Felix loved the way the city felt in October. The air was cool enough to need a jacket, but not so cold that it was uncomfortable. The streets were lined with golden leaves, and every café smelled like cinnamon and coffee. He had always thought autumn was beautiful, but this year it felt different. This year, Hyunjin was part of it.

They had spent the afternoon wandering aimlessly, stopping at little shops, sharing a single cup of hot chocolate that Hyunjin insisted was “just enough for both of them.” Felix had laughed at the way Hyunjin hogged most of the whipped cream, pretending to pout until Hyunjin wiped some onto his nose just to see him flustered.

As evening fell, they ended up on the rooftop of Hyunjin’s apartment building. The city lights shimmered below, and the sky was a deep shade of indigo. Felix hugged his knees to his chest, breathing in the chill air, when Hyunjin spoke.

“Do you know why I wanted to come up here?” Hyunjin asked, leaning against the railing.

Felix tilted his head. “Why?”

Hyunjin’s eyes softened. “Because this is where I first realized how much I like being around you. It was October, almost exactly a year ago. And I think I knew then… that I’d end up falling for you.”

Felix’s chest tightened, his heart racing at the quiet honesty in Hyunjin’s voice. The words hung in the air, fragile and breathtaking. For a moment, he didn’t know what to say. Then he stood and crossed the small distance between them, his hand brushing against Hyunjin’s until their fingers intertwined.

“I’m glad you told me,” Felix whispered, his accent curling softly around the words. “Because I think I’ve been falling too.”