~It's all about new horizons~

Hongbin awoke to gentle shaking. It was Sanghyuk, urging him out of bed.

"Hyung! Hongbin hyung, wake up."

 

The younger peeled off the blankets and brought him his favorite sweatshirt. The old gray Rovix hoodie from three years ago. Hongbin ran the tips of his fingers over the stitching at the corner of the pocket.

 

He chuckled lightly, "I remember this.. When this happened.. It doesn't seem like it was that long ago." The memory of it getting snagged on the van door one day in a rush to dance practice, and how later that evening Taekwoon diligently mended it with some spare thread.

 

"Its so worn now," Hongbin said, nostalgia setting in. The elastic in the waistband was a bit stretched, making it fit a little bigger than it used to. Some unidentifiable stains here and there down the front and on the sleeves. The fleece pilling more and more with each wear.

 

But that was okay, all of its imperfections making it that much more special. Not to mention the comforting scent of the fabric softener laced into it.

……

---

Wonsik stood at the stove, waiting for the water in the teapot to boil, watching all the the little bubbles beginning to form at the bottom of the glass pot. He watched them as they grew larger, floated upward, formed faster and faster until they became steam whistling through the spout.

 

Wonsik snapped out of his daze at the sound of softly clattering ceramic.

"Oh! hyung, I didn't hear you come in.. I was gonna come wake you in a minute." Jaehwan was rummaging through the cabinet next to him looking for the perfect mugs.

 

"Ah, it's fine." The elder leaned in, hugging him in reassurance. "Wonsik.. do you think they'll like the ones I chose?"

 

He placed a tea bag in each, rising to the top as Wonsik poured the hot water.

"I'm sure they will."

……

---

Hakyeon sat up in bed, holding still for a moment to orient himself. He shook the resting figure curled up beside him. "Taekwoonie.." Hakyeon's voice was soft and gentle as ever. "Gotta wake up now." Taekwoon stirred, groaning and blinking the sleep from his eyes.

 

"We needa get dressed." Hakyeon patted the younger's sleep squished face. The two proceeded to dress clumsily, neither of them fully awake.

 

"Hakyeon.. here, your scarf. It's cold." Hakyeon beamed sleepily. Groggy, they shuffled out of the bedroom, supporting each other's weight.

......

---

The six of them huddled together on the roof.

 

"Jaehwan hyung and I prepared these for you all." Wonsik spoke as they shuffled on their knees to the others, handing them their mugs.

 

Sanghyuk wrapped his hands around his mug, feeling the warmth soaking through, taking in its pleasant aroma.

 

"There's so many stars out." Taekwoon  spoke up, awestruck by the beauty of the sky, the others hummed and oo'd in agreement.

 

The six of them pondered about how much they had all been through, all the setbacks and accomplishments they'd had these past few years... together. There was a time when all of this was nothing more than a dream.

 

"Hey guys look! The sun's rising!" Jaehwan chimed.

 

Birds began to sing, the sky grew brighter, golden rays peeking over the horizon.

 

Hakyeon stretched out his arms, trying to hug all of them, "Here's to the years we've shared together, and to many more ahead."