One look at his suite and anyone can tell he did some cleaning. Everything was spotless, the kitchen, the bathroom, even his bed was tidied up properly, the floorboards had no smudge of dirt or dust to accompany it. Why? Because Eun took the liberty to clean the entire place earlier this morning. He could've just requested for a housekeeping service for this but he just felt the motivation to do some cleaning and once the elder Moon gets motivated to do something, he never stops until it's done. Which was ironic, considering he's still sticking himself in Evermore even after his client was dead and his case was marked off. What was he doing here again? Right, to investigate. He came to Evermore to take on this case that was specifically requesting for his service, but when the case was marked off following his client's death, Eun knew it was only a matter of time before his superior calls him back home. Home. What a relative term. It feels so foreign to him now, especially with the wedding in five more months. It's an upcoming event that will surely change his entire life but why does he feel so reluctant to set his foot back in his country? 

Over the past few months he's been in the eternal city, he's met plenty of beautiful souls, one stood out over the many; Leighton Kingsman, a cute bookstore owner he met when he first came to Evermore. They struck up a friendship that Eun never felt in all of his 29 years of staying. He realized someone many things went by this year but his time was well spent here with the therian. He promised the therian that they would have their sushi dinner the next Saturday after their horseback riding session. When was that? Months ago. Eun was guilty of postponing it from week to week, until it eventually became months. They still contact each other, of course. Eun grew closer to Leigh where he was already so comfortable with telling about his past stories. Sometimes at 2 so 3 am, he was guilty to keep the therian up and awake at such a time but Leigh never told him off. In fact, he only encouraged him to speak his mind even more. Their friendship was close to almost 7 months already and Eun felt like the time flew seamlessly. 

7 months should've indicated that he should be back in Korea planning his wedding in 2 more months but after insisting to stay here for work, he persuaded his family to extend the dates. His father wasn't impressed but also got the memo that it was for work so he caved in, and his fiancee's family was understanding which made him even more guilty of lying. If only they knew. But today is Saturday, he woke up early just for this. He cleaned the place up and himself up pretty well. Eun remembered he promised Leigh a Saturday, and today is a Saturday. The day was already stepping into evening, he spent hours in the morning and afternoon to make sure the suite is spotless and the book he promised to bring was placed neatly on the bedside table. Eun quickly got dressed after stepping out of the shower a while ago, and stared at his reflection in the bathroom's mirror as he blow dried his hair and styled it properly. It was supposed to be a casual dinner but he made sure to dress up well because it's been long overdue, and there was nothing wrong with dressing handsomely anyway. 

Once he was done, he grabbed the book on the table and put it in the paper bag where another box was also occupying the space. What does it hold? That'll be revealed soon enough. The dhampir wrapped himself in a coat and exited the suite, making his way to the elevator so he can make it to the sushi place in time for his reservation. He greeted the receptionist and securities with a smile and got himself an Uber because he wanted to get there as quick as possible. After a few minutes of small traffic, he finally arrived at his destination, giving his name to the receptionist in charge before trailing behind to his booth. Eun gave his coat to the staff and took his seat, placing the paper bag under the table while waiting for the arrival of his friend. 

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Leigh nodded his head slowly in agreement with what Eun said “You’re right, I didn’t deserve that” he spoke it thoughtfully with a certain conviction in his voice which he hoped communicated how far he had come since then “But there was a time when I thought I did” he wasn’t saying that for pity but to simply show the difference in the person he was before and how far he had come alone “And that was a very dark place to be and to...let that go, I had to let go of all the anger and resentment I felt” it was a scary part of his life but he had made a lot of progress since then, learned to stop blaming himself for things which could never be his fault and in a way, begin to find a way to like the person he was. Leigh chuckled but shook his head when Eun asked if he was too loud “I don’t think loud is the word I would use you’re...cheerful and you draw people in and I’d find it hard to see you differently than...warm” he nodded his head slowly because he definitely saw Eun that way.

Leigh pressed his lips together and smiled softly when Eun said he didn’t say things he didn’t mean “Well I am a good liar because of what I am but that doesn’t mean I like to do it...I try to as upfront as I can” but he usually got pretty shy and didn’t know what to say so he would end up muttering or tripping over his words. Thankfully he was comfortable enough around Eun now that he didn’t really have that problem anymore. “You don’t know that” Leigh spoke softly with an nervous smile “We might have been able to be outsiders together” the kitsune got this feeling in his chest that he was meant to meet Eun, it was him who had pulled him out of his shell after all this time after all. Seeing the way Eun blushed at the admission of people calling him a good boy when he was younger “So you always followed the rules?” he raised his brows curiously.

Leigh laughed softly but it quickly became a blush when Eun asked him to explain what he meant by hitting puberty “Well you know…” he pressed his lips together not sure exactly how to describe it but he did his best “You are very handsome, you made me unable to look away from you the night we met” and Leigh was not really a superficial person who only liked a person based on looks but there was literally no way not to notice Eun. Leigh cringed slightly at the way Eun explained the girls at school who followed him around and screamed loudly but he nodded to affirm what the Dhampir was asking about “Yeah that sounds like a fanclub” he was never popular in school but he did notice the way the girls always gushed over the popular boys.

Leigh still felt a little in shock about what had happened, not that he would take it back or felt any regrets, he had been wondering, perhaps even dreaming what it might be like to kiss Sangeun Moon but it was just surprising to him that they were really in this moment and two of them had shared a kiss. And importantly, that neither of them seemed like they wanted it to be the last one. He was nervous though, knowing Eun’s situation, wondering what this could all mean but then the other part of him just felt exhilarated and excited, wanting to know what was next. “And more…” he stuttered the words nervously, his eyes widening just a little before his gaze softened, feeling his heart swelling in his chest.

Leigh dropped his gaze to the food which remained mostly untouched on the table because his attention had been so focused on the other male he’d completely forgotten about his appetite. He noticed the little looks Eun snuck him and he gave a few of his own, smiling like a kid trying to make eye contact with their crush in class. He paused at Eun’s next words though and bit gently on his bottom lip “I think I’m getting the hang of it but…” he glanced down at Eun’s food and then his one and hesitantly reached to pick up a piece the way he showed him and held it out towards the other male hoping he would take it, though Leigh’s cheeks were bright red. His thanks made the Kitsune smile softly “It’s something I think I’ll...never forget...so thank you” he responded and looked down to his tray, picking up a few more bites of his food and eating them slowly.

Eun knew he was beyond proud to hear that Leigh was standing up for himself and knew his own worth, there was nothing more attractive than to see someone who knows their own value. In this case, the dhampir was already feeling strongly towards the kitsune, it was making it harder for him to unsee a few things that he probably shouldn't even pay attention to. "The good thing is… it was a time long ago. Now, you're better, aren't you?" It was unlike him to try and delve into someone's past, especially given his own wasn't well managed. It wasn't his right and the last thing the dhampir wanted to do tonight, is remind Leigh of his past. "I can't comprehend how strong you must've been to get through all of that." It takes certain will, for sure. Not everyone was well-equipped for that. "You think I draw people in?" He wondered, was there ever a time where he didn't blush as hard as he does right now? Or was it just… a Leighton Kingsman effect? He thinks he's warm, that mention alone was enough to make him smile fondly.

 "There's no need to lie to me anyway… I respect you too much to think the bad of you. If you even have one." It is true, Eun really holds the other male in high regards. "If we were outsiders together, we would've been the hot topic of school. Everyone would wanna know about us" as if it was on queue, his ears grew redder and it caused him to cover them because he could almost feel the red drowning him. Why is he suddenly blushing so bad tonight? Was it because of that kiss earlier? Or was it the confession? "Mhmm… I was never a rule breaker. Whatever my parents wanted, I followed. If they wanted me to be a lawyer… well here I am today." His mother did express her desire, once upon a time, about wanting a lawyer for a son. She gushed over him all the time. It was hard not to remember that.

 His hand skimmed over his cheek unconsciously when Leigh complimented his looks, "I've been told that by plenty of people. I like hearing it… it makes me feel good about myself and I'm glad I could provide you with some… pleasant sight." There was no hiding his narcissism either, but deep down, Eun likes to please. It's all that he's been taught since a child. Having good looks and good manners to befit him, it was an excellent package. "You thought I was handsome when we first met, huh?" he teased, poking his dimples gently as he chewed his sushi. "They brought good food though. I was grateful whenever they came to cheer on me during some of the debate competitions." Eun wasn't one to decline home-cooked meals, anyway. "Yeah… and more… I mean that is, if you still want more. I completely understand it if you don't, it's out of the blue and so sudden... " Now he's fiddling with his fingers, gosh. 

What was this attraction he felt for Leigh? Why is he suddenly curious to see where this leads them when he's never been close to being interested when Ahreum pecked him? Why does he suddenly want to feel Leigh's soft lips against his, again? When Leigh offered him a sushi, the elder Moon grinned sheepishly and accepted it. He leaned closer so he could catch it in his mouth, cheeks all puffed up from chewing and that stupid grin he keeps on wearing, This is nice. "Once we finish up… so you have any other plans?" He's just asking again, who knows, maybe Leigh does have them.

Leigh really liked the soft, understanding voice Eun always used when they were talking, it made him feel like he could say anything he wanted to and Eun would really listen, understand what he was trying to say, the other male made him feel so validated and important that it was impossible not to feel drawn to him “I still have bad days sometimes” he spoke it softly, as though it was a confession he really didn’t want to make, but he wanted Eun to understand that there would be times when he felt down “But they happen way less now and yes, I am better now, so much better” he had confidence in himself now which was completely nonexistent at one point. “It helps to not be alone, to...talk to someone about it” he had gone to therapy for a long time to help him get through “Even if it feels hard to start talking” he was amazed by how far he had managed to come.

“I know you do” he responded without hesitation to Eun’s words “You made this shy guy feel like he could be your friend from day one, that’s a feat completely unseen before” he grinned a little sheepishly, Eun had definitely made him feel comfortable in a way not many others did. Leigh allowed a small smile to tug at his lips as Eun said he didn’t need to lie to him “I might need some time to share everything, it took me this long be able to tell you about what happened back then, but sometimes it can be...a little dark in here” he touched his head against his temple “But I will tell you if things feel like too much” he hoped that was an okay compromise. He chuckled at the way Eun described how others might see them if they met back in school “I can’t even picture me being the talk of the school” he grinned slightly, a shy blush resting on his cheeks “Are you proud of the man you’ve become?” he questioned, curious to know how Eun felt about the choices he had made til now.

Leigh continued to eat bites of his food while they talked, he was focusing a lot on his chopsticks, following how Eun had shown him how to use them and he was slowly getting the hang of it, though he was sure his expression was probably funny as he tried his best not to drop anything. He blushed profusely when Eun pointed out he thought he was handsome when they met, his eyes remaining on his bowl because of the embarrassment “I mean after the panic of the whole robbery thing died down, I definitely noticed you” he spoke it softly, twitching his cheeks after Eun poked against them. “I mean I can definitely think of worse things than people thinking you’re amazing” he commented when Eun explained how it made him happy when they cheered him on at competitions.

He felt his eyes widen a little when Eun took his and more comment further and Leigh noticed the way Eun was stumbling over his words a little, that was much more like the Kitsune to do than it was the Dhampir so he could tell Eun was nervous “I do, it doesn’t feel sudden to me it feels...right” he hoped that was alright to say but he didn’t regret the kiss, he didn’t regret his feelings for the Dhampir which felt like they only got stronger today. He grinned slightly as he watched Eun take the sushi from his chopsticks and he saw the adorable way he munched on the food, like a hamster savoring his food “I told you already, there’s someone who’s waiting to meet you” he chuckled softly “She likes giving a lot of kisses though, you should prepare yourself” he wanted Eun to say he would come back with him because he just wanted this night to go on forever, but since forever wasn’t possible, he’d settle for a little while longer.

He wanted to make Leigh feel at ease, that's what he'd like to do, most of the time. He didn't know why, if it had been a habit since before, but whenever he saw the kitsune smile while putting on a serene look, it made him feel at ease. It feels like he could just stare at him all day long. Is this how he's felt for the kitsune? All this while? How come he didn't realize what it was? Could it be due to his lack of experience in the said department? It could very well be that. He felt like Leigh really did trust him from how he had confessed to him about feeling afraid of those days, "It's understandable to feel that way, Leigh. Don't invalidate yourself, okay? You're beautiful just the way you are" it had been the first time he allowed such a word to describe a person. He always said pretty or handsome but never beautiful when it comes to a person. He likes that Leigh feels better about himself, it feels like his character growth was just right around the corner. "Just know that I'm always here to talk if you need me to, or just hear you out... " He wanted to be there for Leigh. 

Eun was just relieved that Leigh felt at ease being around him. "I've never had much of a friend before, I don't know if they were just being my friend for the sake of being my friend but you, you made me feel different and I didn't know what it was" From the first time he met Leigh, there was something about him that captivated him, he wasn't sure if it was his character or something else, perhaps both. The elder Moon placed a reassuring hold on the other male's hand, squeezing it a bit as a way of showing his support, "You don't need to spill on the spot when I ask you to, Leigh. Whenever and wherever, you can use me for your personal therapist, I don't mind. Better take me up on the offer, Mr Kingsman, it's only once in a lifetime opportunity" he jested teasingly and grinned softly, there was a certain look etched on Eun's face; one of serenity. "Going once? Going twice? Am I sold?" he poked his dimple gently to get an answer. 

"I'm proud of the man I am, in a way. I'm not perfect but I think I had a better life than most. I have that luxury and privilege to lead a good life despite it not being my kind of life, I'll accept that and make my own decisions on how I see fit." That may mean he's going against his parents' wishes. It was funny seeing how Leigh was trying his best to use the chopsticks to the best of his ability which made Eun laugh, he's cute. "My parents used to shower me with compliments. I was their jewel, they dragged about me to their friends, so I'm used to being doted on. When school came, it didn't stop, people kept following after me, I guess it felt good." To be recognized for your efforts, it made him feel good. It feels right, he said. 

If he could count how many times his heart beated in the past minute, he was going to die of exhaustion. He even brought one hand up against his chest, where his heart was located, in an effort to calm it down, "I'm glad you think so." Eun could feel Leigh's stare on him while he was eating his food and felt the desire to break out a smile and he did, he smiled a lot while eating. "Wouldn't it be unfair if she gives me more kisses than you would?" he quipped and placed his chopsticks aside as soon as he was finished, his eyes were focused solely on the kitsune next to him, "I'd love to meet her though. Does that mean you're taking me back to your place after this?" And no matter how wrong it may have sounded, it sounded right to him. 

Leigh was doing his best to be as upfront with Eun as he could be about the person he was, he wasn’t perfect and sometimes his mind could go to a really dark place but other times he was happy and carefree and enjoying his life, it was a rollercoaster with ups and downs but he was holding on tight throughout all of it “Thanks for understanding” he spoke softly, blushing slightly because Eun had called him beautiful and he didn’t think anyone had called him that before, he liked how it sounded. Eun’s offer that he was there if he wanted to talk made the Kitsune feel like he had made the right choice in telling him about it “Would you believe me if I told you you’ve already been there for me on many bad days” he offered a small smile “Usually I just want to forget about it and whenever I ask you to stay on the phone a little longer, you do” and that meant everything to Leigh.

Leigh’s eyes softened a little as Eun explained how he didn’t have many friends before he was different “I always kinda saw you as my knight in shining armor” he confessed with a soft blush resting on his cheeks, he would never forget how Eun had rushed in and helped him without even knowing him that night, he would always treasure how kind he was. “How about I promise this...I will always find a way to tell you the truth after I figure out the truth in my head” sometimes he needed some time to process what he was going through and understand it but he wanted Eun to know that he wanted to share those things with him, that he wanted the two of them to be close and to be able to tell one another anything. Even if they don’t end up dating, Eun was still someone Leigh wanted to be close to in whatever way was possible “Okay deal” he commented, laughing at the way Eun poked against his cheek.

“Well nobody's perfect but if someone was pretty close” he looked back at Eun and pointed his finger towards him a soft smile resting on his lips as he did so “But you’re right, it’s about time that you started making your own decisions and finding the things which make you happy” Leigh wasn’t going to ask him to call off his engagement or anything drastic like that, it wasn’t his place to tell Eun what he should do when it came to that situation but he did notice how Eun seemed to get happier and happier the longer he was here in Evermore and not back in Korea. Leigh was eating slowly thanks to using the chopsticks but he was slowly getting the hang of it and before long he was coming towards the end of his meal “Sometimes I feel like my parents gave me too much freedom so I guess we’re opposite when it comes to that huh?” they were opposite in a lot of things but that still seemed to work for them.

When Eun talked about Minha giving her more kisses than he did, Leigh choked on the drink he was halfway downing before setting down his chopsticks, it seemed that kiss was still on both their minds and perhaps Leigh wasn’t the only one who wanted another. He could still feel his lips tingling from the one they shared before, he remembered how soft Eun’s lips felt against his, so warm and inviting. He cleared his throat “She’s like my child, I can’t tell her no, no matter how jealous I’d get” he mumbled softly as he finished off the last couple of bites of his food and called over the waiter to pay their bill. While they were waiting for him to come over Leigh grinned slightly when Eun asked him if he was inviting him home “Yes...I mean if you want to...there’s no pressure obviously and no...ill intentions I just…” he blushed slightly because the waiter arrived at that moment. He looked over at Eun before hesitantly asking the waiter to split their bill and let them both pay, he paid for his half first.

Eun was used to having expectations laid on him, he needed to do this and that, because it’s always what was expected. When he found Leigh that night, it was supposed to be out of instinct kind of gesture, the poor kitsune was about to be robbed by a grade D robber who was clearly armed with something that would most likely hurt him more than he could hurt the poor male. Then a bridge of friendship was created and now, he was over the moon, pun intended. Everything Leigh did leave an impact in him, whenever the kitsune talks to him with that dimpled smile, Eun felt like his heart could stretch out and fly away. After a few hours of intense googling, he found out that meant how you feel when you’re falling for someone, your heart flutters. “You don’t have to thank anyone just for understanding, that is the bare minimum, Leigh” he had that soft smile etched on his lips, he wondered the person he’d be if he didn’t come to Evermore if he didn’t meet Leigh and plenty of others who opened his eyes. 

Had he stayed back in Seoul, he probably would’ve been a married man by now. “I’m glad I could help and be there for you on your bad days” Maybe he wants to do that again… and again. The times he would stay on the phone, he remembered them clearly, “I always wondered if you had to get an early night and felt reluctant to say another word because I didn’t want to impose” The times when he had to tell Leigh he was going to wake up early tomorrow because he didn’t think he had the right to ask Leigh to stay up with him. The fact that Leigh said he always saw him as his knight in shining armor made Eun grin because he’s never had anyone tell him that, anything that resembled something outside a generic bubble, “What if I told you that I wish to be your knight in shining armor? Would you accept me?” 

He didn’t want to push Leigh and the kitsune was still fine with sharing things with him, so he felt grateful, “Thank you, that means a lot” he wondered if he could also tell Leigh how he felt. Perhaps on their way back to the kitsune’s place. They’ll have plenty of things to talk about then. He could feel his cheeks flushing when Leigh pointed to him, “M-Me?” He’s not used to this, why was he suddenly blushing like hell? Is it because this compliment was so unexpected, he was caught off guard? “I am happy, right now, at least…” he held his hands and somehow, it felt like it fits, “with you…” That came out as barely audible but with the close proximity they maintained, Leigh could probably hear it, considering his enhanced senses. “I envy you for that, I wish I had your parents… perhaps things would’ve been slightly different” Eun wouldn’t be asking for much. 

He only wanted acceptance to be who he wanted to be, he’s gone this far for the sake of his family, the least they could offer him was leave him to pick who he wants to marry. Maybe he was joking a little bit too much. Seeing the way Leigh choked on his drink activated an automatic switch in Eun to pat his back and rub the other male’s chest. It wasn’t until he realized where his hand was at, that Eun took it off, “Sorry…” Leigh sure had a firm chest. No matter how jealous I get, he said. Why are you grinning, Eun? Once he had paid his other half of the bill, he had his hand outstretched after exiting the restaurant, “Come on, you should lead me where you live.” Holding hands was fine, right? “I always wondered what would’ve happened to me if I didn’t come to Evermore.” A lot of things, for sure.

Leigh had lived most of his life just expecting people to judge him or ignore him, it was easier for him to cope with everything when he convinced everyone was just self-centered or naturally trained by society to judge before they knew the full truth but Eun was so different, he was the kind of person who just ran into danger because someone was in trouble and that was almost foreign to Leigh. That was the reason he had shone so brightly in the Kitsune’s eyes since they met, every time Eun came around to check on him or gave up what he knew was a busy schedule to spend time with him, he knew he was doing so because he wanted to, not because he expected to get anything in return “The world has trained me to think differently” he commented softly, his eyes softening because Eun truly felt like it was no big deal.

Leigh nodded his head slightly when Eun said he was glad he could be there for him on his bad says, the Kitsune was pretty good at masking his worst days with a smile with most people but he was sure there were a few times that the Dhampir had caught the sense that something was off because those were the days Eun kept talking just a little while longer “It’s not an imposition, honestly those calls were often the reason I could get through the day...just...knowing I get to talk to you later” perhaps that was cheesy and he wasn’t saying that Eun was his coping mechanism because that was unhealthy, but having something to look forward to? That always helped. Leigh paused when Eun said he wanted to be his knight in shining armor, was there more to the ask than just the hypothetical question? “Of course I would” he spoke in a small voice with a sheepish grin “If it wasn’t obvious already...I like you Eun…” naturally his gaze drifted away from him in embarrassment.

Leigh nodded slightly, he knew he wasn’t perfect and the part of him which masked and found it hard to talk about stuff wasn’t just going to disappear because he wished it would, there was always going to be a part of him which was fighting this fight, but the point was to find a life and a state of mind that was worth fighting for. Leigh giggled softly at Eun’s shock when he said that he was close to perfect “You can cook, you’re funny, athletic, smart, you probably know how to dance and can sing” he shook his head slightly “You look like you walked out of a modeling catalog and onto the streets” he laughed and bit his lip “Who wouldn’t think you’re amazing?” maybe everything was magnified because of the crush he had but he saw so much good in Eun. Leigh sucked in a slightly nervous breath when Eun said he was happy with, letting a small smile appear on his lips, this warm feeling in his chest was making him feel fluttery.

The way Eun talked about wishing his parents were like Leigh’s made him bite his lip “Yeah...I’ve always been pretty lucky to have a family who understands me” they had definitely been the backbone of his strength through his recovery process. Leigh’s shock had caused him to choke on his drink and it only escalated when Eun’s hand naturally came to his chest to soothe him, causing Leigh to blush hard and hide his face for a moment. He sighed slightly, it was hard work to be around someone so confident and unaware of how stupidly hard his heart was pounding right now, especially as Eun agreed to come home with him. After they paid, he followed Eun out of the restaurant only to see him holding his hand out to him, he didn’t hesitate to take it in his own “This way” he spoke softly as he tugged Eun in the right direction, swinging their hands a little as he did so. This honestly felt like he was dreaming. A dream he never wanted to wake from.

His words made Leigh press his lips together for a moment “A lot has changed for you since you came here huh?” and he didn’t just mean the two of them meeting, he was sure the distance that Eun put between him and his family had given him time to rethink about what it was he wanted for himself and his future.

Eun always took in everything to mind, every single word uttered by the people around him meant everything. He lives to impress, honestly. From a young age, Eun only knew to do that. To make his parents happy, make them proud. Was it because he is the eldest? The firstborn? Heavy is the head that wears the crown, right? His siblings seemed to receive the same expectations placed on them, Hyunsik, Ahri, even Jae. No one could escape from his family's clutch when it comes to that. But they had in mind on what makes them happy, that's the difference between him and them. Eun didn't know what made him happy. Whenever someone asks him that, he would give his answer, though it ends up sounding superficial. When he met Leigh, it feels like nothing was holding him down; not one expectation whatsoever. No matter how kind a person can be, surely they had a certain picture of what this person or that person is like. But not Leighton Kingsman. Not him.

 "Sometimes I wonder if we should even be trained... " Isn't the whole process of growing up supposed to be a progress in learning? That's what people said yet nobody seemed to make good on those words at all. "I'm glad you think talking to me is one way to vent… sometimes I see it that way. I'm always buried with work so being able to talk to you after a day's worth, it made me feel at ease" He remembered how listening to Leigh's voice alone when he initially picked up the call, was enough to make him feel relieved, knowing the person on the other line was someone he could trust wholeheartedly. He knew he feels strongly for Leigh from the way he stared at the kitsune alone, there was something blooming within him and he didn't know how to say it outloud. Just because he wasn't used to feeling something like this, doesn't mean he didn't have the slightest clue on what it may be. Adoration was there. So was endearment. 

I like you, Eun. "I like you too… as if it wasn't obvious already, I'm not good at this... " he scratched the back of his head awkwardly as he tried to muster a sheepish grin to reassure Leigh he means every word, "I've never felt like this… to anyone else." Did it make sense? God knows. The dhampir could feel his cheeks darkening when Leigh started listing his traits down, "When you put it that way… it makes me feel shy" Scarlet red, that's what he is. "I…  don't know how to dance but I do sing… occasionally. It's nothing though, anyone could do that in their free time." Eun was used to being posed as someone who is narcissistic, but that's fine because he was the one who said it, fueled from the compliments offered by others. Hearing it come from Leigh; a person he actually fancies, it definitely hits differently. He decided then, he liked being attractive to Leigh. "The same reason why I'd also ask… who wouldn't find you amazing."

 Leigh was extremely attractive to the elder Moon, his humility and kindness would often make him fall even deeper. Seems like he does have a type. "I wish mine understood me… but I guess that is something I also have to work on" He couldn't blame them altogether. Eun hasn't spared the effort to show that he's not fine following everything. Maybe he didn't want to take his hand off his chest, and what about it? Was that wrong of him? He didn't think so. He could feel how fast Leigh's heart was beating, and it made him bite his lip apprehensively because his heart was also picking up the pace. Is this what it feels like to like someone? See, he could remember how right it felt to have his hands clasping his, just like that night during Winterfest. 

A lighthearted chuckle escaped him when he swung their hands together, "Are you aware how cute you look right now?" Extremely. "Yeah… I don't think it makes me an extremely different person altogether but… I wouldn't feel certain things back in Korea, the things I feel here. I think I have you to thank. My brother is also trying his best to make my accommodation here comfortable." 

Leigh bit his lip and shrugged slightly, Eun was probably right, the views and natural judgments people had when it came to the world probably weren’t healthy but it was a natural reaction to your experiences in life, if you did something and it turned out horribly, you didn’t want to do it again, it trained you “It’s hard to stay unaffected though” he pointed out in a soft voice, if it was easy then things would have never got so bad for him back in school. Leigh grinned at the way Eun returned the sentiment about enjoying their evening talks “Sometimes it feels like I could talk to you forever and it wouldn’t be long enough” he confessed with a sheepish smile, he felt like Eun always knew what to say, he encouraged him when he doubted himself and made him feel like he could speak his truth.

Leigh felt himself flush with nerves when Eun said he liked him too but he wasn’t good at this “Me neither” he admitted in a soft voice “I only ever has one boyfriend before and it...didn’t end well” he bit his lip softly, it had been a really long time since he’d let himself even think about crushing on someone the way he was feeling right now for the Dhampir. But with Eun it didn’t feel complicated or hard, it felt natural, he made Leigh happier. Leigh grinned slightly when Eun said he had never felt this way about anyone “Do you like the feeling?” he remembered being scared the first time he started falling because it all felt so new and daunting. He giggled when Eun admitted he couldn’t dance but did sing on occasion “I could teach you to dance...I know a little” not like Yeonseok but he could slow dance. He licked his lips when he heard the other male turn his compliment back around on him “Many people” he responded and then ducked his head a little “But it makes me happy that you think like that” he admitted with a shy look towards the Dhampir.

He sighed softly when Eun expressed his wishes for his parents to understand him, he could see the pressures that Eun had always put upon himself to fit this perfect image they had of him, he took the job he did because they told him that was what they wanted, he let them pick out his law school for him. It seemed like coming here to Evermore was the first thing he had ever chosen for himself “It’s scary huh? To be someone you think they might not like?” he could understand the image Eun wanted to project and deep down Leigh knew they would never accept him as any kind of partner for Leigh. But he decided he was okay with that, he would take what he could get when it came to the Dhampir.

Leigh turned back to Eun with a confused look on his face when he heard Eun laughing and then he raised his brows curiously at his words “I guess I wasn’t” he admitted with a soft laugh, somehow his own happiness at the situation had just jumped out without him really trying, still if Eun thought it was cute then it was okay to continue right. Leigh pressed his lips together slightly when Eun said it was credit to him that he felt different here in Evermore, sure he thought some of it was about them meeting but he also believed there was more to it than that “When you first came here you were...very much about your rules, you did things a certain way, always showed up to work right on time, had a routine, called home every evening and then at one point, you started embracing change, trying new things” like going out to a sushi dinner with a kitsune “I think freedom looks really good on you” he admitted with a slight nod of his head.

Before long they had walked a few blocks along the road, Leigh kept glancing between their joined hands and over to Eun by his side almost in disbelief that he was really here while they talked. Before long they were outside the apartment complex where Leigh lived “Most of these buildings you aren’t allowed to have pets but mine is owned by this sweet lady who doesn’t mind them at all” he headed up towards the entrance and put his key in the lock to open the door “I hope you don’t mind the stairs” he blushed softly, the elevator had been broken for a couple of weeks now so he had to use the stairs.

When you were raised in a rather conservative household and community alike, it was easy to feel like you should live up to their expectations. Eun knew exactly what it feels like because he’s been doing that his entire life. But now, he finally felt like he could spread his wings and attempt to take flight now that he knew there were people who believed he could reach his happiness too. He wanted that. Falling for someone here was something unexpected but things have never felt so right before until now, so he wasn’t rejecting it. “It’s hard but it gives a thought when we’re trying” he reassured him with a genuine smile, “Just know I’ll always be here for you. I’m only a dial away” If Leigh called him and asked to meet, the dhampir was confident he would toss everything away and meet the kitsune because there was a corresponding effect, the priorities he held, Leigh was pretty high up.

 “If you need to rent me for an hour or two, or even more, just let me know. Though you’d be doing me a favor if you text me before doing so because I want to make sure my time is only for you and that meant organizing the other things so they would not be intervening, first.” Unlike Leigh, Eun was completely clueless on this particular department, he wasn’t used to this but he wanted to be. He wanted to try it out with him. A relationship. It sounded like a pretty possibility for them both to try out and he couldn’t wait to find what’s waiting for them. When asked if he liked the feeling, the elder Moon nodded shyly, “Very much.” Gosh, he now knew what most teenagers went through when they had their first crush. “I never knew why people around my age back in school felt so giddy during Valentine’s Day and White Day but I guess, I could see the appeal” because he was sure he wanted to do the same to him. 

Upon finding out that Leigh could dance, Eun raised his eyebrows in surprise and had a wolfish grin masking his features, “Oh, you can dance? What else don’t I know about you, gosh” The picture of him trying to match another dance that wasn’t a slow one was gonna be hilarious. “Good, just focus on that, Leigh. If I could see that about you, surely it meant I have a good eye. I’ll have you know my vision is 20/20.” It was nice to know that Leigh had a supportive family, he could only wish his were half that supportive when it comes down to anything he wanted to do. Was it bad if he wanted people just like the kitsune’s family? “I don’t want to disappoint them, that’s actually my biggest fear but if there was anything else that could top that, it’ll be knowing I’m living my life in indiscretion and be the perfect son they wanted. I owe them a lot… but I also wish it wouldn’t take away everything from me. I’d love to have something that’s mine” He understood why Jae departed, it was curbing his potential and he had to break free. When was he going to break free?

 “Believe it or not, I had a schedule to fit in. Yes, even my mealtimes are recorded. It was supposed to help me maintain a disciplined lifestyle but I realized it was a bit… overbearing to follow everything to the dot” He couldn’t even have a drink without thinking twice about it. That was just sad. “You’d be surprised to know what else looks good on me, Leigh” he winked playfully, oh he was feeling extremely bold for sure. He never attempted to take his hands off him, they were swinging their joined hands like some couple walking down the street of the peaceful neighborhood. Eun was surprised to find them arriving at his place already, time really did flew by. Or maybe it was because they were so engrossed in their conversation to even notice how much time has passed. “My cardio instructor loves me, Leigh. I can do stairs” he teased and felt giddy all of sudden, he was finally going to meet Minha and see his home. “I feel so nervous and I’m not even going to meet your parents” he murmured nervously, his breathing was pretty much uneven and the look on his face said it all; he was slightly flushed.

The way Eun assured him that he would always be a simple call away made Leigh smile, for so long he didn’t have someone he could turn to when he felt his thoughts getting darker but now he had someone who cared about him, someone who would just sit and listen regardless of how much he rambled or doubted himself “I know..” he spoke softly and nodded slightly “And I can be there for you too...I’m not sure how good I’d be at helping you forget about it but...I can try” Leigh hadn’t been really close with anyone in a while but that didn’t mean he didn’t want to be, he actually really liked supporting people. “You’re always so busy huh?” it didn’t escape Leigh’s notice that Eun’s schedule was always full, that was why it had taken them so long to go out to dinner together. But he didn’t mind waiting and he knew the Dhampir gave him more of his time than he did others.

Leigh let a genuine smile cross his lips when Eun said he liked the feeling very much “Me too” he agreed with a slight nod of his head, he hadn’t crushed on anyone in a long time, not like this anyway. In the past few years he would notice someone had a really nice smile or a handsome face but it rarely went beyond that. With Eun he noticed all that but also all the little things, like the little tilt of a head he would do when he was confused, how he always made out he had all this free time when Leigh knew for sure he had slotted in the ‘free time’ just to see him, how he always seemed to put others before himself and how deeply he cared for those important to him.

Leigh chuckled softly when Eun seemed surprised that he could dance “I mean it’s not something I do in front of people cause...yeah...I don’t like being in crowds but” he shrugged and smiled something “My mama taught me it, we ended up waltzing around the living room one night” it was a good memory, he loved learning things like that, even if it wasn’t something he would practically actually use. “She said I’d need it to dance with my husband at my wedding one day” he shook his head amused, there was nothing his mother wanted more than to see him happy and have a family of his own one day. Eun tended to avoid talking about his family where he could and Leigh understood why, it was because there wasn’t much positive to say because of the hold they had over his life. Leigh understood but he still liked it when Eun opened up to him a little “My mama one told me it shouldn’t be a parent’s role to live thier own dreams through their children, rather their dreams should become their child’s dreams” Leigh squeezed Eun’s hand gently “You’re allowed to dream Eun” even if he couldn’t attain it, having a dream was an important thing.

Leigh offered a small smile when Eun said it might be surprising that he had a schedule for everything “Honestly it isn’t, I’ve learned your little quirks” he admitted with a somewhat shy grin “But lately you’ve been letting the reins slip just a little and I think you like that” he nodded slightly, you didn’t know unless you tried right. His cheeks naturally flushed when Eun teased him about what else looks good on him “Quite literally everything?” he murmured and shook his head amusedly. Before long they had headed inside the building and lead him towards the stairs, they climbed the three stories to the top floor before finally reaching the entry way to the apartment and Leigh had his key in the lock just as Eun spoke about his nerves “You have nothing to worry about” he teased with a smile, turning to face him, Leigh’s back facing the door, he hesitantly leaned forward to press a soft kiss against his cheek, when he pulled back he blushed “Nothing in the world could be scarier than doing that” he spoke breathlessly before pulling down the handle and heading into the room, Minha came running, excited to see what was happening as he flipped on the lights, she tilted her head staring at the male who was accompanying him.

I can be there for you too, if Leigh had any idea how much those words alone could fuel his entire build for the next few months, he probably would've blushed or be proud. Perhaps, even both. "It means a lot when I hear you say it… sometimes hearing it from others gives it a bigger impact compared to your own words" It wasn't like your own opinions didn't matter when it comes to this, but when you've grew up wanting to impress everyone like Eun, it comes out that way. The good thing that came out from this was the fact that Eun was motivated and determined to impress himself. "You have already helped me more times than I could count, Leigh" he reassured lightly, the smile that tugged on the corner of his lips seemed so genuine tonight, "Believe it or not, hearing your voice gives it a calming effect. Remember how I told you that your voice could be used for a podcast? Yeah."

 The elder Moon cleared his throat awkwardly as he tried to hold his gaze on the kitsune when Leigh pointed out how busy he is, "Constantly... " he murmured faintly, it was as if a break wasn't possible for the dhampir, not if he didn't take it himself. "But… I'm getting better at it. You know me, my job requires me to do both shifts… you check in or you check out, at the end of the day, lawyers bring back their work" It explains the mess in his living room back at the suite, the documents were scattered everywhere, and so were his notes. Thank god they decided to go to Leigh's place today instead of his. Having a crush on someone was a foreign concept to Eun, he has never liked anyone romantically like this. Like everybody else, the first time is always intimidating and scary. It does help to know that Leigh was being very accepting and open, it didn't make him feel like he was out of place. All the time he's spent with the kitsune, they were memorable and precious. It was no wonder he could recall every single one of their meetings when all the other male ever made him feel was being at ease. 

"Waltz, huh? I totally want to see you do that someday… I'm not a dancer but let's hope I'm not a bad one that would step on your toes every 5 seconds. That would be… very embarrassing, even for me." For a split second there, Eun was reminded that he was meant to take a dancing lesson before his wedding just because Leigh mentioned he needed the skill for his own wedding, but the dhampir quickly shut that out. Forget about everything else, Eun. "Your mother is right. We should be able to dance at our wedding" Even though the two of them knew what the context in the sentence meant, it still didn't stop Eun from blushing slightly. Why? Because either sounded exactly like what the sentence said, our wedding. His and Leigh's. Instead of being referred to as individually. "Your mother sounds like a very wise woman…" How lucky the therian was to have such loving parents. Leigh telling him he's allowed to dream almost made the dhampir tear up because it felt so reassuring, it was touching his heart. "Sounds like a plan" he grinned, sounds a plan, indeed. Maybe he can start doing that. 

"Oh? You know me all that well already, Mr Kingsman?" he teased, it wasn't surprising considering how close the two have been, they try to spend their time together and do plenty of other activities. He too, learned a few of Leigh's, such as how the kitsune would often drink his tea a certain way, or how he would arrange the books accordingly. The kitsune may be clumsy but he sure was neat. "I do like that. It makes me feel like I'm living" Like any other normal person in his early 30s. He heard that, but chose to keep it to himself and only respond with a smug smirk in return. Knowing Leigh found him attractive sure felt good. He wondered what else Leigh likes about him. The kiss to his cheek made the dhampir flustered entirely, his eyes were widened and his cheeks were slowly collecting the scarlet look, oh he's never going to get used to this. Before he could say another word, he was greeted by a very familiar dog staring at him, "You must be Minha, I've heard a lot about you from your cute owner" he cooed and crouched down to her level, daring himself to give a comforting pat on her head. "Do you mind if I come in, Minha?"

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