Forever Waiting, Forever Hoping - A HanJay AU

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A love too delicate to hold, too beautiful to release. The soul's quiet plea, echoing in the heart. 

A moment of unexpected intimacy. A bittersweet aftermath.

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As they stepped into JL's condo, the soft glow of the city lights filtered through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting a gentle, silvery hue across the spacious living room. Hannie adjusted his grip on JL, careful not to bump his head against the doorframe as Juwon held the door open for them. The air inside was cool and carried a faint hint of JL's cologne—something warm, citrus-y and subtly woody, a scent that felt uniquely him.

"His room is down the hall, last door on the right," Juwon said, his voice low as he gestured toward the hallway. He moved ahead to turn on the lights, illuminating the sleek, modern interior of the condo. Hannie followed, his footsteps quiet against the polished wooden floor, his arms starting to ache slightly from the weight but refusing to let it show.

When they reached JL's bedroom, Juwon pushed the door open, revealing a room that was both minimalist and cozy. A large bed with crisp white and slate gray sheets sat in the center, flanked by a pair of nightstands and a floor lamp that cast a soft, golden light. Hannie hesitated for a moment at the threshold, suddenly feeling like he was intruding on something private. But JL shifted in his arms, letting out a small, sleepy sigh, and Hannie's resolve strengthened.

He stepped inside, carefully lowering JL onto the bed. JL's body sank into the plush mattress, his face still serene in sleep, one arm falling limply to the side. Hannie's hands lingered for a moment, hovering over JL as if reluctant to break the connection. But just as he tried to pull away, JL's hand shot out with unexpected speed, gripping the back of Hannie's neck with surprising strength. The sudden tug threw Hannie off balance, and he stumbled slightly, catching himself with his hands on the bed.

"Don't go, Hanniya," JL mumbled, his voice slurred with sleep and the remnants of alcohol. His eyes were barely open, heavy-lidded and unfocused, but there was a raw, pleading look in them that made Hannie's chest tighten. JL's grip was firm, almost desperate, as if he were afraid Hannie might vanish the moment he let go.

Hannie froze, his heart pounding in his ears. "JL, you need to rest," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He tried to gently pry himself free, his right hand moving to JL's wrists, but JL only tightened his hold, pulling Hannie closer until their faces were inches apart. The warmth of JL's breath brushed against Hannie's skin, sending a shiver down his spine.

"Stay," JL insisted, his voice cracking slightly, barely audible. His fingers trembled against Hannie's neck, his touch both firm and fragile, as if he were clinging to something he couldn't bear to lose. "Sleep. Here. Please. Hannie."

Hannie glanced over his shoulder at Juwon helplessly, who lingered in the doorway, caught between amusement and concern.

"Uh... I think he's serious," Juwon said, scratching the back of his neck—a nervous habit Hannie recognized all too well. "Maybe just... humor him for a bit? He's harmless." A half-smirk tugged at his lips before he added, "I'll be in the living room if shit gets weird."

Before Hannie could protest, Juwon was gone, closing the door softly behind him and leaving Hannie alone with JL. He was crouched awkwardly over JL, his arms braced on either side of the bed to keep his weight from pressing down on him completely. Torn between his better judgment and the part of him that wanted nothing more than to stay, Hannie felt his resolve crumbling by the second.