The soft hiss of running water filled the kitchen as Kwon stood at the sink, sleeves rolled up, his delicate fingers scrubbing away the last traces of soap. The warm water cascaded down his wrists, glinting in the golden evening light that streamed through the window. His movements were unhurried—almost graceful, like he was savoring the quiet.
Behind him, Tae leaned casually against the kitchen doorway, arms crossed, but his eyes betrayed his ease. They followed every movement Kwon made, locked in with quiet hunger.
"Hope your hands aren't too tired," Tae said finally, his voice a warm murmur that threaded through the stillness.
Kwon smiled faintly, not looking back. "I'm fine," he replied, shaking off the water before reaching for the hand towel.
He was calm on the outside, but he could feel Tae's gaze like heat pressing into the back of his neck. And maybe it was the silence—or maybe it was just the way Tae's presence always stirred something in him—but Kwon didn't stop himself from saying it.
"I didn't know you'd be so big," he said smoothly, deliberately, letting the words linger in the air like smoke.
There was a beat of silence. Tae blinked, caught between confusion and curiosity. "Big?" he repeated.
Kwon turned his head slightly, his smirk visible now, challenging. "Mm," he murmured. "Surprisingly big."
Tae straightened, his brow arching. "And I didn't know you'd be so bold," he said with a low chuckle, stepping forward. "What did you expect… from your man?"
As Kwon continued drying his hands, Tae came up behind him, sliding his arms around Kwon's waist like it was the most natural thing in the world. His body pressed gently against Kwon's back, warm and solid. Kwon didn't flinch—he simply leaned back slightly, resting in the contact.
Then, with a glance downward, Kwon's voice dropped to a teasing whisper. "I just don't know how that little man is going to fit into anything."
Tae's breath caught.
"What—" he started, his voice strained with disbelief, but he never finished.
Kwon turned, towel still in hand, laughter barely held behind his lips. "Let's go eat," he said, breezing past Tae like nothing had happened, a satisfied grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.
Tae stood there, mouth parted, completely thrown off.
"Haaaah…" He ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head with a wild grin. "That was bold… damn, I love it." His eyes narrowed playfully. "I'm finally rubbing my shamelessness off on you."
Still smirking, he trailed after Kwon like a magnet to flame, eyes drifting to the sway of his hips, the imprint of his laughter still echoing in the air..
They sat at the round table in the private VIP room, where the soft hum of jazz played faintly in the background. The dishes were steaming, untouched. Kwon had just placed his chopsticks beside his plate, eyes scanning the food, yet his appetite was faint.
Across from him, Tae wasn't even pretending to eat.
He was just… staring.
"Tae," Kwon said, raising his eyes slowly to meet his gaze, "why aren't you eating?"
Tae swallowed hard, his expression unreadable. "You can go ahead," he murmured. "I just… need to say something first."
Kwon's brows drew together. Tae never looked this tense.
Tae took a breath, forcing the words out before he could change his mind. "I'm traveling tonight. And… it might be a long time before I come back."
Kwon's fingers froze mid-reach. He blinked slowly, processing the words. Then he looked up again, something fragile flickering in his eyes.
"…Why are you just telling me now?"
"I—I just found out today too," Tae said quickly, as if trying to ease the blow. "It wasn't something I planned to keep from you."
Kwon looked away, jaw tightening.
Tae continued, his voice quieter now. "It's something my father arranged. He's sending me abroad for further studies. Says I need to stay focused, sharpen myself before I take over the business world he built. I didn't even know until this afternoon."
Silence. The kind that stung.
"I swear," Tae added, his voice trembling just slightly, "I'll come back for you."
Kwon let out a soft breath—half-laugh, half-sigh. He tried to smile, but it didn't reach his eyes.
"It's okay," he said lightly, though his voice wavered. "Even if you end up with someone else… it won't be that bad, right?"
Tae's heart clenched.
Kwon stared down at the food now, but his hunger was gone. His chest felt heavy, as if a quiet goodbye had already begun inside him.
"…Can you take me home?" he asked after a long silence.
"Are you already full?" Tae asked, trying to joke, his voice too shaky to carry it.
Kwon just nodded.
They stood in silence. Kwon walked ahead, about to reach for the door when Tae's hand grabbed his wrist, pulling him back with sudden urgency.
"Kwon—"
But Tae didn't finish the sentence.
Instead, he leaned in and crashed his lips onto Kwon's.
It was fierce and desperate, like he was trying to imprint the memory of this kiss deep into his soul. Kwon's eyes widened at first, but he didn't pull away. He closed them slowly and melted into the kiss—his fingers clutching the fabric of Tae's shirt, holding him like he didn't want to let go.
When they finally parted, breathless, Tae rested his forehead against Kwon's.
"I know you don't know how to take this," Tae whispered. "I know this isn't what either of us wanted. But I promise—I'll come back. I love you, Kwon."
He kissed him again—slower this time. Deeper. A goodbye without words.
Kwon didn't say anything as they walked to the car. His silence was loud enough. The ride home was filled with unsaid thoughts, heavy with the weight of time they wouldn't get to spend together.
When they pulled up in front of Kwon's house, he quietly unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door.
"…Thank you," he said softly. He didn't look back.
He stepped inside and disappeared.
Tae stayed behind in the car, hands gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white. His jaw clenched, and he finally let out a choked curse as he slammed his hand against the wheel, burying his head in his arms.
Outside, Kwon's grandmother had noticed the car lights.
She stepped out and saw Tae still sitting there, his shoulders hunched forward.
She walked up to the window and tapped it gently.
"My son," she said warmly as Tae rolled it down, "how have you been? It's been a while."
Tae looked up with a small smile, quickly wiping his eyes. "Yes, ma… I've just been busy lately."
"Why don't you come in for dinner?" she asked, kindness radiating from her voice.
He shook his head. "Not today, ma. I have a flight to catch. I'm sorry."
There was a pause before Tae looked up at her again.
"Ma… I'm going abroad tonight. For a few years." His voice cracked slightly. "Please… watch over Kwon for me."
Her eyes softened. She gave a short laugh and patted his shoulder gently.
"No worries," she said. "That's what I'm here for, son. You have a safe journey."
She turned and walked inside.
Tae stared at the house for a long time, eyes trailing over the windows—wondering which one belonged to Kwon. Wondering if he was looking back. Wondering if his heart felt as heavy as his own.
Then he started the car and drove off.
Later, at the airport, Tae stood at the gate, his boarding pass crumpled slightly in his hand. He glanced out the window at the city lights—his home fading behind him.
His phone buzzed.
A message from Kwon.
Safe journey 😊
Tae stared at the screen for a moment, then smiled—small, but real.
He typed back.
Thank you, honey.
He tucked his phone into his pocket, exhaled deeply, and whispered to himself:
"I'll be back for you."
And then, he walked toward his gate—heart aching, but full of purpose.