Howon saw Myungsoo going out of his room. He was hiding in the shadows as he saw Sungjong bid him goodbye.

Could it be that Sungjong had forgiven him?

Howon was worried because Sungjong was not the one to hold grudges. He had a forgiving heart. And somewhere, deep in his heart, Howon knew that Sungjong still nurtured some feelings for his first love.

No, not after all these years. I’ve waited so long, I can’t lose him now.

He knocked at the door with trepidation. What will Sungjong say? What will he do?

And even when you are far,

I feel you close to my heart,

I wouldn’t replace you

For all the love in the world.

“Howon you’ve been out for so long. I was so worried!” Sungjong buried his head in Howon’s chest.

“I’m sorry darling, I tried so hard but I couldn’t get us tickets before next week.” He softly kissed the top of Sungjong’s head. “I wanted to call but their phone was out of order.”

“Don’t worry me like that anymore. Come in, I’ve saved you dinner.”

Howon followed Sungjong into the room. He was deciding if he should ask about Myungsoo.

“What did you do when I was gone, Sungjongie?”

“Nothing much. I talked to Sunggyu hyung, Dongwoo hyung and Myungsoo hyung though.”

Sungjong was avoiding his eyes.

Not a good sign.

 “They came to visit you?”

 “Not together. I spoke to them individually.”

“Oh I see. Old memories, huh?”

“Yes, kind of.” Sungjong was fidgeting with Howon’s dinner. “Oh no, the food’s all cold.”

“That’s alright. Just sit beside me while I eat.”

Sungjong sat down beside Howon. All the while he ate, Sungjong bit his lower lip thoughtfully.

“What is it that you want to tell me Sungjong?” Howon asked when he was done eating. Sungjong’s head jerked up.

He hesitated before blurting out, “I-I talked to Myungsoo hyung before. And something he told me made me think you have the right to know.”

“To know what?”

“Myungsoo hyung was my first love.”

“I know.” Sungjong looked surprised. “Woohyun-sshi told me everything.”

“But you don’t know what I’m about to say next.”

“I have a feeling I do.”

“Haven’t you ever wondered why I never told you I love you?”

“I did, but I think I also know the answer. You’re still in love with Myungsoo?”

Sungjong nodded slightly.

“But I don’t want to betray you.”

Howon gave a dry smile.

“Sungjong, I can bet you don’t know what I’m about to say next.”

“That you hate me for doing this to you? That I don’t deserve love? Whatever you say I’ll accept it.”

Howon laughed loudly this time.

“Not by a long shot. You’re bad at guessing, sweetheart. But do accept it, what I say.” Sungjong fixed his eyes on the ground. Howon placed a finger under his chin and tilted his head up. “Please pretend that you love me. I will believe all your lies.”