When two people are in love, they go through different perspectives to tell others as to why they love one another dearly and why they happen to argue as well.  When two people are in love, they stare at each other longingly under the dim moonlight with their eyes shining brighter than the stars in the sky. When to people love each other, regardless of any circumstances, they would fight for themselves together. They would experience domesticity, share random moments, and create memories. But sometimes, when two people are in love, they don’t even know it.

Jeongguk was seven when he thought he knew what the meaning of love what was. He thought it was a simple word said by two people at random times. Sometimes he thinks that by doing actions like giving and sharing lunch with a fellow classmate is an act of showing love. What he didn’t know was all the complexity and importance behind that word.

Then he turns eight. It happens on a fine day at a park, when he met Taehyung for the first time. Taehyung was small, has a beautiful skin complexion and a smile that would melt people’s heart. And in that moment, on a swing set, they made eye contact; Jeongguk couldn’t believe that he felt like his little heart was thumping loudly.

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“Oh my flipping. You totally cheated!” Taehyung shouted at Jeongguk as they were having their daily Mario Kart video game session. Jeongguk would just laugh at the misery that Taehyung was showing him and he thinks that even if he tries to “act” angry, he would form his lips into a pout and frown and only Jeongguk would find it adorable saying he looks like an angry puppy.

“Why can’t you accept that you can’t win?” he pauses, “you know, for someone who’s going into college, you act like a middle schooler.” He then cackles and as a response, Taehyung throws a pillow to his face then saying, “As if you’re any better, gukkie! You literally whine when you run out of banana milk.”

Jeongguk only smiles before moving to the bed to be beside Taehyung. He sighs as he puts his head into his shoulder, “are you ready for college?” he feels Taehyung nod, “I mean, I’m not sure to be honest. I know a lot is going to change and we have to adjust. But knowing that I have you as a roommate, it means that I’m going to see you every day through all my college life and it would immediately make me feel better.

“Won’t you get tired of me?” he looks up, expecting for a dumb answer, but instead all he got was “I can never grow tired of you. Never. Even if you push me away and annoy me, I’ll never get tired of you. I’ll never get tired of going back home to you.”

Home, with Taehyung, he thinks has a nice ring to it

Years gone by, seasons change, trends have changed and people change.

It was a casual day for both Taehyung and Jeongguk, lazing around their shared small couch, while watching their favorite anime, not caring about the deadlines they have to follow. “You know Taehyungie, I could do this all day with you.” Jeongguk says, cuddling closer to Taehyung. “We’ve been doing this forever. However, I don’t blame you. College has taken most of our time and it doesn’t help that us being fine arts and music major helps. We run zero sleep.”

 Taehyung after saying those words, noticed that their food was already empty, proceeded to nudge Jeongguk, “Can you make some more?” Jeongguk, sitting up straight, “say please”, “no. what am I? a kid?”, moving forward, Jeongguk closed the gap between them by touching their foreheads together, “say please or I won’t get your food”  Taehyung doesn’t know why he’s feeling this way. With their proximity, he can’t help his emotions he felt his cheeks burning up – he whispers, “Please, Gukkie”. And he wonders why does he feel so giddy. He shouldn’t be feeling this way. They’re best friends and they’re both guys. This can’t be happening.

Shock would be an understatement. Taehyung, on his whole 19 years of existence, never knew that hearing those words would affect him so much.

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“I have something to tell you” Jeongguk says and Taehyung pauses on whatever he’s doing. He knows the other is nervous by how his tone sounded when he said those words. “Alright, tell me. I won’t judge you or interrupt you.” He gives a soft smile, letting Jeongguk continue.

Jeongguk shifts, fidgety, fingers shaking, he lets out a huge sigh, “I’m gay. I like boys. I’ve never been attracted to girls I thought I was. I like people with the same gender. I know this might not be what you were expecting to hear. You’re one of the special people in my life and I don’t want to lose you.”

Dumbfounded. That’s how Taehyung feels. “I knew it. I’m sorry okay? But please Tae, say something.” Jeongguk pleadingly says. He didn’t know why there are tears forming his eyes. He feels proud. He feels scared. He hugs Jeongguk, “I’m so proud of you and your bravery. I’m so lucky to be your best friend.” Jeongguk thanks him and hugs him tighter before letting go. “Wanna eat Mc Donald’s?” “Lead the way” And if only he noticed how his Gukkie winced when he heard the word best friend, he ignores it.

“You’re ignoring me.” Jeongguk blurts out. He just got home from the gym and let’s say that Taehyung is trying his best not to hyperventilate with the sight in front of him. With eyes like a deer caught in the woods, “What?! No, I’m not” he scoffs. “Then why are you so distant to me these past few weeks? Did I do something wrong or uncomfortable?” Jeongguk frowns and Taehyung can’t help but think that he looks like an angry bunny. “ugh” Taehyung groans, “no,” a sigh “I just have a lot of projects and tasks. I’ll make it up to you. I’m sorry”

“Is going out and hanging with others every night how you make up to me?” Jeongguk stares at him, “what do you mean? They’re my classmates and friends! Am I not allowed to go out? Are you my dad?” veins angry, sarcastic smiles “I never said that! Do you honestly think I wouldn’t notice how late you go home looking so spent and tipsy?”

It clicks. Their last heated argument they had with each other was years ago when the other forgot to greet them on their special day and proceeding to forget to spend time as well, making the other ignore him for a solid week. Now, it’s different and Taehyung is afraid of the outcome.

“What is it to you? Why do you care so much? It’s not like I’m your boyfriend.” And he wishes he would think before speaking. He was cut off “You’re right. Why do I care so much? And you’re not my boyfriend. How silly of me. I don’t even know now what your preference is or what’s going on with your life.”  He looks down and he is on the verge of crying. “I didn’t mean it like that”

“I get it, Tae. People grow apart. People choose who they want to be with.” He walks away, “oh and by the way, I feel sorry for myself. Why did I even think that there was a possibility of you and me? Must only happen in my dream. My guy best friend can’t like me. I’m not worthy of his love and frankly I shouldn’t care so much.” A hand on his wrist stops him, “this isn’t the way that I planned to confess or reveal everything. But hey, why not double the pain that I’m feeling right now.” The latter’s voice starts to quiver, “I like you in a non-platonic way. You must be thinking that I’m doing this because I pity you but no. I’m saying this so you would understand that I’ve adored you ever since I first saw you at the park. You were just there and then my heart went booming so loud. When I needed someone you were always there. You knew me a lot that you know what I was going to say even before saying it. When we cuddle my heart flutters and there’s a zoo on my tummy. When your face is too close I start to panic. I like you.” He breathes out. He closes his eyes and continues, “I’ve known for long that I like girls and guys. Most especially I like you. There’s no one else in this awful world that I adore so much other than you”

“We’re really dumb huh.” He caresses Tae’s face, “I’m sorry. I like you too. So much. I’m sorry for forcing you to come out” they intertwined their hands just like how they always do. “It’s about time anyways. Don’t beat yourself up.”

“Let’s go out on a date. I’ll beat your confession.”

“oh c’mon Gukkie stop being so competitive”

“What no I can’t”

“let’s just go out and get some ice cream or order take out”

“nope. We’re going on our date and I’m going to cuddle you all night long when we get back home”

Who would’ve thought that these two soft boys would fall in love with each other.