Part 15

Yok sat at his desk, his room dimly lit by the soft glow of the lamp beside him. His sketchbook lay open, a blank page slowly filling with the curves and lines of a face that had been etched in his mind for days-Longtai's face. His fingers moved almost on their own, tracing the delicate shape of Longtai's almond eyes, the gentle slope of his cheekbones, and the softness of his lips. Those lips... the same ones he had nearly kissed just days ago.

He paused for a moment, remembering how Longtai's skin had felt under his fingertips-warm, soft, and fragile in a way that made Yok's heart race. The way Longtai's eyes had looked into his, wide and vulnerable, as if he were opening a door into his soul, even if just for a fleeting moment. Yok's breath caught as he remembered the closeness of their bodies, the way Longtai's breath had ghosted over his skin, igniting something in him he wasn't sure how to control.

His pencil hovered over the paper, tracing the outline of Longtai's lips, the memory of that moment playing on repeat in his mind. His heart pounded in his chest, syncing with the rhythm of his thoughts, his fingers trembling slightly as he shaded the lines. The lips he sketched were parted, just like they had been that day. His mind wandered to what could've happened, to what he had almost done. He could still feel the pull, the magnetic force that had almost made him lean in, almost made him press his lips against Longtai's and taste the unknown desire between them.

Yok's hand stopped abruptly. The sketch was unfinished again-just like the others. He let out a frustrated huff, tossing the pencil onto the desk and running his hand through his hair. The lips, perfect in form, were still incomplete. No matter how many times he tried, no matter how deeply he focused, he could never finish a sketch of Longtai. It was as though something always held him back. He could draw the lines, capture the physical likeness, but he could never bring himself to fully translate the feeling-the intensity of what Longtai made him feel.

Yok leaned back in his chair, staring at the half-finished drawing, his thoughts spiraling. _What was wrong with him?_ Why couldn't he stop thinking about Longtai, about that moment when everything between them had felt so fragile, so close to changing? His chest tightened, and he closed his eyes, feeling the weight of it all-the desire he couldn't fully comprehend, the feelings he didn't know how to name.

_He's different_, Yok thought. Longtai wasn't like anyone else. There was something about him-something quiet, almost elusive. And yet, Yok felt like he was the only one who could truly see him, even when Longtai tried to hide. He wanted more than just to see him; he wanted to understand him, to know what lay behind those walls Longtai always put up.

Yok opened his eyes and stared at the drawing again. It wasn't just Longtai's face that haunted him-it was the way Longtai made him feel alive, like every heartbeat was louder, every breath deeper, whenever they were together. But it scared him, too. What if Longtai didn't feel the same? What if Longtai kept retreating behind those walls, hiding himself away?

As he sat there, lost in thought, his phone buzzed. Yok glanced at the screen, seeing a notification from the group chat. Black had sent another pinned location. His eyes narrowed as he looked at it, groaning inwardly. Another location, another night of chaos. He didn't want to go. Not tonight. Not when his head was full of Longtai. But as he stared at the pin on the map, he couldn't help but feel the pull of his other world, the one so different from the one Longtai lived in.

Longtai's world was peaceful, clean, and safe. It was a world of quiet libraries, familiar bookstores, and long walks in parks with soft breezes. It was a world where things made sense, where order reigned, and the chaos of Yok's life seemed distant and unreal. In Longtai's world, everything was contained, held together by invisible threads of comfort and security. And then there was Yok's world. Chaotic, dangerous, unpredictable. A world of graffiti-covered alleyways, abandoned buildings, and risky encounters.

The contrast between their worlds was stark, and for the first time, Yok wondered if Longtai could ever truly understand his life-the life that lived in shadows, where the lines between right and wrong blurred. What would Longtai think if he saw this side of him? The side that lived for adrenaline, that found beauty in destruction, that thrived in the mess of it all. Would he pull away? Would he retreat behind those walls again, locking Yok out for good?

Yok's chest tightened at the thought. _What if I scare him?_The idea of Longtai looking at him differently-of seeing Yok as something dangerous, something to avoid-sent a wave of anxiety through him. Would he lose Longtai, just when he was starting to get closer? Would the walls come up again, higher and stronger than before?

The questions clawed at him, and for a moment, Yok felt paralyzed. His world was one of chaos, but it was also one of freedom. In his world, he didn't have to explain himself to anyone. But with Longtai, everything was different. He wanted to be seen, to be known, but at the same time, he was terrified of what Longtai would see if he looked too closely.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm the storm inside him. _What if I'm too much for him?_The thought lingered, heavy in the air. Longtai was so quiet, so contained. Yok's world might be too loud for him, too messy. But even with that fear, there was something deeper that Yok couldn't ignore. He wanted Longtai to see him-all of him. He didn't want to hide, even if it meant risking everything.

Yok stared at the unfinished sketch on the table, his fingers itching to pick up the pencil again. But instead, he stood up, pacing the room, trying to shake off the overwhelming need to be near Longtai. His world was chaotic, but somehow, Longtai's presence brought a strange calm to him, even in the storm of his own mind.

He glanced back at the phone, at the pinned location. Then he sighed, picking up his jacket and slinging it over his shoulder. Tonight wasn't about running to chaos. Tonight was about figuring out what to do about Longtai. What to do with the feelings that wouldn't leave him alone.

As he left his room, he couldn't help but wonder-if he showed Longtai his world, would he stay? Or would he, like everyone else, walk away?

--

Inside Khumpa's garage, the air was thick with the smell of oil, sweat, and dust. The place was a chaotic blend of machinery and memories, scattered with makeshift punching bags, spare tires, and stacks of old parts. Graffiti decorated the walls in bold colors, a testament to past protests, ideals, and reminders of why they did what they did. Yok and his friends had claimed this place as their own-a haven where they could let their voices be heard, plan, and train.

Near the back of the garage, Yok and Sean were sparring, moving rhythmically as they practiced boxing. Yok's fists flew with precision, and Sean responded in kind, his strikes controlled yet powerful. Their movements were fluid, a mix of camaraderie and competition, each pushing the other to sharpen their skills. Yok dodged a right hook from Sean, grinning as he came back with a quick jab that grazed Sean's shoulder.

"Almost got you there," Yok taunted, laughing as he bounced on his feet.

Sean shook his head, smiling. "Keep dreaming," he replied, dodging Yok's next punch. "You've gotta work for it."

Nearby, Gram was half under an old car, tinkering with its guts while glancing over at the two sparring. He wiped the grease from his hands, his voice cutting through the noise. "While you two try to knock each other out, can we get back to planning?"

Yok and Sean paused, taking a breather, hands on their hips as they caught their breath. Yok grinned at Gram, still feeling the adrenaline from their practice. "Alright, alright. What's the plan, Gram?"

Sliding out from under the car, Gram sat up, adjusting his bandana. "We're hitting the corporate HQ next. They're doubling down on restrictions, funneling money into surveillance, trying to keep us quiet."

Sean's eyes narrowed as he grabbed a bottle of water and took a sip. "We'll have to be careful. They've stepped up their security. Last time was bad enough."

Yok's face hardened, determination sparking in his eyes. "We'll find a way. We have to keep pushing. If we stop now, they'll think we've given up."

Just then, the garage door flew open, and Black stormed in, his face twisted in frustration. White followed closely behind, looking just as agitated.

"Why the hell are you doing this again?" White demanded, his voice sharp as he glared at Black. "This entire protest thing is getting out of control. You're putting everyone at risk."

Black scoffed, crossing his arms defiantly. "And why is that any of your business? You're the one who wanted to stay out of it, remember?"

"Because you're my brother!" White shot back, his tone laced with anger and concern. "I don't want to watch you self-destruct over some ideal that's going to get you killed."

Sean, sensing the tension, stepped in, trying to defuse the situation. "Hey, hey. No need to shout, alright? We're all on the same side here."

But Black's eyes flashed, his voice rising as he glared at Sean. "Stay out of this. You don't get to tell me what to do."

Before the argument could escalate further, a commanding voice cut through the noise. Khumpa, the older man who had mentored them all, walked into the garage, his gaze steady as he looked from Black to White, then to the rest of them.

"That's enough," he said calmly, his voice firm but not unkind. The brothers fell silent, though tension still simmered in the air. Khumpa stepped between them, his presence enough to keep them in check.

"We can't afford to be divided right now," he continued, his gaze shifting to Black. "You need to keep your anger in check. Save it for the real fight."

Black clenched his fists, looking away, but he didn't argue. White's expression softened slightly, but he kept his distance, frustrated yet unwilling to let go of his concern.

Khumpa nodded, satisfied that the situation had calmed. He looked around at the group, his expression one of conviction. "This fight is bigger than any one of us. But if we're going to take on something this dangerous, we need each other. So let's put aside our differences and focus."

Everyone murmured in agreement, the tension slowly ebbing away as they returned their focus to the task at hand.

---

The club was alive with pounding music, lights flashing in sync with the heavy bass. Bodies moved in rhythm, swaying and grinding as the dimly lit atmosphere was illuminated by swirling disco lights that swept across the room. The smell of alcohol and cigarettes lingered in the air, mixed with sweat and the unmistakable buzz of excitement.

Longtai stepped into the club, a stark contrast to the chaotic scene. He wore an oversized wool sweater, the soft fabric hanging loosely over his slim frame, and fitted jeans. His hair, usually hiding his eyes, was styled so that his almond-shaped eyes were fully visible. He squinted slightly as the bright flashes of the disco lights passed over his face. He scanned the crowd, searching for familiar faces.

And then he saw him.

Yok stood against the wall near the bar, his signature oversized sleeveless-top hanging just right to show glimpses of the tattoos on his skin. He wore loose cargo pants and a cigarette dangled from his lips, the smoke curling lazily into the air. But as soon as Yok's eyes landed on Longtai, his carefree stance shifted. Yok quickly dumped the cigarette and straightened up, his gaze lingering on Longtai longer than usual. Longtai looked stunning, more than usual tonight. There was something about him-something that made Yok's breath catch.

Yok's heart raced as Longtai moved through the crowd. He didn't know what it was about Longtai tonight-maybe it was the way his bangs framed his face perfectly, or the way his sweater hugged him in just the right places-but Yok couldn't take his eyes off him.

"Longtai! Over here!" Emma's voice pierced through the noise, waving excitedly. She stood out in a bold, short red dress, her hair styled into a neat bun. She was standing with Sean, who had his arm draped around White, and Gram stood nearby, casually sipping his drink.

Longtai smiled softly and approached the group, greeting everyone with a polite nod. As he introduced himself to White, who was new to the group, Emma beamed with pride. "This is Longtai! He's the one I've been telling you about. Isn't he adorable?" she said with a teasing smile.

White smiled back. "Nice to meet you, Longtai," he said, extending a hand. Longtai shook it, feeling the weight of someone's gaze still on him. He glanced over and caught Yok watching him. Their eyes met, and Longtai's heart skipped a beat.

"Longtai," Yok's voice was smooth, casual, but there was something deeper in the way he said his name. "You look... really good tonight."

Longtai felt a heat rise to his face as he glanced down, awkwardly brushing a hand through his hair. "Thanks," he murmured, looking back up to meet Yok's gaze. There was a tension between them-unspoken but palpable. Yok's eyes lingered a little too long, tracing over the details of Longtai's face, his lips, his eyes. Longtai swallowed, his pulse quickening, unsure if it was the heat of the club or something else entirely.

Sean interrupted the moment, clapping his hands together. "Alright, let's get some drinks going!"

Emma, however, had other plans. "No, no! First, we're doing karaoke!" she announced, already heading to the small stage area.

As Emma belted out the first notes of _"Toxic" by Britney Spears_, Longtai found himself sneaking glances at Yok, who was leaning back against the wall now, his gaze still locked on him. The flashing lights made everything feel surreal, like a hazy dream, and the music pounding in his chest only added to the dizziness Longtai was feeling. His eyes followed the way Yok's lips curved into a half-smile, the way his tattoos shifted under the fabric of his shirt with each subtle movement of his arms.

Gram handed Longtai a shot of something strong, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Come on, man, you can handle this, right?" Gram said with a wink.

Longtai nodded, accepting the drink. He tipped the shot back, the alcohol burning down his throat, and everyone cheered. He wasn't usually a drinker, but tonight felt different. He was trying to loosen up, to be someone other than the quiet, reserved version of himself. Yok raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed by how easily Longtai downed the shot.

"Another one!" Gram shouted, pouring another shot for Longtai, who eagerly took it.

Yok watched with a mixture of amusement and concern as Longtai's cheeks flushed red, a clear sign that the alcohol was quickly hitting him. When Gram went to offer him a third shot, Longtai reached for it without hesitation, but before his fingers could grasp the glass, Yok's hand gently stopped him.

"That's enough," Yok said, his voice firm but soft, as he gently pushed the shot away.

Longtai, drunk and swaying slightly, leaned against Yok, resting his head on his shoulder. "I can drink more," he muttered, his breath warm against Yok's neck.

Yok's body stiffened slightly at the contact. He was caught between wanting to enjoy the feeling of Longtai's body so close to his and knowing that Longtai had had too much to drink. "No," Yok said softly, his voice gentle now. "That's enough for tonight."

Gram laughed, completely oblivious to the tension. "Come on, Yok, let him have fun. He's doing great!"

But Yok shook his head. "He's already drunk. I'm not letting him get any worse." He glanced down at Longtai, who was still leaning against him, his eyes half-lidded, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Come on, let's sit down," Yok said, wrapping an arm around Longtai's waist to steady him.

As Emma continued singing, completely lost in the music, Yok guided Longtai to a quiet corner, away from the chaos of the party. Longtai's body seemed to relax against him, and Yok couldn't help but notice how right it felt-holding him like this, his arm around Longtai's waist, their bodies pressed together. His heart raced, and he had to remind himself to stay focused.

Longtai, in his drunken haze, tilted his head up to look at Yok, his eyes soft and unfocused. "You're always looking out for me," he murmured, his voice slurring slightly. "Why?"

Yok's breath caught in his throat, the weight of Longtai's question hitting him harder than he expected. He looked down at Longtai, their faces inches apart. The temptation was overwhelming-the way Longtai's lips parted slightly, his breath warm against Yok's skin. For a moment, Yok's resolve faltered, his gaze dropping to Longtai's lips. His heart pounded in his chest, the desire to close the distance between them almost unbearable.

But he didn't. Instead, he swallowed hard, his voice low and steady as he whispered, "Because I care about you, Longtai."

Longtai's eyes fluttered closed, his body leaning more into Yok's as the alcohol fully took its effect. Yok let out a soft sigh, torn between wanting to pull Longtai closer and knowing that tonight wasn't the right time. As the music continued to pulse around them, the world outside faded away, leaving only the two of them in that small corner, caught in the tension of everything left unsaid.

The night air was cool as Yok half-dragged, half-supported Longtai down the street, guiding him to his apartment. Longtai's arm was slung around Yok's shoulders, his body leaning into him. His steps were slow and uncoordinated, his breath warm and heavy against Yok's neck. Despite the weight of the situation, Yok couldn't help but notice the warmth of Longtai's body pressed against his, the soft murmur of his voice as he occasionally mumbled drunken words.

When they reached Longtai's building, Yok fumbled for a moment, trying to find the keys. "Where are they?" he asked softly, holding Longtai up with one arm as he tried to keep him steady.

Longtai blinked slowly, his head lolling slightly. "Back... back pocket," he slurred, nodding toward his jeans.

Yok hesitated, then slipped his hand into the back of Longtai's pocket, feeling the heat from his body through the fabric. His fingers brushed the cool metal of the keys, and he pulled them out carefully, trying to ignore the way his pulse quickened at the brief contact.

The door to Longtai's apartment swung open with a soft creak, and Yok stepped inside, turning on the lights with his free hand. The apartment was small but cozy-surprisingly neat and organized. A camera rested on the table, neatly placed next to a small stack of books. The living room was minimal, with a simple couch and a few framed photos on the wall. Yok glanced around briefly, feeling like he was stepping into a space that Longtai rarely allowed others to see. This was his private sanctuary, and it felt intimate in a way that made Yok's chest tighten.

He gently guided Longtai to the couch, easing him down onto the cushions. But as soon as Yok tried to step back, Longtai's arms stayed wrapped around him, refusing to let go. Yok froze, startled by the sudden grip, his heart racing. Longtai's body was warm against his, and for a moment, the room felt too small, too quiet except for the sound of their breaths mingling in the space between them.

Longtai blinked up at him, his eyes glazed with alcohol but still sharp in their focus on Yok's face. "Yok..." he whispered, his voice soft and vulnerable. "I'm... confused."

Yok's breath hitched. "About what?" he asked, his voice low, as if afraid to break the fragile moment.

Longtai's brows furrowed, his lips parted slightly as he searched for words. "About you... about me... about why... why do I keep wanting to be near you?" His words were slurred but raw, honest in the way only drunken confessions could be.

Yok's chest tightened. He could feel Longtai's breath against his lips, the warmth of it sending a shiver down his spine. "You're drunk," he said softly, trying to maintain control of himself. "We can talk about this later."

But Longtai's grip tightened, pulling Yok closer. Their faces were inches apart now, so close that Yok could see every detail of Longtai's face-the soft curve of his lips, the slight flush on his cheeks, the way his eyes, despite the alcohol, held a burning intensity. "No," Longtai whispered, his voice trembling. "I want to know... what is this?" His eyes flicked down to Yok's lips, then back up. "Why do I... why do I want to kiss you right now?"

Yok's heart pounded in his chest, his breath coming faster as the tension between them built, thick and electric. He could feel the heat radiating from Longtai's body, the desire in his voice. It was the same desire Yok had been fighting against for so long, the same attraction that pulled him toward Longtai even when he tried to resist.

"You're drunk," Yok repeated, his voice shaky now, his resolve crumbling under the weight of Longtai's nearness. "You shouldn't..."

But before he could finish, Longtai cut him off, pulling him closer and pressing his lips against Yok's.

The kiss was clumsy, soft and desperate. Longtai's lips were warm, slightly parted, tasting faintly of alcohol. Yok's eyes widened in shock, his body freezing for a moment as his mind struggled to process what was happening. But then, something inside him gave in. His hands, which had been hovering awkwardly at his sides, found their way to Longtai's waist, pulling him closer.

The kiss deepened, messy and uncoordinated as Longtai, in his drunken state, pressed himself against Yok with more need than finesse. Yok could feel Longtai's heart pounding against his chest, his own heart racing in response. The room around them seemed to blur, the world outside forgotten as they were consumed by the moment, by the heat between them.

Yok's body reacted on instinct, his hands gripping Longtai's hips, holding him steady as he kissed him back. There was no logic anymore, no reason-just the overwhelming pull toward Longtai, the way his lips felt against his own, soft and insistent. It was everything Yok had been trying to push away, and now, with Longtai's body pressed against his, he couldn't fight it any longer.

Longtai's hands slid up, wrapping around Yok's neck, pulling him closer still. He tasted sweet, like the remnants of the alcohol he'd consumed, but beneath that, there was something deeper-something that Yok couldn't quite place but wanted more of. His body was warm and pliant, his breath shaky as their lips moved together, the kiss growing more heated with each passing second.

But then, as quickly as it had started, Yok pulled back, his chest heaving, his mind reeling. Longtai blinked up at him, his eyes half-lidded, dazed and confused. "Yok..." he whispered again, his voice soft, a question hanging in the air between them.

Yok swallowed hard, his hands still resting on Longtai's waist. He could feel the heat of Longtai's skin through the fabric of his sweater, could feel his own body trembling with the effort of holding himself back. "Longtai... you're drunk," he repeated, his voice barely a whisper. "We shouldn't... not like this."

Longtai's brows furrowed, and he leaned in again, his lips brushing against Yok's, soft and teasing. "Why not?" he whispered, his voice sultry, full of unspoken desire. "I want to..."

Yok's heart clenched, the temptation almost too much to bear. But he forced himself to pull away again, gently this time, his hands still lingering on Longtai's waist as he looked into his eyes. "Not like this," Yok repeated, his voice firmer now. "You won't even remember this in the morning."

Longtai blinked, confused and hurt flashing briefly in his eyes. But before he could say anything, his body sagged against Yok, the alcohol finally taking over as his eyes fluttered closed. Yok sighed softly, easing Longtai back onto the sofa, his heart still pounding in his chest. He sat there for a moment, staring down at Longtai's peaceful, sleeping face, his mind racing with everything that had just happened.

Yok brushed a hand through his hair, his body still buzzing with the remnants of the kiss, the feel of Longtai's lips lingering on his own. He had wanted that moment for so long-had dreamed about it, fantasized about it. But now, as he looked down at Longtai, vulnerable and asleep, he knew it wasn't the right time.

-

Author's Note:

"Drunk Longtai or sober Longtai-each brings something unique to the table. But which one is truly better? Keep reading to see how each version of him shapes the story!"

Don't forget to vote and comment -

Love Yoon -