeonjun whispered, taking his hand.

They walked to the small patch of grass under the tree, lying down, the cool blades tickling their skin. Beomgyu curled into Yeonjun's side, his head resting on Yeonjun's chest, listening to the steady beat of his heart.

Above them, the stars scattered across the sky, soft and far away, the moon hanging low and bright.

Yeonjun looked down at him, eyes filled with so much love it made Beomgyu's heart squeeze.

"Your hair's messy," Yeonjun whispered, brushing a strand away from Beomgyu's forehead.

Beomgyu rolled his eyes, but he was smiling. "Shut up."