Okay, so I've actually had this fic complete for months and months (like...since May?) but I was waiting to post it until after I had finished some of the other fics I'm working on in this universe that take place before this one in the timeline. But those are taking a really long time, so I decided what the heck? Let's just post this one already!

I want to stress that I really don't like the idea of making major life decisions purely based on relationships, so I definitely tried to make clear that his relationship with Daehyun is NOT the main motivation for Youngjae to stay. It obviously plays a role, as a relationship would in real life, but Youngjae has a difficult time making his choice precisely BECAUSE there are so many other factors at play.

Daehyun not forcing him to stay is also important because for me, a healthy relationship implies that both people are able to make decisions independently without pressure from the other. (It admittedly backfires a little for him, but of course they sort through that fairly quickly: COMMUNICATION is key!!)

I actually originally considered making Youngjae choose to go abroad, but I think with the way I've written him, he really is attached to his hometown and ultimately, he'll be happier and able to build on what he already has by staying.

You may notice I included a bunch of other characters who exist in this universe, and if you're confused, sorry about that! I only included them to expand the world a little more. When I get around to it (probably not for a while though, since college is starting), their stories will be elaborated on in more detail!

TItle is a lyric from Into My World by EXO! (I know, I know, usually I try to do BAP songs for BAP fics, but this one seemed to fit pretty well so I just went with it.)

As always, thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are welcomed! :)

(Crossposted from my AO3 account.)