Chunji didn’t even have time to register the stuttered words that L.Joe had said only moments earlier before a pair of warm, soft lips interrupted his train of thought, specifically; L.Joe’s lips. Chunji melted into the embrace of the younger, arms never wanting to release the shorter boy but at the same time reminded of how Lee Joon probably felt now. Alone, used. But Chunji couldn’t resist L.Joe despite his guilt, he found himself thinking about how soft L.Joe’s lips were, and how they fitted perfectly with his. This kiss was different to the one for the bet, it had meaning. It meant love.

Not knowing or caring about how long they stood kissing in the street the two were lost their own little world, population: two. The sounds of traffic and everyday life melted into the background. The world beyond them was like static on a television; it was there, but they never noticed let alone cared. There were still so many things that probably needed to be said, clarified, apologised for, but for now all that mattered was that kiss. Hands entwined with brightly dyed hair, chests flush against each other and the two boys breath mingled like one could no longer breathe without the other. Lips slowly parted and excited yet terrified eyes opened once more as the full realisation of what just happened sunk in. A single thought pierced the minds of both the teens; He loves me.

They began to walk. Hand in hand they strode, the air seeming somehow fresher than before as the sun began to set. Other people were now leaving work, the streets filling with men, women and students. Despite the overwhelming amount of eyes that would undoubtedly see the pair, with hands held and fingers laced, neither of the two wanted to let go. They bravely set forth, ignoring the occasional disapproving looks shot their way. Soon after, they found themselves in front of L.Joe's house. As usual it looked warm and inviting despite the sheer size of the building that would ordinarily be almost intimidating. Chunji took out his phone and sent his dad a brief text, saying something about staying at a friends house for a school project because there was no way in hell he was gonna ruin this new found happiness by going home to his father.

L.Joe pushed unlocked the door and together the boys stepped inside. Across the timber floor they walked, heading in the direction of the kitchen because honestly where else would two boys go straight after school? Mrs Lee was sitting at the dining table with a still steaming cup of coffee and a book held in her dainty hands, looking up she saw the pair and beamed. “Byungie~ You're home! And you brought Chanhee, how lovely you're bringing friends around again” her endearing smile radiated warmth as she embraced the two boys. The beautiful middle aged woman glanced down at the still intertwined hands and gave out a small giggle with a coy smile to match. “Well I'm glad you two have figured it out.” L.Joe and Chunji's jaws dropped and eyes widened in unison, “You make it sound like you were expecting this!?” L.Joe exclaimed. At this point Mrs Lee burst out laughing, “Sweetheart I'm your mother, of course I expected this. They way you've been acting has completely changed since you met Chanhee and it's definitely been for the better.” The kind woman paused and her expression turned a little more serious, “I never knew what you were doing with that Kim girl, but I could tell that you weren't happy with her...whatever she did to you that changed you, I think it was holding you back from realising the truth.” L.Joe was tearing up, while still holding Chunji's hand he hugged his mother with the other arm. Mrs Lee continued “I'm so sorry I couldn't help you more, but I am so glad you found Chanhee.” As she pulled away gently she looked at both the boys she adored and said “I am so happy for you two” with a smile that reached her eyes.

L.Joe quietly went to the bathroom to wash his face from the tears that had began to fall and Mrs Lee beckoned Chunji to sit with her at the table. Sitting across from each other Chunji and Mrs Lee fell into pleasant conversation, speaking of a range of both trivial and important things. L.Joe had taken a decent amount of time and when his footsteps could be heard from down the hall she quickly said to Chunji “My Byungie hasn't said anything definitive, but call it a mothers intuition...If you ever need somewhere to stay for however long please know that you are always welcome here.” Mrs Lee rested a hand gently on Chunji's and he gave her a grateful smile before L.Joe returned.

Addressing the two of them with a grin, Mrs Lee chirped “Why don't you two go upstairs, I'm going to get started on dinner so Chanhee could you do me a favour and help Byungie with some of his homework? I believe he has some maths to finish.” From the sink she looked over her shoulder at Chunji, “I'm assuming you're staying right?” and Chunji laughed, “Yeah that would be great Mrs Lee, thank you.” With that the kind lady busied herself around the kitchen and L.Joe and Chunji headed upstairs.

L.Joe collapsed on his bed, all of a sudden relieved to be home and have the majority of the drama in his life rectified. It had barely been a minute before L.Joe's relaxed state was interrupted by the sound of a bag ping, papers rustling and a familiar 'thunk' of a pencil case on his black wooden desk. Letting out an irritated sigh, L.Joe rolled over and pried his eyes open just in time to see Chunji's hand reach in front of his forehead before he was promptly flicked. The resounding 'thwack' of the flick sounded worse than it felt, but was still enough to force a pout onto L.Joe’s face. Grabbing a pillow to protect his precious face, L.Joe mumbled through the fabric and feathers “What was that fooooor? I'm sleepy!” The melodious sound of Chunji's laughter made it to L.Joe’s ears, “You heard your mother. I've gotta help you with your math homework.” L.Joe didn't need to look to know that Chunji had the biggest smirk across his sinfully gorgeous face. Chunji removed the pillow from L.Joe's face and coaxed him over to the desk, L.Joe's only consolation was that he didn't have much homework left.

It didn't take long for the maths to be finished and forgotten before the boys moved onto a more interesting subject; Video games. After much yelling, swearing, shooting and many restarts because neither of them were good at accepting when they were going to lose, they eventually called it quits. Chunji spoke first, “L.Joe I am so sorry” he looked down in shame as he remembered what he had done with Lee Joon. L.Joe could tell what he meant and simply replied with “I know...and I forgive you.” Chunji felt as though he needed to explain himself, he didn't want there to be any misunderstandings between them. “When you kissed me and asked our friends if they were 'happy', it felt like you were just sick of dealing with them and you just wanted it over. Not that you actually wanted to kiss me and that hurt. Your mum actually spoke to me and convinced me I was overreacting, that you were probably confused and worried like me...but then I saw you with that girl and I just fell apart. I spent the day crying in the old music room and playing the piano because it was the only thing I could do to distract myself.” Chunji paused before continuing “Lee Joon knows me better than most, he remembered that music room was always my favourite even after it was technically closed and he was worried so he found me. Things never should have gone as far as they did but when all I could think of was that you hated kissing me, and that you would rather kiss that girl right in front of me. I felt so utterly rejected, so incredibly low that I just wanted more than anything to feel loved. I know I went about dealing with that the wrong way, I apologised to Joon so many times before he literally told me to hurry up and go after you but I am still sorry. Especially because I didn't realise that I would hurt both Lee Joon and you.”

L.Joe had listened in patient silence, Chunji let out a shaky breath and L.Joe put an arm around the others shoulders before lightly kissing him on the cheek. It was L.Joe's turn, “I'm sorry too. When I kissed you for the bet I didn't take into account your feelings, or that you were even gay. Honestly I thought you could have been bi or just very comfortable with your uality for a single kiss not to phase you. It was only after you left that the guys told me you're gay...then I felt awful because you probably had someone you liked and didn't want to be kissed by anyone else. I think it was then that I was coming out of denial, honestly when I was acting weird around you the morning after the storm it was because I had a dream about you. In the dream we were dancing in a club I think, and in your arms I felt so comfortable but then you kissed me. It freaked me out because it didn't feel wrong. The girl at school was just unfortunate, she pulled me aside to tell me she thought I was hot and when I said I wasn't interested in the slightest she said she could change that and pushed me up against the locker and kissed me. Honestly I was so shocked I didn't even know you'd seen until too late. Also...I shouldn't have accused you of lying, I jumped to conclusions cause I was upset.” Chunji gave a small smile, “I guess we're even then” a light chuckle escaping his lips “I forgive you too.”

The remaining time until dinner was spent snuggling and watching tv, simply enjoying each others company. It took a great deal of effort to haul themselves out of bed when Mrs Lee called out that dinner was ready, but somehow they managed. They trudged through the living room and into the dining room to be greeted with a surprise, there was an extra person at the table. An attractive middle aged man with a sharp jawline and neatly maintained facial hair, wearing a pristine suit stood up to greet them, his suitcase still next to him. Mrs Lee spoke up, “Chanhee, this is-” “Dad!” L.Joe exclaimed with pure delight, both his parents let out laughter and Chunji couldn't help but join in. It was then that L.Joe walked right up to his father beaming, and hugged him.

The mix of shock and joy upon the handsome man's face at first confused Chunji, until he realised that this was the first time L.Joe had hugged his father in two years. L.Joe's dads eyes welled up with tears of joy as his embraced his son. They exchanged small talk until Mr Lee turned to Chunji, “So, you must be Chanhee that I've heard so much about?” and Chunji gave a small nod, “Yes sir, only good things I hope” he replied with a small nervous laugh. L.Joe's father gave him a warm smile and a firm handshake, “Chanhee, anyone who can cause such a profound positive change in my son is most welcome in this house. It's good to finally meet you.” Chunji visibly relaxed and grinned in return, “And you sir.” The family sat down to the already prepared table and happily chatted throughout dinner, Chunji felt so at home and happy. He almost couldn't believe such a wonderful family existed, but he was so very glad they did. After dinner there was celebratory ice-cream and cake for Mr Lee's return, Chunji now knew why L.Joe was such a wonderful person, he could see it in his parents that were so warm, loving and supportive.

Eventually the excitement of the day had wore everyone out, and both couples parted ways for the evening. Since Chunji hadn't planned on staying over he had to borrow some clothes from L.Joe. Chunji ended up with some cotton pants and a plain t-shirt being thrown at his from across the room and he couldn't help but notice the faint scent of fabric softener and vanilla. Chunji quickly slipped on the pyjama pants and shed the top he had worn to school. L.Joe had been distracted by putting his homework and pencil case back in his bag for school tomorrow, however turned around right on time to be confronted by a very lean upper body belonging to a certain gorgeous boy that he was smitten with. Said gorgeous boy was concentrating on turning the clean shirt right way out and was taken aback when there was suddenly a hand tracing his abs. Chunji's breath hitched as he watched L.Joe's hand, L.Joe pulled him closer and then raised his other hand to trace Chunji's scars. The scars that littered his torso and back were an array of cigarette burns and cuts from glass that came from broken bottles. L.Joe's heart ached at the thought of someone hurting Chunji in any way. Chunji could see the anguish written on the other boys face and it made him hurt too. Gently, Chunji lifted L.Joe's chin and whispered “It's okay” before snuffing out any retort with a firm but gentle kiss.

OKAY *prepares to be bricked* 

To all of you reading this I am so so sorry that I have been gone so long.. If any of you are subbed to my other stories Lets Pretend and Orphans Under the Mistletoe then you'll know that the last few years have been very full on and if you want to know what happened just ask but be prepared cause there is a list.

FURTHERMORE I am going to continue updating my stories as often as I can depending on when I have internet.

AGAIN~ I am so sorry and love you all, I have missed all of you so much and a dearly hope you enjoyed this update (Especially you Emma-Lee unnie) so if you guys have any questions, suggestions or theories on whats gonna happen dont be shy and share them with me! I always want to hear from you guys so feel free to add me on here, comment, subscribe or whatever you deem me worthy of lol xD  Until next time I wish you all happiness <3