How You Looked that Afternoon

I Still Remember

Every weekday morning, Min Yoongi battled the urge to stay cocooned in his warm bed, away from the world outside. Yet, duty called, and with a resigned sigh, he forced himself upright. His gaze wandered to the mirror, where a shock of vibrant pink greeted him. Jimin's handiwork.

The pink hair was Jimin's idea, a gesture of friendship that Yoongi couldn't refuse, even if it meant parting with precious funds he could've used more judiciously. But Jimin's insistence won out, and now Yoongi stood contemplating the result.

"It's not bad," he murmured to his reflection, a hint of satisfaction coloring his tone. The hue added a whimsical touch to his appearance, a departure from the mundane.

With a shrug, he decided it was a small price to pay for friendship.

Yoongi's morning routine continued mechanically as he prepared for another day of school, the routine a monotonous backdrop to his thoughts. As he stepped out into the crisp morning air, his mind wandered, contemplating the day ahead, wondering what new challenges awaited him within the halls of academia.

Little did he know, amidst the ordinary rhythm of his routine, fate was poised to unveil something extraordinary.

As Min Yoongi trudged along the bustling streets toward school, each step felt like an uphill battle against the weight of exhaustion and hunger. The sun, with its cheerful rays, seemed to mock his dreary mood, casting a glow of happiness upon everyone but him.

His stomach rumbled in protest, a reminder of his empty pockets and the meager meals that awaited him. With a weary sigh, he rubbed his tired eyes, weariness etched into every line of his young face. The journey to school felt longer than usual, each footfall a testament to the struggles he faced daily.

Life hadn't been easy for Yoongi since he moved to the city, a decision fueled by dreams too big for the confines of his quaint hometown. In pursuit of his passion for music, he left behind the serene beauty of the village, trading it for the chaotic rhythm of urban life.

His parents' disapproval echoed in his mind, a constant reminder of the burden of expectations he carried on his shoulders. Yet, despite their reservations, Yoongi forged ahead, determined to carve a path of his own making, no matter the obstacles in his way.

His part-time job as a pizza delivery boy barely scratched the surface of his financial needs, but it was a lifeline in the vast sea of uncertainty. With each delivery, he inched closer to his aspirations, fueled by the desire to provide for his family and make them proud.

The memory of his parents lingered like a beacon in the darkness of his struggles, a reminder of the sacrifices he made in pursuit of his dreams. Their unwavering support fueled his determination, igniting a fire within him that refused to be extinguished.

So Yoongi pressed on, his resolve unyielding, his dreams lighting the path ahead, even on the darkest of days. For him, the journey was not just about reaching his destination—it was about proving that even in the face of adversity, dreams could flourish, and hope could thrive.

And as the city buzzed with life around him, Min Yoongi marched onward, a silent warrior in the battle for his future, his heart set on the promise of tomorrow.

In the tumultuous landscape of Seoul, Min Yoongi had weathered his fair share of hardships since leaving his idyllic village behind. The city had been a harsh mistress, testing his resolve with every passing day.

He remembered the nights spent in the unforgiving embrace of public bathhouses, the uncomfortable slumber in restroom stalls, and the bitter chill of a park bench that nearly shattered his spirit. Seoul had been a battleground, its streets fraught with uncertainty and despair.

But just when he felt the weight of his burdens might crush him, a ray of light pierced through the darkness in the form of Jimin—a friend, a savior, a beacon of hope.

When Jimin found Yoongi, shivering and forlorn on that park bench, he became more than just a friend; he became a lifeline. With unwavering kindness, Jimin welcomed Yoongi into his humble abode—a cramped space that barely passed for an apartment, but a sanctuary nonetheless.

The tiny room, with its mismatched furnishings and makeshift kitchen, became a haven for two souls navigating the unforgiving terrain of city life. Despite its humble trappings, it offered solace and companionship in equal measure.

Yoongi couldn't help but smile at the memory of Jimin, his steadfast friend whose generosity knew no bounds. Together, they faced the challenges of urban survival, their shared determination binding them in a bond forged by adversity.

But even amidst their struggles, Yoongi couldn't shake the guilt that gnawed at his conscience. Jimin, with his infectious smile and genuine warmth, deserved so much more than the paltry offerings of stale crackers and discount ramen.

Yoongi's heart ached at the sight of Jimin's meager fridge, adorned with playful stickers that belied the harsh reality of their circumstances. Despite his own hunger, Yoongi couldn't bring himself to partake of Jimin's sparse provisions, knowing all too well the sacrifice it entailed.

Instead, he resolved to do what little he could to alleviate their plight, bringing home discounted pizzas from his job—a small gesture, perhaps, but a symbol of his gratitude and solidarity.

As the day stretched before him, fraught with its own challenges and uncertainties, Min Yoongi found solace in the warmth of friendship and the promise of shared struggles. Together, they would weather the storm, one slice of pizza at a time.

 

The tantalizing aroma of sizzling fried foods filled the air, coaxing Min Yoongi's senses into a dance of longing and desire. His gaze lingered wistfully on the street vendor's cart, where golden-brown egg-breads beckoned to him with promises of warmth and flavor.

Oh, how he yearned to indulge in the simple pleasure of a hot, savory treat. Yet, reality bore down upon him with a heavy weight, reminding him of the empty pockets that mocked his cravings.

With a sigh tinged with resignation, Yoongi watched as another student savored the first blissful bite of egg-bread, his own mouth watering in envy. The temptation to succumb to his desires gnawed at his resolve, but the specter of consequence held him back—a fleeting moment of pleasure wasn't worth the risk of repercussions.

As he turned to depart, the universe had other plans, conspiring to send him careening into the path of a stranger—a tall figure with a presence as imposing as his broad back.

"Excuse me," Yoongi mumbled, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment as he regained his balance.

The stranger, undeterred by the mishap, gestured toward the tantalizing array of egg-breads with a warm smile. "Aren't you going to buy one? They look so yummy."

Yoongi's heart twinged at the kindness in the stranger's offer, but pride and stubbornness held sway over his decision. "I can't," he replied with a nonchalant shrug, masking the ache of deprivation that gnawed at his insides. "No money."

The stranger's response was unexpected—a simple offer of generosity, extended with genuine sincerity. "Well then, let me buy you one," he insisted, his gaze earnest and unwavering.

Caught off guard by the stranger's kindness, Yoongi's initial instinct was to refuse, to retreat into the familiar comfort of self-reliance. But beneath the veneer of affluence and privilege, he sensed a genuine warmth—a kindness that transcended the boundaries of social status.

 

"It's okay," Yoongi says scrunching his face and runs off before he has to say something more embarrassing. The guy was nice, but he doesn't look like he's ever had to struggle for anything, with his perfect hair, perfect clothes, and perfect face like a K-drama dream guy. What does he know about anything? He surely doesn't know what it's like to go hungry day after day.

Yet, pride held him captive, shackled by the fear of indebtedness and vulnerability. With a strained smile, he declined the offer and hurried away, his heart heavy with the weight of missed opportunity.

As he reflected on the encounter, Yoongi couldn't shake the lingering sense of curiosity about the enigmatic stranger—the rich "Egg-bread" at the stand. In the tapestry of his daily struggles, their brief interaction stood out as a reminder of the complexities of human connection and the delicate dance between pride and humility.

And so, amidst the bustling backdrop of his school, Min Yoongi carried with him the memory of a chance encounter—a fleeting moment of generosity that lingered like a whisper in the winds of uncertainty.

And that's the way Yoongi met the rich "Egg-bread" at the stand in front of his school. 

That's the way he met Egg-bread his complete opposite, in financial status, at the Egg-bread stand in front of their school.

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Sugasluv
I posted this story today in honor of Jin's birthday on December 4. Enjoy the fluffy gay love triangle with a twist of angst.

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