[DC24] More Than Capable
Rating: PG-13
Pairing: Yewook
Genre: AU!Romance, Minor!Drama, Minor!Fluff
Theme: Belts, Phrase to include: "haven't shot once"
Summary: Ryeowook wouldn't take a reluctant yes as an answer, he wanted, needed to know he meant it.
-
"You'll be in trouble if you don't watch where you're stepping." Yesung said. Ryeowook barely noticed his words when he tripped over nothing and braced himself on Yesung's back.
Yesung smiled affectionately.
"I'm sorry." Ryeowook apologized quietly as they walked inside the convenience store. Yesung grabbed their drinks when Ryeowook hurriedly pulled out his wallet.
He stared at the coins in his hands, when Yesung reached to step in, Ryeowook held up a hand. Yesung returned a patient smile to the understanding clerk behind the register when Ryeowook soon gave the exact change.
"You see," Ryeowook said as confidentially as he could express. "I can do it by myself."
Ryeowook reached for the familiar spot on Yesung's belt. Even as they stood side by side without movement, Ryeowook remained doing so.
Ryeowook had an odd habit. He'd curl his finger inside the edge of Yesung's belt as he absentmindedly looked around at the scene, not caring particularly where he stepped into or where they were going. Yesung at first was bothered by the constant tugging, but was soon used to it.
"Why are people surprised when I do succeed?" Ryeowook asked, puzzled.
"Because ignorant people like to assume they're right." Yesung said simply, attempting to drink from his bottle, but Ryeowook's hands held down his arm.
"Do you think I'm dumb?" He asked honestly.
"I told you to never use that word on yourself." Yesung warned, lowering his drink.
"Then you do think so."
Yesung arched an eyebrow, waiting as Ryeowook sighed and apologized. He then chuckled, a finger gently brushing against his cheek. "You doubt me every time."
Ryeowook lowered his eyes, shyly as he hurriedly stood behind Yesung to hide his expression. The man before him took in the moment, a simple gesture, and enjoyed it more than maybe most do.
"Will you be gone long?"
"Just a few months or so." Ryeowook's eyes dimmed.
"Don't worry, I'll be home before you realize I'm gone."
That was impossible, Ryeowook noticed everything about the other, and every time he left, the yearning never lessened. The young man chose to remain silent and pretend it didn't bother him, but Yesung could see through it. They both pretended, deciding it was for the best.
-
Ryeowook thinned his lips, staring at the number in his cell, debating internally what to do.
"You'll be fine." His sister assured him. "He won't cruelly reject you."
Her tone was patient, similar to how others always spoke to him all his life. He wasn't sure how to take it.
Ryeowook was slightly slower, developmentally delayed since birth, that was the kinder term they used on him at least. He progressed fine into his later years, but most people in his life were too considerate of his condition.
Like the doctors, the parents, the adults in his life, would Yesung agree that the man was incapable of feeling for someone? Not a simple, platonic love, but much more?
Yesung may simply view him as a child trapped in a man's body, like how the world viewed him. And his smiles faltered, the light gone from his eyes at the somber thought.
"Do you want him to show up with flowers?" Donghae joked. "High expectations for the poor guy."
"I don't expect anything." Ryeowook countered.
"Then what do you want from him?"
"Just...to stay." Donghae returned a meaningful smile.
Telling Yesung how he felt, by other's standards, seemed like the simplest thing to do. But it wasn't the task that scared him, but rather the way Yesung may go about it.
The man may treat his confession with care without taking it too seriously.
Would he assume that Ryeowook, despite his delayed mindset, meant every word, every phrase? Maybe he wouldn't and politely decline.
But the world considered him incapable of loving, and Yesung, no matter how kind he may be, may also agree with the sentiment. And that was far from what he wanted.
-
Yesung raised the sniper's rifle, his gaze intent as he aimed at the head of the man who steadied himself unknowingly.
"Stand down." He heard his commander say over his headset, Yesung remained in place in case orders changed. It was then he heard the clear sound of gunfire nearby and watched as the men hurried away.
"I can still shoot if need be." Yesung spoke quietly into the headset.
"Unfortunately, orders from higher up told us its a definite no."
Yesung soon returned to the confines inside the room, staring at the men in uniform that walked around him. His superior stared at the many computers within the room that kept watch of the building across the street. He then glanced at Yesung who remained stolidly in place.
"Practice. You haven't shot once since this mission started... I'm beginning to think we weren't needed."
Yesung kept his face stern agreeing that the man was right. The daunting thought settled and he crossed his arms, glancing at the windowless room.
He enjoyed being alone, free. At least for the most part.
The moment the boxes came in, he'd hear his name called by the man in charge and walked over.
"Here it is." The man smiled knowingly, Yesung yanked the small box out of his hands and walked to his own corner of the compost.
He opened it in seclusion, glancing inside at the letter. "Miss you" was scribbled on the top in giant letters, following by a few pictures of his home and hometown. Each picture having a certain person smiling into it. It was the few times during his line of work, that he was able to lose the facade he carefully kept up.
-
Ryeowook sunk deep into the velvet pillow, lips pursed in thought. "Does it matter if I like you?" He asked out loud, he sighed as he closed his eyes, attempting to drift off into sleep. But he couldn't properly do so.
It was much easier when Yesung was around.
Ryeowook turned his head on the bed he laid on, the person who laid beside him upside down, sleeping right next to them. He could see each vivid detail, his chest rising as he took in each breath, the distorted rays lighting up his face.
He reached to touch his skin, the smooth skin he knew it would be, but lowered his eyes when all he felt was the soft feel of the bed sheet.
"Come home safely." He whispered.
-
The cold fogged the windows as Yesung looked through them, sitting with his back against the porch's rail. Glad to be finally back home and looked around during those early morning hours.
He abruptly felt two arms intertwine around his torso, nearly pulling him over the rail. He looked back as Ryeowook, with his eyes shut, held him as tightly as he could.
"Welcome home." Ryeowook's voice spoke, muffled through his jacket. "Did you miss me?" Ryeowook said, attempting to sound lighthearted.
Yesung turned around in his grip, hands on Ryeowook's shoulders as he looked down. "I missed you." Yesung admitted.
Ryeowook beamed at his reply, a response that made the older chuckle.
"Want to go for a walk?" Yesung asked. Ryeowook eagerly agreed.
Yesung noticed during their once usual routine, that something felt off. He looked back to see Ryeowook searching him, and he realized he had worn no belt.
He nearly fell back, Ryeowook curled his finger inside Yesung's hood.
"You act like a lost child." Yesung noted, staring at the abundance of lights that marked each home.
Yesung was almost on the mark, and that phrase only lessened Ryeowook's courage. It when then his insecurities came to life. The nagging thoughts voiced.
"Did you really miss me? Did you get each letter? Did-"
"Yes, yes and yes." Yesung replied patiently.
Ryeowook lowered his eyes, afraid he was annoying the other. He never understood boundaries as well as he should have. He was momentarily distracted by the sounds inside the house beside them.
"-that way."
Ryeowook looked back at Yesung's stern expression.
"You didn't hear what I said?" Yesung asked, Ryeowook slowly shook his head. Ashamed to say he didn't.
A brief frown deepened and Yesung looked away. "Never-mind then."
"But.... It was important."
"Not really." Yesung chuckled. It was plain to see that Ryeowook didn't believe him.
Ryeowook would give anything to hear what Yesung had told him that morning, he somehow felt there was something he may have wanted to hear. But that may have been wishful thinking on his part.
Yesung looked back as he felt a forceful tug to his shirt.
Ryeowook missed his lips and kissed him on the very tip. Embarrassed, he stepped back.
Yesung reached out to grab his hand, beneath the falling snow he reached for his jacket edges.
"Don't-"
"Yesung-ah!" They both turned towards a friend that waved them over, Yesung lowered his eyes and forced a strained smile.
Maybe it was for the best, Yesung thought momentarily, before he did something he would regret.
Yet that brief thought disappeared, overcome by the realization he had long made. That if he had the chance, the proper timing and opportunity. Somehow, he was sure he wouldn't regret it.
-
"You're not going back?" Ryeowook asked in surprise after in the late afternoon.
"Never." Yesung uttered. He chuckled at the other's shocked expression and leaned his chin on his palm. "I decided it wasn't for me."
"But that's all you ever talked about before. You said if you'd ever make it there, it'd be the best day of your life." Ryeowook said, biting his cheek.
"I did... but," Yesung cracked a smile. "I didn't realize what I was giving up when I agreed to it."
Ryeowook tilted his head, and Yesung decided he'd tell him soon enough.
-
Ryeowook shifted from side to side, attempting to hide his anticipation, repeatedly glancing at his watch.
"Someone's in high spirits."
He turned on his heel, eye leveled with Yesung who tilted his head playfully. Ryeowook hurriedly reached for his hand and pulled it as they nearly ran through the park. When they finally made it to the center of the gardens, a particular tree within it was covered quite messily in an array of lights and ornaments.
"Do you see it?" Ryeowook asked impatiently.
"Am I suppose to see something?" Yesung teased, earning a disgruntled sigh as Ryeowook hurried forward to check. Yesung could then see the frustration lessening as Ryeowook began to question himself. Maybe he had seen something that others wouldn't. He felt embarrassed for even asking Yesung to come.
Yesung's hand laid on his shoulder, trained eyes able to distinguish the image the other saw.
"I see everything that's worth seeing." Yesung stated, their gazes locked. Ryeowook was the first to tear away, looking back at the lights. Despite the crisscrossed and unintended images, he could see the giant heart within the mess.
They continued walking down the sidewalks through the light-littered streets, shivering from the cold that seemed intent on pushing them back. They took shelter within the gazebo of the gardens. Yesung curled his fingers around the metal railing, watching as Ryeowook shifted his weight every so often.
Yesung then stepped forward, closer until the oblivious Ryeowook finally noticed his presence. His eyes shifted as Yesung studied his nervous demeanor. "Why can't you look me in the eye for long?"
He was caught off-guard by the question. Stumped on how to reply, his silence made him focused on the pavement, not realizing the playful glint in the other's stare.
"Let's get going before it gets too late." Yesung said, walking ahead as Ryeowook followed after him.
"What did you mean to say that day?" Ryeowook asked. "When you said don't."
Yesung stretched his shoulders as Ryeowook resumed his spot behind him. Yesung seemed to debate internally whether to say it or not. "Don't be embarrassed by it. Because even if you can't." The younger nearly stepped back as Yesung leaned in.
The younger stiffened the moment Yesung brushed his lips against his cheek. "You could always ask me, I won't reject."
Ryeowook hid his warm cheeks. "But are you simply being kind? Or do you feel the same?"
"I won't lie to you, not in that aspect at least."
His words settled in the other's thoughts, deciding whether he was being true.
Yesung felt that forceful tug, but on his elbow instead. This time, Yesung stood as balanced as he could, waiting patiently as Ryeowook awkwardly leaned in, lips aligned with his.
The moment Ryeowook pulled away, he was triumphant. "You see," He nearly boasted, "I can do it."
Yesung thinned his lips, resisting the smile as the snow continued falling above them.
-
Their daily walks consisted of speaking absentmindedly of whatever topics came to mind, not caring that it was late or that it was a blistering cold that encased them. They both felt content with being with one another, but Yesung felt the other was holding back.
He waited patiently until Ryeowook spoke.
"Do you believe I'm capable of feeling this way?"
"Are you unsure?" Ryeowook nodded.
He grew flustered the moment Yesung placed his arms around his waist and looked him in the eye. "Do you feel different around me compared to others?"
"Y-yes."
Yesung pressed his forehead against his. "Is it a good feeling? Only unique to me?"
Ryeowook nodded, the words caught in his throat.
"Then you are more than capable." Yesung stated without missing a beat. "If you had done that before I left, I may never have gone at all." Yesung reasoned.
"...But I asked you to stay before too." Ryeowook uttered.
"You never asked."
Ryeowook went to correct him, but remembered he had only had the nerve to ask the question when Yesung was out of earshot. He bit his bottom lip, "If I ask you to stay now, would you?"
"Of course." Yesung replied without hesitance. Ryeowook smiled at the prompt answer.
They parted ways once the cold worsened, Ryeowook nearly shivering in his former grasp. They hurried inside Ryeowook's home.
Inside the room, Yesung laid against Ryeowook's bed, Ryeowook laying right beside him upside down. Their gazes met every so often by the short proximity of their faces. Yesung soon lulled to sleep, blankets carelessly thrown over his torso. Ryeowook continued to glance back at the sleeping figure and felt restless, his fingers fidgeting beneath the sheets.
The blankets slowly shifted as his hand revealed itself, slowly and daringly brushing his fingertips against Yesung's wrist. He hesitated to do anymore when the other's hand encircled his.
"Not as cold now, are we?" Yesung asked quietly, eyes still closed. Ryeowook returned with a warm smile, shaking his head slowly as he looked up at the ceiling, unable to go to sleep.
The next morning he'd assumed it was a dream, but reminded when Yesung prompted a kiss to his cheek. It took a while longer to assure himself of the reality he was now embracing. Even then, despite the change in circumstances, Ryeowook didn't greedily ask for more.
Being beside one another, hand in hand, was simply enough.
- ❄ Challenge 23 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 25 ❄ -
Pairing: Yewook
Genre: AU!Romance, Minor!Drama, Minor!Fluff
Theme: Belts, Phrase to include: "haven't shot once"
Summary: Ryeowook wouldn't take a reluctant yes as an answer, he wanted, needed to know he meant it.
-
"You'll be in trouble if you don't watch where you're stepping." Yesung said. Ryeowook barely noticed his words when he tripped over nothing and braced himself on Yesung's back.
Yesung smiled affectionately.
"I'm sorry." Ryeowook apologized quietly as they walked inside the convenience store. Yesung grabbed their drinks when Ryeowook hurriedly pulled out his wallet.
He stared at the coins in his hands, when Yesung reached to step in, Ryeowook held up a hand. Yesung returned a patient smile to the understanding clerk behind the register when Ryeowook soon gave the exact change.
"You see," Ryeowook said as confidentially as he could express. "I can do it by myself."
Ryeowook reached for the familiar spot on Yesung's belt. Even as they stood side by side without movement, Ryeowook remained doing so.
Ryeowook had an odd habit. He'd curl his finger inside the edge of Yesung's belt as he absentmindedly looked around at the scene, not caring particularly where he stepped into or where they were going. Yesung at first was bothered by the constant tugging, but was soon used to it.
"Why are people surprised when I do succeed?" Ryeowook asked, puzzled.
"Because ignorant people like to assume they're right." Yesung said simply, attempting to drink from his bottle, but Ryeowook's hands held down his arm.
"Do you think I'm dumb?" He asked honestly.
"I told you to never use that word on yourself." Yesung warned, lowering his drink.
"Then you do think so."
Yesung arched an eyebrow, waiting as Ryeowook sighed and apologized. He then chuckled, a finger gently brushing against his cheek. "You doubt me every time."
Ryeowook lowered his eyes, shyly as he hurriedly stood behind Yesung to hide his expression. The man before him took in the moment, a simple gesture, and enjoyed it more than maybe most do.
"Will you be gone long?"
"Just a few months or so." Ryeowook's eyes dimmed.
"Don't worry, I'll be home before you realize I'm gone."
That was impossible, Ryeowook noticed everything about the other, and every time he left, the yearning never lessened. The young man chose to remain silent and pretend it didn't bother him, but Yesung could see through it. They both pretended, deciding it was for the best.
-
Ryeowook thinned his lips, staring at the number in his cell, debating internally what to do.
"You'll be fine." His sister assured him. "He won't cruelly reject you."
Her tone was patient, similar to how others always spoke to him all his life. He wasn't sure how to take it.
Ryeowook was slightly slower, developmentally delayed since birth, that was the kinder term they used on him at least. He progressed fine into his later years, but most people in his life were too considerate of his condition.
Like the doctors, the parents, the adults in his life, would Yesung agree that the man was incapable of feeling for someone? Not a simple, platonic love, but much more?
Yesung may simply view him as a child trapped in a man's body, like how the world viewed him. And his smiles faltered, the light gone from his eyes at the somber thought.
"Do you want him to show up with flowers?" Donghae joked. "High expectations for the poor guy."
"I don't expect anything." Ryeowook countered.
"Then what do you want from him?"
"Just...to stay." Donghae returned a meaningful smile.
Telling Yesung how he felt, by other's standards, seemed like the simplest thing to do. But it wasn't the task that scared him, but rather the way Yesung may go about it.
The man may treat his confession with care without taking it too seriously.
Would he assume that Ryeowook, despite his delayed mindset, meant every word, every phrase? Maybe he wouldn't and politely decline.
But the world considered him incapable of loving, and Yesung, no matter how kind he may be, may also agree with the sentiment. And that was far from what he wanted.
-
Yesung raised the sniper's rifle, his gaze intent as he aimed at the head of the man who steadied himself unknowingly.
"Stand down." He heard his commander say over his headset, Yesung remained in place in case orders changed. It was then he heard the clear sound of gunfire nearby and watched as the men hurried away.
"I can still shoot if need be." Yesung spoke quietly into the headset.
"Unfortunately, orders from higher up told us its a definite no."
Yesung soon returned to the confines inside the room, staring at the men in uniform that walked around him. His superior stared at the many computers within the room that kept watch of the building across the street. He then glanced at Yesung who remained stolidly in place.
"Practice. You haven't shot once since this mission started... I'm beginning to think we weren't needed."
Yesung kept his face stern agreeing that the man was right. The daunting thought settled and he crossed his arms, glancing at the windowless room.
He enjoyed being alone, free. At least for the most part.
The moment the boxes came in, he'd hear his name called by the man in charge and walked over.
"Here it is." The man smiled knowingly, Yesung yanked the small box out of his hands and walked to his own corner of the compost.
He opened it in seclusion, glancing inside at the letter. "Miss you" was scribbled on the top in giant letters, following by a few pictures of his home and hometown. Each picture having a certain person smiling into it. It was the few times during his line of work, that he was able to lose the facade he carefully kept up.
-
Ryeowook sunk deep into the velvet pillow, lips pursed in thought. "Does it matter if I like you?" He asked out loud, he sighed as he closed his eyes, attempting to drift off into sleep. But he couldn't properly do so.
It was much easier when Yesung was around.
Ryeowook turned his head on the bed he laid on, the person who laid beside him upside down, sleeping right next to them. He could see each vivid detail, his chest rising as he took in each breath, the distorted rays lighting up his face.
He reached to touch his skin, the smooth skin he knew it would be, but lowered his eyes when all he felt was the soft feel of the bed sheet.
"Come home safely." He whispered.
-
The cold fogged the windows as Yesung looked through them, sitting with his back against the porch's rail. Glad to be finally back home and looked around during those early morning hours.
He abruptly felt two arms intertwine around his torso, nearly pulling him over the rail. He looked back as Ryeowook, with his eyes shut, held him as tightly as he could.
"Welcome home." Ryeowook's voice spoke, muffled through his jacket. "Did you miss me?" Ryeowook said, attempting to sound lighthearted.
Yesung turned around in his grip, hands on Ryeowook's shoulders as he looked down. "I missed you." Yesung admitted.
Ryeowook beamed at his reply, a response that made the older chuckle.
"Want to go for a walk?" Yesung asked. Ryeowook eagerly agreed.
Yesung noticed during their once usual routine, that something felt off. He looked back to see Ryeowook searching him, and he realized he had worn no belt.
He nearly fell back, Ryeowook curled his finger inside Yesung's hood.
"You act like a lost child." Yesung noted, staring at the abundance of lights that marked each home.
Yesung was almost on the mark, and that phrase only lessened Ryeowook's courage. It when then his insecurities came to life. The nagging thoughts voiced.
"Did you really miss me? Did you get each letter? Did-"
"Yes, yes and yes." Yesung replied patiently.
Ryeowook lowered his eyes, afraid he was annoying the other. He never understood boundaries as well as he should have. He was momentarily distracted by the sounds inside the house beside them.
"-that way."
Ryeowook looked back at Yesung's stern expression.
"You didn't hear what I said?" Yesung asked, Ryeowook slowly shook his head. Ashamed to say he didn't.
A brief frown deepened and Yesung looked away. "Never-mind then."
"But.... It was important."
"Not really." Yesung chuckled. It was plain to see that Ryeowook didn't believe him.
Ryeowook would give anything to hear what Yesung had told him that morning, he somehow felt there was something he may have wanted to hear. But that may have been wishful thinking on his part.
Yesung looked back as he felt a forceful tug to his shirt.
Ryeowook missed his lips and kissed him on the very tip. Embarrassed, he stepped back.
Yesung reached out to grab his hand, beneath the falling snow he reached for his jacket edges.
"Don't-"
"Yesung-ah!" They both turned towards a friend that waved them over, Yesung lowered his eyes and forced a strained smile.
Maybe it was for the best, Yesung thought momentarily, before he did something he would regret.
Yet that brief thought disappeared, overcome by the realization he had long made. That if he had the chance, the proper timing and opportunity. Somehow, he was sure he wouldn't regret it.
-
"You're not going back?" Ryeowook asked in surprise after in the late afternoon.
"Never." Yesung uttered. He chuckled at the other's shocked expression and leaned his chin on his palm. "I decided it wasn't for me."
"But that's all you ever talked about before. You said if you'd ever make it there, it'd be the best day of your life." Ryeowook said, biting his cheek.
"I did... but," Yesung cracked a smile. "I didn't realize what I was giving up when I agreed to it."
Ryeowook tilted his head, and Yesung decided he'd tell him soon enough.
-
Ryeowook shifted from side to side, attempting to hide his anticipation, repeatedly glancing at his watch.
"Someone's in high spirits."
He turned on his heel, eye leveled with Yesung who tilted his head playfully. Ryeowook hurriedly reached for his hand and pulled it as they nearly ran through the park. When they finally made it to the center of the gardens, a particular tree within it was covered quite messily in an array of lights and ornaments.
"Do you see it?" Ryeowook asked impatiently.
"Am I suppose to see something?" Yesung teased, earning a disgruntled sigh as Ryeowook hurried forward to check. Yesung could then see the frustration lessening as Ryeowook began to question himself. Maybe he had seen something that others wouldn't. He felt embarrassed for even asking Yesung to come.
Yesung's hand laid on his shoulder, trained eyes able to distinguish the image the other saw.
"I see everything that's worth seeing." Yesung stated, their gazes locked. Ryeowook was the first to tear away, looking back at the lights. Despite the crisscrossed and unintended images, he could see the giant heart within the mess.
They continued walking down the sidewalks through the light-littered streets, shivering from the cold that seemed intent on pushing them back. They took shelter within the gazebo of the gardens. Yesung curled his fingers around the metal railing, watching as Ryeowook shifted his weight every so often.
Yesung then stepped forward, closer until the oblivious Ryeowook finally noticed his presence. His eyes shifted as Yesung studied his nervous demeanor. "Why can't you look me in the eye for long?"
He was caught off-guard by the question. Stumped on how to reply, his silence made him focused on the pavement, not realizing the playful glint in the other's stare.
"Let's get going before it gets too late." Yesung said, walking ahead as Ryeowook followed after him.
"What did you mean to say that day?" Ryeowook asked. "When you said don't."
Yesung stretched his shoulders as Ryeowook resumed his spot behind him. Yesung seemed to debate internally whether to say it or not. "Don't be embarrassed by it. Because even if you can't." The younger nearly stepped back as Yesung leaned in.
The younger stiffened the moment Yesung brushed his lips against his cheek. "You could always ask me, I won't reject."
Ryeowook hid his warm cheeks. "But are you simply being kind? Or do you feel the same?"
"I won't lie to you, not in that aspect at least."
His words settled in the other's thoughts, deciding whether he was being true.
Yesung felt that forceful tug, but on his elbow instead. This time, Yesung stood as balanced as he could, waiting patiently as Ryeowook awkwardly leaned in, lips aligned with his.
The moment Ryeowook pulled away, he was triumphant. "You see," He nearly boasted, "I can do it."
Yesung thinned his lips, resisting the smile as the snow continued falling above them.
-
Their daily walks consisted of speaking absentmindedly of whatever topics came to mind, not caring that it was late or that it was a blistering cold that encased them. They both felt content with being with one another, but Yesung felt the other was holding back.
He waited patiently until Ryeowook spoke.
"Do you believe I'm capable of feeling this way?"
"Are you unsure?" Ryeowook nodded.
He grew flustered the moment Yesung placed his arms around his waist and looked him in the eye. "Do you feel different around me compared to others?"
"Y-yes."
Yesung pressed his forehead against his. "Is it a good feeling? Only unique to me?"
Ryeowook nodded, the words caught in his throat.
"Then you are more than capable." Yesung stated without missing a beat. "If you had done that before I left, I may never have gone at all." Yesung reasoned.
"...But I asked you to stay before too." Ryeowook uttered.
"You never asked."
Ryeowook went to correct him, but remembered he had only had the nerve to ask the question when Yesung was out of earshot. He bit his bottom lip, "If I ask you to stay now, would you?"
"Of course." Yesung replied without hesitance. Ryeowook smiled at the prompt answer.
They parted ways once the cold worsened, Ryeowook nearly shivering in his former grasp. They hurried inside Ryeowook's home.
Inside the room, Yesung laid against Ryeowook's bed, Ryeowook laying right beside him upside down. Their gazes met every so often by the short proximity of their faces. Yesung soon lulled to sleep, blankets carelessly thrown over his torso. Ryeowook continued to glance back at the sleeping figure and felt restless, his fingers fidgeting beneath the sheets.
The blankets slowly shifted as his hand revealed itself, slowly and daringly brushing his fingertips against Yesung's wrist. He hesitated to do anymore when the other's hand encircled his.
"Not as cold now, are we?" Yesung asked quietly, eyes still closed. Ryeowook returned with a warm smile, shaking his head slowly as he looked up at the ceiling, unable to go to sleep.
The next morning he'd assumed it was a dream, but reminded when Yesung prompted a kiss to his cheek. It took a while longer to assure himself of the reality he was now embracing. Even then, despite the change in circumstances, Ryeowook didn't greedily ask for more.
Being beside one another, hand in hand, was simply enough.
- ❄ Challenge 23 ❄ | ❄ Challenge 25 ❄ -