After letting all his true feelings spill out, Jihoon did feel a little lighter. But now, awkwardness and embarrassment crept in because Ryul hadn't said a word in response. The silence stretched on, settling over him like an unexpected weight.
His confidence, which had flared just moments ago, fizzled out just as quickly. He had long lost the ability to maintain eye contact, and his gaze had since resigned itself to being fixed on the ground, focusing on the patterns in the tar beneath his feet.
'I built up so much courage to say that… at least say something…'
A shift in the movement ahead caught his eye, and before long, a large yet familiar hand was gently patting him on the head.
"You don't have to worry about that," Ryul reassured calmly. "Why would I ever be upset with you?"
His low voice was warm and soothing to hear, but Jihoon didn't understand why his body was reacting the opposite of how he felt. His muscles were too tense.
