Part 18

The soft hum of Longtai's phone sliced through the stillness of the bookstore, a faint buzz that seemed too sharp against the quiet hum of the old building. The scent of aged paper and ink hung in the air, a comforting reminder of the countless hours he'd spent here, tucked between bookshelves, the world outside fading into the background. His fingers brushed the cool glass of his phone in his pocket, pulling it out with a fluid motion. The soft glow of the screen illuminated his face in the dim light as he read the message.

Yok: I'm outside. Waiting for you.

A small, almost foolish smile tugged at the corners of Longtai's lips before he could stop it. His heart gave a tiny flutter, a subtle warmth spreading across his chest. He hesitated, fingers hovering over the keyboard, before typing back with a casual ease.

Longtai: Coming.

His smile deepened as he tucked the phone back into his pocket, the corners of his mouth still betraying him. He let out a soft, amused breath, shaking his head at his own reaction. There was something about Yok that made the mundane feel just a little more exciting. He turned back to the bookshelf, slipping the last book into place with practiced care, savoring the sound of its spine settling against the others. The silence of the bookstore, filled only with the gentle rustling of pages and the soft creak of the floorboards, felt like a sanctuary.

With deliberate slowness, he moved through the store, switching off the lights one by one. The soft click of the switches echoed in the empty space, a sound that always made him feel a sense of finality, as if marking the end of a day, yet there was a quiet joy in it as well. The shadows stretched long across the shelves, creating pockets of mystery in the otherwise dim room. The faint glow of the streetlights outside spilled in through the windows, casting a muted amber light across the floor.

When he reached the door, he paused, breathing in the familiar scent of old wood and leather, allowing the stillness to settle around him. He turned the lock with a satisfying click, sliding the key into his pocket before stepping outside into the cool night.

The city felt alive in a different way at night-more intimate, quieter, as though the world was holding its breath. The air was crisp, tinged with the scent of rain that had passed earlier, leaving the streets glistening under the faint light of the lampposts. The sky was clear, stars peeking through the haze, distant and cold.

And there, leaning casually against the brick wall of the bookstore, was Yok.

The glow from the streetlights bathed him in a warm, almost ethereal light, catching the angles of his face, the sharp line of his jaw, the curve of his nose. His dark hair was still damp from the earlier rain, stray strands clinging to his forehead, the rest falling in a messy, purposeful way. His black hoodie was zipped up halfway, and the paint-splattered shirt underneath added a touch of chaos to his otherwise laid-back demeanor. His gaze lifted as he heard the door click shut, a small, knowing smile playing at the edges of his lips as he raised one hand in a casual wave.

Longtai's eyes lingered on him for a moment longer than necessary, taking in the ease with which Yok seemed to exist in the world. There was a calmness about him, a confidence that was both unspoken and undeniable. Longtai's heart gave another small lurch, though he wasn't sure if it was from the way Yok looked or simply the fact that Yok had waited outside for him, in the cool of the evening.

He shook himself from his thoughts and locked the door with a quiet click, slipping the key into his pocket before stepping toward Yok. "You didn't have to wait outside," Longtai said, his voice carrying no real reprimand, just a softness that betrayed his warmth toward the other man.

Yok shrugged, shoving his hands into the pockets of his hoodie. "I wanted to," he said with a nonchalance that was entirely him. His eyes met Longtai's, and there was something in his gaze-a steadiness, a quiet warmth-that made Longtai's stomach flutter despite himself. Yok's smile shifted into something that was more private, more knowing. "Come on, let's go."

Longtai raised an eyebrow, falling into step beside him. "Where are we going?" he asked, trying to keep his voice casual, though a thread of curiosity laced his words.

Yok glanced over at him, the corner of his mouth quirking up in a smirk. "Didn't you say you wanted to see me draw?"

The mention of it made Longtai's heart skip a beat. His steps faltered for a fraction of a second before he caught himself, his eyes lighting up with excitement. He had wanted to see Yok draw for so long-the way his hands moved fluidly across a canvas, the intensity in his focus, the way the world seemed to disappear around him as he poured himself into his work. The thought of capturing that moment, of seeing Yok in his element, was something Longtai had quietly dreamed about.

He couldn't help the small, almost childlike excitement that bloomed in his chest. "Yeah," he said, his voice unsteady for a moment. "I'd like that."

Yok caught the shift in his expression, the way Longtai's eyes sparkled with anticipation. He chuckled softly, his gaze lingering on Longtai for just a second longer than usual. "I'll take that as a yes," he teased, a playful edge to his voice.

Longtai swallowed, feeling a little flustered under Yok's knowing gaze, but he nodded, the warmth in his chest only growing. Yok was never shy about reading him, about seeing through the layers Longtai sometimes tried to keep hidden.

The quiet rhythm of their footsteps echoed through the empty streets, a soft contrast to the distant hum of the city still awake in the background. The night air was cool against Longtai's skin, carrying the lingering scent of rain and asphalt. Yok walked slightly ahead, his hands still tucked into his pockets, but every now and then, he would glance over his shoulder-just a quick, fleeting look, as if reassuring himself that Longtai was still there.

And for the first time in a long time, Longtai didn't mind being looked at.

Their pace slowed as they reached the docking station for the city's rental bikes. A row of sleek, well-maintained bicycles stood lined up, their handlebars gleaming slightly under the streetlights. Longtai frowned, his brows knitting together in mild confusion.

"We're taking these?" he asked, tilting his head slightly as he glanced at Yok.

Yok hummed, reaching out to tap the screen on the docking station. "Yeah, my bike's tire ripped earlier," he said casually, punching in the rental details. "Figured this was the next best thing."

Longtai blinked at him, still processing. "But... we could've just walked?"

Yok turned to face him fully now, one brow arching playfully. "Come on, Long, where's the fun in that?" He grinned, the streetlights casting a mischievous glow in his eyes. "Besides, late-night bike rides like this? Feels kinda like we're on a date."

Longtai's brain short-circuited for a second.

A date?

His heart lurched in his chest, the words replaying in his head far too easily. He knew Yok was just teasing, his tone light and playful, but that didn't stop the warmth from creeping up his neck, pooling at the tips of his ears. His fingers curled slightly at his sides, his breath catching for half a second longer than it should have.

Trying to compose himself, he scoffed lightly, looking away as if the streetlights had suddenly become fascinating. "You-You always joke around like this," he muttered, shifting on his feet.

Yok leaned slightly toward him, a satisfied smirk tugging at his lips. "What? You're blushing, aren't you?"

"I am not," Longtai shot back a little too quickly, his hands immediately moving to grab one of the bicycles-anything to give himself a distraction. His fingers wrapped around the cool metal of the handlebars as he hurriedly pulled the bike free from its dock.

Yok let out a soft chuckle, watching him with amusement. He liked this-this rare side of Longtai. The way his usual guarded demeanor cracked just enough to reveal something softer, something flustered and real. He wanted to tease him more, to see just how many times he could make Longtai's heart stutter like that.

But for now, he was content just knowing he could.

Grinning to himself, he grabbed his own bike and swung a leg over it with practiced ease. "Alright then, let's see if you can keep up."

Longtai huffed, puffing out his cheeks in an exaggerated pout. He wasn't about to let Yok's teasing go unanswered. "Let's see who keeps up with who," he muttered, the competitive glint in his eyes replacing his earlier shyness.

Yok caught the change instantly. His lips curved into a grin, the kind that held mischief, excitement, and a silent challenge. "Oh?" he drawled, pushing off his bike stand. "Alright then-let's go."

And just like that, the race began.

The first few seconds were slow, both of them adjusting to the sudden motion, but then Yok took off with a burst of energy, the wheels spinning fast as he gained momentum. He laughed as the wind tousled his hair, glancing over his shoulder at Longtai. "What's wrong, Long? Already falling behind?"

Longtai narrowed his eyes, determination flaring up inside him. He wasn't about to lose that easily. Gripping the handlebars tighter, he leaned forward, his legs pumping harder against the pedals. The cool night air rushed past his face as he picked up speed, his heart hammering in his chest-not just from the exertion but from something deeper, something thrilling.

The city stretched out around them, empty roads bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, their long shadows dancing beneath them. Above, the full moon shone brightly, casting a silver sheen over everything, making the world feel almost surreal-like a dream where only the two of them existed.

Yok laughed again, the sound free and unrestrained, before yelling, "Woohoo!" as he pushed himself even faster. His voice echoed through the quiet streets, and Longtai couldn't help but smile, his own breathless chuckle escaping as he caught up beside him.

For a few moments, they rode side by side, the rhythmic creak of their bikes blending with the distant hum of the city. Their gazes met-just for a second-and in that second, something unspoken passed between them.

Freedom. Joy. The rush of the moment.

Then Yok smirked. "Let's see if you can keep up now!" And with that, he surged forward, leaving Longtai behind once again.

"Oh, you-" Longtai huffed before grinning, his competitive streak igniting fully. He bent lower over the handlebars and pushed harder, his legs burning but his heart racing in exhilaration. The night air whipped past his face, his hair flying in the wind, his pulse pounding with pure adrenaline.

Yok looked back, his laughter bright and full, only for his eyes to widen when he saw Longtai catching up-fast. "Oh, shit," he muttered before laughing again.

And then, for the first time in what felt like forever, Longtai let go of everything-the worries, the expectations, the anxieties. He was just a boy on a bike, racing through the streets with someone who made the world feel a little less heavy.

He laughed-loud and real-as he pulled up beside Yok again, matching his pace perfectly.

Their bikes moved in perfect sync now, neither caring about where they were going, just lost in the thrill of the ride, in the sheer joy of the moment.

They weren't two strangers anymore. They weren't just acquaintances sharing a night.

They were something more-something neither of them could quite put into words yet.

And for now, that was enough.

--

The soft hum of their tires rolling over the cracked pavement faded as they reached their destination. The towering structure loomed ahead-an abandoned building, its skeletal frame stretching toward the night sky. It should have felt eerie, but instead, the scene was bathed in the gentle glow of the full moon, casting silver highlights across the worn bricks and scattered debris.

Longtai slid off his bike, his breath still slightly uneven from the race. He glanced around, taking in the quiet emptiness of the place, the way the distant city lights flickered like fallen stars. It felt surreal, almost as if they had stepped into a different world.

Yok, swinging his bag over one shoulder, turned to him with a bright, mischievous grin. Without a word, he extended his hand.

Longtai blinked, his gaze lowering to the outstretched hand in front of him. Yok wiggled his fingers, tilting his head slightly, silently urging him to take it.

Something warm settled in Longtai's chest. He hesitated for just a second before slipping his hand into Yok's.

Yok's smile widened, his fingers closing around Longtai's smaller ones, firm yet gentle. "Come on," he said, tugging him forward.

Longtai let himself be pulled along, following Yok into the building. The sound of their footsteps echoed as they climbed the stairs, their breathing the only thing breaking the stillness of the night.

By the time they reached the top, Longtai was nearly out of breath. He bent forward, resting his hands on his knees, sucking in gulps of air. "Why-so many stairs," he muttered between breaths.

Yok, barely winded, chuckled. "Worth it, right?"

Longtai straightened, prepared to shoot back a sarcastic remark-until he finally looked up.

His breath caught.

The rooftop stretched wide and open, with no walls to block the view. The entire sky unfolded before them, a vast canvas painted in deep midnight blue, speckled with endless stars. The moon hung high, full and luminous, casting its glow over everything. And beyond the edge of the rooftop, the city lights twinkled from a distance, a quiet reminder of the world still spinning far below.

For a moment, Longtai forgot to breathe.

Yok was watching him. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

Longtai nodded, unable to find the words.

Yok dropped his bag onto the ground and crouched down, unzipping it. "Alright, time to get to work." He pulled out his paints, brushes, and a few spray cans.

Longtai stepped closer, peering at the empty wall in front of them. "What are you going to paint?"

Yok paused, his fingers lingering over a bottle of paint. Then, instead of answering, he turned to Longtai.

And for the first time since they arrived, he really looked at him.

Longtai stood there, unaware of how breathtaking he looked under the moonlight. The gentle breeze tousled his dark hair, strands falling messily across his forehead. The oversized sweater he wore barely hinted at the slim frame beneath, its sleeves hiding most of his fingers. His skin, soft and untouched, glowed under the silver light, making him look almost unreal-like he didn't belong to this world but to something more ethereal.

Yok's fingers twitched. He wanted to capture this-this exact moment.

Longtai noticed his gaze. "What?"

Yok smiled, eyes gleaming. "You'll see."

Then, he turned back to the wall and got to work.

Longtai watched as Yok moved with effortless confidence, dipping his brush into colors, sweeping across the surface with practiced ease. His focus was unwavering, his lips slightly pursed, dark lashes shadowing his intense gaze. Every now and then, his fingers smeared the paint, blending it with controlled strokes.

He looked... mesmerizing.

Longtai swallowed, reaching into his pocket and pulling out his phone. He cursed under his breath-why hadn't he brought his actual camera? He wanted to capture this properly, to immortalize the way Yok's entire presence shifted when he was in his element.

He lifted his phone, adjusting the angle. Through the screen, everything became clearer-the way the moonlight softened the sharp angles of Yok's face, the way his golden skin gleamed against the dark backdrop, the stray strands of hair falling over his eyes as he leaned in closer to perfect a detail.

Longtai felt his heart stutter.

Click.

He barely registered Yok turning toward him, a teasing smile curling on his lips. "How do I look behind the lens?"

Longtai, still lost in the moment, murmured without thinking, "Exactly how I imagined."

Yok's grin deepened. He stepped closer, effortlessly invading Longtai's space. His paint-stained fingers reached out, nudging Longtai's phone down until the camera was no longer focused on him-but on the art he had just finished.

"Then what about this?" Yok murmured.

Longtai lowered the phone completely, turning to see what Yok had created.

His breath hitched.

Sprawled across the wall was a masterpiece-a painting of the night sky, but not just any sky. The colors bled seamlessly into one another, the stars shining so vividly they almost looked real. And at the center of it all, illuminated by the glow of the moon, was a figure.

A boy.

He stood alone, gazing up at the endless sky, his back turned toward the viewer. His dark hair, tousled and soft, was unmistakably familiar. The way his sweater hung loosely, the way his hands were tucked into the sleeves, the way his small frame looked both fragile and strong against the vast night-

It was him.

Longtai's heart slammed against his ribs. His throat felt tight, his fingers curling slightly.

He turned to Yok, who was watching him intently.

"What do you think?" Yok asked, his voice softer than usual.

Longtai swallowed, his mind spinning, his pulse roaring in his ears. His lips parted, but the words didn't come. He felt like he was falling, like something inside him was unraveling too fast for him to grasp.

"It's..." His voice barely worked. "It's beautiful."

Yok smiled.

And Longtai... felt like he was going insane.

The night air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of paint and the lingering warmth of the city far below. Yet, up here, on this abandoned rooftop, the world felt still. The soft hum of the wind wrapped around them, but neither of them moved, as if caught in a moment too fragile to break.

Yok's eyes, warm and full of something unreadable, locked onto Longtai's. The silver glow of the moon reflected in them, making them shimmer like liquid gold, filled with quiet intensity. Longtai, breath caught in his throat, couldn't look away.

His heart pounded, every beat echoing in his ears.

Then, gently-so gently it almost didn't feel real-Yok raised his hand. His paint-streaked fingers, still stained with traces of blue and violet, brushed against Longtai's cheek. The touch was barely there, but it sent a shiver down Longtai's spine. The cool paint smudged onto his skin, a contrast against the warmth of Yok's fingertips.

Longtai's breath hitched. He felt it. The heat of Yok's skin, the slight roughness of his fingers from gripping brushes too long, the way his touch lingered as if memorizing the shape of his face.

Yok's thumb traced the curve of his cheek, then moved lower, gliding across his jaw with a featherlight touch.

Longtai's hands, uncertain, clenched at his sides. He didn't know what to do-how to react. His body felt weightless, his chest too full of something overwhelming, something he couldn't name.

Yok leaned in slightly, his breath mingling with the cool night air. His fingers moved, slowly, deliberately, until his thumb ghosted over Longtai's lips.

Longtai's lips parted instinctively at the touch.

Yok inhaled, his gaze flickering down to them. His own heartbeat was erratic now, fast and loud, but he didn't pull away. His fingers traced Longtai's lips, the smudge of paint now streaked faintly across the soft skin.

"I want to kiss you so badly," Yok murmured.

The words sent a sharp jolt through Longtai's entire body. His breath faltered.

Yok looked back into his eyes then-searching, waiting. His voice, low and quiet, barely above a whisper, carried more weight than anything Longtai had ever heard.

"Can I?"

Something about the way he asked-gentle, almost hesitant-made Longtai's stomach flip. He wasn't demanding. He wasn't taking. He was asking. Giving him the choice.

Yok wasn't pushing, wasn't rushing. He was simply asking, and somehow that simple question stirred something deep within Longtai, something raw and undeniable.

Longtai's pulse quickened, the quiet tug of desire knotting itself into something more urgent, more visceral. There was no fear, no hesitation-only a strong, unyielding pull, like the rising tide of a wave that had been building for too long. He'd felt this before, in fleeting moments, but now it was different. It wasn't just a quiet longing.

It was permission-the kind of permission that came from Yok's careful respect for boundaries, and yet still carried with it a daring invitation.

For a moment, Longtai felt as though the world around them had faded away, leaving only the two of them standing at the precipice of something new, something thrilling. The urge to dive in, to let the emotions swirling inside him take full control, wrapped itself around him, making everything else seem distant and unimportant.

It felt right-the desire, the want, the quiet surrender of giving in. It was okay to let go. In this moment, he didn't need to hold back, didn't need to guard himself. He could choose to embrace it.

Longtai didn't speak. He couldn't.

Instead, he gave the smallest nod.

Yok's lips parted slightly, a slow smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, his own breath uneven now. His hand, still cupping Longtai's face, pulled him in.

And then, finally-

Their lips met.

The world around them seemed to hold its breath. The kiss was tentative at first, almost fragile, as if both of them were afraid to move too quickly, afraid that the moment would shatter under the weight of their own longing. Yok's lips brushed against Longtai's with a soft, deliberate slowness, warm and gentle, testing the waters of something new, something that felt both urgent and infinite at the same time. Each touch, each fleeting press, was a question, an invitation.

Longtai felt himself melt.

Longtai felt his body respond instantly, like a leaf caught in a current. He melted, surrendering to the feeling of Yok's lips against his, the heat of it spreading through him like fire warming ice.

The world around them disappeared-no longer the quiet hum of the city below, no longer the distant chatter of passing cars or the chill of the wind stirring the night.

The only thing that mattered was the way Yok's lips moved against his, tender and careful, as if Longtai were something precious he was afraid to break.

Yok tilted his head slightly, deepening the kiss just a fraction, and Longtai felt his heart skip in his chest. Yok's fingers, strong yet gentle, tightened around his jaw, holding him steady, anchoring him.

Longtai's hands, trembling, lifted on their own accord, finding the fabric of Yok's shirt, grasping it with a desperate need to feel something solid, something to keep him grounded in the midst of this overwhelming sensation.

His heart pounded in his ears, thundering as if it might break free from his chest, yet there was no fear, only a deep, undeniable pull to stay in the moment, to stay in this kiss.

Yok kissed him like he had all the time in the world, as though he was savoring each second, each shift of their lips. There was a tenderness to it, a quiet patience, as though every movement was a careful decision, a small promise, a declaration of something far more than desire. Longtai's lashes fluttered, and he let his eyes close, sinking into the feeling.

Every part of him felt alive-every inch of his skin, every breath, every beat of his heart. He could feel Yok's thumb brushing against his cheek, tracing the shape of his face like a work of art. The soft, steady rhythm of their breathing mingled, a quiet harmony in the space between their lips, the only sound their hearts and the faint rustle of the wind around them.

The moonlight bathed them both in a soft, silvery glow, casting a gentle light across their faces.

Above, the sky was a tapestry of stars, each one distant but bright, like pinpricks of light in the vast expanse of night. They stood at the top of the rooftop, the cool night air swirling around them, but the warmth between them was enough to chase away any chill. It felt as though the entire world had melted away, and all that remained was the connection they shared in that moment.

Yok exhaled softly against Longtai's lips, the quietest sigh, before pressing one last kiss-tender, lingering, as if to seal the moment in time.

His lips pulled away, but they lingered just a moment longer, as if they were both reluctant to break the contact, reluctant to face the silence that would follow. When they finally pulled apart, Longtai's lips tingled, still humming with the memory of the kiss. His chest rose and fell unevenly, his breath coming in short, unsteady bursts.

His heart raced in a way he couldn't control, couldn't quite understand. He opened his eyes slowly, his vision still a little blurred from the intensity of the moment, only to find Yok already looking at him. Yok's gaze was soft, almost shy in the moonlight, like the stars behind him had reflected in his eyes. His thumb brushed against Longtai's cheek again, the motion tender, but this time, Longtai could feel the faint smear of paint, the evidence of Yok's art still lingering on his skin.

Neither of them cared. The paint, the mess-it didn't matter. What mattered was the quiet, shared space between them, the unspoken words held in the tenderness of that touch. Longtai swallowed, his fingers still clutching at the front of Yok's shirt, as if holding onto something real, something steady, to ground him after the whirlwind of emotion.

Yok smiled at him, small and warm, full of something Longtai couldn't quite place-something like affection, something deeper.

"That was..." Yok began, then let out a breathless laugh, his voice thick with the intensity of the moment. "Perfect."

Longtai didn't answer.

His heart was still trying to remember how to beat properly, still lost in the quiet aftermath of the kiss. The stars above them seemed to sparkle brighter, the night air colder, but Longtai couldn't bring himself to care about anything but the feeling of Yok's touch, the memory of that kiss, still tingling on his lips.

-

Author's Note :

Yok stands out as the heart of the story-kind, and fearless in self-expression. He uplifts others, sees beauty in the world, and stays true to himself :)

Keep reading there's more waiting for you guys!

Don't forget to comment and vote -

Love Yoon -