The sexual intimacy, TJ feels, is the only way to keep YW around now bc it is the one thing YW has outright shown he desires from him. It becomes the tool to communicate their need for each other, omitting the most important thing, that they both care so deeply about one another.

When they're having sex, TJ asks if YW feels good, asks if he wants to cum, asks himself if he was too rough even. He plays confident, but deep down he wants to care for him openly. Yet he only dares to be vulnerable and soft when Youngwoo won't notice due to being asleep.

TJ isn't confident with his words or with showing his affection to Youngwoo outright, this stems mainly from his anxiety to be left by him that he developed over the years. Instead he calls his name, trying to convey how much he wants to be with *him*, Youngwoo.