the room was too quiet, too boring. It was already dark outside, and the only sound that occasionally broke the silence was the ticking of the electronic clock on the small nightstand next to the closet. your eyes were closed as you tried to fall asleep, but his voice interrupted your futile attempts.

“are you asleep?”

you remained silent, pretending to be asleep.

Dong-ju frowned slightly, crawling closer to you as he shifted his weight onto his forearm and looked over your shoulder to make sure you were really asleep.

”you little liar.” there was a playful note in his voice when he poked you in the side as soon as he saw how you squeezed your eyes shut and bit your lip to hide a smile.

“back off, you're disturbing my sleep.” you tried to make your voice sound serious, but you failed.

”you weren’t asleep.”

”I was asleep.”

”you’re lying.”

”I’m not—”

then his fingers start tickling your side, making you fidget restlessly as you turn over.

”no, no, no!!! not again.”

Dong-ju laughs, his eyes shining with merriment as he continues to tickle you.

“It’s your own fault, but at least you’re awake now.”

you make the most incomprehensible noises, giggling relentlessly as he tickled you, your legs kicked the mattress, crumpling the blanket as you squirmed trying to get out.

one slight movement and he’s straddling you. his hand, big and warm, covers your mouth, and his hand, which was tickling you before, stopped.

”shh, be quiet, otherwise we'll wake up your mom.” now his voice is whispering. exactly how could you forget about it, because it was she who fed you and your childhood friend dinner.

the playful banter made the moment more tense as your breathing became heavier under his hand, and your eyes met in the dark light of the room while he was still sitting on top of you. this moment made both of you hold your breath. a dangerous line between friendship and something more that couldn't be ignored.