you didn’t expect it to last this long. What was supposed to be casual — a release, a fleeting escape — had turned into something you could no longer define. It was supposed to be simple with heeseung: two friends, no strings attached. you'd meet after midnight, sharing knowing glances that spoke louder than any words you might say.

but tonight felt different. you lay beside him, staring at the ceiling, your thoughts spinning in the quiet that followed. his breathing was steady, almost peaceful, as if this arrangement hadn’t stirred up anything deeper inside him. you wish you could feel the same, but every time he pulled you close, something inside you tightened. every laugh, every shared moment, every soft touch blurred the line between friendship and something more.

you turned to him, studying the way his hair fell over his forehead, how his lashes kissed his skin. his face was calm, completely unaware of the storm you battled internally. you wanted to say something, to break the silence, but words felt dangerous. would he laugh it off? would he pull away, retreating back into the safety of what you'd agreed upon?

heeseung stirred, eyes fluttering open as he noticed you watching him. a lazy smile stretched across his face, the kind that always made your heart skip a beat.

“can’t sleep?” he murmured, voice rough from rest.

you shook your head, forcing a smile, not trusting yourself to say anything more. but his hand found yours, fingers threading through yours in a way that felt too intimate for what you were supposed to be. he must’ve noticed your hesitation because his smile faded slightly.

“what’s going on?” he asked softly, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. his tone was different tonight, more serious.