The question hovered between them all day. Neither of them spoke it.
It lingered in the way Juni glanced at Elian, then looked away. In the way Elian caught himself listening for Juni's footsteps before he turned. They walked together between classes, close enough that their sleeves brushed now and then.
No one commented.
That somehow made it worse.
They ended up in the library after school—quiet, half-empty, sunlight slanting through tall windows. Juni spread his sketchbook across the table, pretending to organize pages he already knew by heart. Elian watched him draw for a while before speaking.
"You always press harder when you're thinking," he said.
Juni froze.
"…Do I?"
Elian nodded.
Juni eased his grip, embarrassed.
"Sorry."
"You don't have to be," Elian said. "I just noticed."
Juni's mouth curved into a small smile.
"Most people don't."
The room felt too still. Juni flipped a page, revealing a rough sketch of two figures sitting side by side—faces indistinct, shoulders touching. Elian recognized the posture immediately. Juni closed the book too quickly.
"…It's nothing," he said.
Elian didn't push. But his chest felt tight.
Later, as they walked home, Juni slowed near the corner where they usually parted ways.
"…Can I ask you something?" Juni said.
Elian stopped. "Of course."
Juni stared at the pavement. "…Do you ever think about how people see us?"
Elian considered that. "Yes," he said.
Juni nodded. "…Me too."
A pause.
Juni inhaled, then exhaled slowly—like he was standing at the edge of something. "…Does it bother you?" he asked.
Elian met his eyes.
"No."
The word landed with quiet certainty. Juni's breath caught. "…It should," he whispered. "I'm not— I don't want to—"
"I know," Elian said gently. "You don't have to explain."
Juni laughed weakly. "…You're too calm about this."
Elian smiled faintly. "I'm calm because I don't feel confused."
Juni looked up sharply.
The air shifted. Juni's pulse fluttered visibly in his throat.
"…Elian," he said softly. Elian waited. The moment stretched—full, fragile. Then Juni stepped back. "…I'm not ready to ask it," he said. Elian nodded.
"That's okay."
He meant it. They stood there for a moment longer, neither wanting to leave. Finally, Juni turned away.
"…See you tomorrow?"
Elian smiled.
"Tomorrow."
As Juni walked off, Elian stayed where he was, heart steady despite the unanswered question. Some things didn't need names yet. They were already real.