The room was dim, the sunset outside painting the curtains in soft orange and rose. Luka sat on the edge of Hyunwoo’s bed, his shoulders shaking. His usually sharp golden eyes were red and watery now, the image of composure and confidence shattered. Hyunwoo sat beside him quietly, a hand resting hesitantly on Luka’s back. He could feel every tremor beneath his palm. The sound of Luka’s soft, broken breaths making his chest ache.

“...She told you she couldn’t return your feelings, huh?” Hyunwoo’s voice was low, almost careful, like he was afraid of making Luka break more than he already was.

Luka didn’t answer, but the silence said enough.

Hyunwoo’s hand rubbed small circles on his back. “Hyuna’s... like that. She’s kind but— she doesn’t let people in easily.” His throat tightened around the next words. “Even me sometimes.”

Luka stayed still, his forehead pressed into Hyunwoo’s shoulder now, hot tears soaking through his shirt. The smell of Luka’s shampoo-clean and faintly floral, hit him, making Hyunwoo’s heart twist. He wanted to say something comforting, something that didn’t sound like he was glad Luka had been rejected. But his feelings were selfish, messy. He wanted to keep Luka right here, in his arms, just a little longer.

“Hey...” he murmured, his voice softening, fingers brushing through Luka’s hair. “You don’t have to hold it in. Cry if you need to. I’ll stay right here, yeah?”

Luka clutched his sleeve tighter, trembling.

Hyunwoo swallowed hard, his heart pounding painfully. He’d never been this close.. never been allowed this close. The weight of Luka’s pain, the warmth of his body pressed against him..it was overwhelming.

He exhaled shakily. “You’ve always been there for me since we were kids. I... I don’t think I ever told you how much that means to me.”The words slipped out before he could stop them, honest and trembling.

Luka’s hand fisted in his shirt again, like he was afraid Hyunwoo would pull away.

Hyunwoo’s breath hitched. He leaned closer, his voice a whisper brushing Luka’s ear. “You always chased after her... but I was always chasing after you.” He bit his lip, hesitating.. then his hand cupped Luka’s cheek gently, turning his face up. Luka’s eyes were glassy, confused, hurting.

Hyunwoo smiled faintly, though his voice cracked. “If I’m being selfish... just this once, can I be the one you lean on?”

He didn’t expect an answer. Luka didn’t need to say anything. his silence, his trembling, his presence.. it was enough for Hyunwoo to finally let his heart speak.