Hidden | YEONGYU/BEOMJUN

04

When they pulled away, Yeonjun's hands were still on Beomgyu's waist, thumbs rubbing gentle circles.

"Why are you here this early, love?" Yeonjun asked, voice low, still close enough that Beomgyu could feel his breath on his lips.

Beomgyu cleared his throat, trying to look casual as he held up the lunch box between them. "I came to return this."

"Oh." Yeonjun blinked, looking at it, then back at Beomgyu with a soft smile. "Right. Thanks."

Yeonjun stepped back, taking the lunch box, placing it on the kitchen counter before turning back to Beomgyu. "Coffee?"

"Only if it means I get to stay longer," Beomgyu teased, crossing his arms.

Yeonjun's grin was bright as he busied himself at the counter, making coffee in his small kitchen, the sound of the kettle filling the comfortable silence between them.

They sat on the couch, knees touching, holding warm mugs of coffee that smelled like cinnamon and vanilla.

Yeonjun's eyes crinkled as he took a sip, sighing happily, while Beomgyu blew on his cup, watching the steam swirl up.

"So, did you really not miss me?" Yeonjun asked, teasing, nudging Beomgyu's knee with his own.

Beomgyu scoffed, rolling his eyes, but his lips twitched. "Never."

"Liar," Yeonjun hummed, leaning forward to press a quick kiss to Beomgyu's cheek, pulling back with a soft laugh when Beomgyu's face flushed pink.

They talked about nothing and everything—Yeonjun's professors, Beomgyu's siblings' chaos, the cat that kept visiting Yeonjun's window.

And then, Yeonjun shifted, setting his empty mug on the coffee table before laying down across the couch, his head settling on Beomgyu's lap, looking up at him with sleepy eyes.

Beomgyu froze for a moment before his hands moved on their own, fingers brushing through Yeonjun's soft hair, scratching gently at his scalp.

Yeonjun closed his eyes, letting out a soft hum, his lips curving into a peaceful smile.

And then, softly, Yeonjun spoke.

"What if we told them the truth?"

Beomgyu's hand stilled, breath catching in his throat.

Yeonjun opened his eyes, looking up at him, the ceiling light reflecting in his dark brown eyes.

"Isn't it too early?" Beomgyu's voice was small, almost a whisper.

Yeonjun reached up, taking Beomgyu's free hand in his, squeezing gently. "You were supposed to introduce me when we first started dating, remember?"

Beomgyu's eyes flickered away, panic rising in his chest, his breath stuttering.

"But I respected your decision to wait," Yeonjun continued softly, "because I know you're not ready."

"Yeonjun—" Beomgyu's voice cracked.

Yeonjun sat up, shifting so they were facing each other, still holding Beomgyu's hand.

"Hey, hey, it's fine." Yeonjun gave him a reassuring smile, eyes soft. "I was just suggesting it. I don't want to pressure you."

Beomgyu's eyes glistened, his lips trembling.

"I'm fine being hidden, love," Yeonjun whispered, brushing his thumb over the back of Beomgyu's hand. "As long as I'm not being denied."

A tear slipped down Beomgyu's cheek, and he quickly wiped it away with the back of his hand, shaking his head.

"I'm sorry," Beomgyu whispered, voice breaking. "I'm such a coward."