“What’s this?”

Taecyeon bends his knees slightly to examine an old golden lamp covered in dust. The local merchant walks over to his side while wiping his glasses with a piece of cloth.

“It’s an antique son,” he says. “Most of the items here are old antiques that has been sold or traded.”

“From where?”

“All around the world. That’s why these may be considered a fortune but, mostly they serve as a decoration in your house.”

Taecyeon nods his head. “Is this a lamp? Or a tea pot?” he asks a little unsure.

The merchant picks up the golden piece of metal in his hand. “This is not just an ordinary lamp son. I believe it’s a magic lamp,” he states, smiling.

“A magic lamp? Like the ones in fairytales right?”

“Yes, I believe so. Are you planning on purchasing this?”

He scratches the back of his head. “I was just looking for a cool birthday present really. I thought I might get some ideas in a vintage shop.”

“Tell you what,” the merchant pulls out another item from a drawer behind him. “Since you’re my first customer of the day, I’ll offer you this vintage record player half of its price and give you another item for free. How about that son?”

Taecyeon grins at the merchant’s offer, considering his offer for a minute or two. “I’ll take it sir.”

“Very well then, choose whatever you like.”

His eyes wander around the room again but his gaze lands on the lamp once again. “I think I’ll take the lamp.”

The merchant appears to be content with his choice as he wraps the record player in a bundle using a long string. Taecyeon pays for it shortly as he glances at the lamp from the counter. There is just something that captures his attention of that particular antique. Though he doesn’t really know what it is.

“Thank you and have a good day son! Oh and be careful of the lamp. Things might get tricky with it,” he takes note of the hint in the merchant’s eyes, to be wary.

“Yes sir, have a nice day too.”

A week later comes his best friend’s birthday and Taecyeon is still reading a novel on his bed, despite the fact that his chances of being late is high at his current pace. His phone sets off an alarm for the nth time, indicating that he should get going soon.

“Alright I’ll change now,” he sighs shutting off the alarm.

He dresses into his casual white collared shirt, a black tie in place as well as wearing a blue striped sweater over it. Grabs a pair of jeans and sneakers, putting them on in sequence. He checks himself in the mirror one last time before scrambling for the present he has prepared.

“There you are,” he mutters as he finds it under his study desk. He pauses when something falls off the ground. The lamp. He forgot about it after a week since he was focusing on his midterms. He places it on top of his desk gently, staring at it for a second. I’ll deal with it later. For now he has a party to catch.

Taecyeon parks his vespa scooter at the sidewalk near his friend’s house already hearing the faint chatter coming from the front porch. He adjusts his glasses up to the bridge of his nose, marching inside the residence as he carries his present.

“Taec! You’ve made it man,” the birthday celebrant Nichkhun gives him a bro hug that most guys would do when they greet.

“Happy Birthday Khun,” he grins, handing him his present. “This is quite a socialite party of yours.”

Nichkhun chuckles. “The guys are responsible for it. They literally called whoever the