you and hyeongjun were still new to this, the delicate beginning of something that felt both exciting and nerve-wracking. it was one of those quiet afternoons, the two of you sitting side by side in the park, the cool breeze tugging at your hair. the silence between you felt comfortable, but there was something hanging in the air—something unspoken, yet so painfully obvious.

hyeongjun was fiddling with the strap of his bag, his gaze shifting nervously between you and the ground. he had always been shy, a bit awkward with his words, but there was something about today that made his usual quietness feel heavier. you could see it in the way he fidgeted, how his fingers seemed to twitch, as if he wanted to say something but couldn’t quite find the courage.

you felt your heart race in your chest, knowing exactly what he was trying to say but unsure how to help him. “hyeongjun,” you began softly, giving him a gentle nudge. he looked up at you, his face turning a shade of pink that made your heart flutter. “it’s okay,” you reassured him, your voice barely above a whisper.

he opened his mouth to speak, but the words caught in his throat. “i... uh... i... um...” he stuttered, his cheeks bright red. you couldn’t help but smile at his adorable fumbling. then, with a deep breath, he finally managed to whisper, “i... love you.” his words were soft, but they held a sincerity that made your heart soar. you leaned in closer, resting your forehead against his, smiling as you whispered back, “i love you, too.”