A Date of a Lifetime (Harukyu)

Chapter 8

Summer of 2019

Jihoon's words kept on repeating in Haruto's head ever since last night.

Junkyu is not yours.

You only have one week left.

Haruto wants to admit that he can now say he likes Junkyu for real. However, he wasn't sure what to do next, thinking about what Junghwan told them before. Haruto has a lot of confidence in himself, so he isn't immune to any rejections or people turning him down because it has always been the other way around. He gets attention when he wants to, and he also gets whatever he likes. But right now, he isn't sure if he can actually get Kim Junkyu. It hurts his pride a bit to think that he might not be someone Junkyu will like. He's starting to compare himself with Jihoon – mature, responsible, and a good man despite meeting the guy only once. Jihoon exuded those auras, and he couldn't deny, he looked good with Junkyu, too. Haruto wasn't the type to even think ahead or think about the bigger picture but for the first time, his mind wandered further beyond what he usually worries.

The battle in his mind also gets complicated because thinking how he can just give up Junkyu and forget about him after some time, his heart would start protesting. Haruto wasn't quite ready to face rejection if he confesses, but the thought of letting Junkyu go without even trying might hurt his ego even more. That's why, Haruto couldn't stop looking at Junkyu, who's sitting beside him sketching random drawings on a blank canvas.

"J-Junkyu-ya..." Haruto's deep voice made Junkyu glance at him with his faint smile.

"Hmm? Do you need anything?" The other guy casually asked.

Haruto subtly took deep breaths before mustering his courage to initiate the conversation. "You know, we only have a week left and... we haven't really talked about each other... like, personally."

Junkyu slightly tilted his head and intently listened to him.

"Is it not allowed in your job to open up on a... personal level?" Haruto wasn't sure if he worded it right.

"You mean... getting to know me on a personal level?" Junkyu confirmed.

Haruto just awkwardly nodded and tried to mask his nervous expression with his casual face. But he discreetly relaxed when he saw Junkyu smile.

"Do you want to know more about me?"

"Yeah... I mean, i-if you're not comfortable about it, we don't have to." Haruto almost stuttered.

"It's not that. It's just, you're the first date I had who actually want to know me personally. So, I was a bit surprised." Junkyu giggled as he continued to sketch.

Haruto took this chance to secretly lift his lips upward after hearing what his date said.

"Haruto doesn't look like he would care about a random person that much..." Junkyu paused and glanced at him again with his cute smile before he continued. "...but you're actually nice and warm."

*lub dub...*

Junkyu saying those words to him with his sincere eyes and smile, made Haruto's chest pound again.

"You can ask me anything you want." Haruto unconsciously blurted out.

"Really?" The older guy sounded excited. He motioned his body to Haruto's side so he could face the latter.

"Hmm... I've been so curious about this. Based on your profile on the app, you're two years younger than me. Why are you not calling me 'hyung'?" Junkyu gave him expectant eyes while waiting for his answer.