Close to You

The weeks passed, and Nut and Hong's relationship began to blossom in its own unique way. It wasn't rushed, but there was something undeniably tender about the way they were growing closer with each passing day.

One afternoon, after their class had ended, Hong found himself waiting outside the building for Nut, who had promised to meet him. As soon as Nut appeared, he was grinning widely, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"You know," Nut said as he walked up to Hong, "I think we should make a habit of hanging out after class. Maybe grab a snack or something."

Hong couldn't help but smile at the suggestion, already feeling a familiar warmth spread through him. "You're really persistent, huh?"

"I like to make sure you don't forget about me," Nut replied, his tone light but the affection clear. "I don't mind being clingy if it means I get your attention."

Hong laughed, shaking his head. "You're impossible."

But as Nut moved closer, his hand brushing against Hong's, he felt the familiar tug in his chest the pull toward Nut that he couldn't ignore. "I don't mind being impossible if you're still here with me," Nut said quietly, his smirk softened by the sincerity in his words.

Hong's breath caught, and he found himself letting out a sigh of contentment. "Fine. I'll stick around. But you owe me a drink."

Nut leaned in a little closer, his face only inches from Hong's as he whispered, "I'll owe you more than just a drink, Hong. I'm not letting go that easily."

And with that, Nut placed a soft, lingering kiss on Hong's lips one that made Hong's heart race and his world feel like it had shifted just a little more into focus.

They were together now, truly, and there was no going back. And for once, Hong didn't want to.

Hong's heart still raced as Nut pulled away, that kiss lingering in his mind like a sweet melody. For a moment, he felt light-headed, like the ground beneath him was shifting, making him unsteady.

It was strange how quickly his feelings had changed how much of a difference a simple kiss had made. He had spent so long fighting against his emotions, but now, it felt impossible to deny what was blossoming between them.

Nut, on the other hand, seemed entirely unfazed by the kiss. His smirk was back, that playful glint never far from his eyes. "You didn't seem to mind that kiss," he teased, his voice low and teasing.

Hong gave him a half-hearted glare, but his cheeks were a little flushed. "You're too confident."

Nut raised an eyebrow, leaning in just a little
closer, his lips brushing against Hong's ear as he whispered, "Confidence is key." Then, without waiting for a response, he pulled away and gave Hong a mischievous smile. "So, where are we going for that drink?"

Hong rolled his eyes, but the smile tugging at the corners of his lips betrayed him. "You're impossible," he muttered.

But it was clear now that impossible was exactly what Nut was impossible to ignore, impossible to stop thinking about. The closer they grew, the harder it became for Hong to fight his feelings. And maybe, just maybe, he didn't want to anymore.

William and Est were experiencing their own version of growth. Their relationship had settled into a peaceful routine, a balance between their individual worlds and the shared moments they cherished together. But there was always something new to discover something unspoken between them that felt as if it were deepening with every passing day.

It was late one evening when Est was curled up on the couch, a book in hand while William sat across from him, his guitar resting on his lap. The soft strumming of the guitar filled the silence of the room, its gentle rhythm making Est feel at ease.

"I've been thinking," William said, breaking the silence. "Maybe we should go somewhere this weekend. Just the two of us. I know we're both busy, but I want to make sure we have time for things like that."

Est looked up from his book, his eyes softening at William's words. "Where did you have in mind?" he asked quietly, setting his book down beside him.

"I was thinking we could go to that park by the lake," William suggested, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips. "We can walk around, talk, maybe even have a picnic. What do you think?"

Est's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't used to someone thinking about him so carefully, considering the small moments and making them special. It felt... comforting, in a way that he couldn't explain.

"I'd like that," Est said softly, his voice filled with quiet warmth. "It sounds perfect."

William smiled, his fingers moving back to the guitar strings, the soft melody drifting through the room again. "Good," he murmured, as if the idea of spending time with Est made everything else fade away.

The connection between them had always been delicate, built on gentle words and shared glances. But now, it was clear that it was becoming something more—something solid, something real.

The days passed by, each one drawing Nut and Hong closer together. It wasn't always easy. There were moments of tension of doubt especially when Hong found himself questioning how much he truly understood about his own feelings. Nut had a way of teasing him, pulling him in, making him feel vulnerable in ways that were both exciting and terrifying.

But despite the occasional insecurity that flared up, Hong found himself increasingly drawn to Nut, unable to stay away.

It was one of those rare moments of vulnerability that evening when Hong found himself sitting in his dorm room, staring at his phone. He'd received a message from Nut, simple but sweet: "Goodnight, Hong. Sweet dreams." The words settled in his chest, making him smile, but also making him wonder why it was so hard to say them back sometimes.

Was he ready for this? Was he ready to let Nut in?

A knock on his door interrupted his thoughts, and when he opened it, there was Nut, standing with his usual confident grin.

"Hey," Nut greeted, leaning against the doorframe. "Mind if I come in? I didn't want to text anymore. I figured it's better if I just see you in person."

Hong smiled softly, stepping aside to let him in. "You're impossible," he murmured, though the words were filled with affection.

"Yeah, I know," Nut replied, entering the room and casually plopping down on Hong's bed, a smirk tugging at his lips. "But you like it, don't you?"

Hong rolled his eyes, though he couldn't keep the smile off his face. "I like you, Nut," he said, the words slipping out before he could stop them.

Nut's smirk softened into something warmer, more genuine, and he pulled Hong down beside him. "Good. Because I've kind of been liking you for a while now."

Hong's heart thudded against his chest, and he couldn't help but lean in, his lips meeting Nut's in a soft, tender kiss. It wasn't rushed; it wasn't full of the fiery passion that had once marked their bickering, but it was filled with something deeper something that felt like the beginning of something real.

Nut pulled away first, his eyes soft, as if he were taking in the moment. "You know," he said, his voice quiet and affectionate, "I've never really liked anyone this much before. You're different, Hong."

Hong swallowed, feeling a lump form in his throat. "You don't make this easy," he muttered, but his words held no real complaint. Instead, they held a truth he couldn't deny. Nut had managed to break down the walls Hong had carefully built around his heart.

"I'm not supposed to be easy," Nut replied with a playful grin, "But I'm worth it, right?"

Hong laughed softly, his head resting on Nut's shoulder. "Yeah, I guess you are."

For the first time in a long while, Hong felt like he
was exactly where he was supposed to be. And as Nut's arm wrapped around him, pulling him closer, Hong knew that this was only the beginning of something incredible.