[vixx] match up 1/2
Title: match up
Fandom: VIXX
Pairing: hyukbin(main), luck
Rating: T+
Genre: ~
Word Count: 14,468w
Summary: Soulmate!AU; All his life, Sanghyuk has been searching for the one
Originally posted at forvixx for vixxsix!
The sunlight laughs in a mocking cheer as it shines a spotlight upon Sanghyuk’s ungraceful tumble from bed. A hand is raised to tousle blonde-dyed locks, accompanied with a heavy stream of choice curses towards some unknown deity, mumbled out of bad habit rather than any real malice. Feeling nothing but irritation at the bed sheets currently encasing his legs, he kicks them away before leaving them abandoned on the ground. Reluctant, Sanghyuk pushes himself up to get ready for the day. Like any other teenage boy, he just wants more sleep.
“Hyuk-ah! Breakfast is ready!” The voice would be annoying were it not for the fact it belongs to his beloved mother, and after giving a final glance at his appearance, he troops downstairs.
Father is at the customary head of table. His mother stands out of sight by the stove, easily identifiable by the coffee-scented steam which carries in lazy drifts towards him; Sanghyuk knows she needs it to start the day. A solitary diamond blinks at Sanghyuk from above the crown of his father’s head. He eyes it for some time, knowing that his father will never know; his own gaze is trained down in pursue of the daily events in black print. Young, teenaged eyes trace the semi-transparent outline of the symbol, knowing there's one above his mother's own head. His father is stern whilst his mother is soft, but despite the opposites Sanghyuk knows they belong together. The symbols match; it's how they found each other in the first place.
Sanghyuk blinks, tearing his gaze away. He makes a weak attempt to focus on the thick header of the paper instead, but finding nothing of personal interest, Sanghyuk decides to move his attention elsewhere. He has a day to begin, after all. A customary greeting is given to his parents, and upon seating himself the daily routine begins with a fork full of omelette and a nod from his father.
Casting his gaze down to the plate before him, Sanghyuk is thankful the surface is not reflective. The four leaf clover above his head with the clean stem enjoys mocking him for his absence of luck.
Somewhere in the back of Sanghyuk’s mind lingers the thought that perhaps he should be a little more anxious he hasn’t found his soul mate yet. The average matchup span is twenty years and the teenage male - not quite a man, well past a boy - is nearing his eighteenth. On paper he has a remaining two years before he should begin to worry, but even he is aware that even then it would be pushing it. So many have found their match, but why is he unable to find his? Though he seeks with eyes probing desperately for the identical twin to the symbol which lingers over his own head, the answering call does not desire to be found amongst the many people he has passed in his many years of life thus far.
A final bite is speared and thoughtfully chewed, followed by a swallow. "I'm done."
His mother finally rounds the corner, warm eyes crinkling as she smiles prettily at him. Father flips a page of the newspaper, before nodding. "You don't want to be late for school."
"No." Sanghyuk agrees as he grabs his backpack. School isn't the only thing he should be wary of being late for. Before he leaves, he swipes his keys and travel card from the table. Don’t want to leave those behind.
-
Even when stationary, Sanghyuk is wandering. Sometimes he goes for walks inside his brain. He’ll traipse a path from one thought to the other, stepping stones shifting constantly but holding firm beneath his weight. He’ll create a wonderful Parisian setting filled with exotic cuisine and flowery perfume, only to shift it to one of historical value (Japan, perhaps?) in the next. There are no boundaries in his mind, and Sanghyuk thinks that he can spend an eternity allowing his mind to travel. If only he were not bound by the obligatory duties of reality.
The clock above the blackboard is as ugly as it is annoying, the ticking a monotonous and boring noise that serves to irritate Sanghyuk greatly, largely ignored by the rest of the occupants of the room in a futile attempt to will the time to go by faster. In his mind, Sanghyuk is in the middle of a graffiti-decorated street when a sudden buzz of energy fills the air and the students once more refocus on the time counting down to their freedom. The minute hand inches towards half past and the hour points up; it’s lunch time.
At the shrill sound of the beginning of the break, Sanghyuk drifts back to the present, hand rising to automatically fix incurably messy hair. Still on the return trip, he dazedly moves his things back into his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and exiting the classroom to the hallway with a folder hugged in his arms when the professor begins to get the beginning of an impatient frown on his features. He’ll have to pack up properly somewhere else. For now, he better scram.
Sanghyuk is so distracted by his thoughts that he doesn’t realise he has collided with someone until a gasp breaks him out of his thoughts.
"Ah, sorry." Bowing, he watches the piece of paper fluttering free from the folder in his grasp, inwardly cursing at the damnable leaflet. Were it not for the fact the colourful paper contains important information necessary for class, Sanghyuk would definitely have trashed it long ago. With another year before graduating one would think he would have some method of keeping himself in check, but alas. Many a time it has escaped his folder despite the measures he goes to in order to secure it in place.
Just before it reaches the floor, it's grasped from the air by the same senior Sanghyuk has just crashed into. "Here you go." A sunny smile is plastered on admittedly pleasing features, eyes seeking nowhere but his face. So he knows his match. Eyes flicker to somewhere above his head before refocusing. He knows his match but is curious anyway, Sanghyuk's mind automatically amends. Despite prior knowledge that he can't be the one, Sanghyuk's eyes flicker to that shape above the other's head to check anyway; nowhere near a clover.
"Thank you." He accepts the page graciously.
The senior gives a brief and dismissive "It's okay," before continuing on his way. Sanghyuk is forgetting the encounter even whilst the call for "Hongbin-hyung!" echoes from down the corridor.
He catches up with Hakyeon in the cafeteria. There he is, the lazy yet expectant figure in a table near the window, not too close to the edge of students yet not in the attention-seeking centre. They had picked the spot within the first few weeks of freshman year, and hadn’t budged since. Rather convenient for those rare times he actually wants to try to find Hakyeon.
"What were you doing with Hongbin?" No one is close enough (or cares enough) to correct Hakyeon on the lack of honorifics, and it's not like Sanghyuk will shout it from the roof tops. He's more concerned with his food and the planning of his next ‘vacation’.
"Who?"
Hakyeon waves a fork in the air, and Sanghyuk readies himself to duck for cover. Flying utensils are not a rarity when it comes to the expressive Hakyeon.
"You know! The guy you were speaking to in the hallway earlier."
Sanghyuk sifts through his memories before alighting upon a smile but not much else. The encounter is hazy, but Hakyeon will never let him dismiss this so easily, so after taking his time with his next mouthful he responds. "Yeah?"
His friend bares his teeth at him in agitation. "Aish, this punk!" He takes his anger out by stabbing his fork into his food and pointing threateningly at Sanghyuk. "What did he want?" It's a gesture that would be highly intimidating if Sanghyuk hasn't known him for years. As it is, he's not scared in the slightest.
Nothing had happened, but it's not every day Sanghyuk is able to take time to take sadistic pleasure in the agony of his best friend. Purposefully clueless expression on his face, he shrugs. "Wanted a fist fight to the death."
"What?" Hakyeon yelps, and a nearby student pauses to glare. Appropriately abashed, he lowers his voice by a smidgen. The male has become a lot more shameless after that time Sanghyuk made him parade around the neighborhood in a dress. "Yah, Hyuk-ah! You better not be up to no good."
Sanghyuk shakes his head sadly. "Sorry. I didn't choose the thug life, the thug life chose me."
"Yah!"
A grin graces his features as he watches his irate friend with amusement. "No but seriously, nothing happened." The smile fades as he goes back to eating his lunch, moment of glory over. Sanghyuk settles back into his seat, watching Hakyeon do the same, having leant forward in agitation.
Hakyeon glares at him. "That better be the case, young man."
"Seriously, I barely remember what the guy looks like.” Sanghyuk explains, shrugging. “It’s not like I would remember a ten-second meeting, anyway.”
End of story, or so he thinks.
-
Sanghyuk thinks the world is too impatient. Businessmen rush to earn an income for themselves and family, striving to run to the top by any means available. Students clamour to hurry up and finish their education so they can start the path of proper adulthood, and it’s only once on the path do they realise there is no turning back. Children scream for the latest gadgets of jaw-dropping prices, and then grow up to purchase them for their own offspring. Too much, too quickly.
He once told Hakyeon of his thoughts. Hakyeon, much more optimistic than himself had simply laughed as he responded with a bright “What’re you talking about? Isn’t that what makes life so exciting? We can do so much,” gesticulating wildly as if to emphasise his point. A man had passed them by, belching loudly as he did.
Sanghyuk had raised his eyebrows in response.
“Okay, you have a point,” Hakyeon had allowed, shaking his head slightly, “but it’s ironic. Aren’t you impatient to find your soul mate?”
Sanghyuk had shrugged. “Well, yeah I guess. It’s not like that’s the only thing I want to do, though.” He points out. “When I travel, I’m going to do so because I want to, not because I’m on some love mission.”
“If you say so.” Skepticism had been clear in his tone. Sanghyuk had ignored him in response.
-
Sanghyuk shouldn't care. No obligations written by fate tie his existence to Hakyeon’s. Jeans as grey as the concrete he's seated on are darkening by the second, but careless of the rain Sanghyuk focuses on repairing himself. Stitches where it hurts, flowers thrown for what is now irrevocably gone, and hope shoved into boxes. They'll be discarded into the ocean, abandoned like the many other thoughts long submerged in the depths of his mind.
Disappointment continues to fall in deceivingly soft droplets against his clothes, his skin, as Sanghyuk thinks. Arguments between Hakyeon and himself have happened before. Fights have ensued over butter in popcorn, Sanghyuk's decision to act on impulse and travel the world to wherever he desires, and what's practical in life and what isn't. Hakyeon has broached sensitive topics ("Why haven't you found your soul mate yet?") and the ones that don't even matter, debated repetitively until the arguments have become a routine of their usual quirk-filled friendship.
Even now, as he sits and takes time to run through the thoughts that usually pass too quickly for him to toss them over in his hand Sanghyuk is unable to recall exactly when it had begun. He doesn’t know whether it started before dinner or after or whether it had been about the butter or the salt.
However, he does know whether it was important. Sanghyuk knows Hakyeon isn't his soul mate and therefore shouldn't be important, and even though his heart is screaming that he has just lost one of the only people who has stuck by him for what feels like eternity, his mind is telling him that it doesn't matter. Hakyeon doesn't matter.
It's still raining an hour later when Sanghyuk's hoodie is dripping and an umbrella covers his head. Hood clinging to his head, he looks up.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Concern whispers in the crease of the brows and the purse of full lips, but the rest of the stranger is remarkably dry. He twirls his umbrella twice, and only then does Sanghyuk think perhaps he's met this person before once upon a time. Not by fate, but definitely sometime else.
Droplets fly off pitch-black locks as he nods in response. The blond had been taken away come the end of high school. Something more practical and boring is a necessity for an adult such as himself. "Yeah, I'm okay." It's true; he's been telling himself as much for the past couple of hours. It isn’t like he has been crying, so not like the stranger will know anything to the contrary.
Lips pursed, the concern in the stranger’s features moves aside to join with a tinge of something else. "Sure? I live in an apartment here, you know. Maybe you can come in for a bit?"
Generosity. Sanghyuk's eyes flicker up, but the symbol doesn't match. It looks vaguely familiar though, perhaps he's seen it before. It doesn't matter anyway.
"I live here myself." Sanghyuk pushes himself up from the ground. He doesn’t mention how it had been spontaneously purchased today like the many other apartments that had once been his, or how Hakyeon had finally grown tired with his restless self and decided to stay grounded whilst he flew. Instead, he stumbles as he stands. Nothing there to tangle his legs, but it happens regardless.
A hand appears before him, outstretched by the stranger. "Really? We're neighbours, then. I'm Hongbin, nice to meet you." The eyes shine with no ounce of recognition. Eyes don't flicker above Sanghyuk's, but it's okay. He already knows this person isn't the one.
"Nice to meet you," he says, "I'm Sanghyuk. I think we attended the same high school." He would consult Hakyeon to be sure, but Hakyeon isn't going to return.
Hongbin smiles easily. "Really? That's cool." The rain doubles in pace and ferocity, and Sanghyuk watches as Hongbin fumbles in his pockets.
The smile on the elder's face fades. "Ah, damn. Forgot my keys at work. I'd go back, but..." The rain grows heavier in response.
Sanghyuk laughs, a small and sudden thing that takes him by surprise. "You can come into my apartment until it stops."
Hongbin's face lights up once more. "Ah, really? Thanks!"
It's not fate, but he can entertain this for a while. Sanghyuk thinks he smiles back in return.
-
Fingers drum a nonsensical pattern on the table, vaguely inspired by some latest hit song he had paused to listen to over the dust-filled speakers of the local convenience store. It's annoying and catchy and like most songs of the sort he can't recall the title. Knowing the unsettling feeling will eat at him for the remainder of the evening, it is with a firm mind that Sanghyuk pushes his laptop away, some bright-coloured advert for a 'fun holiday experience' open. It does not protest as he does so, equally relieved that finally the backspace key will have a break; continuous re-wording of the same destination has done nothing for Sanghyuk's productivity nor his wanderlust.
A glance to the corner of the screen tells Sanghyuk that dinner is due soon if he doesn't wish to upset his stomach or the firm teachings of his mother in the many years before he had left home. "Damn." He had not remembered to prepare a meal earlier in the day, and he doesn't think there're any leftovers in the fridge. Not after Hongbin had decided to steal eggs from his fridge last week. Padding with sock-clad feet over to the other end of the room where the kitchen awaits, he allows the cool air to wash over him briefly before scanning the contents. Milk, eggs and other bits and pieces sit hopefully in place; basic necessities but no dinner and no desire to cook. The fridge is shut once more.
Takeout will be fine, he supposes, from some place that is cheap enough for his aching wallet. Curled up on the sofa, phone in one hand menu in the other, he's beginning to decide on noodles or rice when a loud buzz sounds throughout the apartment.
The menu slips out of his grasp and makes a break for dainty freedom towards the ground. Sanghyuk's still cursing when he finally locates the right key and opens up the door.
"Hi," Hongbin's smile is bright, "wanna have dinner together?" He lifts a white plastic bag in which Sanghyuk spies a neat stack of clear, plastic containers filled with food. Sanghyuk's stomach is in agreement with his mind, so he pulls the door open further in admittance.
"I had just been about to order something," he informs as Hongbin kicks off his shoes and switches the bag from one hand to the other, "but what brought this on?"
The shrug of the other's shoulders is carefree. "Just thought it'd be nice to have dinner in the company of another. You don't mind, do you?"
Sanghyuk thinks that there's no point in saying he does mind, not when Hongbin's shoes are lined up neatly by his door and traipsing into the apartment as if he owns it. Over the course of the past couple of months Sanghyuk has learned that sometimes Hongbin will do things like this out of the blue. It seems that after allowing him access out of necessity, the elder has taken it to mean he can come running in whenever he fancies.
Sometimes it'll be whilst waving a movie that he's so sure Sanghyuk will love, sometimes for no other reason than because he can and "I'm sure you're not doing anything important. Don't give me that look, you told me you were free this week", and one particularly rainy day traipsing in and asking if he can borrow an umbrella 'cause he had given his own to the old lady down the street. That had ended with Sanghyuk accompanying him to the supermarket, shaking his head all the while. At least he got a new box of cereal out of the whole ordeal.
Whilst to date Hongbin never shown up with dinner in tow, Sanghyuk thinks that (much like the other times in which Hongbin had taken it upon himself to add a little colour and variety into his life) he has little to no choice in the matter. Besides, it's adventure he seeks is it not? He can afford to stay here a little longer than intended. Sanghyuk closes the door.
"The food can go on the table.” He turns around to face the other.
"Which one?" Hongbin questions, eyeing first the kitchen bench, then the coffee table behind which the younger male had been seated earlier. Sanghyuk considers, before motioning vaguely to the shorter table. "That one."
Watching as the other finds a clear spot on the table which he had been puzzling over confounding work on previously, Sanghyuk busies himself by swiping some cutlery from the kitchen. Moving over to assist the elder by dumping his stuff on the floor from the table (such a strenuous feat in and of itself; those books weigh a ton), he then sits, the sides of his feet resting on the carpet.
Hongbin smiles as he accepts the pair of metal chopsticks Sanghyuk hands over. They're better than the rough takeaway ones stowed inside the bag, and Sanghyuk has to acknowledge he's always been fairly rubbish at snapping them neatly anyway.
After the hunger of both is satiated and the cutlery is in the sink, Hongbin stretches his legs out before him before turning to smile at Sanghyuk. "So, what's my favourite dongsaeng up to this evening?"
"Contemplating the best way to avoid doing what his hyung wants for the remainder of the night." Sanghyuk snarks with a faux-annoyed expression on his face. The joke holds still for a beat, then simultaneous smiles bloom on both their faces.
Hongbin holds up a plastic case, the cover on which an animated figure stands proudly.
"Oh, no." Sanghyuk is already saying as he scrambles to his feet, making a dive to unplug the dvd player from the wall.
Hongbin is laughing as he scrambles up a beat too late, making up for speed what he lacks in leg length as he propels his body forward to beat Sanghyuk to the dvd player. The case is already open and the dvd in his grasp as he succeeds in using the rest of his body to slam the younger (somewhat forcefully, yet not too harshly) onto the floor.
"Sorry Sanghyuk-ah, but sacrifices must be made!" The smirk should seem disproportionate on his otherwise innocent features, but Sanghyuk thinks it suits Hongbin a bit too much.
It's a look he has never seen before, and-- no, snap out of it! Shaking his head, he glares at Hongbin, a half-hearted thing that's quickly twitching upwards to a smile even before he attempts to school it into a solid expression.
"Sacrifices to my dvd player, don't you mean?” Mournful, he watches as Hongbin succeeds in placing the movie of choice into the player. He had picked it up for dirt cheap in some quiet town near a beach.
Hongbin busies himself with switching on the screen and fiddling with the buttons. "All for the greater good."
Sanghyuk groans and throws himself onto the couch. "Spare me!" He wails with a melodramatic tone to his voice, only moving to make way for the elder male when he joins him on the couch.
The opening credits roll.
"Hyung, I thought we had an agreement on Disney." Sanghyuk says very seriously.
Hongbin laughs, lifting his feet and placing them on top of Sanghyuk's leg. "Your eyes are glued to the screen and it hasn't even started."
"Details, hyung."
-
Sanghyuk stifles a yawn as he rests his chin in his palm, weary from a slow day of tiresome nothing. From his perch behind the counter Sanghyuk can make out the distorted sounds of shoppers and traffic further down the road, but the area within the shop is silent enough for him to be at peace; or perhaps that's the soft jazz that rolls gently over the shop in subdued waves.
Maybe an international destination will work, he thinks as he scans the map laid out on the table. Mentally calculating an estimated cost, he cringes. Then again, maybe not.
Tucked into the corner of some side-street of a main road is the small, nondescript music store of moderate popularity with the young. Among the neighbors of fashion and cafes it is quiet yet deadly, fairly productive yet not too busy. It is an attraction to all music-lovers who cannot be bothered to travel the distance to some greater known store, and as such the perfect place for someone like Sanghyuk to find work in. He has enough to pay for his continuous travels, but that doesn't mean he can't afford to have some more decent cash in his pocket. Money doesn't grow from trees, after all.
He himself cannot play any of the instruments on display except for a rather mean rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on perhaps the xylophone, but that isn't to say Sanghyuk holds no appreciation for music whatsoever. With an interest in dance but a lack of the necessary skill to teach (or rather, be contemplated as a teacher) Sanghyuk has settled on the next best option.
The volume of the chatter of the streets suddenly increasing, Sanghyuk looks up to a blast of wind and what seems to be a new customer. He's tall, somewhat hunched in on himself and dressed warmly for the recent chilly turnabout of the weather. His steps are firm yet relaxed, and his eyes dart immediately to the pianos that stand proudly to the side.
These details should lodge themselves in the young male's usually active mind, but his eyes as usual are locked on what lingers above the other's own head. For once, they don't move away; the four-leaf clover hovering above the other male's head seems to shine like the sun as all else fades from his sight.
A slight gasp escapes Sanghyuk's lips as he realises the implications of the situation, and the stranger blinks away from a particular instrument before his eyes locate the sound of the noise.
"Ah!" the slight sound escapes the lips that rest on a rather handsome visage as his eyes dart to somewhere above Sanghyuk's head, and now having a clearer view of the symbol the young male is in no doubt; this stranger's clover has a clean stem as well. A perfect match.
The pause hovers uncertainly in the air whilst they stare each other down. Sanghyuk speaks first, words flowing as he moves from behind the counter and closer to the stranger who he now knows as his match.
"I'm Han Sanghyuk," he sketches a polite bow, eyes flickering briefly down before inevitably being drawn back to the other's face like a moth to a flame, "it's nice to meet you." Finally, the word is not tacked on to the end but both of them hear it in his intentions.
The male nods. "Jung Taekwoon, it's nice to meet you too."
He doesn't seem terribly expressive, and though there's no open hostility it doesn't seem like Taekwoon is all too pleased to see him. His expression, though blank does not seem to be a product of force; it seems he genuinely does not feel enough happiness at the situation to muster a smile at finally meeting his soul mate.
Sanghyuk feels the disappointment settle in the pit of his stomach like a mountain of stones. The mountain collapses, small stones individually fine but together a menace, tumbling over themselves as they fight to settle.
"It doesn't seem like you're glad to see me." He says, blunt yet with some trepidation that he hopes is masked in his tone.
Perhaps it's been too long. Chances are, Taekwoon has long since settled on someone else. Or maybe he has no interest in knowing the stranger he is destined for? Sanghyuk knows there are many who try to fight destiny; perhaps Taekwoon is the same.
Now certain that he has done a fine job of humiliating himself in front of his soul mate, Sanghyuk begins to turn around to head back to his station behind the counter. Before he takes more than a step though, he feels fingers wrap around his wrist and the same soft voice which he had been introduced to moments before.
"Wait."
Sanghyuk turns around slowly to stare at the now fidgety Taekwoon. There's an embarrassed tinge of rouge in his cheeks, and his chin is tucked into his scarf as if hiding his face will allow him to store his feelings away. Once he notices he has the other male's attention, he repeats.
"Wait, I'm sorry. I'm not good at... being expressive." Though obviously well-spoken, it’s clear Taekwoon is thinking as he speaks, eyes darting to meet Sanghyuk's own for the briefest of moments before flickering away once more.
Sanghyuk reads the sincerity in Taekwoon's eyes and hears the uncertainty in his tone. So, he isn't the only one feeling this way then. That's a relief. Instinct tells him that Taekwoon is simply as uncertain as himself. Watching the way his shoulders gradually relax, it's clear to Sanghyuk that he isn't used to being in such a situation. Perhaps he's simply shy.
Sanghyuk is eased out of his thoughts by the soft-spoken voice. "If you like, we can get to know each other better..."
Shooting the other a blindingly bright smile in response, Sanghyuk feels his previous insecurities wash away with gentle tugs of the end of a storm. He's found the one.
Taekwoon begins to move to his original destination of the pianos, voice soft yet musical as he drops Sanghyuk's arm and moves to settle in place at a piano bench. "May I play you a song?"
That day, Sanghyuk leaves his workplace with a new number in his phone and a smile in his steps.
-
The day beams happily at Sanghyuk from beneath his curtains, and for once he's the one to throw it open for himself. Briefly he recalls a time in the past, back when he had been in high school and his mother would come in and do it for him because otherwise he would sleep the day away. She would call his name over and over until he sat up, and even then the first thing he would do would be to yank the curtains shut once more.
Tolerance for sunshine in the morning was never a trait Sanghyuk has had, but he admits the day seems a little sweeter when it's fresh.
Once excitedly dressed, his breakfast is interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Shooting up from his seat so quickly he almost feels woozy from the action, the young male laughs at himself before wiping at his lips with a tissue and throwing it in the bin on the way to the door.
Yanking it open, he's almost disappointed by who's behind it, but finds that his energy is restored as he watches how Hongbin's face crinkles as he smiles at the younger male.
"Hyukkie! Good morning!" he greets the other chirpily as he's let in. The nickname had been a result of a lost bet; Sanghyuk had made the mistake of letting slip the name and Hongbin had immediately used it to his advantage. That's the last time he ever uses the accursed name as stakes in a bet. He has to admit though, it sounds almost musical when the other says it, though that's perhaps due to the teasing lilt in his tone that he's never able to fully mask.
Sanghyuk shakes his head distractedly as he closes the door. No, focus. He's got a big day ahead of him.
When he turns around, Hongbin's already seated on the couch. He's been over enough times that he no longer needs to ask where he can or cannot go. Actually, he seems to be visiting a lot; visits ranging from twice a day to one a week. Sanghyuk doesn't mind though, it's nice to have company.
"You busy today?" The elder male asks, eyeing the other. "You look a bit more dressed up than usual; who you trying to impress?" he teases, eyebrows lifting and twinkles in his eyes.
Sanghyuk grins, striking a pose in a mock attempt at showing off his outfit. “Do I look nice?” For some reason, he’s actually curious to know what Hongbin’s opinion is. Maybe because he usually dresses pretty nicely himself. Settling down beside Hongbin more carefully than usual (he doesn't want to dirty his appearance before he steps out of the door), he laughs.
"I met my soul mate the other day."
Hongbin doesn't respond immediately, and when Sanghyuk turns to look at him, conflict flutters in his features before settling into a smile once he notices Sanghyuk watching. "Really? That's great!" there's enthusiasm in his tone, and despite the fact that Sanghyuk thinks the sincerity is not completely genuine he doesn't comment, too excited for the day ahead.
"Yeah, it is!" His smile wide, Sanghyuk then proceeds to go on to explain how he had come across Taekwoon and the subsequent discussion.
Hongbin curls up comfortably on the coach, nodding and allowing "Ooh"s and "Ahh"s at the right moments. At one point Sanghyuk is almost worried he's boring the other with his chattering, but as Hongbin prompts the story onwards with a "Then?", his excitement returns tenfold as he prattles on about Taekwoon who had played him a song and sang so sweetly, with so much passion he almost wishes he had placed a bit more effort into dancing so he could return the gesture in the language of music.
When he's done with his tale, he gets up from his seat for a glass of water. A sip later of the refreshing liquid, he sets the glass down and looks up to the thoughtful face of the other.
"So that's why you're dressed up," Hongbin says, "you have a date today."
Sanghyuk feels the heat creep up his neck and pool in his cheeks. "Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly,” he fumbles for words, grasping at nothing before conceding defeat, “Alright, yeah, it’s a date.”
Hongbin nods. "I thought so." The strange look from before flits across his face once more before he abruptly stands up, heading for the door. "In that case, I should leave. Let's catch up another time, okay Sanghyuk-ah? Have fun." Hongbin smiles briefly before disappearing out the door.
A feeling of unease jolts through Sanghyuk’s body at the smile. Something’s bothering his friend.
However, Sanghyuk doesn’t have too long to dwell on it before the doorbell rings with a cheerful chime.
-
The wind hums in the trees and the cracks of the pavement, prompting Sanghyuk to snuggle deeper into his scarf in response.
“Cold?” Taekwoon turns to look at him with concern evident in his gaze, and Sanghyuk shakes his head with a slight smile, touched by the warmth of the other’s attention.
“I’m alright.”
A slight crease forms between Taekwoon’s brows as he contemplates this, before reaching out and taking Sanghyuk’s un-gloved hands in his own. Warmth like the glow from the sun instantly penetrates Sanghyuk’s skin, and he smiles in gratitude at the other.
“Thank you, hyung.”
Taekwoon nods to acknowledge the thanks before continuing on, all the while gripping Sanghyuk’s hands tightly.
A short while later, Sanghyuk realises exactly where it is Taekwoon is leading him. "We're going to the park?" he eyes with interest the wrought-iron gates and the towering greenery, the tinkle of laughter emerging from within music in his ears.
Taekwoon nods before asking somewhat worriedly, "do you not like the park?"
"No, I like it a lot!" Sanghyuk quickly denies, smile widening the closer they get. He's the first to step inside, scanning the surroundings in content. "I haven't had a chance to take a proper look around since I arrived. How come I never knew this was here?"
Travel as he may, Sanghyuk has never paused to find out everything he can about the places he visits. Sure, he'll walk the streets and coax secrets of cities out slowly and delicately in the form of long-worn graffiti and delicately aromatic cuisine, but he has always found some way to avoid anything linking directly back to home. Sanghyuk doesn't like leaving traces behind because that would mean acknowledging the presence of multiple homes; he's always had difficulty with finding a place to belong.
It's been years since he last visited a park, the last time being perhaps when he was still a middle-schooler, but even then he had been there due to family obligation and not much else. Reflecting back on it now, Sanghyuk cannot help but to feel somewhat apologetic.
Taekwoon latches onto the underlying meaning of his words, surprisingly attentive to detail. "Since you got here?"
Sanghyuk nods, feet moving on autopilot as they navigate around the children running by, tiny and eager feet threatening to trip him. "Yeah. Ever since I finished high school, I've been travelling."
There's silence as Taekwoon contemplates this before responding. "Has that been enjoyable for you?"
Yes, Sanghyuk opens his mouth to utter the automatic response before pausing and turning the question over in his mind. The wind ruffles his hair playfully as he does, distracting him before easing away to allow him ample space to think. "It's been nice," he says instead, carefully and decisively, "not needing to feel tied down to any one place and being able to travel."
Taekwoon nods, thoughtful and slow. "Won't your parents miss you?"
Sanghyuk thinks of his mother standing by the stove in her middle-aged beauty, youth faded from the surface but evident in the corners. His father has just turned the final page of the newspaper and stands up to place his mug in the sink before heading off to work, tie neat from years of practice. In that image, Sanghyuk is long gone.
"Suppose so." his eyes are trained on a leaf that has just twisted away from the end of a branch. It's gentle in its descent, but the wind mercilessly snatches it away before it makes contact with the ground. "I call them up on holidays and birthdays."
Taekwoonis silent.
"Is that a bad thing?" Sanghyuk chances a glance up.
Taekwoon shakes his head, stretching his legs out before him. It's only now that Sanghyuk belatedly realises they have seated themselves on a park bench overlooking a large lake. Not many ducks are to be seen however, the mildly chilly weather keeping the wildlife at bay. As such, the water is still and smooth, a shimmery mirror that distorts with every dart of the wind.
"It's just interesting," Taekwoon says, huddled into his jacket. Sanghyuk's expression must be inquisitive enough for him to elaborate further, "I've lived here for my whole life. Being somewhere familiar is more comfortable for me."
Sanghyuk considers this. "That's true."
Silence settles slowly over them and just as it's beginning to drag, Taekwoon abruptly stands up. Sanghyuk blinks up slowly in confusion.
"Let's go." Taekwoon extends a hand towards the other. "There's somewhere I want to show you."
“What?” Startled, he blinks up through his fringe before accepting Taekwoon’s hand. "Is it far?" Sanghyuk allows himself to be helped up, standing gracefully from the bench and dusting his jeans clean.
Taekwoon shakes his head, the movement small and almost unnoticeable. "It's a little bit further down the path, in the open area."
If he squints, Sanghyuk can see the area up ahead, spacious and paved with a moderate amount of people. He's about to comment that perhaps Taekwoon had chosen the wrong place because it doesn't seem like there's anything of significance there, but then Taekwoon pauses and points, soft voice delicate as he tugs Sanghyuk in the direction of a white grand piano bolted to the ground.
"There."
-
There's something captivating about the way Taekwoon plays the piano.
In his eyes lie a softness that transfers down to the elegant poise of his fingers, rolls of ivory neutrals and obsidian accents guiding the melody to completion in a complex dance of beauty. He's almost feminine in his gentleness, but there's a masculine comfort that lies in the way his broad shoulders hunch and the strong accents that litter the piece.
It's so beautiful, Sanghyuk is afraid to initiate conversation. He needn't worry however, for Taekwoon does so first.
"I wrote this the other day, two days after we met," he says quietly, barely audible over the notes and the various background noises, "it's rather quickly put together, but I hope you like it."
Sanghyuk nods, smile on his lips as he listens to the music and watches the familiar symbol pulsing gently in time to the music above the other's head. Though the clover looks the same as ever, for once it's a symbol of happiness to the young male; seems today is his lucky day.
It's now evening, rose accents dusting the sky. A lukewarm Styrofoam cup of coffee sits forgotten on the table as Sanghyuk sits with a boyish grin on his features and replays the feather-light kiss Taekwoon had given him in farewell. If he concentrates, he thinks he can feel it tingling in memory of the contact.
It's only much, much later as he's finally drifting off to sleep does Sanghyuk realise with a sleepily vague awareness that Hongbin had called him by his full name before departing that morning.
Sanghyuk falls asleep, and forgets it all the next day.
-
He doesn't tell anyone, but Sanghyuk has been feeling a little restless recently. Sanghyuk can't help it; on a constant flow through his veins is the desire to travel and move, to see what the world has to offer without the silver platter and lovely pleasantries. Sanghyuk wants to see the world in all it's rough and brazen glory, wants to feel the sediments between his toes and crush the leaves in his grasp. He wants to live for himself now, not for the version of him who his acquaintances perceive him as.
Now that he's found Taekwoon however, he knows he's on a leash. He doubts Taekwoon will mind the occasional vacation, but even though they're soul mates he knows the other would certainly draw the line when it comes to traveling on sporadic whims.
Thus, Sanghyuk remains still, in the apartment that has unknowingly become a sort of clumsy home, haphazardly placed together in bits and pieces. It's still incomplete, but Sanghyuk can't make himself place the finishing touches on the piece.
Not whilst every ounce of his being is screaming for him to move.
Sanghyuk quells the urge as best he can, sits on his hands and tries to focus on something else. His fingers itch towards the black mp3 player sitting on his coffee table. Fingers shaking, he picks it up, plugs his earphones in, and takes a breath.
Calm piano flows into his ears like sand blown by the wind, free and calm and free of the burden of the next destination. The small device had been a gift from Taekwoon, the only gift he had been given so far. Though it’s clear his soul mate is not particularly fond of big, dramatic proclamations of love, it cannot be denied that he is thoughtful with small gestures.
Taekwoon had smiled for the briefest of seconds before just as quickly tucking his face back into the scarf wound around his neck. "I put some songs on there. You should give it a listen." Though quiet, Sanghyuk had relished in the fact that he had been beginning to use longer sentences around him; it was nice, knowing the other was feeling more at ease now.
"Songs? Like your self-composed ones?" He had asked, curious.
A nod had been given in return.
The current song drawing to a close, Sanghyuk lets out an exhale as the silence settles once more. He sits on his fingers to quell the urge, but when he retires to bed for the night, he forgets to close the web browser.
‘Come have a holiday!’ the title of the page screams in a siren’s call.
part (2/2)
Fandom: VIXX
Pairing: hyukbin(main), luck
Rating: T+
Genre: ~
Word Count: 14,468w
Summary: Soulmate!AU; All his life, Sanghyuk has been searching for the one
Originally posted at forvixx for vixxsix!
The sunlight laughs in a mocking cheer as it shines a spotlight upon Sanghyuk’s ungraceful tumble from bed. A hand is raised to tousle blonde-dyed locks, accompanied with a heavy stream of choice curses towards some unknown deity, mumbled out of bad habit rather than any real malice. Feeling nothing but irritation at the bed sheets currently encasing his legs, he kicks them away before leaving them abandoned on the ground. Reluctant, Sanghyuk pushes himself up to get ready for the day. Like any other teenage boy, he just wants more sleep.
“Hyuk-ah! Breakfast is ready!” The voice would be annoying were it not for the fact it belongs to his beloved mother, and after giving a final glance at his appearance, he troops downstairs.
Father is at the customary head of table. His mother stands out of sight by the stove, easily identifiable by the coffee-scented steam which carries in lazy drifts towards him; Sanghyuk knows she needs it to start the day. A solitary diamond blinks at Sanghyuk from above the crown of his father’s head. He eyes it for some time, knowing that his father will never know; his own gaze is trained down in pursue of the daily events in black print. Young, teenaged eyes trace the semi-transparent outline of the symbol, knowing there's one above his mother's own head. His father is stern whilst his mother is soft, but despite the opposites Sanghyuk knows they belong together. The symbols match; it's how they found each other in the first place.
Sanghyuk blinks, tearing his gaze away. He makes a weak attempt to focus on the thick header of the paper instead, but finding nothing of personal interest, Sanghyuk decides to move his attention elsewhere. He has a day to begin, after all. A customary greeting is given to his parents, and upon seating himself the daily routine begins with a fork full of omelette and a nod from his father.
Casting his gaze down to the plate before him, Sanghyuk is thankful the surface is not reflective. The four leaf clover above his head with the clean stem enjoys mocking him for his absence of luck.
Somewhere in the back of Sanghyuk’s mind lingers the thought that perhaps he should be a little more anxious he hasn’t found his soul mate yet. The average matchup span is twenty years and the teenage male - not quite a man, well past a boy - is nearing his eighteenth. On paper he has a remaining two years before he should begin to worry, but even he is aware that even then it would be pushing it. So many have found their match, but why is he unable to find his? Though he seeks with eyes probing desperately for the identical twin to the symbol which lingers over his own head, the answering call does not desire to be found amongst the many people he has passed in his many years of life thus far.
A final bite is speared and thoughtfully chewed, followed by a swallow. "I'm done."
His mother finally rounds the corner, warm eyes crinkling as she smiles prettily at him. Father flips a page of the newspaper, before nodding. "You don't want to be late for school."
"No." Sanghyuk agrees as he grabs his backpack. School isn't the only thing he should be wary of being late for. Before he leaves, he swipes his keys and travel card from the table. Don’t want to leave those behind.
-
Even when stationary, Sanghyuk is wandering. Sometimes he goes for walks inside his brain. He’ll traipse a path from one thought to the other, stepping stones shifting constantly but holding firm beneath his weight. He’ll create a wonderful Parisian setting filled with exotic cuisine and flowery perfume, only to shift it to one of historical value (Japan, perhaps?) in the next. There are no boundaries in his mind, and Sanghyuk thinks that he can spend an eternity allowing his mind to travel. If only he were not bound by the obligatory duties of reality.
The clock above the blackboard is as ugly as it is annoying, the ticking a monotonous and boring noise that serves to irritate Sanghyuk greatly, largely ignored by the rest of the occupants of the room in a futile attempt to will the time to go by faster. In his mind, Sanghyuk is in the middle of a graffiti-decorated street when a sudden buzz of energy fills the air and the students once more refocus on the time counting down to their freedom. The minute hand inches towards half past and the hour points up; it’s lunch time.
At the shrill sound of the beginning of the break, Sanghyuk drifts back to the present, hand rising to automatically fix incurably messy hair. Still on the return trip, he dazedly moves his things back into his bag, slinging it over his shoulder and exiting the classroom to the hallway with a folder hugged in his arms when the professor begins to get the beginning of an impatient frown on his features. He’ll have to pack up properly somewhere else. For now, he better scram.
Sanghyuk is so distracted by his thoughts that he doesn’t realise he has collided with someone until a gasp breaks him out of his thoughts.
"Ah, sorry." Bowing, he watches the piece of paper fluttering free from the folder in his grasp, inwardly cursing at the damnable leaflet. Were it not for the fact the colourful paper contains important information necessary for class, Sanghyuk would definitely have trashed it long ago. With another year before graduating one would think he would have some method of keeping himself in check, but alas. Many a time it has escaped his folder despite the measures he goes to in order to secure it in place.
Just before it reaches the floor, it's grasped from the air by the same senior Sanghyuk has just crashed into. "Here you go." A sunny smile is plastered on admittedly pleasing features, eyes seeking nowhere but his face. So he knows his match. Eyes flicker to somewhere above his head before refocusing. He knows his match but is curious anyway, Sanghyuk's mind automatically amends. Despite prior knowledge that he can't be the one, Sanghyuk's eyes flicker to that shape above the other's head to check anyway; nowhere near a clover.
"Thank you." He accepts the page graciously.
The senior gives a brief and dismissive "It's okay," before continuing on his way. Sanghyuk is forgetting the encounter even whilst the call for "Hongbin-hyung!" echoes from down the corridor.
He catches up with Hakyeon in the cafeteria. There he is, the lazy yet expectant figure in a table near the window, not too close to the edge of students yet not in the attention-seeking centre. They had picked the spot within the first few weeks of freshman year, and hadn’t budged since. Rather convenient for those rare times he actually wants to try to find Hakyeon.
"What were you doing with Hongbin?" No one is close enough (or cares enough) to correct Hakyeon on the lack of honorifics, and it's not like Sanghyuk will shout it from the roof tops. He's more concerned with his food and the planning of his next ‘vacation’.
"Who?"
Hakyeon waves a fork in the air, and Sanghyuk readies himself to duck for cover. Flying utensils are not a rarity when it comes to the expressive Hakyeon.
"You know! The guy you were speaking to in the hallway earlier."
Sanghyuk sifts through his memories before alighting upon a smile but not much else. The encounter is hazy, but Hakyeon will never let him dismiss this so easily, so after taking his time with his next mouthful he responds. "Yeah?"
His friend bares his teeth at him in agitation. "Aish, this punk!" He takes his anger out by stabbing his fork into his food and pointing threateningly at Sanghyuk. "What did he want?" It's a gesture that would be highly intimidating if Sanghyuk hasn't known him for years. As it is, he's not scared in the slightest.
Nothing had happened, but it's not every day Sanghyuk is able to take time to take sadistic pleasure in the agony of his best friend. Purposefully clueless expression on his face, he shrugs. "Wanted a fist fight to the death."
"What?" Hakyeon yelps, and a nearby student pauses to glare. Appropriately abashed, he lowers his voice by a smidgen. The male has become a lot more shameless after that time Sanghyuk made him parade around the neighborhood in a dress. "Yah, Hyuk-ah! You better not be up to no good."
Sanghyuk shakes his head sadly. "Sorry. I didn't choose the thug life, the thug life chose me."
"Yah!"
A grin graces his features as he watches his irate friend with amusement. "No but seriously, nothing happened." The smile fades as he goes back to eating his lunch, moment of glory over. Sanghyuk settles back into his seat, watching Hakyeon do the same, having leant forward in agitation.
Hakyeon glares at him. "That better be the case, young man."
"Seriously, I barely remember what the guy looks like.” Sanghyuk explains, shrugging. “It’s not like I would remember a ten-second meeting, anyway.”
End of story, or so he thinks.
-
Sanghyuk thinks the world is too impatient. Businessmen rush to earn an income for themselves and family, striving to run to the top by any means available. Students clamour to hurry up and finish their education so they can start the path of proper adulthood, and it’s only once on the path do they realise there is no turning back. Children scream for the latest gadgets of jaw-dropping prices, and then grow up to purchase them for their own offspring. Too much, too quickly.
He once told Hakyeon of his thoughts. Hakyeon, much more optimistic than himself had simply laughed as he responded with a bright “What’re you talking about? Isn’t that what makes life so exciting? We can do so much,” gesticulating wildly as if to emphasise his point. A man had passed them by, belching loudly as he did.
Sanghyuk had raised his eyebrows in response.
“Okay, you have a point,” Hakyeon had allowed, shaking his head slightly, “but it’s ironic. Aren’t you impatient to find your soul mate?”
Sanghyuk had shrugged. “Well, yeah I guess. It’s not like that’s the only thing I want to do, though.” He points out. “When I travel, I’m going to do so because I want to, not because I’m on some love mission.”
“If you say so.” Skepticism had been clear in his tone. Sanghyuk had ignored him in response.
-
Sanghyuk shouldn't care. No obligations written by fate tie his existence to Hakyeon’s. Jeans as grey as the concrete he's seated on are darkening by the second, but careless of the rain Sanghyuk focuses on repairing himself. Stitches where it hurts, flowers thrown for what is now irrevocably gone, and hope shoved into boxes. They'll be discarded into the ocean, abandoned like the many other thoughts long submerged in the depths of his mind.
Disappointment continues to fall in deceivingly soft droplets against his clothes, his skin, as Sanghyuk thinks. Arguments between Hakyeon and himself have happened before. Fights have ensued over butter in popcorn, Sanghyuk's decision to act on impulse and travel the world to wherever he desires, and what's practical in life and what isn't. Hakyeon has broached sensitive topics ("Why haven't you found your soul mate yet?") and the ones that don't even matter, debated repetitively until the arguments have become a routine of their usual quirk-filled friendship.
Even now, as he sits and takes time to run through the thoughts that usually pass too quickly for him to toss them over in his hand Sanghyuk is unable to recall exactly when it had begun. He doesn’t know whether it started before dinner or after or whether it had been about the butter or the salt.
However, he does know whether it was important. Sanghyuk knows Hakyeon isn't his soul mate and therefore shouldn't be important, and even though his heart is screaming that he has just lost one of the only people who has stuck by him for what feels like eternity, his mind is telling him that it doesn't matter. Hakyeon doesn't matter.
It's still raining an hour later when Sanghyuk's hoodie is dripping and an umbrella covers his head. Hood clinging to his head, he looks up.
"Hey, are you okay?"
Concern whispers in the crease of the brows and the purse of full lips, but the rest of the stranger is remarkably dry. He twirls his umbrella twice, and only then does Sanghyuk think perhaps he's met this person before once upon a time. Not by fate, but definitely sometime else.
Droplets fly off pitch-black locks as he nods in response. The blond had been taken away come the end of high school. Something more practical and boring is a necessity for an adult such as himself. "Yeah, I'm okay." It's true; he's been telling himself as much for the past couple of hours. It isn’t like he has been crying, so not like the stranger will know anything to the contrary.
Lips pursed, the concern in the stranger’s features moves aside to join with a tinge of something else. "Sure? I live in an apartment here, you know. Maybe you can come in for a bit?"
Generosity. Sanghyuk's eyes flicker up, but the symbol doesn't match. It looks vaguely familiar though, perhaps he's seen it before. It doesn't matter anyway.
"I live here myself." Sanghyuk pushes himself up from the ground. He doesn’t mention how it had been spontaneously purchased today like the many other apartments that had once been his, or how Hakyeon had finally grown tired with his restless self and decided to stay grounded whilst he flew. Instead, he stumbles as he stands. Nothing there to tangle his legs, but it happens regardless.
A hand appears before him, outstretched by the stranger. "Really? We're neighbours, then. I'm Hongbin, nice to meet you." The eyes shine with no ounce of recognition. Eyes don't flicker above Sanghyuk's, but it's okay. He already knows this person isn't the one.
"Nice to meet you," he says, "I'm Sanghyuk. I think we attended the same high school." He would consult Hakyeon to be sure, but Hakyeon isn't going to return.
Hongbin smiles easily. "Really? That's cool." The rain doubles in pace and ferocity, and Sanghyuk watches as Hongbin fumbles in his pockets.
The smile on the elder's face fades. "Ah, damn. Forgot my keys at work. I'd go back, but..." The rain grows heavier in response.
Sanghyuk laughs, a small and sudden thing that takes him by surprise. "You can come into my apartment until it stops."
Hongbin's face lights up once more. "Ah, really? Thanks!"
It's not fate, but he can entertain this for a while. Sanghyuk thinks he smiles back in return.
-
Fingers drum a nonsensical pattern on the table, vaguely inspired by some latest hit song he had paused to listen to over the dust-filled speakers of the local convenience store. It's annoying and catchy and like most songs of the sort he can't recall the title. Knowing the unsettling feeling will eat at him for the remainder of the evening, it is with a firm mind that Sanghyuk pushes his laptop away, some bright-coloured advert for a 'fun holiday experience' open. It does not protest as he does so, equally relieved that finally the backspace key will have a break; continuous re-wording of the same destination has done nothing for Sanghyuk's productivity nor his wanderlust.
A glance to the corner of the screen tells Sanghyuk that dinner is due soon if he doesn't wish to upset his stomach or the firm teachings of his mother in the many years before he had left home. "Damn." He had not remembered to prepare a meal earlier in the day, and he doesn't think there're any leftovers in the fridge. Not after Hongbin had decided to steal eggs from his fridge last week. Padding with sock-clad feet over to the other end of the room where the kitchen awaits, he allows the cool air to wash over him briefly before scanning the contents. Milk, eggs and other bits and pieces sit hopefully in place; basic necessities but no dinner and no desire to cook. The fridge is shut once more.
Takeout will be fine, he supposes, from some place that is cheap enough for his aching wallet. Curled up on the sofa, phone in one hand menu in the other, he's beginning to decide on noodles or rice when a loud buzz sounds throughout the apartment.
The menu slips out of his grasp and makes a break for dainty freedom towards the ground. Sanghyuk's still cursing when he finally locates the right key and opens up the door.
"Hi," Hongbin's smile is bright, "wanna have dinner together?" He lifts a white plastic bag in which Sanghyuk spies a neat stack of clear, plastic containers filled with food. Sanghyuk's stomach is in agreement with his mind, so he pulls the door open further in admittance.
"I had just been about to order something," he informs as Hongbin kicks off his shoes and switches the bag from one hand to the other, "but what brought this on?"
The shrug of the other's shoulders is carefree. "Just thought it'd be nice to have dinner in the company of another. You don't mind, do you?"
Sanghyuk thinks that there's no point in saying he does mind, not when Hongbin's shoes are lined up neatly by his door and traipsing into the apartment as if he owns it. Over the course of the past couple of months Sanghyuk has learned that sometimes Hongbin will do things like this out of the blue. It seems that after allowing him access out of necessity, the elder has taken it to mean he can come running in whenever he fancies.
Sometimes it'll be whilst waving a movie that he's so sure Sanghyuk will love, sometimes for no other reason than because he can and "I'm sure you're not doing anything important. Don't give me that look, you told me you were free this week", and one particularly rainy day traipsing in and asking if he can borrow an umbrella 'cause he had given his own to the old lady down the street. That had ended with Sanghyuk accompanying him to the supermarket, shaking his head all the while. At least he got a new box of cereal out of the whole ordeal.
Whilst to date Hongbin never shown up with dinner in tow, Sanghyuk thinks that (much like the other times in which Hongbin had taken it upon himself to add a little colour and variety into his life) he has little to no choice in the matter. Besides, it's adventure he seeks is it not? He can afford to stay here a little longer than intended. Sanghyuk closes the door.
"The food can go on the table.” He turns around to face the other.
"Which one?" Hongbin questions, eyeing first the kitchen bench, then the coffee table behind which the younger male had been seated earlier. Sanghyuk considers, before motioning vaguely to the shorter table. "That one."
Watching as the other finds a clear spot on the table which he had been puzzling over confounding work on previously, Sanghyuk busies himself by swiping some cutlery from the kitchen. Moving over to assist the elder by dumping his stuff on the floor from the table (such a strenuous feat in and of itself; those books weigh a ton), he then sits, the sides of his feet resting on the carpet.
Hongbin smiles as he accepts the pair of metal chopsticks Sanghyuk hands over. They're better than the rough takeaway ones stowed inside the bag, and Sanghyuk has to acknowledge he's always been fairly rubbish at snapping them neatly anyway.
After the hunger of both is satiated and the cutlery is in the sink, Hongbin stretches his legs out before him before turning to smile at Sanghyuk. "So, what's my favourite dongsaeng up to this evening?"
"Contemplating the best way to avoid doing what his hyung wants for the remainder of the night." Sanghyuk snarks with a faux-annoyed expression on his face. The joke holds still for a beat, then simultaneous smiles bloom on both their faces.
Hongbin holds up a plastic case, the cover on which an animated figure stands proudly.
"Oh, no." Sanghyuk is already saying as he scrambles to his feet, making a dive to unplug the dvd player from the wall.
Hongbin is laughing as he scrambles up a beat too late, making up for speed what he lacks in leg length as he propels his body forward to beat Sanghyuk to the dvd player. The case is already open and the dvd in his grasp as he succeeds in using the rest of his body to slam the younger (somewhat forcefully, yet not too harshly) onto the floor.
"Sorry Sanghyuk-ah, but sacrifices must be made!" The smirk should seem disproportionate on his otherwise innocent features, but Sanghyuk thinks it suits Hongbin a bit too much.
It's a look he has never seen before, and-- no, snap out of it! Shaking his head, he glares at Hongbin, a half-hearted thing that's quickly twitching upwards to a smile even before he attempts to school it into a solid expression.
"Sacrifices to my dvd player, don't you mean?” Mournful, he watches as Hongbin succeeds in placing the movie of choice into the player. He had picked it up for dirt cheap in some quiet town near a beach.
Hongbin busies himself with switching on the screen and fiddling with the buttons. "All for the greater good."
Sanghyuk groans and throws himself onto the couch. "Spare me!" He wails with a melodramatic tone to his voice, only moving to make way for the elder male when he joins him on the couch.
The opening credits roll.
"Hyung, I thought we had an agreement on Disney." Sanghyuk says very seriously.
Hongbin laughs, lifting his feet and placing them on top of Sanghyuk's leg. "Your eyes are glued to the screen and it hasn't even started."
"Details, hyung."
-
Sanghyuk stifles a yawn as he rests his chin in his palm, weary from a slow day of tiresome nothing. From his perch behind the counter Sanghyuk can make out the distorted sounds of shoppers and traffic further down the road, but the area within the shop is silent enough for him to be at peace; or perhaps that's the soft jazz that rolls gently over the shop in subdued waves.
Maybe an international destination will work, he thinks as he scans the map laid out on the table. Mentally calculating an estimated cost, he cringes. Then again, maybe not.
Tucked into the corner of some side-street of a main road is the small, nondescript music store of moderate popularity with the young. Among the neighbors of fashion and cafes it is quiet yet deadly, fairly productive yet not too busy. It is an attraction to all music-lovers who cannot be bothered to travel the distance to some greater known store, and as such the perfect place for someone like Sanghyuk to find work in. He has enough to pay for his continuous travels, but that doesn't mean he can't afford to have some more decent cash in his pocket. Money doesn't grow from trees, after all.
He himself cannot play any of the instruments on display except for a rather mean rendition of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star on perhaps the xylophone, but that isn't to say Sanghyuk holds no appreciation for music whatsoever. With an interest in dance but a lack of the necessary skill to teach (or rather, be contemplated as a teacher) Sanghyuk has settled on the next best option.
The volume of the chatter of the streets suddenly increasing, Sanghyuk looks up to a blast of wind and what seems to be a new customer. He's tall, somewhat hunched in on himself and dressed warmly for the recent chilly turnabout of the weather. His steps are firm yet relaxed, and his eyes dart immediately to the pianos that stand proudly to the side.
These details should lodge themselves in the young male's usually active mind, but his eyes as usual are locked on what lingers above the other's own head. For once, they don't move away; the four-leaf clover hovering above the other male's head seems to shine like the sun as all else fades from his sight.
A slight gasp escapes Sanghyuk's lips as he realises the implications of the situation, and the stranger blinks away from a particular instrument before his eyes locate the sound of the noise.
"Ah!" the slight sound escapes the lips that rest on a rather handsome visage as his eyes dart to somewhere above Sanghyuk's head, and now having a clearer view of the symbol the young male is in no doubt; this stranger's clover has a clean stem as well. A perfect match.
The pause hovers uncertainly in the air whilst they stare each other down. Sanghyuk speaks first, words flowing as he moves from behind the counter and closer to the stranger who he now knows as his match.
"I'm Han Sanghyuk," he sketches a polite bow, eyes flickering briefly down before inevitably being drawn back to the other's face like a moth to a flame, "it's nice to meet you." Finally, the word is not tacked on to the end but both of them hear it in his intentions.
The male nods. "Jung Taekwoon, it's nice to meet you too."
He doesn't seem terribly expressive, and though there's no open hostility it doesn't seem like Taekwoon is all too pleased to see him. His expression, though blank does not seem to be a product of force; it seems he genuinely does not feel enough happiness at the situation to muster a smile at finally meeting his soul mate.
Sanghyuk feels the disappointment settle in the pit of his stomach like a mountain of stones. The mountain collapses, small stones individually fine but together a menace, tumbling over themselves as they fight to settle.
"It doesn't seem like you're glad to see me." He says, blunt yet with some trepidation that he hopes is masked in his tone.
Perhaps it's been too long. Chances are, Taekwoon has long since settled on someone else. Or maybe he has no interest in knowing the stranger he is destined for? Sanghyuk knows there are many who try to fight destiny; perhaps Taekwoon is the same.
Now certain that he has done a fine job of humiliating himself in front of his soul mate, Sanghyuk begins to turn around to head back to his station behind the counter. Before he takes more than a step though, he feels fingers wrap around his wrist and the same soft voice which he had been introduced to moments before.
"Wait."
Sanghyuk turns around slowly to stare at the now fidgety Taekwoon. There's an embarrassed tinge of rouge in his cheeks, and his chin is tucked into his scarf as if hiding his face will allow him to store his feelings away. Once he notices he has the other male's attention, he repeats.
"Wait, I'm sorry. I'm not good at... being expressive." Though obviously well-spoken, it’s clear Taekwoon is thinking as he speaks, eyes darting to meet Sanghyuk's own for the briefest of moments before flickering away once more.
Sanghyuk reads the sincerity in Taekwoon's eyes and hears the uncertainty in his tone. So, he isn't the only one feeling this way then. That's a relief. Instinct tells him that Taekwoon is simply as uncertain as himself. Watching the way his shoulders gradually relax, it's clear to Sanghyuk that he isn't used to being in such a situation. Perhaps he's simply shy.
Sanghyuk is eased out of his thoughts by the soft-spoken voice. "If you like, we can get to know each other better..."
Shooting the other a blindingly bright smile in response, Sanghyuk feels his previous insecurities wash away with gentle tugs of the end of a storm. He's found the one.
Taekwoon begins to move to his original destination of the pianos, voice soft yet musical as he drops Sanghyuk's arm and moves to settle in place at a piano bench. "May I play you a song?"
That day, Sanghyuk leaves his workplace with a new number in his phone and a smile in his steps.
-
The day beams happily at Sanghyuk from beneath his curtains, and for once he's the one to throw it open for himself. Briefly he recalls a time in the past, back when he had been in high school and his mother would come in and do it for him because otherwise he would sleep the day away. She would call his name over and over until he sat up, and even then the first thing he would do would be to yank the curtains shut once more.
Tolerance for sunshine in the morning was never a trait Sanghyuk has had, but he admits the day seems a little sweeter when it's fresh.
Once excitedly dressed, his breakfast is interrupted by a firm knock at the door. Shooting up from his seat so quickly he almost feels woozy from the action, the young male laughs at himself before wiping at his lips with a tissue and throwing it in the bin on the way to the door.
Yanking it open, he's almost disappointed by who's behind it, but finds that his energy is restored as he watches how Hongbin's face crinkles as he smiles at the younger male.
"Hyukkie! Good morning!" he greets the other chirpily as he's let in. The nickname had been a result of a lost bet; Sanghyuk had made the mistake of letting slip the name and Hongbin had immediately used it to his advantage. That's the last time he ever uses the accursed name as stakes in a bet. He has to admit though, it sounds almost musical when the other says it, though that's perhaps due to the teasing lilt in his tone that he's never able to fully mask.
Sanghyuk shakes his head distractedly as he closes the door. No, focus. He's got a big day ahead of him.
When he turns around, Hongbin's already seated on the couch. He's been over enough times that he no longer needs to ask where he can or cannot go. Actually, he seems to be visiting a lot; visits ranging from twice a day to one a week. Sanghyuk doesn't mind though, it's nice to have company.
"You busy today?" The elder male asks, eyeing the other. "You look a bit more dressed up than usual; who you trying to impress?" he teases, eyebrows lifting and twinkles in his eyes.
Sanghyuk grins, striking a pose in a mock attempt at showing off his outfit. “Do I look nice?” For some reason, he’s actually curious to know what Hongbin’s opinion is. Maybe because he usually dresses pretty nicely himself. Settling down beside Hongbin more carefully than usual (he doesn't want to dirty his appearance before he steps out of the door), he laughs.
"I met my soul mate the other day."
Hongbin doesn't respond immediately, and when Sanghyuk turns to look at him, conflict flutters in his features before settling into a smile once he notices Sanghyuk watching. "Really? That's great!" there's enthusiasm in his tone, and despite the fact that Sanghyuk thinks the sincerity is not completely genuine he doesn't comment, too excited for the day ahead.
"Yeah, it is!" His smile wide, Sanghyuk then proceeds to go on to explain how he had come across Taekwoon and the subsequent discussion.
Hongbin curls up comfortably on the coach, nodding and allowing "Ooh"s and "Ahh"s at the right moments. At one point Sanghyuk is almost worried he's boring the other with his chattering, but as Hongbin prompts the story onwards with a "Then?", his excitement returns tenfold as he prattles on about Taekwoon who had played him a song and sang so sweetly, with so much passion he almost wishes he had placed a bit more effort into dancing so he could return the gesture in the language of music.
When he's done with his tale, he gets up from his seat for a glass of water. A sip later of the refreshing liquid, he sets the glass down and looks up to the thoughtful face of the other.
"So that's why you're dressed up," Hongbin says, "you have a date today."
Sanghyuk feels the heat creep up his neck and pool in his cheeks. "Well, I wouldn’t say that exactly,” he fumbles for words, grasping at nothing before conceding defeat, “Alright, yeah, it’s a date.”
Hongbin nods. "I thought so." The strange look from before flits across his face once more before he abruptly stands up, heading for the door. "In that case, I should leave. Let's catch up another time, okay Sanghyuk-ah? Have fun." Hongbin smiles briefly before disappearing out the door.
A feeling of unease jolts through Sanghyuk’s body at the smile. Something’s bothering his friend.
However, Sanghyuk doesn’t have too long to dwell on it before the doorbell rings with a cheerful chime.
-
The wind hums in the trees and the cracks of the pavement, prompting Sanghyuk to snuggle deeper into his scarf in response.
“Cold?” Taekwoon turns to look at him with concern evident in his gaze, and Sanghyuk shakes his head with a slight smile, touched by the warmth of the other’s attention.
“I’m alright.”
A slight crease forms between Taekwoon’s brows as he contemplates this, before reaching out and taking Sanghyuk’s un-gloved hands in his own. Warmth like the glow from the sun instantly penetrates Sanghyuk’s skin, and he smiles in gratitude at the other.
“Thank you, hyung.”
Taekwoon nods to acknowledge the thanks before continuing on, all the while gripping Sanghyuk’s hands tightly.
A short while later, Sanghyuk realises exactly where it is Taekwoon is leading him. "We're going to the park?" he eyes with interest the wrought-iron gates and the towering greenery, the tinkle of laughter emerging from within music in his ears.
Taekwoon nods before asking somewhat worriedly, "do you not like the park?"
"No, I like it a lot!" Sanghyuk quickly denies, smile widening the closer they get. He's the first to step inside, scanning the surroundings in content. "I haven't had a chance to take a proper look around since I arrived. How come I never knew this was here?"
Travel as he may, Sanghyuk has never paused to find out everything he can about the places he visits. Sure, he'll walk the streets and coax secrets of cities out slowly and delicately in the form of long-worn graffiti and delicately aromatic cuisine, but he has always found some way to avoid anything linking directly back to home. Sanghyuk doesn't like leaving traces behind because that would mean acknowledging the presence of multiple homes; he's always had difficulty with finding a place to belong.
It's been years since he last visited a park, the last time being perhaps when he was still a middle-schooler, but even then he had been there due to family obligation and not much else. Reflecting back on it now, Sanghyuk cannot help but to feel somewhat apologetic.
Taekwoon latches onto the underlying meaning of his words, surprisingly attentive to detail. "Since you got here?"
Sanghyuk nods, feet moving on autopilot as they navigate around the children running by, tiny and eager feet threatening to trip him. "Yeah. Ever since I finished high school, I've been travelling."
There's silence as Taekwoon contemplates this before responding. "Has that been enjoyable for you?"
Yes, Sanghyuk opens his mouth to utter the automatic response before pausing and turning the question over in his mind. The wind ruffles his hair playfully as he does, distracting him before easing away to allow him ample space to think. "It's been nice," he says instead, carefully and decisively, "not needing to feel tied down to any one place and being able to travel."
Taekwoon nods, thoughtful and slow. "Won't your parents miss you?"
Sanghyuk thinks of his mother standing by the stove in her middle-aged beauty, youth faded from the surface but evident in the corners. His father has just turned the final page of the newspaper and stands up to place his mug in the sink before heading off to work, tie neat from years of practice. In that image, Sanghyuk is long gone.
"Suppose so." his eyes are trained on a leaf that has just twisted away from the end of a branch. It's gentle in its descent, but the wind mercilessly snatches it away before it makes contact with the ground. "I call them up on holidays and birthdays."
Taekwoonis silent.
"Is that a bad thing?" Sanghyuk chances a glance up.
Taekwoon shakes his head, stretching his legs out before him. It's only now that Sanghyuk belatedly realises they have seated themselves on a park bench overlooking a large lake. Not many ducks are to be seen however, the mildly chilly weather keeping the wildlife at bay. As such, the water is still and smooth, a shimmery mirror that distorts with every dart of the wind.
"It's just interesting," Taekwoon says, huddled into his jacket. Sanghyuk's expression must be inquisitive enough for him to elaborate further, "I've lived here for my whole life. Being somewhere familiar is more comfortable for me."
Sanghyuk considers this. "That's true."
Silence settles slowly over them and just as it's beginning to drag, Taekwoon abruptly stands up. Sanghyuk blinks up slowly in confusion.
"Let's go." Taekwoon extends a hand towards the other. "There's somewhere I want to show you."
“What?” Startled, he blinks up through his fringe before accepting Taekwoon’s hand. "Is it far?" Sanghyuk allows himself to be helped up, standing gracefully from the bench and dusting his jeans clean.
Taekwoon shakes his head, the movement small and almost unnoticeable. "It's a little bit further down the path, in the open area."
If he squints, Sanghyuk can see the area up ahead, spacious and paved with a moderate amount of people. He's about to comment that perhaps Taekwoon had chosen the wrong place because it doesn't seem like there's anything of significance there, but then Taekwoon pauses and points, soft voice delicate as he tugs Sanghyuk in the direction of a white grand piano bolted to the ground.
"There."
-
There's something captivating about the way Taekwoon plays the piano.
In his eyes lie a softness that transfers down to the elegant poise of his fingers, rolls of ivory neutrals and obsidian accents guiding the melody to completion in a complex dance of beauty. He's almost feminine in his gentleness, but there's a masculine comfort that lies in the way his broad shoulders hunch and the strong accents that litter the piece.
It's so beautiful, Sanghyuk is afraid to initiate conversation. He needn't worry however, for Taekwoon does so first.
"I wrote this the other day, two days after we met," he says quietly, barely audible over the notes and the various background noises, "it's rather quickly put together, but I hope you like it."
Sanghyuk nods, smile on his lips as he listens to the music and watches the familiar symbol pulsing gently in time to the music above the other's head. Though the clover looks the same as ever, for once it's a symbol of happiness to the young male; seems today is his lucky day.
It's now evening, rose accents dusting the sky. A lukewarm Styrofoam cup of coffee sits forgotten on the table as Sanghyuk sits with a boyish grin on his features and replays the feather-light kiss Taekwoon had given him in farewell. If he concentrates, he thinks he can feel it tingling in memory of the contact.
It's only much, much later as he's finally drifting off to sleep does Sanghyuk realise with a sleepily vague awareness that Hongbin had called him by his full name before departing that morning.
Sanghyuk falls asleep, and forgets it all the next day.
-
He doesn't tell anyone, but Sanghyuk has been feeling a little restless recently. Sanghyuk can't help it; on a constant flow through his veins is the desire to travel and move, to see what the world has to offer without the silver platter and lovely pleasantries. Sanghyuk wants to see the world in all it's rough and brazen glory, wants to feel the sediments between his toes and crush the leaves in his grasp. He wants to live for himself now, not for the version of him who his acquaintances perceive him as.
Now that he's found Taekwoon however, he knows he's on a leash. He doubts Taekwoon will mind the occasional vacation, but even though they're soul mates he knows the other would certainly draw the line when it comes to traveling on sporadic whims.
Thus, Sanghyuk remains still, in the apartment that has unknowingly become a sort of clumsy home, haphazardly placed together in bits and pieces. It's still incomplete, but Sanghyuk can't make himself place the finishing touches on the piece.
Not whilst every ounce of his being is screaming for him to move.
Sanghyuk quells the urge as best he can, sits on his hands and tries to focus on something else. His fingers itch towards the black mp3 player sitting on his coffee table. Fingers shaking, he picks it up, plugs his earphones in, and takes a breath.
Calm piano flows into his ears like sand blown by the wind, free and calm and free of the burden of the next destination. The small device had been a gift from Taekwoon, the only gift he had been given so far. Though it’s clear his soul mate is not particularly fond of big, dramatic proclamations of love, it cannot be denied that he is thoughtful with small gestures.
Taekwoon had smiled for the briefest of seconds before just as quickly tucking his face back into the scarf wound around his neck. "I put some songs on there. You should give it a listen." Though quiet, Sanghyuk had relished in the fact that he had been beginning to use longer sentences around him; it was nice, knowing the other was feeling more at ease now.
"Songs? Like your self-composed ones?" He had asked, curious.
A nod had been given in return.
The current song drawing to a close, Sanghyuk lets out an exhale as the silence settles once more. He sits on his fingers to quell the urge, but when he retires to bed for the night, he forgets to close the web browser.
‘Come have a holiday!’ the title of the page screams in a siren’s call.
part (2/2)