-

Ever since he could remember, Myungsoo had been able to see the red strings of fate everyone else talked about but couldn't see. As a child he had been amazed, seeing thin red strings everywhere, twisting and turning around every corner. He didn't understand the meaning back then but realized it was something special when everyone looked at him in awe when he said he could see the red strings.

Growing up, Myungsoo had learned how to ignore the strings that stretched and covered any available surface. He also figured it was better to keep his abilities a secret because when people knew, they would badger him about helping them to find their soulmate. What was even more troubling was when someone wanted Myungsoo to cut their red string for them, whether it was because they didn't believe in soulmates or were in love with someone else. Myungsoo just didn't want to mess with fate.

And it was because of his ability to see the red strings that Myungsoo knew the one he was destined to be with on the first day of kindergarten.

At the time, Myungsoo still didn't really understand the concept of the red strings but nonetheless he knew he just had to befriend that beautiful bubbly boy. Slowly following the thin red string that laid on the ground, snaking around the desks, Myungsoo walked towards the boy who was animatedly acting out an action scene with mini wooden figurines. Plopping down on the carpet opposite the boy, Myungsoo silently watched him play until the other finally realized he had an audience. The boy had smiled, a wide gummy smile, introduced himself as 'Yeollie' and declared the two of them friends before Myungsoo even spoke a word. Myungsoo didn't mind though, smiling back at the boy and nodding enthusiastically, introducing himself as well.

From that day on, the two of them stuck together like glue. It was well known that where there was Myungsoo, there was also Sungyeol and where there was Sungyeol, there was also Myungsoo. Together the two of them played pranks on people and got up to all sorts of mischief. They explored their town together, they studied together, everything.

Going through high school, Myungsoo finally discovered the true meaning of the red strings of fate. One day during lunch, Myungsoo and Sungyeol had been eating on a bench together when Myungsoo had turned his head to say something to Sungyeol. But when Myungsoo's eyes landed on Sungyeol's big, brown eyes and wavy auburn hair, his mind became blank and his whole world shifted. It was in that moment Myungsoo realized he was in love with Sungyeol. And when he caught sight of the red string that connected their wrists together glowing, Myungsoo knew they were meant to be.

But Sungyeol didn't know that.

-

Bass pounded through the room, shaking the walls and the floor. Screams and yells of excited adolescents were barely heard over the music. The overfilled room was stuffy and hot but everyone was too happy to care. It was their high school graduation party, or rather the after party. Everyone wanted to have a good night before vacation officially started and they had to find summer jobs before university began.

Myungsoo and Sungyeol were also amongst the crowd, jumping and laughing hysterically, busting out silly dance moves. The alcohol they had drank earlier flowed through their body, making them feel lighter. After a good hour of uninhibited dancing, Myungsoo and Sungyeol extricated themselves from the throng of people. Giggling and shouting, the two of them stumbled through the room and out the back door onto a patio. Surprisingly there was nobody else outside. Taking this opportunity, Myungsoo and Sungyeol dropped onto the two person swing chair.

The night air was cool and refreshing, a welcome change from the stuffy room inside. The moon was out, bathing everything with a white glow, and twinkling stars filled the black sky. Myungsoo turned his head to admire the beautiful boy beside him and smiled when he saw Sungyeol gazing up at the sky in wonder.

"I can never get over how beautiful this is." Sungyeol says, referring to the night sky.

"I can't either." Myungsoo murmurs, eyes never leaving Sungyeol's handsome side profile.

A moment passes before Sungyeol turns to look at Myungsoo. Their eyes meet and something overcomes Myungsoo. He moves as if possessed and in the next second Myungsoo's lips are pressed firmly against Sungyeol's ones. Time stills for Myungsoo, his eyes falling shut as he savours the feeling. He leans forward, trying to press harder into the kiss but Sungyeol is pulling away and Myungsoo is left hanging.

When Myungsoo opens his eyes, Sungyeol is staring at him in confusion. His words leaves Myungsoo feeling cold.

"Myungsoo, are you drunk?"

Myungsoo stares at Sungyeol in silence for a few seconds, more sober than ever. He glances down at the red string that ties the two of them together. It's not glowing like it usually is. Returning his gaze to Sungyeol's face, Myungsoo squeezes out a laugh.

"I guess I am. I don't know what came over me just then. Sorry, Yeol."

Myungsoo tries to sound nonchalant while his heart feels like it's getting pierced with knives.

-

Summer passes in a blur. In no time university is starting and so is the next chapter of their lives. The kiss is never brought up again, Sungyeol passing it off as one of his best friend's drunken antics. Myungsoo tries to forget it, telling himself it was nothing, but the outright rejection wouldn't leave his mind.

University is stressful but fun. At the start it was hard to adjust to the new ways of teaching and the focus on self-learning but Myungsoo and Sungyeol got used to it soon enough. On the other hand, the amount of freedom they had was amazing. They could choose to skip class if they so wished, eat whatever they wanted for lunch and play with friends during their breaks and off days.

Studying different things, Myungsoo taking photography and Sungyeol pursuing architecture, meant their timetables weren't very compatible. However, they both had Thursdays off and agreed to spend the day together every week. They tried to study, for at least a few hours, when they met up but usually that went out the window as soon as one of them started on an interesting story that happened to them during the week. It was during one of their weekly meet ups when Myungsoo first felt his world breaking apart.

“Hey Myung, guess what?” Sungyeol had started, an almost smug expression on his face.

Myungsoo had glanced over, an unsettling feeling emerging from his stomach.

“What?” Myungsoo had replied with trepidation.

Sungyeol had grinned and whipped out his phone, tapping for a few seconds before sliding the device across to Myungsoo. A photo of a cute girl with long black hair greeted Myungsoo’s eyes. Myungsoo had stared, uncomprehendingly, until Sungyeol lost his patience and answered the question Myungsoo was supposed to ask.

“That’s my girlfriend.”

Myungsoo’s heart stuttered and he had looked up at Sungyeol with wide eyes. But Sungyeol didn’t notice a thing, rattling about how he had met the girl and how they had hit it off immediately. When he was done with his story, Sungyeol had looked at Myungsoo expectantly.

With a deep breath, Myungsoo had managed to choke out, “That’s great, Yeol.”

-

From that day on, being with Sungyeol was like fighting a war. More often than not, the bright and bubbly boy would mention something he did with his girlfriend and Myungsoo would be left trying to act like nothing was wrong. Myungsoo also constantly worried about the other boy asking him about his red string. Sungyeol, of course, knew about his best friend’s abilities and it would only be natural for him to ask about it now that he was dating someone. But Sungyeol never did and Myungsoo didn’t know if he should be relieved or worried.

A few months passed and one day Sungyeol announced that he broke up with his girlfriend, citing incompatibility as the reason. Myungsoo was happy to say the least. He no longer had to suffer through recounts of dates or cutesy couple photos. However before the year was over, Sungyeol had gotten himself into another relationship and Myungsoo was right back where he started; living in a world of pain and anguish.

The cycle continued throughout the rest of university and by the end of the four years, Myungsoo was almost accustomed to the heartache. Sungyeol had at least one different girlfriend every year and Myungsoo resigned himself to believe Sungyeol just wasn't interested in boys.

Myungsoo and Sungyeol remained the closest of friends and for that Myungsoo was grateful, although he really wished they could be something more. But if the other just didn't swing that way, then there was nothing Myungsoo could do about it.

Sungyeol's love life died down a bit after they graduated, both of them busy searching for a good job. A year or so passed as Myungsoo and Sungyeol put their all into their respective careers. Myungsoo had managed to put everything that happened in university behind him and was content with life. Even if his relationship with Sungyeol wasn't exactly how he wanted it, he was grateful to have such a wonderful friend.

Myungsoo's contentment didn't last for long though. He should've known life wouldn't be this nice to him.

-

It was a bright, sunny day and Myungsoo and Sungyeol finally managed to find a day where both of them were free. It was rare these days, what with both of them being busy with their work, to be able to meet up face to face and just chat.

Today they were sitting in a cosy cafe. They had talked about what was happening in their lives and joked at their friends' expenses. They had also watched in amusement as one of the baristas’  boyfriend came in to flirt with him over the counter. It had ended when the boss came out and shooed the two lovebirds out of the shop.

"She ships them so hard." Sungyeol says with a chuckle, as the boss watches the couple leave the cafe.

"Yeah." Myungsoo agrees, smiling. The exchange between the couple lasted only a minute or so but Myungsoo couldn't help but find them cute together. It left a warm feeling inside Myungsoo's chest and he wished he could have a sweet relationship like that too.

A few moments of silence pass before Sungyeol clears his throat, preparing to say something. Sungyeol was fidgeting in his seat and light pink dusted his cheeks. Myungsoo tilted his head, wondering what made Sungyeol act like this. He had never seen his friend behave so uncharacteristically shy before.

"What is it, Yeol?" Myungsoo prompted gently, when after a while it became evident the other wasn't going to speak.

Sungyeol looked up, let out a breath and finally spoke. "I.. I think I like someone."

Honestly Myungsoo had heard these exact words enough times from Sungyeol that he was barely phased. But Sungyeol's unusual behaviour had Myungsoo feeling unsure of himself as well.

"Uhm... That's a good thing right?" Myungsoo said, not knowing how to react to this new, shy Sungyeol. "Why do you look so nervous?"

"Because it's different this time." Sungyeol replies, and when Myungsoo just looks at him questioningly, he continues. "It feels different from all those times back in university. I feel like this time.. he is the one."

Myungsoo's heart stops as he hears the last line that comes out of Sungyeol's mouth. Sungyeol looks so serious and sincere when he says it and Myungsoo just can't believe his ears.

"He?"

Sungyeol glances at Myungsoo, a flash of fear crossing his eyes.

"You don't mind if I like guys, right?"

Myungsoo wants to laugh, because of course he doesn't mind. It's not like he hasn't been dreaming of being with Sungyeol for the last seven years or something.

"I don't mind. I'm totally fine with it." Myungsoo says, forcing a small smile onto his face.

Sungyeol cracks a smile too and sighs in relief. He says something about how scared he was that Myungsoo wouldn't take it well, the news about him liking a guy, and Myungsoo wants to shake Sungyeol and remind him of that kiss way back during their high school graduation party.

Their meet up ends with Sungyeol talking about how he met this really nice and handsome guy during one of his collaboration projects and how the guy asked him out on a date. How Sungyeol had agreed and by the end of the night he was convinced he had found the right one.

Myungsoo listened with his heart getting heavier and heavier. He felt almost betrayed because Sungyeol had rejected him yet now he's telling him his one and only was a man. Myungsoo had convinced himself that Sungyeol was straight and that was the only reason he could live with the fact that Sungyeol would never be his.

But now everything had changed and Myungsoo knew this time, his heart was going to break for good.

-

They say time heals everything, but Myungsoo's wound was only getting worse.

There was nothing Myungsoo could do as he watched by the side-lines as his best friend slowly but surely fell in love with another man. Sungyeol was utterly serious this time, taking things slowly and always asking for Myungsoo's advice before taking the next step. This meant Myungsoo got constant updates on Sungyeol's relationship and it was completely killing him on the inside.

Despite everything, Myungsoo still helped Sungyeol out as much as possible. Myungsoo had loved Sungyeol for so long now and all he wanted was for Sungyeol to be happy. Myungsoo had also met Sungyeol's boyfriend on several occasions and he really was nice and lovely; Myungsoo couldn't bring himself to hate him.

So it was with conflicting emotions that Myungsoo lived through each day. His heart was chipping away into little pieces but Myungsoo couldn't, wouldn't, put his own happiness before Sungyeol's.

Myungsoo also knew that one day Sungyeol would ask him about the red strings only he could see and touch. He was so scared because he knew what Sungyeol would want. And Myungsoo knew he would not be able to refuse Sungyeol.

-

The inevitable always arrives and for Myungsoo that day arrived sooner rather than later.

Something had been off for weeks and Myungsoo could sense it even though all he and Sungyeol exchanged were texts and calls. Myungsoo knew Sungyeol had been planning something and although he didn't know exactly what it was, he had a pretty good idea. It had already been three years since Sungyeol got together with his boyfriend and he had mentioned he was ready to further their relationship.

It was a cold and cloudy day, the weather reflecting Myungsoo's inner turmoil. Sungyeol had called Myungsoo up and asked if he could come over. Myungsoo had agreed easily and was now waiting for the other to show up. The doorbell rang and Myungsoo hurried over to open the door.

"Hey Myung." Sungyeol greeted with a big smile, bouncing on his heels.

Myungsoo couldn't help but return the smile, making way for Sungyeol to enter. "Hi Yeol."

Sungyeol walked inside and made himself comfortable on the sofa while Myungsoo followed and sat beside him.

"What's up Yeol?" Myungsoo asked, leaning into the cushions.

Sungyeol faced him with a pout. "Can't I turn up on my best friend's doorstep for no reason?"

Myungsoo struggled to wipe the image of him kissing Sungyeol's pouty lips out of his head, before replying in a hopefully neutral voice. "Of course you can. But we both know there's a reason you came today."

Sungyeol sighed, a sheepish smile on his face. "Okay, okay, you know me too well."

When Sungyeol didn't continue, Myungsoo spoke up instead.

"Well?"

"Well," Sungyeol repeated, fidgeting and shuffling and suddenly a flash of déjà vu hit Myungsoo.

“I was planning to propose to my boyfriend tomorrow.”

At this stage you’d think Myungsoo would be mentally prepared for something like this, but no amount of mental preparation would ever take away the piercing pain that was hitting Myungsoo’s heart. He blinks and swallows, stiffening in his spot on the couch.

“Ah.. That’s awesome Yeol. I’m sure he’ll say yes.” Myungsoo manages to reply, trying to sound congratulating.

Sungyeol nods with a tiny smile before continuing, “Actually Myung, the real reason I’m here today is to ask a favour from you.”

Myungsoo’s chest tightens but he nods. He doesn’t trust his voice right now.

“I know you can see the red strings of fate that other people can’t and I was just wondering if you could cut my string for me?”

Myungsoo’s heart accelerates and threatens to jump out of his chest. His world is finally crashing down around him and the only thing Myungsoo can do is nod in silence because he would do anything for Sungyeol.

Even if it meant he had to break his own heart.

The happiest and purest smile graces Sungyeol’s face and Myungsoo wants to feel hate but that emotion is just not possible for him when it comes to Sungyeol. A few beats of silence pass and Sungyeol starts to get fidgety again when Myungsoo remains still. Finally composing himself enough, Myungsoo speaks up.

“Why don’t you just leave it be? Your red string, I mean.”

Sungyeol shrugs, slumping into the couch. “I guess it would be no harm, but I want to give my all to him. I don’t want to be connected to anyone else in any way.”

Myungsoo immediately regrets asking that and he gulps, trying to will down the lump that was forming in his chest.

“I see. Okay let’s do this.”

Myungsoo is surprisingly composed as he gets up and retrieves a pair of scissors. His entire body is numb from the pain and it’s a wonder Myungsoo can even function.

The two of them are standing now and Myungsoo’s hand shakes as the scissors nears the now solid red string. Sungyeol still can’t see it but Myungsoo can and not only that, he can feel it now. It’s thin and smooth and feels strong but Myungsoo knows it will break as soon as the scissors close over it. Scissors millimetres away from the string, Myungsoo freezes as he takes a final look - of the way the beautiful red string links Sungyeol’s wrist to his own.

And then Myungsoo is pressing the handles of the scissors together and in the next moment the red string is falling in two parts. Myungsoo’s eyes follow Sungyeol’s half of the string and stares as it comes to a stop by Sungyeol’s side. Myungsoo feels his heart convulse and stumbles to the side. His eyes are wide as he feels something being ripped from him. Myungsoo tries to pinpoint what it was exactly but the ordeal is over in a blink of an eye and all Myungsoo is left with is a sense of emptiness.

Myungsoo is snapped out of his thoughts by a gasp. He looks up and is met with Sungyeol’s wide and shocked eyes. Myungsoo is confused by Sungyeol’s reaction. Myungsoo thought he felt the physical pain when he cut the red string because he was so completely in love with Sungyeol.

So why was Sungyeol staring at him like he had his heart ripped out as well?

“You- I-,” Sungyeol’s voice failed him and he took a deep breath before trying again. “The person I was connected to, was you?”

Myungsoo gapes. “What?”

“I felt it. I felt it just now when you cut it and somehow, I just knew. It’s you, Myungsoo. You’re my soulmate.” Sungyeol whispers, his hands over his mouth and his eyes glistening.

Myungsoo stares back in disbelief. He had dreamt about Sungyeol realizing that the one for him was Myungsoo, but never had he imagined it to turn out like this.

“Why didn’t you say anything earlier?” Sungyeol asks, voice still a whisper.

A humourless chuckle leaves Myungsoo’s lips as he replies, “I tried. But you looked at me like I had grown another head when I kissed you all those years ago. I didn’t want to destroy our friendship so I never made another move.”

Sungyeol is silent at that so Myungsoo continues.

“It’s too late now anyways. I just destroyed our string of fate.”

-

Sometimes fate is cruel, linking two people together just to see them break.