Chapter 53: A Step Closer

Minho had never been good with words.

Especially when those words carried weight.

But as he sat at the breakfast table, watching Hyunjin hum softly while eating his cereal, Minho knew he couldn't keep it inside forever.

Because no matter how much he tried to ignore it—

He was already falling.

And at this point, there was no turning back.

--

The morning was peaceful.

The soft clinking of spoons, the occasional sound of Hyunjin's foot tapping against the floor.

Minho would've thought it was just another ordinary day—

Except it wasn't.

Because today, everything felt different.

Hyunjin wasn't just his husband by contract.

He wasn't just a name written next to Minho's on paper.

He was someone Minho wanted to be close to.

Someone Minho wanted to protect.

Someone Minho—

Loved?

Minho's fingers tightened around his coffee cup.

The realization hit like a punch to the gut.

This wasn't just a fleeting feeling.

This was real.

And the worst part?

Minho had no idea what to do about it.

--

Hyunjin's friends had always been a loud, chaotic bunch.

Minho had spent the majority of his time avoiding them, only ever interacting when necessary.

But today?

He found himself trailing behind Hyunjin, following him to their usual lunch spot.

Jisung was the first to notice.

"Uh. Are my eyes deceiving me? Or is Minho actually here?"

Felix gasped dramatically. "Oh my god, he's sitting with us. Is the world ending?"

Hyunjin rolled his eyes. "Guys, stop. He just wanted to sit here."

Ahyeon smirked. "Did he, though? Or did he just want to be near you?"

Hyunjin flushed. "Shut up."

Minho, despite himself, chuckled.

"Don't let them bother you, Hyunjin," he said casually. "They're just jealous they don't have me sitting beside them."

Jisung fake-gasped. "Did he just flirt?"

Felix wiggled his eyebrows. "I think he did. Are we witnessing a historical moment?"

Minho smirked. "Maybe."

Hyunjin groaned, hiding his face behind his hands. "I hate all of you."

Minho just chuckled.

Maybe hanging out with them wouldn't be so bad after all.

--

The rest of the day was... different.

Minho wasn't used to hovering.

But today, he found himself sticking to Hyunjin's side more than usual.

Walking him to class.

Waiting for him outside lecture halls.

Even small things—like reaching for Hyunjin's books when they almost fell, or standing a little closer than necessary—

They felt natural.

And Hyunjin?

He noticed.

At first, he didn't say anything.

But when they were alone in the library, he finally spoke up.

"Okay. Spill it."

Minho raised an eyebrow. "Spill what?"

Hyunjin crossed his arms. "You've been weird today. Sitting with my friends, following me around, acting all... soft."

Minho smirked. "You don't like it?"

Hyunjin hesitated. "I didn't say that."

Minho's heart stuttered.

There it was—that quiet, unspoken understanding between them.

Minho exhaled. "Hyunjin, I—"

But before he could continue, the librarian shushed them loudly.

They both jumped, eyes wide, and immediately burst into silent laughter.

The moment was gone.

But Minho knew he'd have another chance.

Because if there was one thing he was certain of—

It was that he didn't want to hide his feelings forever.

--

That night, back home, Minho found himself staring at Hyunjin's sleeping form.

Soft breaths, slightly parted lips, peaceful expression—

Minho's chest tightened.

He had never been the type to need someone.

But Hyunjin?

He was different.

Minho leaned in slightly, brushing a strand of hair away from Hyunjin's face.

Without thinking—without hesitation—

He whispered, "I think I'm in love with you."

Hyunjin stirred but didn't wake.

Minho exhaled.

One day, he'd say it when Hyunjin could hear it.

One day, he'd tell him properly.

But for now—

This was enough.

For now, he'd stay by his side.

And no matter what happened next—

He wouldn't run from his feelings anymore.