Park Jae Hyung often woke up then felt disoriented, as if he forgot where he was. Why was the ceiling so close, why hasn’t his mom screamed at him to go to college already, why hasn’t he smelled breakfast wafting into his door, the familiar smell of butter, toast and eggs.

This could go on for ten to thirty seconds until he remembered he was not in the States, but in Korea. He’s the guitarist of Day6, that band he’s been working very hard for, sleeping on a bunk bed.

That’s why the ceiling is so close.

He could hear Sung Jin calling them from outside the door. Everyone in his room was always the last to wake up, compared to Sung Jin and Won Pil.

You’re living your dream. Get up and be grateful.

After some self-talk like that, he got up and dragged himself outside, seeing Sung Jin scooping rice into bowls and ushering him to quickly eat breakfast, then shower, dressed up, and go to the music show venue.
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Sometimes, between activities, amidst the fans that took his pictures, the sunbaes he bowed to, and the songs he sang, the loneliness attacked.

He often missed the freedom of America. The smoothness of the language, being able to speak without thinking about which word meant what, which one was the polite form or not………

He missed the food, the weather, his friends…….

He thought college was stressful back then. It’s nothing compared to being in Day6 now. Yes, it’s crazy fun and he loved it, but the fear of failure got deeper. It could depress him sometimes.

His four friends knew that he got down from time to time. They understood that he must be missing his hometown. They knew it when he started strumming sad tones on his guitar, or when he’s very quiet and not joining in the conversations.

They don’t talk about stuffs like that…..

Jae himself felt speaking about it was unnecessary. It made things bleak when it’s not, not really.

They’re getting more recognition, which was awesome, yet sometimes, he still got the feeling that he didn’t really belong there.

That he’s the weird, lanky guy, unable to do anything special. The wrong guy at the wrong place…….

This feeling could cut deep at a random time, and his heart hurt. That’s why he often took really deep breaths, telling himself to pull himself together.

Between this musing, Won Pil suddenly hugged him like only the eccentric Won Pil could.

“Jae Hyung, what do you want for dinner?”

“Huh? It’s your turn to choose the dinner. And get off me”

“My brain has turned to jelly now” Won Pil grinned, his hand was still around Jae’s shoulder. “We’ve practiced for 8 hours today. I forgot what food is, can’t decide what to eat”

Jae chuckled incredulously, not pushing Won Pil’s hand away. Just for a few more seconds, he told himself. It really felt like the hand of a……brother.

“Pizza? Chicken? Bibimbap?” Young K asked, already sprouting ideas.

“We can go to a place that has cola” Do Woon said, “Jae Hyung likes cola”

“Burger and fries, Hyung?” Sung Jin tried.

Jae grinned, “Sounds awesome. Let’s get it!”

Then he realized, his friends have all packed, ready to leave the practice room. They said nothing though, waiting for him and chatting casually by the door.

When they got into the elevator, he laughed to himself.

“What is it?” Young K asked.

“Nothing” he replied, dismissing him with a hand.

What was he thinking? He’s exactly where he’s supposed to be, living his dreams, with four guys who all accepted him as he was. He belonged there, in Day6, with his friends, for his music, for their songs.

He sensed that as usual, they knew he’s been feeling low, and were all trying to support him.

Funny how you often didn’t understand yourself, but your best friends just…..did.

Jae suddenly skipped forward, his guitar bag on his shoulder, looking at his four friends. They’re a bunch of people he might have not hang out with or met if he didn’t take this path. It’s amazing how they all managed to adapt to his antics, foreign habits, and ideas.

Do Woon often said, during song writing, when Jae tied the loose ends of the song Young K, Won Pil and Sung Jin were preparing, that they were lucky to have him.

Do Woon was wrong.

He was the lucky one, to be with them.

“What are you looking suddenly happy for, Hyung?” Young K asked, smiling and walking beside him.

“It’s a good day” Jae answered, grinning.

“Huh? Why? We did nothing but practice”

“That’s why”

“Because we practiced so it’s a good day?”

Because we’re all together, it’s a good day.

“Yeah” he confirmed.

Feeling low and lonely was far from his mind as he climbed their van. He’s living his dreams with his best friends. Nothing could be more right than that.

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Author’s Note:

I’m having a slow day at the office, so this happens. Will write all the five boys’ POV.