Chapter 9

"I could show you in different ways how much I love you, but nothing is better than being beside you while doing things together... as one." - Anonymous

**

Lightning flashed through the glass window of Ryeowook's bedroom. A few seconds later a loud thunder echoed in the midst of a storm. Ryeowook jolted awake not from the frightening sound but from the terrible nightmare he had.

He was breathing heavily and wiped a sweat from his forehead despite the cool wind coming from the open window. The nightmare was so clear that he thought it was real. He can vividly remember how he and Kyuhyun shouted angry words to each other. It seems like they were fighting about something and he slammed the door after a hateful word he had thrown to the younger. The next happenings were a little bit fuzzy but he remembered being awakened by an unknown person and delivering the news that Kyuhyun had gotten into a car accident. The scene flashed to the hospital where he saw him lying in coma as the doctor says that he doesn't have high chance of surviving. That is when Ryeowook eventually woke to find it all a dream... a horrible nightmare.

Ryeowook looked at the digital alarm clock beside the lampshade. April 19, 2007 2:48am. Now that he dreamt of him, he wondered what Kyuhyun might be doing at this time. He should be sleeping peacefully by now on his bed but there's a little chance that he is awake and playing computer games until dawn. Because of this, he is tempted to call him. He needs to know that he is okay and that was just a bad dream.

He reached for his phone to dial his number and surprisingly Kyuhyun answered it immediately.

“Ryeonggu?” Kyuhyun said and he was greeted by another loud thunder from the other line.

“… Kyukyu! You’re awake? Are you at home right now?” he said after a short pause.

“Yup? I’m lying on my bed… what’s wrong Ryeonggu?”

“Uhmm no… nothing is wrong,”

“I can sense that you are lying… then why are you calling me at this hour?”

“…. I can’t sleep,” he murmured which Kyuhyun barely heard.

“Awww are you afraid of the thunder?” he teased. “I would have hugged you tight if I was there beside you…”

Ryeowook smiled. “That’s sweet… but I want to believe that you will just laugh at me if you’re here.”

“I’m not that bad!”

He imagined Kyuhyun’s frustrated pout right now and he giggled at the thought. “You should be sleeping Kyu,”

“Says the one who calls me at 2am…”

“But I didn’t expect you to be awake! Now I need to make you sleep… you’ll need it once the semester starts again.”

“I can’t sleep tonight… I’d been trying to for hours now but it seems that I don’t feel sleepy at all.”

“I thought you’re playing games…”

“I’m not in the mood to play… I don’t know. I don’t understand this feeling but I’m glad you called.”

There was a long silence and Kyuhyun had thought that the other had already fallen asleep. He looked at his phone to see that the line was still connected. “Ryeong?”

“Kyu…have you ever dreamt of someone you know dying?”

“Hmm. Not yet. I don’t usually remember my dreams the moment I wake up. If I do its always a happy one like I was eating my favorite food or I won over my enemies in that game I was playing. Why?”

“Nothing… I just thought it’s a horrible dream to have.”

“Don’t think about it Ryeonggu… you shouldn’t believe things like that. You should be thinking about the present and living your life with your loved ones. Even if dreams have meanings you should not dwell on it too much.”

“You always know what to say at these serious topics…”

“You had a nightmare don’t you? Oh don’t worry about it too much. Maybe because you’re tired today that’s why you’re dreaming things like that.”

Oh Kyu, how could I not worry when its all about you? I never wanted that to happen, Ryeowook said in his thoughts.

Ryeowook was still bothered and a little scared but after hearing Kyuhyun’s comforting voice he settled for a bit. Kyuhyun was so good in lifting up his spirits and as they talk the plan of sleeping was long forgotten. They spent the rest of the night talking until they fell asleep while holding their phones.

**

With a week left in his vacation, Ryeowook decided to go back to Seoul early in order to set his mind back to work. He usually gets hangover whenever there's a long break from school.

As he arrived in his dormitory, it seems that he is not the only one who decided to come back early from their hometowns. He recognized a few faces as he walked up the stairs. In fact, when he reached his door he noticed few people moving stuffs at the next door.

Ryeowook thought he would have a new neighbor now. He slightly peeked in hopes to see the face of  his new neighbor but he only saw two men fixing the utilities of the room and re-painting the walls.

"Ryeowookie dear, you're back!" he jumped surprised at the greeting and he saw his old landlady approaching him with a smile.

"Good morning auntie... How are you?"

"I'm good. Still going strong despite occassional pain in my joints," she said pointing on her knees. "You're looking for your new dormmate? I'm afraid he's not here today dear."

"Hmmm... is that so? Then I guess I need to wait for the classes to start."

"I think he is in the same year with you. He's from Seoul though, so I'm curious why he decided to live in a dorm."

"Really? but sometimes its more convenient if you live near the university. You will never be late for your classes."

The old lady sighed. "Kids these days... when I was in college, I used to travel two hours by bus just to go to the university. I refused to live away from my parents so I had to endure that for over four years."

"Wow auntie, you did that? I don't think I can do that..."

"Things are easier nowadays. And you kids should study well so that you can thank your parents who gives you everything you need..."

Ryeowook nodded and took the old lady's advice. She always tell life lessons to everyone in the dormitory and they had great respect for the kind old lady. After their conversation, Ryeowook finally went into his own room.

He noticed a piece of paper on the floor and he picked it up to figure out what it is. He recognized Kyuhyun's handwriting and the note says 'See you soon :)'

"Eh? What did he meant by that?" he said to himself. Kyuhyun could have sent it by text message instead since he knows that Ryeowook was at his parent's home. But its also a hint the he had tried to visit his dorm numerous times.

Kyuhyun doesn't have a key to his dorm so he probably just passed by everytime he misses him. It could be during the week where he didn't received any calls or text from him.

Smiling, Ryeowook put the letter inside his drawer and went to hang his clothes back to his closet. He needs to unpack everything before he goes to buy some groceries that he will stock for the week. He doesn't feel tired from the trip from his hometown. In fact, he has many plans to do for today and one of them was to clean and fix the things in his dorm. A clean environment will help him start the new semester with positive vibes.

After unpacking his stuffs he walked to the store hear his dorm. Since he can cook, he usually buys ingredients instead of instant foods. He is also health conscious as he tries to avoid these foods as long as he can. He roamed around the store trying to find everything on his list. Finally, he comes to the last thing on his list so he goes to the fruit station. He was choosing bananas when he heard some familiar voice behind him.

"Excuse me miss do you have light bulbs here?" He turned to see Kyuhyun talking to the saleslady at one corner. Its amusing how Ryeowook can recognize his voice right away even though there are other people talking at the same time. He grabbed some bananas and pushed the cart towards him.

He was about to leave when Ryeowook called him. "Kyuhyuniee!" He turned around and was surprised to see his friend approaching him.

"Ryeonggu? W-why are you here?" he asked shocked. "Aren't you supposed to be in Incheon?"

"Classes will start next week so I decided to come early. Why are you so surprised to see me? Don't you miss me?" he teased.

"N-nothing. Of course I missed you seeing everyday."

"Yeah I know...and it explains why you left a note in my dorm."

"Oh you saw that? I put it before I went to visit you there few weeks ago."

"Hmm... so why are you here?"

Kyuhyun smiled nervously. "I-I'm buying something..."

"Yeah I get that. That's why you're here because you will buy something..." Ryeowook said with his eyebrow raised. "What are you buying?"

"Some light bulbs."

"..."

"I'm changing some lights in my room... you know..." he said looking around to find where the bulbs were located. Apparently he forgot what the saleslady had said upon seeing Ryeowook.

"I see. Come I'll show you where it is," Ryeowook pulled Kyuhyun's hand and lead him to where the stuffs were. He can sense that there's something that his friend was not telling him and he just let it pass. Kyuhyun would say anything about it if he needs to.

A few moments later after they had finished buying all their needs the two walked on the same road towards their destinations – Ryeowook to his dorm and Kyuhyun to the university according to him. The older wants to question this because he looked too casual for someone who will be going to school. He's wearing jeans and a plain shirt with his slippers which Ryeowook hadn't seen him wear in school before. He even wondered if its allowed in the univeristy premises.

However, as he was about to ask something Kyuhyun turned to him and he realized that they already reached his dormitory.

"I guess I will see you the other then?" Kyuhyun said.

"Okay, you just text me if you need something or someone to hangout with. You know I'll be bored for the whole week here in the dorm."

Kyuhyun laughed. He knows its true and Ryeowook will probably spend each day watching sappy romantic movies while pigging out foods and complain to him that he gain weight over the break.

"Then why don't you go to my home instead? Let's play games until late at night,"

"I thought you don't want to play with me because I at those games. You will just pick on me later on,"

"Of course. And it is more fun that anything else," he grinned. "I'll text you later about that okay? Bye bye,"

"Mm. Bye, " Ryeowook waved with his free hand before going inside the building.

Once his friend was out of his sight Kyuhyun sighed in relief. It was hard coming up with excuses to Ryeowook about his presence but he was glad that he didn't asked for more questions. Actually he was planning something that he was not telling his friend. He will soon learn about it and he is excited on what will be his reaction.

In a week the secret will be revealed, but for now he needs to fix some things first. Hopefully the surprise will not be ruined.

**

Ryeowook woke up from a loud noise coming from the next door. He heard someone hissed in pain, the person might have hit his body with something.

He sat up on his bed and he didn't need to look at the clock to know the time. The sun's rays were already shining through his window and he already had at least twelve hours of sleep. He feels energized and knows that this will be another good day.

To get started for the day he took a bath and later on ate his breakfast. He is part of a musical event in their university so he's going there today for practice. He's been actively participating in these kinds of events as he was one of the favorites of their department head. Its an opportunity for Ryeowook to share his talent although in a smaller number of audience. Who knows? This could be the start of his career one day.

Grabbing his bag, he opened his door ready to head out when he saw something on his doorsteps. A one foot tall giraffe stuff toy was standing on his doorway. Confused, he picked it up to see if there was note written on it. A small card was attached on it addressing his name.

He wondered who gave it and what occassion it is since his birthday was still months away. He looked at both ends of the hallway but there was no one else beside him. Only the faint sounds from the next room was heard.

Putting the stuff toy inside, he locked his door before going downstairs. Perhaps he could ask the guard whether he had visitors since the night before. He was disppointed and confused when there's no one. Who could have given him that giraffe? Maybe it was a close friend since one known fact from him was that he likes that animal so much. Ryeowook doesn't know how to figure out who was the mysterious person is and what his intentions were. How? He's completely clueless about it.

Hours earlier, Kyuhyun was already awake packing up his clothes in his luggage. No, he wasn't going faraway but he needs to pack the stuffs he needs. Why? You'll see.

"Mom have you seen my favorite jacket?" he called his mom from the other door.

"Which one dear? You have many favorites that I know of," his mom came peeking at his doorway.

"The black one. I bought that last year,"

"Ah I put it inside your closet the last time I washed it. Didn't you see it?"

Kyuhyun frowned. He looked inside the closet again but he didn't spot the jacket he was looking for. He really wanted to bring that one since its cotton and comfortable to use.

"Its missing?" his mom crept behind him. "Leave it then. I'll look for it when I have time. I will tell you when I found it. For now, just get what you can get and afterwards go downstairs for breakfast. Your dad wants to see you before he goes to work."

He nodded and Mrs. Cho immediately left him to finish what he is doing. Minutes later he followed his mom into the dining room.

"Good morning Kyu! Its moving day isn't it?" Ahra greeted cheerfully.

"You seem so happy to see me go away? You're so mean," he frowned although he was just joking.

"Of course! I've been waiting for this for nineteen years!" she grinned knowing that he is getting on his brother's nerves.

"Stop it you two," Mr. Cho said, a faint smile is hidden on his face. "How's your stuffs son? Do you need me to accompany you there?"

"Its okay dad. I can manage. I'm just moving my clothes and books today. The rest will be tomorrow,"

"Are you sure? Ahra can help you..."

"Dad! No way... I'm busy," she protested.

"Its okay... I don't want someone messing up my plan anyways,"

"So you haven't told Ryeowook yet?" Mrs. Cho said sitting beside his husband. Kyuhyun smiles.

"Don't you think he knows it already? Someone might have told him about it!" Ahra said.

"I'm positive that he is still clueless. I told them to keep my name unknown. I want to surprise him when he learns about it..."

Ahra rolled his eyes hearing his brother's plan but didn't say anything else. At least he has a plan now and maybe the long waiting will be over soon.

**

The afternoon before the start of a new semester, Kyuhyun was busy fixing his books on his new bookshelf. His stuffs were scattered on the floor as he was arranging the room. He was not really into designing but he wants his stuffs to be organized so that he can study well. An organized and clean room will keep your mind relaxed isn't it?

His radio that he brought from home was playing a soft ballad which makes him sleepy. Well, he spent the night before playing games at his friend's birthday party and he didn't get enough sleep. That is bad since classes will start tomorrow and he needs all the sleep to keep him awake at the long hours of lecture.

Yawning, he switched the station to find something nice to keep him awake. He paused at a station where the dj was talking about a meteor shower happening that night.

Kyuhyun is adventurous and always like to go to place to see the beauty of nature. Shooting stars at night is also something he wants to witness with his own eyes instead of seeing it in the television or in photos.

An idea popped in his head. He picked up his phone to call someone.

Ryeowook was lying down on his bed while reading a book. It was a lazy afternoon and he has nothing to do. He doesn't want to go out and hangout with others and stayed in his dorm instead. Jinsun was asking him to go and watch a musical tonight with their other friends but he declined saying that he was too lazy to walk.

Now that boredom hits him he suddenly regrets his decision. Tossing his book away, he rolled on the bed when the giraffe stuff toy on the television caught his eyes. His phone suddenly rings and he lazily picked it up.

"Hello?"

"Ryeonggu let's go out tonight!" he heard the excited voice of Kyuhyun.

"Huh? Why?"

"I heard there's a meteor shower tonight. Let's go out to the park where we can view it clearly!"

"That wouldn't show until midnight..."

"I know... that's why we will eat out before we go there."

Ryeowook's brows furrowed. "Hey, are you forgetting that we have classes early morning tomorrow?"

"I know, but I don't want to miss this chance," he insists. "Please come with me..."

He sighed shaking his head. "If you're not my best friend I wouldn't agree with you," he smiles lightly.

"I'll pick you up at 7pm okay? See you..." Kyuhyun smiles from the other line.

"Okay. See you." Kyuhyun hangs up after that and Ryeowook was amused at his inability to say no to him. Its seems that Kyuhyun is always an exemption to everything.

Fast forward to hours later, the two was walking the trails of a grassy hill. Kyuhyun had lead the other there after they ate at a chinese restaurant. They were walking silent beside each other as they see other people coming up to the top to see the view of the city. You can see the city lights of Seoul from the top and its also a place where you can breathe fresh air.

"How did you knew this place? Is this where you bring your girlfriends when you were in high school?" Ryeowook teased.

"Ugh you're killing the fun. I haven't been here with any other girls beside my mom and sister," Kyuhyun looked at him. "We used to go here when I was young."

"Ohhh so this place holds a lot of memories..."

"Yup. My sister used to play on that swing," he points at a distance where two kids were playing on the swing. "But its been a long time since I got here."

"No, that sounds wrong. Actually its been a long time since the whole family went out for vacation. Though we're complete on holidays, we can't go on far places together because of dad's work."

Ryeowook listened to Kyuhyun as he relays the part of this place in his childhood. He imagine a young Kyuhyun running around the park while being chased by his sister. Ryeowook smiled at the thought and he remembered his own memories as a child.

"You and your sister are so close. It makes me envy," he said. Growing up as only child has its advantage and disadvantages. One disadvantage is that he doesn't have anyone to play with. When his parents go to work he was left alone to play by himself at home. It was lonely but he got used to it.

"Don't be. She annoying nowadays though,"

"You always say that about her," Ryeowook laughs.

"You can tell that to her, I will not be mad," Kyuhyun said.

They slowed down their steps as they were nearing the top. Ryeowook could feel the cold breeze as he wraps his body with his jacket.

"Kyu, thanks for bringing me here. Its a nice place in the middle of the city. I could come here sometime if I feel stressed from everything down there," he looked at the buildings and establishments that cover Seoul.

Kyuhyun looks up to the sky. "Believe me, even if there's no meteor shower I will still bring you to this place. The timing was just perfect tonight."

Ryeowook looked up to him questioningly.

"As what you have said, this place holds a lot of good memories because I've been here with the people I love. I want you to be part of that good memories so I brought you here,"

Ryeowook could feel his cheeks heat up despite the cold breeze blowing gently on his face. He looked away to hid his blush when suddenly Kyuhyun grabs his hand and pulls him near the edge of the cliff.

Kyuhyun was oblivious that he had made the other melt with his words. He leans on the barrier on the cliff and continues to look up the sky to wait for the meteor shower.

"The news said that it will be past midnight. What time is it now?" he asks.

"Its 11:57," Ryeowook responded looking at his watch. "Aren't you worried that you will pass out on your class tomorrow?"

"Slight. Why? Do you regret coming up here with me?"

Ryeowook shook his head. "No, that's not what I mean. Nevermind, I really like this view," he said and when another breeze blows upon his face, he closes his eyes and embrace the cold air.

Kyuhyun stares at his face and found himself mesmerized by him again. He unconciously smiles while giving him a loving look. Ryeowook opens his eyes and turned his head to his side to see Kyuhyun staring at him. The taller man looks away suddenly embarrassed at being caught. Ryeowook giggles and looks up again at the sky.

The two enjoys the comfortable silence between them while watching the stars up the sky. A few moments later Ryeowook saw a shooting star pass quickly at the sky. He excitedly tugs Kyuhyun's arm while pointing at it.

"Look! It has started!"

Kyuhyun looks up but the star was gone. "Where? I didn't see it!"

"Just look up...you'll see,"

Later on they witnessed the much awaited meteor shower. Its like the stars had fallen from the sky.

"Kyukyu, close your eyes and make a wish,"Ryeowook whispered pulling away from him to clasp his hands and wish.

Kyuhyun looks at the stars and closed his eyes. He's not the type to believe that wishes upon a star will come true but right now he wants to believe that his wish have been granted even before he could ask for it. If its true that the stars will bring him to the person destined to him he wants to believe that the person was the one beside him right now.

He opens his eyes and found Ryeowook smiling at him. "Why?"

"I wondered what you wished for. You closed your eyes for so long, I thought you fell asleep,"

"If I tell you then the wish won't come true isn't it?"

Ryeowook shrugs. "Fine. Even if I'm your best friend... I won't tell you mine to be fair," he mumbled softly.

Instead Kyuhyun reached for his hand and laced their fingers together. He stared at Ryeowook for a long time before the other looks back at him. They stared too long at each other. It was like they were put into a spell and their eyes convey their unspoken feelings for each other.

Kyuhyun thought it is now or never as he slowly leans closer to him. Ryeowook could feel his heart beating fast but he doesn't feel any nervousness. Instead, he feels warmth and secured just by his presence. He closes his eyes as Kyuhyun leans in to kiss his soft lips.

First kiss is always memorable and innocent and that's what happened for them. The kiss was pure but the love was visible as the two finally crossed the lines of friendship.

They continued kissing as Ryeowook wrapped his arm on Kyuhyun's neck and he felt the other’s hands on his waist. They were too lost in the kiss to even notice the shooting stars behind them.

Its almost 2am when the two arrived at Ryeowook's dorm. Kyuhyun insisted the he walked him until his doorway to be sure that he got home safely. The two were awkwardly silent along the way and neither was brave enough to break the silence. Well, that happens when you suddenly kiss your best friend.

"How about y-you? Its late already... are you sure you'll get home safely?" Ryeowook spoke for the first time. He was blushing a little and avoided looking at Kyuhyun's eyes.

"I-I'm fine. I'll text you when I arrive," he replied and apparently he was suddenly feeling hot.

"Okay. I'll go in now," Ryeowook said and turned to open his door but before he closed it he stared at Kyuhyun and smiled. "Good night. Bye."

"Bye," Kyuhyun returned the smile and waited for a few seconds before he turns to walk away. He put his hand above his heart before taking a deep breath. Its just the start Kyuhyun, his mind and heart tells him.

He stops at the next door and pulls out a key from his pocket. He opens the door and closes it behind him.