After what felt like an eternity, Hoshi opened his eyes, immediately blinded by the bright lights that filled the room. He winced, rubbing his eyes to adjust to the glare.
As his vision cleared, he took in his surroundings, his brow furrowing in confusion. This wasn't his room, nor was it Taeyong's.
Panic began to set in as he scrambled to remember the events of the previous night. The memories came flooding back, and Hoshi's face flushed with realization - he was at Yuta's place.
He hastily got out of bed, grabbing his phone and bag from the nearby desk. His movements were rushed as he shoved his feet into his shoes and made a beeline for the door.
He burst into the living room, scanning the space for any sign of Yuta, but the room was empty. Hoshi's gaze landed on the main door, and he strode towards it, intent on making his escape.
Just as he reached for the handle, the door swung open, catching him off guard. Hoshi stumbled backward, his arms flailing wildly as he struggled to regain his balance.
Yuta's quick reflexes saved him from a nasty fall, his hand shooting out to grasp Hoshi's arm.
"What the fuck?!" Hoshi exclaimed, his heart racing with shock.
"I am sorry!" Yuta apologized simultaneously, equally startled by the sudden encounter.
Hoshi's gaze met Yuta's, and he let out a shaky laugh. "I almost fell," he muttered, still trying to process the near-miss.
Yuta's face relaxed into a chuckle, and Hoshi's eyes widened as he took in the older man's smiling face. It was a rare sight, and Hoshi felt a flutter in his chest.
Yuta's smile was infectious, and Hoshi found himself smiling in response.
But Yuta's expression quickly sobered, and he cleared his throat, composing himself. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice neutral, as he guided Hoshi towards the kitchen.
Hoshi nodded, his eyes fixed on the spread of food laid out on the counter. His stomach growled in anticipation, and he realized he hadn't eaten since the previous night. "I am fine," he replied, his voice a little gruff.
Yuta raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement still lurking in his eyes. "What were you trying to do there?" he asked, nodding towards the door.
"Trying to escape obviously" Hoshi blurted out, his eyes widening in horror as he realized what he had just said.
Yuta's eyebrows shot up, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "No I mean, I didn't know whose place it was, so I decided to leave as soon as possible," Hoshi hastily explained, trying to cover up his previous statement.
Yuta's expression turned neutral, but the gl spark in his eyes remained. "You don't need to explain, I get it," he said, serving the food onto the dining table.
Hoshi stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the spread before him. Yuta sighed, a small smile playing on his lips. "It's for you," he said, nodding towards the food.
Hoshi's face lit up, and he practically bounced towards the table. But just as he was about to take a seat, he paused, a look of uncertainty crossing his face.
Yuta's eyes narrowed, intrigued. "Is something wrong?" he asked.
Hoshi rubbed the back of his neck, looking adorably awkward. "I don't eat until I'm freshened up...so...I can't," he admitted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
Yuta's smile grew, and he rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Not a big deal, there's a new toothbrush in the bathroom. If you want to, you can freshen up here," he said, earning a grateful look from Hoshi.
But despite the offer, Hoshi still seemed hesitant, and Yuta's curiosity got the better of him. "Is there something else bothering you?" he asked, his voice gentle.
"My clothes are smelling sweat"
Hoshi's comment about his clothes smelling of sweat caught Yuta off guard, and he struggled to maintain a straight face.
"If you're okay with it, you can take a shower here," he said, trying to sound casual. "I'll lend you some clothes."
Hoshi's face lit up with a grateful smile, and Yuta felt a flutter in his chest. He couldn't help but notice the way Hoshi's eyes sparkled with appreciation, and the way his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
As Hoshi practically bounced towards the bathroom, Yuta couldn't help but wonder what he was getting himself into.
He had no idea why he was being so accommodating, but something about Hoshi's awkwardness and vulnerability brought out a protective side in him.
Yuta shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. He made his way to his room to grab some clothes for Hoshi, trying not to think too much about the fact that he was lending his clothes to the Korean male.
As he picked out a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, he couldn't help but hear Hoshi humming a tune in the bathroom. Yuta's ears perked up, surprised by the clear, smooth vocals. He hadn't pegged Hoshi as a singer.
Yuta smiled to himself, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. He placed the clothes on the bed and left, deciding to give Hoshi some space to enjoy his shower.
As he walked away, he couldn't help but wonder what other hidden talents Hoshi might have.
"Yeah, I'm unable to come today due to some issues, so please make sure everything is going fine with the work and inform everyone about the meeting being postponed to tomorrow," Yuta said into his phone, leaning back on the couch.
As he hung up, he pushed his hair back, looking up to see Hoshi making his way towards him, a shy smile on his face. Yuta's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight of Hoshi, his wet hair falling messily on his forehead.
"No problem, come let's eat something," Yuta said, trying to sound casual.
The two males sat down to eat, the silence between them awkward at first, but Hoshi broke it with a compliment. "You got a nice house, fully clean and organised."
Yuta smiled, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "Thank you," he replied, and the conversation flowed from there.
As they ate, Hoshi thanked Yuta for his hospitality, and Yuta downplayed it, but Hoshi insisted. "That's not a big deal," Yuta said, but Hoshi shook his head.
"That is! Taking care of a stranger, buying them food, allowing them to take a bath, lending them your clothes, and taking leave from your work because of them...not everyone can do it, including me. So it's a big deal," Hoshi said, his eyes shining with appreciation.
Yuta's curiosity was piqued. "How do you know I took a leave from work?" he asked, and Hoshi smiled sheepishly.
"I heard you talking to someone on call," he admitted, looking away.
Yuta hummed, feeling a sense of gratitude towards Hoshi. "You had done the same thing for me too, let's just say it's a payback," he said, but Hoshi scoffed.
"All I did was to accompany you to the hospital, nothing much. Both are different things," he said, and Yuta smiled, feeling a sense of connection.
"That means a lot." Yuta replied, and Hoshi didn't say anything further, accepting his defeat. They both continued eating, the silence between them comfortable now.
It was clear they were getting used to each other's presence - Hoshi was happy to spend time with Yuta, and Yuta was enjoying the company after being lonely for so long.
"You like grey colour?" Hoshi asked suddenly, looking up from his plate. Yuta gave him a confused look. "No, why?"
"Your house is full of grey curtains and cushion covers, so I thought you might like grey too much," Hoshi said, and Yuta felt a bit uncomfortable again.
"Did I ask something wrong?" Hoshi looked worried, noticing the shift in Yuta's mood.
"No, it's not. I was just thinking something," Yuta said. Hoshi hummed, wanting to ask what but decided not to.
They finished their meals, placed the dishes in the washbasin, and headed to the living room. Hoshi grabbed his bag and phone, turning to Yuta. "Thanks for everything."
Yuta nodded, handing Hoshi a small parcel. "These are some medicines, keep them with you, in case you get sick like last night."
Hoshi chuckled. "You have knowledge about medicines too?"
Yuta smiled. "It's common, I also get sick sometimes because of overwork, so I keep them with me too."
Hoshi hummed. "Oh, so in those times someone takes care of you like you did for me, huh?"
Yuta's expression turned melancholic, but he smiled. "No, there's no one like that here. I take care of myself."
Hoshi's smile faded, his heart aching for Yuta. "Don't overwork yourself," he said, genuinely worried.
"You too" yuta said and if someone saw them right now they'll never believe the fact that just few weeks earlier these two were acting cold to one another.
Hoshi remained silent for a good minute, forgetting that he have to go, thinking back of his words he had said to taeyong "If in future I get the right chance I wouldn't let it go and will try to befriend him"
"Hoshi?" Hoshi snapped back in reality as yuta called his name "Oh yes, sorry" Hoshi said making way to the main door with yuta following from behind, contemplating whether he should ask yuta for being friends or should wait a little longer.
"Idiot of course you should! He seems like he need a friend" During a debate with himself taeyong's words suddenly grab his attention and hoshi paused midway.
"No, there is no one like that here, i take care of myself"
"If in future I get the right chance I wouldn't let it go."
"Fuck this" Hoshi muttered stopping himself from thinking much, took a deep breath and turned around to see yuta who was standing few feets away looking back at him.
"I gotta ask you something" Hoshi said trying to regain in confidence he always lose at the moment he saw yuta.
"Go ahead" yuta said wondering what the male want to ask.
"Can we be friends?" Hoshi asked feeling his heart beating loudly in nervousness and yuta who clearly wasn't expecting such question got off guard.
"Huh?"
To be continued...