“I'm pretty sure that you're just pushing me to the clouds like you used to when we were little and there are quite more fine men than me but still, thank you.” Dongyoung said while chuckling as if Taeil cracked a joke.

Taeil frowned. He was serious. “Well, there may be. However, for me, you're the finest and I couldn't look to others properly to see if they could be compared to you or not. Neither do I think they are comparable.”

Dongyoung blushed and looked at his fellow librarian for a few moments and Taeil did look serious. So he just cleared his throat and tried changing the topic. “So… What brought you here in Seoul after years?”

“Awhh… Are you not happy to see me?” Snickered Taeil, faking a hurt expression. Dongyoung started waving his hands in defence. He actually didn't know what he was saying. He just wanted to make the situation less obvious. “No, no. I didn't mean it that way. Ahh… I'm just trying to make a conversation. Gosh. I'm sorry.”

Taeil giggled at his childhood bestie's act. His panicked side was still at its best. He remembered how Dongyoung used to get tensed at the smallest things as a child and till now. He could even cry on jokes but of course, he would never show his tears. Whether they were caused by panic or real pain.

“You still are the same Doyoungie.” Taeil said, making the other man look down in embarrassment. “Anyways, remember I told you that if you won't come back, I'll reach you.”

Dongyoung looked at Taeil. Still a little embarrassed but now he felt a little bad too. “I'm sorry that I couldn't keep my promise.”

“Hey, I understand, Doyoung. And, does it really matter? Sometimes it's you to keep the promise and sometimes it's me. It was my turn this time round.”

“You're also still the same Taeillie I knew as a child. Talking philosophies but not telling the

truth.” Dongyoung joked and started laughing a little. Taeil didn't seem to enjoy the joke.

“I mean okay. But that's still a part of the truth. Anyways, I actually got transferred as a librarian at Seoul's central library.” Taeil declared and something hit the younger. “Wait, did you say, Seoul central library?”

“Yes. Why so? Do you visit there often?”

Dongyoung smiled and shook his head. “I'm not really into books but Jungwoo is. He is also a librarian there.”

“Oh… Woo-ah! Really? Since when did he become a bibliophile?”

Dongyoung's expression saddened a little when he started answering. “Since our parents left, he always kept himself with the world of fiction through those books. So I guess since then.” Taeil frowned, not really getting the term left and he wished it wasn't that what he thought. “But it's really a good thing that he at least got something joyful for him. Whether it's books, movies or music, I don't care. As long as it makes him full of himself, I'd support him. And being his only guardian now, it's my duty to keep him happy and in place.”

So Taeil was right about the things left. And now he really felt bad for Dongyoung. As well as Jungwoo. He shouldn't have asked such a question. “I'm so sorry Doyoung I, I didn't know…”

“Hey, it's okay, Taeil. You didn't have an idea and besides, death is a truth that everyone will have to face someday. It just sometimes decides to meet some people earlier than usual and in unfortunate ways. And it does hurt. Really hurts. But, it doesn't mean to be lost and vulnerable all your life. It actually means that it's the time to keep the things and situations and responsibilities up that your loved ones left behind. As a son, it's my duty to get the achievements and fulfil the dreams that my parents had in their eyes for me. As a brother, it's my duty to raise and take care of him the same as how my parents used to. As a person, it's my duty to keep my sanity in track the most I can during difficult situations.”

Taeil kept listening to Dongyoung's each and every word. They were filled with pure gentleness and sincerity. He admired how the younger had managed himself all so stable even after experiencing such a thing. How he did look so calmed with all the responsibilities on his shoulder. How he cared for his brother like a parent even after being only a few years older. Gosh… Was it even possible for someone to be that perfect?

Probably only for Kim Dongyoung.

“Well, I think I'm now talking a bit too much. And you haven't even eaten anything yet. The food must get cold. We should eat for real by now.”

Taeil chuckled, realizing that they had not even touched their meals after ordering because of how engaged they were in their own reverie. “I have to say that your motel caterers are so good. It's really delicious. And by the way, congratulations on achieving such success.”

“Congratulations to you too for the promotion.”

They finished their food and their bills came. Dongyoung, being the gentlest man of course, insisted on letting him pay their bills and Taeil actually didn't protest because, “I will return it with the hotel charges as I know there's no use to argue with you.”

“As if I'm gonna take.” Dongyoung exclaimed to which Taeil retorted, “I'm gonna make sure to make.”

“What does that even mean?” Dongyoung asked to which the Taeil just shrugged and they both started laughing at their own silliness.

Dongyoung then started checking the time in his watch only to realize, “You still don't have a watch because you always forget to buy yourself one.” He looked at Taeil who was now giggling and it made him again embarrass as well as blush a little. He checked the time in his phone then.

“My bad. I will buy one tonight for sure. Anyways, it's actually getting late so…”

“Are you going to leave me already?” Taeil asked while pouting and Dongyoung didn't know how to respond exactly. “Ahh… Yeah? Did you need anything else? Well, Jaehyun is there so you can let him know if you need anything and they'll provide you.”

“Yes but, Jaehyun is not my type.” Doyoung blushed and Taeil could see the panicked expression on his face. He started laughing lightly and Dongyoung just frowned.

“Just kidding. Well, I don't really need something but I wouldn't mind if Mr. Kim Dongyoung would show me around.”

______

So here they were. Through the popular water park's waterfall in Seoul. Taeil obviously played like the toddler he was while Dongyoung kept checking so he wouldn't slip or fall or hurt himself.

“Yahh! Doyoung, come on it's fun!”

Dongyoung just waved his hands in the air on the other side. “I see but I think I'm just fine here. And what's even fun in getting wet?”

Taeil just shook his head and started splashing water on Dongyoung mischievously. “Here! Feel it. Get wet!”

“Taeil, stop. Okay, you wanna pick a fight? I'm up then.”