“Why are you so nice to me?”

“Because I want to.” Taeyong responded as if it was the most obvious answer in the world before clasping their hands together. “I always want to.” Despite the chilly sensations, he savored every inch of his fingers. Doyoung blushed and attempted to swat the older’s hands away. “T-Tae, I…”

Taeyong leaned forward, and without any warning, he scooped down and planted a chaste kiss against Doyoung’s lips. “I want to take care of you. That’s just how it is. You know that, Do.”

“But I’m not your responsibility.” A single bead of tear had fallen from his eye. Taeyong brushed his tear off with his fingers. “No, I’m not. But do I need a reason to love you that much?”

Doyoung felt his chest constricting. As much as he wanted to reciprocate the older’s feelings, he knew that he mustn’t. It was unforgivable if he even tolerated Taeyong’s emotions because at the end of the day, his friend would greatly perish.

Choosing him was never an option. He never wanted to cause pain to the person he truly cared about. He had been there since almost the beginning, and he was very grateful for that. However, he was willing to do everything to pay back, even if it hurt Taeyong’s feelings.