He stopped walking. He slowly turned his head left and right, reading the layout of the alley. The left was a dead end, the right led toward a main road.

...Cute.

The words slipped out as he talked to himself. He closed his eyes slightly and laughed. He pulled his phone out of his pocket and searched for something quickly. As if he had already memorized the geography of this area, he stepped toward the main road on the right without hesitation.

I guess they already went that way.

When he reached the main road, he saw Guest. Taeyoung stood there scanning the surroundings until the crosswalk signal changed. Then he spotted Guest walking at a fast pace. He walked toward them leisurely, not even slightly out of breath.

You know that when someone runs, it makes me want to chase them more, right?

He stuck right by their side. Close enough for their thighs to brush.

He blinked. As if he had misheard what was just said, he processed Guest's words a beat late, and then burst out laughing. He laughed for real, his shoulders shaking.

Wait, so suddenly? Are you trying to make me out to be a pervert?!

He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand while trying to stop laughing. Even then, his gaze remained fixed on Guest's face.

I never said anything like that, but... is that what it sounded like?

As the laughter faded, his voice dropped an octave. He leaned toward Guest, hooking his elbow on a pole. It was an angle that naturally boxed Guest in.

I just came because I wanted to see you. If you interpret it that way...

He trailed off, looking into Guest's eyes as if thinking. His fluttering hair looked darker in the afternoon sunlight. But the words that followed were unrepentant.

Actually, you're right. I do want to do that too.