Singapore
The accident was never part of Younghyun’s plan for the day. He intended to set Sungjin’s guitar aside while clearing space in the practice room. And yet, his clumsiness took over. As the guitar fell to the floor, the loud thud sent shivers down his spine.
“Oh no, no, no…” Younghyun muttered, quickly bending down to inspect the damage. There it was — a noticeable dent along the body of the guitar.
Sungjin, who had been in mid-conversation with Dowoon and Wonpil, turned his head at the noise. His eyes landed on the scene, and his previously relaxed expression changed to one of disbelief.
“Did you just drop my guitar?” Sungjin asked, his tone calm but tense.
Younghyun stood up, holding his hands up in surrender. “I — I didn’t mean to! I’m so sorry, hyung. It slipped!”
The room fell into silence, the air thick with tension. Sungjin’s jaw tightened as he carefully picked up his guitar. He examined the damage without saying a word.
Manager Noona could see things were about to get tense, so she jumped in. “No worries, Sungjin-ah,” she said fast. “Just take it to your go-to repair shop. Send the bill to the company. Stuff like this happens.”
Sungjin remained silent. He returned the guitar to its case, zipped it up, and exited the room without glancing at Younghyun.
Younghyun felt like he’d been punched in the gut. “Hyung, I’m sorry!” he called after him, but Sungjin didn’t even glance back.
The rest of the day felt pretty awkward for the band. Sungjin and Younghyun didn’t say a single word to each other. Even Wonpil and Dowoon, who usually had some wisecracks up their sleeves, just kept quiet.
They were all packed into the car on their way back to the dorm. The radio played softly but did little to break the heavy silence in the air. Manager Noona glanced at the rearview mirror, where Sungjin sat on one side, gazing out the window, while Younghyun sat on the other side, looking like a kicked puppy.
“What do I do now?” Manager Noona said quietly, giving her head a little shake.
When they finally arrived at the dorm, the atmosphere was still icy. Sungjin stepped out first and went straight to his room without saying anything.
Younghyun hung out by the door, kinda unsure. Dowoon, who had been watching everything go down, nudged Wonpil. “Hyung, should we… say something?”
Wonpil shrugged. “Do you really want to end up in the middle of all this? Because I definitely don’t.”
Younghyun sighed and walked slowly to his room. As soon as the door closed behind him, he collapsed onto his bed, looking up at the ceiling. What am I supposed to do now? He thought.
Sungjin was chillin’ on his bed, his fixed guitar case propped up against the wall. His anger had cooled off a bit, but now he felt frustrated and guilty. He knew Younghyun hadn’t meant to drop the guitar, and that awkward tension between them was driving him crazy. But he wasn’t ready to let it go yet – not just because of the guitar itself, but because he needed Younghyun to understand how much it meant to him.
They remained in their separate rooms, replaying the incident in their minds. The silence between them was not just about a guitar but navigating the unspoken feelings and expectations of being more than just bandmates.
On The Way to Singapore
The tension between Sungjin and Younghyun lingered like an unwelcome shadow as the band set off on their trip to Singapore. Although the guitar was back in pristine condition, the crack in their relationship remained unaddressed. Everyone in the group could sense it – Dowoon and Wonpil exchanged glances whenever the two walked past each other in silence.
The situation intensified when their manager revealed the seating arrangements for the flight.
Younghyun blinked. “Wait, Hyung? With me?”
Sungjin shot him a glance, his expression unreadable.
Manager Noona looked up and raised an eyebrow. “Is there a problem? Business class is spacious enough. You two should be fine.”
Younghyun sighed internally but nodded. “Of course, no problem.”
As they boarded the Singapore Airlines flight, Younghyun quickly made his way to his seat. He placed his bag in the overhead compartment and settled into the wide, cushioned chair. Sungjin followed him, quietly putting his belongings in the compartment before sitting beside Younghyun.
The spacious business-class cabin, adorned with sleek dividers and luxurious amenities, did little to ease their awkwardness. As the plane took off, Younghyun reached for the panel and closed the divider between their seats. Sungjin raised an eyebrow as he watched the barrier slide into place, but chose not to comment.
A flight attendant approached Younghyun with a friendly smile. “Sir, would you like to see the menu?”
Younghyun returned a faint smile, his exhaustion evident. “Just the salad and juice, please,” he said. As the attendant nodded and began to walk away, he added, “Oh, and after I finish, could you help me flatten the seat into a bed? I’m really tired. Please wake me up before we land. Thank you.”
The attendant nodded and headed out, leaving Sungjin with his thoughts. He leaned back in his seat, gazing out the window.
Sungjin noticed the pale complexion of Younghyun’s face, the dark circles under his eyes, and the hoarseness in his voice. Frowning, he felt a wave of guilt wash over him. He knew Younghyun had been overworking himself lately, pouring all his energy into their upcoming performances. As he sat beside him, Sungjin couldn’t ignore the toll this was taking on Younghyun.
His pride and frustration held him back from saying anything. Sungjin crossed his arms and kept glancing at the closed divider, almost like it was a tangible wall between them. He couldn’t bring himself to ask the simple question: Are you okay?
Younghyun picked at his salad quietly, moving slowly as he ate. Once the flight attendant turned his seat into a bed, he pulled the blanket up to his chest and shut his eyes, wishing he could drift off and escape the discomfort in both his body and his heart.
Sungjin fiddled with the in-flight entertainment screen across the divider but didn’t consider any selections. His mind was occupied by Younghyun’s weary smile and hoarse voice.
Am I being too harsh? He wondered. The more he tried to justify his silence, the tighter the knot in his chest felt.
When the flight attendant returned to see if Younghyun needed anything, Sungjin leaned in to hear her ask if he wanted anything else. Younghyun just whispered, “No, thanks.”
Sungjin took a deep breath and slouched in his seat, feeling the guilt weigh him down (again). Even though he wanted to say something, his stubborn side wouldn’t let him lift the divider or spit out the words stuck in his head since the whole thing happened.
The flight continued in silence, the hum of the engines filling the space where their conversation should have been. Although both sat within arm’s reach, the emotional distance felt insurmountable.
THE COLD ATMOSPHERE
The vibe in Dowoon’s hotel room was lively, different from the awkward tension between Sungjin and Younghyun. The whole crew, including the managers, had gathered for dinner, spreading a bunch of tasty local dishes from Singapore all over the table. The food – think chili crab and satay skewers – was just as colorful as all the laughter and chatter going on.
Dowoon munched on a spring roll while Wonpil shared an embarrassing story from the past, causing everyone in the room to burst into laughter. Even the usually serious manager noona, smiled as she enjoyed her tea.
Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, one person’s absence cast a shadow over the gathering.
“Where is Younghyun Hyung?” Dowoon finally asked, looking around the room like Younghyun might suddenly appear.
The question lingered momentarily before Wonpil picked up his phone and called the missing member. After a few rings, Younghyun’s chill voice came through the speaker.
“Hyung, where are you?” Wonpil asked, loud enough for everyone in the room to hear.
“I’m at ION Orchard,” Younghyun replied casually, with the faint sound of bustling streets in the background. “Just walking around and vlogging for tour content.”
“Alone?” Wonpil’s brow furrowed.
“No, Manager Hyung and one of the bodyguards are here with me. Don’t worry,” Younghyun reassured him. Although his voice sounded nonchalant, it was hard to overlook the exhaustion that was evident. “Enjoy the meal, everyone. I’ll join you later.”
Wonpil sighed as he ended the call and glanced at Sungjin, who had been sitting silently the entire time. “Hyung, he’s walking around instead of resting. You should say something.”
Sungjin didn’t say a word; he just stared at the hot bowl of laksa in front of him. He was fiddling with the noodles using chopsticks, but he hadn’t eaten any yet.
Wonpil leaned in a bit, lowering his voice. “Hyung, don’t you think it’s been quiet long enough? He seems like he’s struggling right now.”
Sungjin’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
Dowoon, always the observer, finally spoke up with his usual bluntness. “Hyung, you’re not even eating. Just talk to him. You’re acting like a sulking child.”
Manager Noona shot Sungjin a look but decided to stay out of it, turning her attention to the other members instead. “It’s cool. If Younghyun wants some time alone, just let him be. Sungjin, grab a bite before it gets cold.”
The room fell into an awkward silence as Sungjin finally lifted his chopsticks and took a bite, his movements feeling robotic. The others exchanged glances but didn’t press further, redirecting their attention to lighter topics.
Sungjin couldn’t shake off Younghyun’s tired voice from the phone. He knew that Younghyun usually wasn’t the type to want space. The fact that he decided to roam around the city instead of hanging out with them said a lot about their relationship.
Sungjin felt his pride was like a heavy chain around his neck, preventing him from speaking up. Even as laughter and chatter surrounded him, he couldn’t shake the image of Younghyun walking the streets, attempting to hide his exhaustion with a forced smile for the vlog.
Sungjin said something; his mind nagged at him. But as the night dragged on, he stayed as silent as the empty seat next to him.
After Rehearsal
The night was winding down, and after a long rehearsal, DAY6 and their crew jumped into their cars to head back to the hotel. Usually, they’d all travel together, but the organizers split them up this time for easier logistics. The first car had Dowoon, Wonpil, a driver, and Manager Hyung packed in, while Sungjin, Younghyun, a driver, and Manager Noona took the second one.
As the car started to move, the quiet between Sungjin and Younghyun was so thick that it could have cut it with a knife. The tension was heavy, like a fog that wouldn’t lift. All they could hear was the soft buzz of the engine, occasionally interrupted by Younghyun sneezing.
“Hatchiii. Hatchiii. Hatchiii,” he repeatedly sneezed, his body trembling slightly with each one. Sungjin fixed his gaze out the window, his hands clenched in his lap, fighting the urge to turn to the younger man beside him.
Younghyun wasn’t looking too great. His skin was pale, and the dark circles under his eyes were particularly noticeable. The shift from Korea’s chilly winter to Singapore’s brutal heat and humidity was hitting him hard, and Sungjin noticed. He’d been sneezing and sniffling nonstop since rehearsal wrapped up, which worried Sungjin. But he kept quiet, not wanting to make things any more awkward.
“Noona, please buy me some medicine first,” Younghyun said, slightly hoarse. “I think my body is going into shock. We leave Korea in the winter, and Singapore is 36°C with this humidity. My body isn’t used to this.” He leaned back in his seat and rubbed his temples to ease the growing headache.
Manager Noona nodded immediately, quickly peering in the rearview mirror to check on the guys. She noticed Sungjin frowning and stealing glances at Younghyun now and then, trying not to make it too obvious. It was pretty clear he was worried, but the tension between them was so thick she could almost slice it.
“I got it,” Manager Noona said, her voice calm.
Sungjin remained silent, but the frown on his face deepened. He couldn’t deny how much he wanted to reach out and ask if Younghyun was okay, yet there was still a wall between them. The fight and the silent days that followed felt too heavy to overcome.
Younghyun let out another sneeze, which was loud this time. “Hatchiii!” He sniffled and wiped his nose with a tissue, sneaking a glance at Sungjin. He didn’t think the older guy would say anything after everything that went down, but still… there was a tiny part of him hoping Sungjin might ask if he was okay.
But Sungjin stayed quiet. His eyes were still fixed outside the window, and his hands gripped the seat beneath him.
Manager Noona could feel the tension in the air; it was suffocating, and she wasn’t sure how long she could endure it without stepping in. It wasn’t like Sungjin to act so distantly, especially not with someone as close to him as Younghyun. She knew better than anyone how deeply they cared for each other, but neither seemed willing to make the first move.
As the car rolled through the bustling streets of Singapore, the heat outside continued to rise, and the sticky air pressed against the windows, making the interior even more uncomfortable. Younghyun shifted in his seat again, letting out a quiet groan as he leaned his head back, closing his eyes for a moment.
“Noona,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the sound of the engine, “I’m sorry about earlier at the rehearsal. I’m just… exhausted.”
Manager Noona glanced at him in the rearview mirror, noting the exhaustion in his voice. “It’s alright, Younghyun. You’ve been working hard. Just take care of yourself, okay?” she replied, her tone light but full of concern.
Younghyun nodded but didn’t say anything else. His body was sore from all the rehearsals and the sudden change in weather; all he wanted was to crash. But that annoying feeling in his chest wouldn’t go away, especially with how distant he felt from Sungjin. It was tough to shake off.
Sungjin didn’t respond to the quiet exchange, but his fingers drummed lightly on his leg, a nervous habit he always had when overthinking. His gaze remained outside, but his mind was far from the view of the Singapore skyline. Why is this so difficult? He thought to himself. Why can’t I ask him how he’s doing?
But the more he thought about it, the more he realized he was scared. Scared that he would make things worse, scared that Younghyun wouldn’t want him around, scared that the silent tension between them had gone on for too long.
The ride to the hotel felt like it took ages. Every turn and bump made the tension drag on even longer. Finally, when they arrived at the hotel, the driver parked the car and shut off the engine.
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“Alright,” she said, looking over her shoulder at them. “We’re here. You should rest up, Younghyun. Take it easy tonight.”
Sungjin was the first to exit the car, his feet feeling heavy as he stepped onto the curb. He didn’t wait for Younghyun to follow, his mind still tangled in the mess of emotions he couldn’t bring himself to confront.
Younghyun lingered for a moment, staring out the car window. He wanted to call Sungjin to make things right, but the words wouldn’t come. With a sigh and a final glance at Manager Noona, he followed Sungjin into the hotel, hoping that tomorrow would be easier.
The Day After The Concert
DAY6 had a rare day off in Singapore – no schedules or anything to worry about. They could relax, explore the city, or enjoy the hotel's amenities. But for Younghyun, it wasn’t all chill vibes. He was stuck in his room, feeling under the weather. The doctor came by earlier and said it was just his body adjusting to the sudden heat and humidity. “You’ll be fine; just rest and stay hydrated,” the doctor had told him, leaving him with some meds and advice.
Younghyun flopped back onto the comfy hotel bed and stared at the ceiling. The AC was buzzing softly, but it didn’t help with the pounding in his head or the aches in his muscles. He let out a deep sigh. Normally, he could push through the discomfort, but today felt different. The fever had him completely wiped out.
Sungjin was lying on his bed in another part of the hotel, mindlessly scrolling through his phone. He hadn’t seen Younghyun all morning, and even though they were in a cold war, he couldn’t shake off the worry nagging at him. He kept thinking about how Younghyun had been sneezing and sounded all hoarse the night before, plus how pale he looked after rehearsal.
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
“Sungjin-ah.” Manager Noonan’s voice called through the door.
Sungjin got up reluctantly and opened the door to find her standing there with a clipboard in one hand and her phone in the other. “Call room service and order some porridge,” she said without preamble. “Take it to Younghyun’s room. He’s not eating, and the doctor has already taken care of the medication. The rest is up to you.”
She shot him a glare that allowed no argument before striding down the hall, leaving him bewildered.
Sungjin frowned as he shut the door. He thought about calling one of the other guys to deal with it, but deep down, he knew no one had a good reason. Honestly, he just wanted to check on Younghyun. He couldn’t shake off his worry, even with their tension.
He sighed and grabbed the hotel phone to call room service. “Can I get one porridge, please?” he said, trying to keep the awkwardness out of his voice.
Once the food arrived, Sungjin carried the tray to Younghyun’s room. Standing outside the door, he hesitated and shifted his weight from one foot to the other. His hand hovered over the door for a moment before he finally knocked.
“KangBra, it’s me. Can I come in? I’ve got food,” Sungjin called through the door.
The door creaked open a bit, and Sungjin caught sight of Younghyun’s pale, worn-out face. The dark circles under his eyes were noticeable, and his usually bright eyes looked dull. It stirred something in Sungjin’s chest, but he did his best to keep a blank look on his face.
“Hyung…” Younghyun said softly, his voice weak. He stepped aside to let Sungjin in.
Sungjin placed the tray on the small table beside the bed and turned to face Younghyun. He sat down, moving slowly and deliberately. “You need to eat first,” Sungjin said, attempting to sound matter-of-fact, though his voice softened at the end. “It’s doctor’s orders.”
Younghyun glanced at the steaming bowl of porridge, and his lips pressed together as his emotions threatened to spill over. He picked up the spoon with shaky hands, looking at Sungjin with a grateful yet overwhelmed expression. “Hyung… thank you,” he said, his voice cracking, and his eyes glistening with unshed tears.
Sungjin stopped for a moment, unsure of what to say. His first thought was to make a joke to lighten things up, but seeing Younghyun looking so vulnerable made him hesitate. Instead, he reached out awkwardly and touched Younghyun’s shoulder. “It’s nothing,” he said softly, his thumb lightly brushing over Younghyun’s shirt. “Just focus on getting better, alright?”
Younghyun nodded, feeling tight in his throat as he forced himself to take a bite of the porridge. The warmth of the food eased his discomfort, but Sungjin’s presence brought him comfort. He hadn’t realized how much he needed this moment – how much he needed Sungjin – until now.
Sungjin remained in his spot, silently watching to ensure Younghyun ate enough. The air between them was quiet but no longer felt heavy. The tension seemed to lift for the first time in days, replaced by an unspoken understanding.
As Younghyun ate, he glanced at Sungjin, his heart swelling despite his fever. Even though Sungjin didn’t speak much, his actions spoke louder than words could ever convey.
Seeing Younghyun slowly regain some energy eased Sungjin’s worries. Although he still felt guilty about their unresolved argument, taking care of Younghyun was his priority. Everything else could wait.
ON THE WAY BACK
The airport was packed with people rushing to catch their flights, and DAY6 members and crew were moving through check-in together. But even with all the chaos around them, there was still a weird vibe between Sungjin and Younghyun. It had been a few days since they’d fought over the broken guitar, and even though it got fixed, things between them still felt a bit off.
While waiting by the counter, Dowoon stood beside Sungjin, watching the awkward vibe between the two hyungs with a frown. He had seen them dance around each other for days, barely saying more than the bare minimum. It was getting really tough to watch, not just for them, but for everyone nearby as well.
“Hyung,” Dowoon whispered, nudging Sungjin. “This is your chance. Go talk to him.”
Sungjin frowned, pretending not to understand. “What are you talking about?”
“You know what I mean,” Dowoon insisted, leaning closer. “I’ll switch seats with you. You need to fix this before we all lose our minds.”
Sungjin turned and glanced at Younghyun, quietly scrolling through his phone a few feet away. Younghyun looked pale, with dark circles beneath his eyes more prominent than usual. The sight tugged at Sungjin’s heart, but his pride kept him from approaching.
“Hyung,” Dowoon pressed, his voice taking on an unusual firmness. “If you don’t do something now, it will get worse. Please do it for yourself. For him.”
Before Sungjin could protest, Dowoon called the manager and quickly arranged the seat switch. Sungjin sighed and ran a hand through his hair as he reluctantly agreed. His heart felt heavy, but he knew Dowoon was right. It was time.
When they boarded the aircraft, Sungjin followed Younghyun to their new business-class seats. As usual, Younghyun settled in quickly, pulling out the blanket provided by the airline and preparing to sleep through the flight. His movements were slow and deliberate, and his exhaustion was evident in every gesture.
Sungjin sat beside him, glancing at his boyfriend as he adjusted his recliner. The divider between their seats remained open, but as the plane began to taxi down the runway, Younghyun reached out to slide it closed.
Sungjin stopped him, gently placing his hand over the divider. “Wait,” he said softly.
Younghyun turned, his weary eyes meeting Sungjin’s. “Hyung, I just want to rest,” he murmured, his voice weak.
“I know,” Sungjin said, his voice quieter now. “But… let me take care of you.”
Younghyun blinked, his hand hovering above the divider. The sincerity in Sungjin’s eyes was difficult to ignore. After a moment of hesitation, he let his hand drop, leaving the divider open.
Sungjin relaxed in his seat and pressed the call button for the flight attendant. When she arrived, he said in an easygoing tone, “Can we get some warm tea and an extra blanket for him?” He pointed at Younghyun, who looked slightly surprised by the whole thing.
“Of course,” the attendant said warmly before leaving to fulfill the request.
Sungjin turned back to Younghyun, meeting his gaze. “You don’t have to do anything right now,” he said gently. “Just let me take care of it.”
Younghyun glanced at his lap, his fingers playing with the blanket’s edge. “Why are you bringing this up now?” he asked quietly, almost in a whisper.
Sungjin sighed and rubbed the back of his neck. “Because… I’ve been an idiot,” he admitted. “I let my pride get in the way and avoided the one person I should have been comforting. You didn’t deserve any of that. I’m sorry.”
Younghyun’s lips parted as if to respond, but he remained silent, gripping the blanket tighter with his fingers.
“I know I’ve been distant,” Sungjin said. “I hate that I made you feel like you had to go through this alone. But I promise it won’t happen again.” He reached out, tentatively placing his hand over Younghyun’s. “I’ll do better. For you. For us.”
Younghyun’s throat tightened as he stared at their hands. After a long moment, he finally spoke, his voice cracking. “I didn’t mean to break your guitar, hyung,” he confessed, his shoulders slumping. “I’ve felt terrible about it ever since. I thought you would never forgive me.”
Sungjin shook his head, squeezing Younghyun’s hand. “It’s not about the guitar anymore. It hurt initially, but you mean more to me than any instrument could. I’m sorry for making you feel otherwise.”
The flight attendant returned, putting down a hot cup of tea and handing over a folded blanket. Sungjin leaned Younghyun’s seat back, wrapped him in the blanket, and then set the tea on the tray table. “Drink this,” he said quietly. “It’ll be good for your throat.”
Younghyun sipped the tea, feeling the warmth spread from both the gesture and the drink. He glanced at Sungjin, his eyes softening. “Thank you, hyung,” he whispered.
Sungjin smiled, leaning back in his seat but staying close. “Rest now. I’ll be right here if you need anything.”
As the plane buzzed along, Younghyun shut his eyes, feeling a wave of comfort over him. The stress that had been hanging over them for days finally faded, replaced by a calm atmosphere between them. Even though Sungjin’s hand eventually pulled away, the warmth lingered with Younghyun long after he drifted off to sleep.
The gentle hum of the aircraft provided a comforting backdrop as the hours passed on their journey back to Korea. The business class section was dimly lit, with most passengers reclining in their seats, lost in a haze of sleep or quiet activities. Sungjin was seated in one row, trying to eat his in-flight meal while a movie played on the screen.
Beside him, Younghyun stirred under his blanket, shifting slightly but mainly remaining silent. Sungjin glanced at his boyfriend, who had been unusually quiet during the flight. Younghyun’s pale face and occasional sniffles reminded Sungjin of the doctor’s words: “It’s a weather adjustment. He’ll need some rest and hydration.”
Sungjin had spent most of the flight worrying in silence, keeping an eye on Younghyun while pretending to watch his movie. He couldn’t shake off the guilt for being so distant before all this – his stubbornness, the awkward vibes from the broken guitar, and now Younghyun getting sick on top of everything.
A soft voice broke the silence just as he started to cut into his meal.
“Hyung,” Younghyun whispered. His voice was hoarse but carried a tenderness that immediately caught Sungjin’s attention. He turned to find Younghyun looking at him with tired eyes and the blanket pulled up to his chin. “Can I hold your hand?”
Sungjin blinked, surprised by the request. It was a simple question, but coming from Younghyun, it carried layers of vulnerability. Sungjin felt a pang in his chest.
Without a word, he set his utensils down and offered his left hand, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Of course you can.”
Younghyun slid his hand into Sungjin’s, his fingers cool but fitting perfectly as they always did. His grip was light initially, but as he adjusted, he squeezed Sungjin’s hand slightly as though seeking reassurance.
“This feels nice,” Younghyun murmured, his voice barely audible. His lips curved into a faint smile, his eyes fluttering shut as he relaxed back into his seat.
Sungjin chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You’re something,” he muttered, his tone laced with affection. “Clingy even when you’re sick.”
Younghyun chuckled weakly, the sound more of a puff of air, but it made Sungjin’s heart lighter.
Sungjin had a full left hand, so he had to find a new way to eat. He was clumsily using his right hand to mess around with the fork and knife, trying to cut his food without bothering Younghyun. It wasn’t the easiest way to eat, but it didn’t bother him. Now and then, he glanced at his boyfriend, noticing how Younghyun’s breathing was getting steadier and more relaxed.
Across the aisle, Dowoon nudged Wonpil.
“Hyung,” Dowoon whispered, motioning subtly toward Sungjin and Younghyun.
Wonpil turned his head and immediately suppressed a laugh. There was Sungjin, eating one-handed while holding Younghyun’s hand, looking like he was in the middle of some romantic drama.
“This is so much better,” Dowoon muttered, shaking his head. “Watching them act like idiots in love is way better than earlier icy tension.”
Wonpil smirked, leaning closer. “True. But I’m sure Sungjin Hyung’s hand will cramp if he keeps holding Younghyun’s to Korea.”
Dowoon chuckled, fixing his blanket. “Worth it. At least they’re back to their usual selves now.”
Sungjin took a moment to tuck in Younghyun’s blanket with one hand, ensuring his boyfriend stayed cozy.
“You should try to sleep more,” Sungjin murmured, his voice softer than usual.
Younghyun cracked one eye open slowly, a small grin forming on his lips. “I promise,” he said softly, squeezing Sungjin’s hand lightly. “Just as long as you stick around.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Sungjin promised, his thumb brushing gently over the back of Younghyun’s hand.
For the next hour, Sungjin stayed in that position, watching the subtle rise and fall of Younghyun’s chest as he slipped into a deeper sleep. The movie was playing on the screen, but Sungjin hardly noticed it. All he could think about was how fragile Younghyun looked and how foolish he had been to let his pride create such a rift between them.
He leaned back in his seat, gently squeezing Younghyun’s hand to remind him of his presence. The guilt that had weighed on Sungjin’s chest began to lift, replaced by a quiet determination.
“I’ll make it up to you,” he murmured, glancing down at their joined hands. “I promise.”
In his sleep, Younghyun shifted slightly, his lips curving into a peaceful smile. Sungjin couldn’t help but smile back, feeling a warmth in his chest that made everything else disappear.
