10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrkC6feQk9
It had been a week since Ric placed his hand over Ren’s and whispered, “Thank you for staying.”
A week of stolen glances across the courtyard.
Of brushing hands during coffee passes.
Of walking home together in that silence that hummed with everything unsaid.
And yet…
They hadn’t talked about it again.
Not directly. Not properly.
Ren still wore his walls like a cardigan — soft, but always wrapped around himself. Ric didn’t push. He didn’t have to. Not when every day Ren let him a little closer.
But today felt different.
---
📚 Thursday – University Campus, 4:43 PM
Ric sat alone on the steps of the performing arts building, his camera bag beside him and a cold drink balanced on his thigh. He had come out to shoot the golden hour light, but ended up replaying Ren’s voice in his head instead.
> “I try not to. But I think about you when you’re not around.”
He hadn’t stopped thinking about that sentence since Ren had said it. Not even once.
“Ric!”
He turned. Ren stood under the tree nearby, sleeves pushed up, backpack crooked over one shoulder, strands of hair curling slightly from the heat.
“You were supposed to meet me at the library,” Ren said, walking over.
Ric smiled. “I got distracted.”
“You always get distracted.”
“Only by you.”
Ren paused. Then sat down beside him. “Don’t flirt today.”
Ric looked over, playfully dramatic. “Why not?”
“I’m tired. I want normal.”
“You and I haven’t been normal in weeks.”
Ren didn’t deny it. “Maybe that’s why I’m tired.”
Ric didn’t push. He just reached into his bag and handed Ren a second drink.
“Your mom made me bring it.”
Ren smiled a little. “Of course she did.”
They sat in silence again. But it wasn’t heavy. Just… thoughtful.
Until Ric spoke. Voice lower now.
> “If I lean in… will you move away?”
Ren’s hand froze around the drink. His breath hitched.
He didn’t answer.
Ric didn’t move closer — not yet. He waited. Because this time wasn’t about impulse.
It was about permission.
---
🍰 Later That Evening — Mali’s Café (after closing)
“Just sit there and wait,” Ren told Ric, pushing him gently into a chair near the counter. “I’ll be back.”
Ric blinked. “Is this an interrogation?”
“It’s tea,” Ren mumbled, already disappearing into the back kitchen. “You said your head hurt.”
Auntie Mali chuckled from the side as she washed a tray. “That boy takes better care of you than he does himself.”
“I’m aware,” Ric said softly.
When Ren returned, he was carrying two mugs and a small bowl of chocolate sticks.
“You didn’t have to bring snacks too,” Ric said.
“They’re not for you.”
Ric pouted. “Wow. Harsh.”
“They’re mine,” Ren replied, sitting beside him again. “But you can have one.”
“I feel honored.”
They sipped tea in peace. Outside, rain began to mist on the windows, catching the light in silver streaks. Ren watched it quietly for a while before speaking.
“You scared me… when you said that. About leaning in.”
Ric’s eyes softened. “Why?”
“Because I don’t want to move away. But I don’t know how to stay still either.”
Ric reached out, slow and careful, brushing his pinky against Ren’s on the table.
“You don’t have to lean in either,” Ric whispered. “Just don’t step back.”
Ren’s lips parted. “I’m trying.”
“I know.”
And then, very gently, Ric leaned forward — not fully, not to close the gap — but just enough to be near. To show he would be there, always within reach, if Ren wanted him.
Ren didn’t move.
His fingers, shyly, curled around Ric’s pinky. And just like that… they stayed.
---
💬 Group Chat: “RinRic Chronicles”
📱Mint:
Did he finally kiss you???
📱Ric:
…No.
📱Tae:
Lame.
📱Film:
But did you hold hands?
📱Ric:
Kinda. Pinkies.
📱Kao:
YOU GUYS ARE BASICALLY MARRIED. WHAT IS THIS TORTURE.
📱Mint:
Just wait. It’s gonna be beautiful when it finally happens.
---
🛏️ That Night — Ren’s Bedroom
Ren lay on his side, watching the tiny drops slide down the window. His phone buzzed once.
Ric 💬:
Next time… I’m going to lean in again.
And I hope you let me.
Because I think I’ve already fallen.
Ren didn’t reply right away.
But his fingers trembled as he typed back:
Ren 💬:
Then I’ll try to fall with you.
ns216.73.216.213da2
