August 15, 2014

The heat was sweltering.

It was beyond Ryeowook why he had to run errands on such a day. Youngwoon had ordered him to go to the convenience store for popsicles, and being the good, free loading younger brother that he was, he went out. Although he complained, it was nothing more than surface level irritation. He had spent most of the summer indoors and alternating between lounging and packing. There were a lot of things to prepare for once September rolled around, and he had spent quite a bit of his time procrastinating.

Wiping sweaty palms against the loose fabric of his shorts, Ryeowook tried to keep his mind off the burning sensation on the back of his neck. Just think cold thoughts, he tried to convince himself. Ice. Winter. Ice baths. Penguins. Ice cream. Popsicles.

As he passed another block on the way home, he slowed at the sound of muffled music. Across the street, a throng of people was beginning to gather around what appeared to be a street performance. Immediately, his mind traveled back to simpler times. A sweeter memory involving an already fading love.

Although it had been fun for a while, shortly after the accident, Ryeowook could hardly face Hyungsik. With his trainee program beginning as well, the burden became a bit too much to bear. Going their separate ways had made sense.

So here he stood now. Alone, sweating profusely in the August heat, and feeling pretty…okay. It had been a long time. Ryeowook almost wanted to laugh at himself. Okay? Is that the best you can do, self?

Walking closer to the music, he allowed himself a moment to just indulge—something he had refrained from doing for nearly half a year. Ryeowook smiled a bit, humming along to the pop song being covered. As the song wound down, he shifted out of the crowd, deciding it was already enough. Just as he did though, he caught a delicate scent that nearly sent him spiraling.

The person was already passing though. Ryeowook’s head snapped around, eyes locked on a familiar backside. A familiar head of messy dark hair. A familiar…everything.

He lowered his head, fighting the urge to pursue. Turning around, he took one step, then another…and another.

A warm hand curled around his wrist, yanking him to a halt. Ryeowook stumbled, looking over his shoulder and swallowing the butterflies that burst in his stomach.

Kyuhyun smiled, never once letting go of Ryeowook. “Long time no see.”

If destiny does exist, then that one person – the only person who will become irreplaceable in your world, is coming for you as fast as they can.

To be continued.