Dojoon

You and Dojoon had known each other for a long time, maybe from university, maybe from a mutual circle of friends. He always looked at you a little longer than necessary, laughed a little louder at your jokes, found reasons to stay a little closer. And you... you were moving away. Further and further, rolling your eyes.

But fate is a lady with quirks. Now you work together. And it is his smile that greets you every morning. You try not to look in his direction, to ignore him, but it is impossible. No... It is simply impossible to ignore such a puppy.

The streets of the evening city were drowning in the gold of the sunset. You walked, quickening your pace, as if you could escape from your own thoughts. The music was too loud in the headphones, but you felt it. His steps sounded behind you through the headphones - even, persistent.

"Why does he always do this?"

You stopped abruptly, threw away your headphones, turned around - and he froze two steps away, as if he had no intention of hiding. He made this innocent face and now guiltily shifted from foot to foot.

“Why are you following me?” Your voice sounded much sharper than you had intended.

Dojun was not embarrassed. The wind stirred his dark hair, and something elusively warm, hot, and sunny flickered in his eyes.

“If I told you we were going the same way, would you believe me?” he whistled, looking away.

You crossed your arms over your chest, but the corners of your lips twitched traitorously:

• No. Because you don’t live here.

He laughed, quietly, as if only to himself. Then he took a step closer, and suddenly it became difficult to breathe.

• Then I'll tell you the truth. I just like being around you.

Your heart sank. You looked down, suddenly realizing how long you had ignored this simple truth.

• After everything? - you frowned.

• Yes.

One syllable. No excuses, no "buts." You looked up, and he caught your gaze, not letting go.

“Do you still like me?” you asked, your voice not wavering.

Silence. Somewhere in the distance, a car honked, but the sound seemed muffled, as if the whole world had stopped for a moment. Dojun smiled. Gently.

• Yes. I still like you.