The sky was nearly dark by the time Kyuhyun and Ryeowook were leaving the hospital. There were some people hurrying about, probably heading home from work or heading out to play with their friends. High buildings towered over them and at times they fell into shadows cast by the looming structures. Ryeowook would shiver at the sudden chill but warmth would quickly pump through him at a reassuring nudge or overly heated whisper in his ear.

“We should probably head back,” the smaller boy prompted, looking up at Kyuhyun.

He shook his head, tugging Ryeowook closer. “Do you remember a few months ago? I said I wanted to show you something. Well I still want to take you there…as a thank you.” Kyuhyun turned his head away, not wanting to show his face for some reason. “And I want to make something clear.”

Ryeowook didn’t argue, suddenly craving to know more about this boy. Outside of their little world, they had become completely different people. It was only stubborn denial that made the pair adamantly say they already knew each other fully.

The truth had just been proven in that afternoon. Ryeowook truly had no idea what Kyuhyun was like anymore. But it was a good thing. He had seen something lacking in Kyuhyun come back – or rather, appear for the first time. True friendship was as hard to come by as true love, yet here Kyuhyun had found a friend so worthy.

Internally, Ryeowook wanted to run back and tell Donghae how wonderful and patient he was to have successfully reached out to Donghae. But then again, Kyuhyun would probably push him down a hole for saying something so embarrassing to his friend.

“Why are you smiling so much?” Kyuhyun asked, turning a weird eye to Ryeowook.

The latter muffled more laughs, leaning sweetly into the taller boy’s arm. “I was thinking of something funny. What do you want to show me though?”

“We’ll be there soon,” he answered.

As promised, ten or so minutes later, they were heading straight into a rather lively park. Ryeowook caught his breath when bright white lights flickered to life overhead. Then, row by row, identical strings of light came to life, illuminating what appeared to be few dozen street performers smiling and showing off their talents.

Kyuhyun glanced over, smiling softly when he saw the absolute wonder on the smaller boy’s face. Ryeowook turned to him with awe, “Where are we?” he breathed.

“It’s a park famous for attracting musicians, artists, and other talented people. They perform every night and every day,” Kyuhyun explained, catching a small white rose petal that had burst from something or other, “for them, it’s a way to make money and showcase their talents.” He placed the petal in front of Ryeowook and they both watched as it started changing colors.

“Whoa…,” Ryeowook reached out, but then a glittering violet bloom dropped into his curled hand. He jumped, head shooting up to see a man on stilts leaning over him. “Is this for me?” Ryeowook called, lifting the flower up.

“Every time we go out together, someone gives you a flower,” Kyuhyun remarked.

Ryeowook flushed, giggling and twirling the large purple bloom.

The man on stilts nodded behind his mask, sprinkling silver dust down on the couple before turning and striding off to greet other park guests.

Kyuhyun frowned up at the sparkles in his hair and tried to shake them out. “Damn, this always happens,” he muttered.

“When did you come here?” Ryeowook laughed, bringing the artificial flower up to breathe in. It smelled like candied citrus or something like that. He reached up, trying to help the annoyed Kyuhyun. “You look pretty with sparkles,” Ryeowook teased.

The boy ignored the remarked, saying, “Donghae and I came here when he was looking for a good place to take Kibum for their anniversary. He ended up catching on fire and decided he didn’t want to come back.” Kyuhyun peered around, sighing but smiling again. “I really like this place though. There are a lot of fun things to do and no one tries to talk to you. They just want to show you cool tricks.”

Ryeowook abruptly let go of Kyuhyun’s hand to link their arms. “I can’t believe there’s a place like this!” he said cheerily, bright eyes spinning. “Oh! Can we get something to eat?” Ryeowook pointed at a person selling crepes.

“Do you have money?” Kyuhyun raised an eyebrow, amused.

“…,” Ryeowook frowned, looking around to see if there was any way to get money. No one would be kind enough to offer some up right? “Hmm…I guess—wait!” He pulled Kyuhyun deeper into the park until they reached a sleek black piano set on an outdoor performing square.

There was a sign on the bench that said: Be Back in an Hour

Ryeowook plucked it off, pushing up the cover for the keys. “Let’s play for money!” he grinned.

“Wait—,” Kyuhyun was stopped when he saw that there was a crowd beginning to form. Were they that eager to hear a pianist? What was the big deal about another pianist?

“C’mon,” Ryeowook whined, rolling his neck and flexing his fingers eagerly, “You know the song, don’t you?” He played the first few notes, watching for Kyuhyun’s reaction.

Reluctantly, Kyuhyun pushed away from the piano, his lips. There were people watching him closely now, some murmuring in the crowd reached his ears but none of it was decipherable. He heard the final note ring and then it all happened on its own.

His lips parted and a smooth, deep voice poured through the dreamy, colorful park. A light breeze ruffled his dark hair but Kyuhyun only let it send delightful shivers through his body as his eyes closed and the song wrapped around him.

You didn’t say a word to me who walks a different path,

You are getting tired of waiting I know,

You won’t be able to expect a thing from me who still has a long way to go,

I’m afraid that your feelings for me will slowly disappear,

Yesterday, forget me who looked away when I saw you,

It was an old song. One that Kyuhyun often sang to Ryeowook. There were times when he wondered why it felt right to say those words, but then he would sing the words to himself and remember that that was exactly how he felt.

Those were the precise emotions he wished to convey.

Instead of saying “I love you” when I feel that way, I grow colder,

You know that,

Of all of the things Kyuhyun had done and said over the years, those lyrics were the only painfully true feelings to escape him. There was no other interpretation in his mind.

They were only for Ryeowook and him.

No one else was allowed – able, to understand.

Today trust me who is being alone by keeping you at a distance,

The words that I find impossible to say…that is,

“I love you” exactly like the first feeling,

Today trust me who is being alone by keeping you at a distance,

The words that I find impossible to say…that is,

“I love you” exactly like the first feeling,

Kyuhyun opened his eyes finally, turning around to face Ryeowook who had also begun coming back from his reverie.

Lights and colorful flames danced through their locked eyes, small smiles exchanged to one another. Ryeowook looked away first, playing the final notes as the final words fell into place.

Exactly like the first feeling…