Alpha Trauma Vol. 5 Chapter 8 - Special Extra (8)

Moreover.

‘…Why does it seem like he’s all dressed up?’

Each time Dohyeon moved, his toned upper body was faintly visible through the thin shirt. Though he always styled his hair, today it seemed like he’d put in extra effort. Wooyeon wasn’t used to seeing him so perfectly put together since he often saw Dohyeon slightly disheveled in the evenings after work.

Wooyeon took a moment to observe Dohyeon from a few steps away. Now that he was right in front of him, it was hard to call out to him. Dohyeon, looking like a different person today, was even wearing a cold, sharp expression that matched the biting breeze.

‘Even if he’s really planning to break up, wouldn’t he at least do it in person?’

Damn it, Kim Jina. Why did you have to say that to me?

“…”

Wooyeon took a deep breath, gripping the straps of his bag tightly as he tried to calm his wildly beating heart. Running away wasn’t an option, and, truthfully, the joy of seeing Dohyeon again outweighed any lingering fear.

Since they’d started living together, there hadn’t been a single day they hadn’t seen each other. Even on nights when one of them was late, they’d always made a point to meet, say goodnight, hold hands, kiss, and fall asleep in each other’s arms. But that routine had been disrupted for three whole days.

No fear could suppress the longing that had built up. It was a wonder he hadn’t realized how much he missed Dohyeon sooner.

So, slowly, Wooyeon began to approach him. After two steps, Dohyeon noticed the sound of his presence and looked up. As the stiffness on Dohyeon’s face softened ever so slightly, a sharp ache blossomed in Wooyeon’s chest.

“Hyung.”

“…Yeon-ah.”

The tender tone in his voice almost brought Wooyeon to tears. At least, his voice hadn’t turned cold—that alone was a relief. Bolstered by that, Wooyeon summoned the courage to close the remaining distance between them.

* * *

The two of them strolled quietly across campus, side by side. Dohyeon had suggested they take a walk, and Wooyeon had agreed, not yet ready to get in the car.

With midterms approaching, the campus was bathed in the beauty of fully bloomed cherry blossoms. When the breeze picked up, delicate petals floated gently to the ground, sometimes landing softly atop their heads. Despite the picturesque scenery, Wooyeon was too busy stealing nervous glances at Dohyeon.

“…”

Can I hold his hand…?

The awkward distance between them felt reminiscent of when they’d first met and Wooyeon had started calling him “Sunbae.” Their hands were close enough to brush, yet they didn’t; the gap between them was palpable. It made Wooyeon tense, especially since Dohyeon remained silent, his expression unreadable.

Although Dohyeon matched his stride to Wooyeon’s with practiced ease, he neither turned to look at him nor closed the gap between them. It left Wooyeon feeling as though every movement he made was overthought and unnatural.

Eventually, they stopped at a secluded bench. The spot was far from the main gate and not frequented by students. Given the timing, there weren’t many people on campus anyway.

“Hyung.”

“Yeon-ah.”

Their voices overlapped, and both paused, startled. Awkwardly, they turned their heads in different directions. Then Dohyeon fully faced Wooyeon, his gaze steady and calm.

“You first.”

“….”

Wooyeon’s reflection shone in Dohyeon’s dark eyes. He blinked rapidly, trying to steady his trembling lashes. He’d opened his mouth to speak, but as the words caught in his throat, his mind went blank.

“Um…”

Dohyeon waited patiently, giving him plenty of time. His steady, unyielding gaze felt like it was drawing an outline of Wooyeon, moving slowly from his eyes to his nose, then to his lips.

“…I’m sorry.”

At last, Wooyeon managed to utter those words. This was how it should have been from the start—an apology he had rehearsed in his head countless times.

“For getting mad…”

“…”

“For saying those things.”

He couldn’t count how many times he’d regretted it. He wished he hadn’t said those words, hadn’t let his anger take over. If he’d just let it go, things wouldn’t have come to this.

Wooyeon had been most shaken by the realization that he didn’t even know how to apologize properly. Everyone makes mistakes, yet in all the times he had, Dohyeon had always been the one to bridge the gap first.

“I know why you didn’t tell me, Hyung. I know it’s because you were worried about me…”

His thoughts spun in endless circles, yet he managed to latch onto one and voice it. Their fight hadn’t stemmed from just one issue, but Wooyeon couldn’t articulate the whirlwind of emotions that had consumed him.

“I don’t misunderstand why you gave her your number. And when I asked if I could give mine, that wasn’t serious either. I just… wasn’t in a good place.”

Once again, Wooyeon felt how emotion often trumped reason. Even though he understood everything logically, the hurt had made him lash out in the moment.

“You don’t have to explain everything that happens at work or who flirts with you. Honestly, I can’t handle my jealousy, and I know that.”

But after three days of crying, Wooyeon had washed away most of the bitterness. From Friday night to this Monday morning, he’d reflected on all his grievances and painstakingly sorted through them.

“I’m sorry for being childish.”

Minjeong and Seongjae had always said it was okay for him to be needy, but Wooyeon didn’t agree. He wanted to be a mature, dependable partner. Someone who could stand beside Dohyeon as an equal.

“I won’t do it again.”

This wasn’t just an apology; it was a pledge. A confession as sincere as a prayer, laying bare all his feelings to Dohyeon.

“So…”

But as the words continued, his head lowered further and further. Half of him felt relieved, but the other half still carried the weight of sorrow.

“…Can’t you come home now?”

A tear dropped, leaving a dark stain on the ground. Slowly, Wooyeon reached out and lightly grasped the edge of Dohyeon’s sleeve. Despite promising to act more grown-up, he couldn’t suppress the sadness welling up inside.

“Why…?”

“……”

“Why haven’t you come home…?”

Would he appear if I wished for it a hundred times?

Once, Wooyeon had given up on hope, but Dohyeon reignited the spark. He had sheltered him with an umbrella, offered kind words of comfort, and hadn’t they walked through the rain-soaked campus, with Wooyeon on his back?

“I thought you’d be here soon…”

“……”

“But you didn’t come…”

It had become familiar for Wooyeon to give up hope, but he couldn’t seem to let go of his feelings for Dohyeon. The assurance that he didn’t need to give up, the courage to still hope—those were things Dohyeon had given him.

“I haven’t slept at all.”

“……”

“Because you weren’t here… So…”

Wooyeon saw Dohyeon’s fingers tremble slightly. With his other hand, he roughly wiped the tears away.

“Are you really angry with me?”

“……”

“Do you… Do you hate seeing me now?”

Dohyeon’s eyes widened. The jacket he had been holding fell to the floor with a soft thud.

“No.”

That response came only after Wooyeon’s sobs broke the silence. Dohyeon, who had been frozen in place, immediately reached out and grasped Wooyeon’s hand. With his other hand, he gently cupped Wooyeon’s cheek and tenderly wiped away his tears.

“That’s not it. What are you talking about, Yeon-ah?”

Wooyeon closed his eyes tightly, then opened them again, gazing at Dohyeon with tear-filled eyes. Only then could he see Dohyeon’s expression clearly.

“I wasn’t angry and didn’t not come because I hate seeing you.”

His face was not expressionless, but rather, it was stiff. He wasn’t angry; he was probably just nervous, worried about Wooyeon’s reaction. Just like Wooyeon, he had been so self-conscious that he hadn’t been able to meet his eyes.

“Then… why didn’t you come in?”

As soon as the tension was released, Wooyeon’s tears spilled over once again. Dohyeon immediately pulled Wooyeon into his arms, pressing his face into his chest.

“I missed you.”

“……”

“I missed you, but…”

In the warmth of the embrace, Wooyeon could feel the steady rhythm of Dohyeon’s heartbeat. His fingertips were trembling as well, just like his voice, which was so fragile it felt like it could break at any moment.

“I was afraid… you might cry again.”

His words were almost whispered, as if he was apologizing for even saying such a thing.

Dohyeon, still holding Wooyeon tightly, lowered his head and gently stroked the back of Wooyeon’s head.

“I was afraid you’d cry again.”

“Huh…”

When comfort is given, the tears flow even more, that’s the way people’s hearts work. Wooyeon’s pent-up sorrow erupted with the overwhelming guilt in Dohyeon’s voice. He wrapped his arms around Dohyeon’s waist and sobbed even harder.

“Why would you be afraid of that…?”

Why would Dohyeon be afraid of making him cry? Even before they started dating, even when Dohyeon had only been a Sunbae to him, he had always comforted him and held him close. What made him cry now was the absence of Dohyeon.

“I thought… I thought you weren’t going to come at all…”

“No. How could I do that?”

Dohyeon denied Wooyeon’s words urgently, his tone full of anxiety. He quickly explained, still holding Wooyeon tightly, that that wasn’t what he had meant, that he hadn’t thought that way at all.

“I thought you didn’t want to be with me.”

“……”

“I thought you’d hate me, that you were still angry…”

Despite the tears, a small laugh escaped Wooyeon. It was a little funny and somewhat frustrating to realize that Dohyeon had thought the same thing Wooyeon had.

“Why would I hate you…?”

Even when Wooyeon had found out that Dohyeon was the person Suyang had set him up with, even though he was angry with him, he had wanted to be in his arms, to be comforted. Maybe, he thought, if he were held and his head stroked, everything would be okay.

“Right, I’m sorry. I was so bad.”

Dohyeon’s uncomfortable apologies were similar to the way he had been earlier, looking for cues. Wooyeon sniffled and held him even tighter. His neat suit was ruined, but Dohyeon didn’t care; he just kept comforting him.

“I’m sorry, Yeon-ah.”

“……”

“I’m sorry…”

“……”

“I was wrong. Don’t cry.”

His voice carried the kind of urgency that made Wooyeon feel it would be the same way if he were telling him to stop crying. It was a tone that carried rawness and vulnerability.

“Let’s stop crying, okay?”

It took a long time before Wooyeon could stop crying. After Dohyeon softly brushed his hair and kissed the top of his head, he gently soothed Wooyeon’s shoulders with whispered words.

“I made a mistake.”

“……”

“This is the first time…”

Wooyeon, still sobbing, slowly lifted his head. Dohyeon wiped Wooyeon’s tear-streaked face and kissed his eyes gently. The smile on his face was still awkward, and it was clear that he didn’t quite know how to handle it.

“I… I haven’t done everything either.”

Those words were surprisingly new to Wooyeon as well. He had always thought that Dohyeon had experienced everything and was always ahead of him.

“You’re my first love.”

Dohyeon didn’t nod. Wooyeon’s blink was enough to answer. Dohyeon gently kissed Wooyeon’s eyelid, more carefully than before.

“That’s why I wanted to give you only good experiences.”

“…And, um, you know…”

“Like crying like this?”

Dohyeon chuckled softly and pressed his forehead against Wooyeon’s. Like he was treating a child, he nuzzled Wooyeon’s nose and then pulled him tightly into his arms.

“I tried to do well… but ended up messing it up.”

“……”

“I wanted you to be happy, to be in a relationship with me without anything bothering you…”

“……”

“But I thought about it wrong.”

Wooyeon never doubted Dohyeon’s feelings for a moment. Now, he knew that the reasons Dohyeon had been hiding something weren’t to deceive him. It had been out of protection, affection, and ultimately, love.

“It wasn’t because I couldn’t rely on you, I just… didn’t want to make things harder for you.”

Dohyeon’s calm voice soothed the tangled emotions. With a soft sigh, Dohyeon confessed another truth.

“I’m really jealous.”

“…I know.”

It wasn’t a surprising statement. Wooyeon already knew that.

“Yeah, I know you know.”

His voice was calm, but there was a faint smile, not because of enjoyment, but more like he was embarrassed and sorry.

“But I thought I had hidden it well, like an idiot.”

Should he tell him that he had indeed hidden it well? Dohyeon had managed to conceal his jealousy, but what he couldn’t hide was his feelings for Wooyeon. His affection had leaked out, so much so that others had already guessed why Dohyeon didn’t set Wooyeon’s face as his profile picture.

“I was afraid I’d make you sick of me.”

‘You must have just been scared, right?’

‘……’

‘You wouldn’t want to be abandoned by me.’

Jina’s words were true. Wooyeon had known, but hearing them from Dohyeon made them feel heavier. Each time he realized that Dohyeon was afraid of something, it left Wooyeon feeling strange.

“I’m sorry. I said I wanted to hear everything but…”

Dohyeon’s long sigh was filled with self-blame. Just like Wooyeon had often reflected on his actions, Dohyeon seemed to regret their fights deeply.

“If you’re upset, just say it. You can say anything. I didn’t even speak that harshly. I’ll tell you everything now…”

“……”

“…Then let’s make up.”

It was a noisy reconciliation. Only now did Wooyeon realize that fighting wasn’t the end of their relationship. The fact that they could fight and still make up meant their relationship wasn’t falling apart. While they wouldn’t fight for the same reasons again, Wooyeon believed they could overcome any future conflicts.

“I’m sorry for making you cry.”

If only they had done this back then, after talking and reconciling, Wooyeon thought. If they had made up like this, everything might have been clearer.

“Ha…”

His tearful sigh was filled with guilt and gratitude. Dohyeon had, in a grown-up way, organized the words Wooyeon had thrown out without thinking. If that was the case, then Wooyeon needed to clear up his own misunderstandings as well.

“I didn’t mean to say I didn’t want to be with you…”

“……”

“I didn’t want to say bad things, I just… didn’t want to hurt you…”

Wooyeon suddenly realized that he hadn’t spoken because he didn’t want to argue. It wasn’t that he didn’t want to talk—it was that he cared about the other person so much, he didn’t want to hurt them.

“I didn’t contact you either… because I was afraid you’d be upset…”

“…Yeah, I was.”

Dohyeon gently patted Wooyeon’s back. Wooyeon swallowed his tears and finally said the words he had wanted to say the most.

“…So, please don’t go out anymore.”

It was likely that Dohyeon had only stepped away because Wooyeon had wanted him to, so he wouldn’t be going out anymore. Wooyeon knew that the Dohyeon he knew would never leave him alone. Though it might have been frustrating, Dohyeon answered him quietly.

“I understand. I won’t go out again.”

“And…”

“Yeah, and?”

Wooyeon hesitated for a moment before speaking. He knew that if he didn’t say it now, he’d be embarrassed to say it later. Plus, he wanted to say it as soon as possible.

“Let’s get matching rings.”

“…Rings?”

“Yeah. Couple rings…”

The freshmen who had attended the special lecture had said that if Wooyeon had been his partner, Dohyeon would have already put a ring on his finger. They had even commented on his face, worried that he looked too uneasy.

“I want couple rings.”

“…Hmm.”

But for some reason, Dohyeon’s response was lukewarm. Wooyeon, who had expected him to immediately agree, was a little surprised by his reaction. So, when he quickly looked up, he saw Dohyeon’s troubled expression.

“…Do you not like it?”

“No, it’s not that…”

Dohyeon, squinting his eyes, gently pulled Wooyeon away from his embrace. Wooyeon wanted to stay in his arms longer, but he let go.

After a brief hesitation, Dohyeon adjusted his tie and awkwardly shifted his gaze.

“…I was planning to give it to you in a more romantic way.”

Wooyeon couldn’t even ask what that meant. Before he could, Dohyeon picked up his fallen jacket and took something out of the inside pocket. A velvet case, and inside it…

“…A ring?”

“Yeah, a ring.”

Dohyeon chuckled awkwardly. “I messed up again.” He muttered softly, glanced around, and then sat Wooyeon down on the bench. Like he was enchanted by something, Wooyeon sat down, and Dohyeon lowered himself right in front of him.

“Yeon-ah.”

Dohyeon knelt on one knee and looked up at Wooyeon. Just like that day a long time ago, when cherry blossoms were falling, and Wooyeon had decided to give up on Dohyeon but was carried on his back, slowly falling for him again. Wooyeon, looking down at Dohyeon, widened his eyes.

“Let’s get married when we graduate.”

“……”

For a moment, Wooyeon didn’t understand his words. He blinked once, then twice, but his mind was completely blank. After a while, when Wooyeon still didn’t react, Dohyeon softly whispered again.

“I’ll make you happy.”

“……”

“I’ll take responsibility… and I’ll tell the president too.”

Dohyeon took Wooyeon’s left hand after pulling the ring out of the case. He set the case down on the bench, which was holding the jacket, and carefully slid the sparkling ring onto Wooyeon’s fourth finger. Even in that simple motion, his fingertips were visibly trembling.

Fortunately, the ring fit perfectly. Dohyeon gazed at Wooyeon’s hand for a while, then interlaced their fingers. Unlike Wooyeon, Dohyeon’s hands were thick and strong, tightly holding Wooyeon’s hand.

“Let’s live together, Yeon-ah.”

Wooyeon knew that the meaning of “living together” didn’t just refer to cohabitation. It meant living together as family, in a clearer relationship.

“…Ah.”

Only then did the reality sink in. Dohyeon’s smiling face and the imprint of the ring on his finger suddenly hit Wooyeon like a wave. It was as if time had started to flow again, with the heat from their interlaced hands radiating through him.

“You’ll accept it, right?”

“……”

The soft smile on Dohyeon’s face was different from usual. The corners of his eyes, crinkled in an almost bashful way, made it seem as if he was shy. Despite smiling beautifully, Wooyeon could feel how nervous he truly was.

“…I…”

“……”

“I…”

What should he say? His throat was tight, and no words came out. His heart was so full that he felt both happy and anxious.

“I will.”

“……”

“I’ll marry you, teacher…”

At those words, Dohyeon smiled as if he were melting. His two eyes, curved in delight, were filled with excitement like the spring breeze. Before Wooyeon could even take in that smile, Dohyeon gently pressed his forehead to Wooyeon’s left hand.

“Ah…”

“……”

“I’m relieved.”

Why was he so nervous? Even now, Wooyeon could still feel Dohyeon’s trembling in their joined hands. Was it that he had thought Wooyeon might reject him? Dohyeon, chuckling softly, said firmly.

“I’ll propose properly later. More beautifully.”

“You’re already handsome though…”

Wooyeon spoke reflexively, and Dohyeon looked up at him. He kissed the ring Wooyeon had put on and closed his eyes. Then he looked up at Wooyeon and whispered softly.

“…I’ll treat you well.”

Though it was a clichéd phrase, Wooyeon knew it came from the heart. As Wooyeon’s expression softened, Dohyeon lowered his gaze slightly.

“So… don’t meet anyone else, Yeon-ah.”

“……”

It was an unexpected remark. Wooyeon, who had been smiling brightly, froze for a moment. It felt like the tone was somewhat strange. As he was thinking this, Dohyeon’s firm words broke through.

“I can’t break up with you.”

That statement almost sounded like a threat. Wooyeon wasn’t planning to argue, but there was something that welled up in his chest when Dohyeon continued speaking.

“How can you meet someone else when I’m here?”

“…What?”

The pressure on their intertwined hands increased. It wasn’t painful, but it snapped Wooyeon back to his senses. His eyes widened in confusion as he asked.

“Why would I be introduced to someone else?”

What on earth was he talking about? The idea of meeting someone else seemed so out of place that Wooyeon almost thought he might be dreaming.

“Jina…”

Dohyeon began, but then paused for a moment, unable to continue. ‘Jina?’ Wooyeon tilted his head, and Dohyeon furrowed his brow slightly.

“Jina… said she’d introduce you to a guy.”

“…A guy?”

Wooyeon blinked, then his eyes snapped open. Jina and a guy—those two things together suddenly reminded him of someone.

“Is it Jina’s boyfriend?”

“……”

Dohyeon’s expression subtly changed. This time, it was as if Wooyeon’s words didn’t make sense to him. Dohyeon’s stiff face looked confused, and Wooyeon told him what he had recently learned.

“Jina got a boyfriend.”

Could it be that Dohyeon didn’t know? Wooyeon had assumed he’d know since he was her older brother, but if he hadn’t shown it, Dohyeon might not have known.

“So she’s going to introduce me…”

“…Ha.”

A short exhale of realization passed through Dohyeon. With a smirk, he asked quickly.

“Was that what you were talking about on the phone?”

“Phone? Ah… no, were you with me when I was on the phone?”

Then he could’ve at least let me hear the voice. Frowning slightly in regret, Dohyeon let out a small sigh.

He still squinted, confirming again.

“Is the ‘handsome’ part also about Jina’s boyfriend?”

“Yes, Jina showed me his picture.”

He was handsome, though not as much as the teacher.

“Kim Jina…”

At the cold, lowered voice, Wooyeon involuntarily shivered. He had never seen the teacher angry, but he knew how scary it could be when he was. Just like when he had punched Kang Junseong, who was bullying him, without hesitation, or when he dealt with the troublesome Sunbae before.

“…Why would you get introduced to someone else when you have Hyung?”

So, Wooyeon timidly wrapped his thoughts around Jina. It was meant to ask why he had believed such a thing. Of course, he didn’t say he wouldn’t get introduced to someone else even without Hyung.

“That’s just a passing fancy.”

“…”

Dohyeon froze in a daze as if he had been hit in the back of the head. The most reasonable statement seemed to be a new realization for him.

“…I see.”

What had been going on in his mind?

Wooyeon couldn’t help but think that the past few days might have been hard for Dohyeon too. If it was as hard for him as it had been for Wooyeon, then maybe Dohyeon had been sleepless and distressed too.

“I can’t break up with Hyung.”

The softly spoken confession was a direct reflection of what Dohyeon had said. Wooyeon briefly hesitated to say something like “Hyung is the only one,” but decided instead to express it this way.

“Even if I meet someone else, I’ll always like Hyung the most.”

He had never imagined being with someone else, and in his future, Dohyeon would always be there. It wasn’t just because he was the best teacher to him—he loved Dohyeon for who he was.

“Don’t be anxious, okay?”

What Wooyeon actually wanted to say was “Don’t be scared.” He wanted to reassure him, that he would always be there, and that he could let go of the fear now. His own anxiety had been erased by Dohyeon, and he hoped that if he could do the same for him, it would be good.

“Ah…”

Dohyeon let out a long sigh. Still on one knee, he lowered his head deeply. At the same time, a small, damp droplet fell onto the ground.

“…”

Was it raining? At first, Wooyeon thought so, but when he casually looked up at the sky, it was clear and blue. The fluffy clouds didn’t seem like they were about to rain at all.

“…?”

Wooyeon looked back at Dohyeon just a second too late. The droplets continued to fall, leaving dark stains on the floor. Wooyeon blinked quickly, but before he could react, Dohyeon suddenly stood up.

“What…?”

Startled, Wooyeon stood up to follow him. Dohyeon turned his face away, covering it with one hand. As he sighed, Wooyeon hesitantly called out to him.

“Hyung, right now…”

Are you crying?

Wooyeon couldn’t bring himself to ask. Dohyeon’s breath hitched, and there was a deep, silent sob in his voice. Still holding Wooyeon’s hand, he murmured softly.

“Sorry, just… wait…”

His voice trembled, and it sounded so different from his usual composed and mature tone. Dohyeon, who had always seemed like a teacher to Wooyeon, was crying.

“…Just a moment.”

“…”

Wooyeon was so shocked that he couldn’t speak. He froze, unable to blink, as the sight of Dohyeon covering his face, his shoulders shaking, and his trembling hands were etched into his memory.

“…Hyung.”

Why are you crying? It makes me upset.

“Hyung, look at me.”

Wooyeon quietly spoke, gently shaking his hand. His hand was so big that, even with just one hand, he couldn’t see his face. Even though it was clear that Dohyeon was crying, he was trying to hide it, and it made Wooyeon anxious.

“Please, quickly.”

“…”

“Teacher.”

“…”

“Sunbae.”

Finally, when he called out like this, Dohyeon slightly furrowed his brow. Wooyeon stepped closer and lowered his gaze.

“…Can’t you show me your face?”

He wanted to comfort him, but with this, he couldn’t do anything. So he asked, but Dohyeon refused very firmly.

“No.”

“…”

“I’m ugly right now.”

He looked like he would still be handsome, though. Wooyeon swallowed his words. He couldn’t let Dohyeon think that he was curious about his crying face, or it might be misunderstood.

“Don’t cry.”

“I’m not crying.”

“…You’re crying.”

Wasn’t it a bit too late to deny it? Wooyeon thought to himself, and then grabbed Dohyeon’s left wrist. Unlike Wooyeon, who had a ring on his finger, Dohyeon’s hand was still bare.

“I want to put a ring on you.”

“…”

Wooyeon could feel Dohyeon freeze for a moment. Without missing the chance, he gently pulled his wrist, not using much force, but Dohyeon didn’t push him away and instead allowed his hand to be moved, as if giving in willingly.

Right. Even in these small things, Dohyeon lets me win. Wooyeon didn’t know how not to love such a gentle person, even if he sometimes scolded him.

“…You’re sly.”

“I learned it from you, teacher…”

Wooyeon also made a small protest at the minor fuss. At the same time, as Dohyeon lowered his head deeply, Wooyeon couldn’t properly see his crying face again. Helpless, Wooyeon grabbed the case that was placed on the bench.

“If you put it on, you can’t back out.”

Dohyeon whispered. He didn’t even know that was exactly what Wooyeon wanted. Wooyeon had even planned to invite his classmates to the wedding.

The remaining ring was slightly larger than Wooyeon’s. After removing the ring, Wooyeon took Dohyeon’s left hand, but this time, Dohyeon covered his face with his other hand. Stubborn. Wooyeon muttered, and Dohyeon lightly protested.

“I’m embarrassed.”

“…Why are you embarrassed?”

I just cried too…

“You’re cute, so it’s fine.”

Wooyeon let out a small laugh at his sweet voice. He had felt it for a while, but it seemed like his infatuation was only growing.

“It’s okay, you can cry a little.”

Wooyeon responded softly and slid the ring onto Dohyeon’s finger. He hadn’t thought much of it, but almost fumbled. He now understood why Dohyeon had been shaking earlier.

The gold ring, inlaid with cubic stones at regular intervals, fit Dohyeon perfectly. Wooyeon stared at Dohyeon for a long time, captivated by how such a small accessory—a tiny piece of metal—could bring such a profound feeling.

“…Really, you’re not going to look?”

When Wooyeon asked for the last time, Dohyeon let out a soft chuckle, almost as if saying it was inevitable, or that he couldn’t help it.

Finally, Dohyeon slowly took his hand away, and Wooyeon gently reached out. Very carefully, he cupped Dohyeon’s cheeks.

“…”

Finally revealed, Dohyeon’s face was still stained with tears. His neat, symmetrical eyes were soaked to the lashes, a mess. As he blinked, more tears rolled down his smooth cheeks.

“I told you…”

Dohyeon chuckled, placing his hand on top of Wooyeon’s. He rested his right cheek against Wooyeon’s hand, while his left hand grabbed it and lowered it gently.

And then…

“I love you, Yeon-ah.”

“…”

Wooyeon’s eyes widened. Every time tears dropped from Dohyeon’s eyes, it made Wooyeon’s heart ache sharply. Though it was painful, it was also a thrilling feeling, and his stomach began to flutter.

Ah, it seems like I’ve developed a bad taste.

He never expected to enjoy seeing the person he loved cry, but right now, he could understand that sadistic feeling. The pained expression, yet the smile that followed, was so endearing.

“…Why do you keep crying?”

He still hoped that Dohyeon would stop crying. After all, crying like this would give him a headache, just like Wooyeon had when he had cried for the past few days.

“Because…”

“…”

“Because I really like you.”

It was such a candid response, as though laying his heart bare. Wooyeon gently wiped around Dohyeon’s eyes with clumsy hands, just as Dohyeon had done for him—carefully and softly, trying not to poke his eyes.

In doing so, Wooyeon realized something again.

“If I confess, you cry…”

It must have been the summer vacation two years ago, during a drinking session. Dohyeon, much more drunk than usual, had spilled his beer, then stepped outside saying he needed some fresh air. Wooyeon followed him, and when Dohyeon leaned on his shoulder and confessed his feelings, he had silently cried without showing his face. Wooyeon knew Dohyeon was crying because his shoulder had become wet.

“Yeah…”

“…”

“You cried back then too.”

At that time, Dohyeon had said it was because of the alcohol, but this time, he quietly admitted it. Perhaps he thought it was unavoidable since it had been discovered, or maybe he wasn’t embarrassed anymore.

“Are you going to keep crying?”

Would a kiss stop the tears? Wooyeon thought to himself, asking in a quiet voice. It would have been easier if Dohyeon was sobbing loudly, but the tears just kept falling, making Wooyeon feel even more helpless.

Dohyeon shook his head slightly and leaned his head against Wooyeon’s shoulder.

“Hold me.”

“…”

Wooyeon slowly reached out and embraced Dohyeon. The height difference made it less stable than when he had been held, but Dohyeon still clung to Wooyeon’s waist with his arms.

“Hold me tighter…”

Wooyeon tightened his grip around him with all his strength. It was tight enough that it might hurt, but Dohyeon burrowed deeper into Wooyeon’s embrace without any discomfort. The way he rubbed his face against Wooyeon was different from his usual mature demeanor.

‘I knew it.’

Wooyeon understood now. Dohyeon was deliberately acting childish. Normally, he wouldn’t have indulged in such behavior, but now he was doing it on purpose.

It was clear that Dohyeon was concerned about Wooyeon’s apology for acting childish. He had come into Wooyeon’s arms to comfort him, perhaps offering Wooyeon the chance to take care of him like an adult.

Well, whatever the reason, Wooyeon didn’t mind at all. How many chances in life would he get to comfort his crying teacher? Once today passed, Dohyeon would become his kind and loving partner again, comforting Wooyeon instead.

“By the way, Hyung…”

After some time, Wooyeon finally spoke up. Dohyeon had stopped crying but still hadn’t left Wooyeon’s embrace.

“Hmm?”

“What if someone sees us?”