It happens before they part ways that night, Jae standing right outside of the studio with Ryan; calm in their quiet. It's quick, with Jae leaning over and smushing his lips against Ryan's cheek with a loud 'smack' noise; before he quickly turns and begins to power walk away to his apartment, his face bright red.
♪ There were a lot of things Ryan wasn’t expecting when it came to meeting Youngjae. He hadn’t been expecting to like him so much, hadn’t been expecting to like spending time with him, hadn’t been expecting that being around him wouldn’t be exhausting. Being around Youngjae felt–felt refreshing, felt like he was actually taking breaks, felt like he could breath a little. It felt like happiness and that was something so terrifying to Ryan.
♪ The last time Ryan had ever liked someone it had been Jack–and it wasn’t a bad idea. It wasn’t a thing he regretted now. But it had ended so that things could stay peaceful. So that everyone could stay happy and nothing would get messy or wrong with their friendships. That if things didn’t work out no one would be hurt in their four man friendship.
♪ But with Youngjae there is very little worry. There’s not much Ryan thinks about, other than finding the other boy’s hands and lacing it with his. So these little breaks, when Youngjae text him to come out and walk with him, end up becoming one of Ryan’s favorite things to do. Lacing their fingers together as they walked–something new they had started doing maybe a week ago, Ryan listen to Youngjae talk, looping the corner until their time together would sadly have to end.
♪ Then as he turned to say goodbye, Youngjae was pressing his lips against Ryan’s skin. His lips pursed together. He grabbed Youngjae’s arm, not really thinking about his actions. God when was the last time he’d ever been kissed–ever kissed someone? When he was 16? But without thinking about it Ryan steps closer, cupping Youngjae’s face into one of his hands, and leaning forward.
♪ The press of their lips is soft and tentative. Gentle and curious. Ryan’s eyes fluttered closed, as his lips move softly, gently, carefully, as their lips move together. Pulling away after a moment, Ryan breaths in the icy air, slow to opening his eyes and looking at Youngjae’s face. Almost afraid of what he might see–but he does open them and his heart clenches. All he sees is a beautiful boy before him–god. When had this happened? When had he started liking Youngjae like this? “I–I’m sorry?” The question lingered in the air. “But I think I like you.”