Hyukjae was walking down the fruit and vegetable aisle in the supermarket when the avocado section caught his eye. He gulped, beginning to walk slower, his gaze fixed on it. 

 

Then he frowned. 

 

I don't even like avocados. 

 

Once again, his soulmate was messing with his sense of taste.  Don't eat that... he begged. He knew it didn't work that way, but it was worth a try.

 

Donghae ate his rice with avocado happily, it had been a couple of weeks since he had eaten that and a healthy meal always made him feel good throughout the day. He giggled when he felt the rejection from his soulmate. When Donghae enjoyed a meal too much, his soulmate also felt it in the form of a strange phantom craving (Donghae often had it happen to him with sweet things), but that signal he received back let him know that they didn't like his lunch.

 

Ever since they were kids, Donghae and Hyukjae were taught that they would have a soulmate.

 

There was no guarantee when they could meet, but they would. Sometime, somewhere. 

 

In the meantime, the only proof their soulmate existed were signals they received from time to time, in the form of this unrecognizable sound that they could easily decipher and feel. So, when Donghae felt excited, Hyukjae felt almost as if something good had happened to him, and he couldn't help but smile. If Hyukjae was scared, Donghae received a kind of mild alarm signal, a discomfort he knew was not his but that still upset him. If he wasn't busy doing something else, Donghae would always try saying words of encouragement, taking a deep breath, thinking happy thoughts, smelling something soothing… yeah, he didn't really know what worked and what didn't. 

 

The most distinctive feeling, which everyone could understand, was when your soulmate intently thought of your connection. Something was triggered in the mind of the other person, and they could connect in a better way if they both thought about each other. 

 

It was nice and useful for couples who had found each other, but Hyukjae thought it was kinda stupid when he was a kid. He still did as an adult, actually. His soulmate thought about him a lot and he never knew what to do about it, even after almost three decades of it.

 

Donghae liked his soulmate. 

 

It was obvious, wasn't it? He never felt lonely like that, it was like having a childhood friend. 

 

Well, an imaginary childhood friend.

 

Donghae had learned to recognize when his soulmate was laughing out loud, and found that they did it quite often. Sometimes, when he was having a bad day, Donghae would close his eyes and concentrate on their bond, hoping to feel their laughter if only for a second. And he was sure that his soulmate tried to soothe him whenever he was feeling a little gloomy. When Donghae cried, he could sense a soft, gentle sound that never failed to make him feel safe, in addition to a subtle hint of worry.

 

Hyukjae insisted that his soulmate was just plain weird. Because he felt their bond activate early in the morning on weekends (who does that?), because they made him crave avocado and oats for breakfast, because sometimes he felt an emotion he couldn't describe.

 

Hyukjae used to think they were annoying, he tried to ignore them but it was never fully possible. And when he was a toddler he struggled to grasp the concept of an entire human being connected to him, so he sometimes imagined there was a little annoying bug inside there. He grew out of that soon enough, but he kept calling them “bug” out of habit.

 

While everyone knew that you couldn't assume things about your soulmate if you haven't met them yet, Hyukjae was 100% sure that his soulmate felt things deeply. He knew this because he himself was very different. He liked to believe he wasn't cold, he always thought of himself as a determined, passionate person, but his emotions did flow more slowly and progressively than his soulmate's. Much more. Whoever it was, they could feel many things in a short period of time, and Hyukjae envied them in a way. 

 

He still remembers the moment that made him worry deeply about his soulmate. No, no, don't cry. He was sure they were crying. He was trying to comfort them, he had no idea what to do. 

 

Hey, bug. I don't know what's going on over there. But I want you to know that everything will be okay. Maybe not right away, but it will pass and... ugh. 

 

Hyukjae was not good at comforting people with words, even in his mind he couldn't formulate something nice to say to a person who was clearly in pain. He tried petting puppies, listening to some soothing music. He was way younger then, so he wasn’t sure how to help. 

 

Since that day, Hyukjae felt the need to comfort his soulmate, or at least try to. 

 

He learned some things that did help by trial and error. He looked for actions that soothed the upsetting sensation he got when his bug was feeling down, and kept doing the ones that worked: going to a silent place, watching funny videos (especially if they really made Hyukjae laugh). Soothing music actually was one of the most effective methods, perhaps because Hyukjae was the one getting relaxed by it, and that feeling calmed his soulmate as well. Petting puppies didn’t help at all, sadly.

 

Soulmates didn’t sense each other constantly. The days when Donghae and Hyukjae felt the bond the most were almost always a Saturday. Perhaps because they put aside their jobs, there was more silence, at least during the day, and they were more receptive overall. There were days when they didn't feel each other's presence unless they tried focusing on it, and there were days where their soulmate’s desires unconsciously influenced their own for a brief moment, for longer if it was strong enough. Less receptive people barely noticed this. 

 

"Why are you making that face?"

 

Hyukjae looked up and laughed as he saw his friend-neighbor in front of him. They always ran into each other at their local supermarket. They greeted each other with a gentle handshake.

 

"My bug’s eating avocado. I think. Or maybe drinking?"

 

"Again?"

 

"Hm. And they're so happy about it." Hyukjae grimaced again, making Kyuhyun laugh. "Why do they get so excited when eating that thing, gosh..."

 

"You're the same with Ryeowook’s cakes. They must be sick of you, then."

 

Hyukjae laughed. "Hey, where’s your cart?"

 

"Oh, I just came to buy some more drinks for the birthday party,” he lifted up the bottles of soju he had, one in each hand.

 

Hyukjae nodded. "Make sure to bring the karaoke machine."

 

"I know," Kyuhyun pouted. "I'm his favorite non-soulmate, remember?"

 

"I know, I know. He only said that to make you feel better, by the way."

 

Kyuhyun shook his head, smiling. "See you tonight, hyung. Buy snacks!"

 

"Mh. Bye."

 

Kyuhyun headed to the checkout while Hyukjae continued shopping.

 

_________

 

Donghae started working on his computer. He was finishing his resume to look for a job as a soundman at a record label. Any label. His studies in music and electronics helped him get a steady job as a choir assistant at a church in Mokpo. Thanks to Donghae, the choir members were able to have new songs with new arrangements, and make beautiful sounding performances. In addition, he was known for being part of the local soccer, basketball and handball teams.

 

The thing is, there weren’t many job opportunities for his actual professional field, at least not there. 

 

Donghae had always been interested in the process of creating music from scratch. His father always encouraged him to become a singer, but Donghae never wanted to leave his side, no matter how much he insisted. He knew that one day he would leave his town and do great things; he could wait and learn in the meantime. But he did choose his career for him, and created songs to sing together for as long as he could.

 

He had been picturing himself living in the city for the longest time. But his sense of responsibility for his family was greater, and he couldn’t imagine leaving his mother and brother there, without being able to help them.

 

In those past few years, however, his family had seen how good he was at his work, and they started encouraging him to look for a job in Seoul. 

 

Donghae still wasn’t completely sure, but he did feel excited to give it a try. 

 

_________

 

That Saturday night, Hyukjae watched with a pout on his face as Jongwoon and Ryeowook hugged each other tenderly and whispered things in each other's ears. "Can you guys stop eating in front of the poor?" he pointed at himself and Kyuhyun.

 

Ryeowook laughed. "It's his birthday, so no."

 

"It's not his birthday yet!" the two bachelors claimed.

 

“Don’t you complain,” Jongwoon pointed at Hyukjae. "You're gonna be even worse when you find your soulmate."

 

"Oh, come on... we all know I'm never going to meet them. And a soulmate can also be just a friend."

 

"What?!"

 

“Yeah! It happens all the time. Sora noona’s best friend is her soulmate.”

 

“We’re not surprised about that! You don’t think you’re gonna meet them?” asked Jongwoon.

 

Hyukjae looked wide-eyed at the three boys. "Isn't that what I should think?"

 

Ryeowook frowned. "Hyung... who hurt you?"

 

They all laughed. "But it's true!”

 

“It’s literally the one thing you should be certain of. What the , Hyukjae...” said Jongwoon.

 

“And why do you have a pet name for them, huh?”

 

“Pet name?!”

 

“Yeah! You say they’re your bug all the time.”

 

“It’s just a name.”

 

“But it’s cute. Like you want to take care of them.”

 

“The thing is,” he diverted the topic, “that the possibility is too low now, it’s been thirty years... No one meets their soulmate that late. If you didn’t meet them in highschool, it’s so much less likely that you’re gonna meet them later in life.”

 

“You’re taking those facts out of your .”

 

Hyukjae pouted. “Yeah. Well, I just feel like I shouldn’t be waiting for this long, you know? Kyuhyun, back me up."

 

"But I do hope to meet them someday."

 

"Really?"

 

"Hm. I don’t mind if I have to wait a long time. Makes me happy to know we’re gonna have the chance to talk. You’re just too impatient, hyung.” 

 

Everybody agreed.

 

"I actually think you might meet them soon,” said Ryeowook. “You’ve met so many people lately!"

 

"That's true. You're the most popular in this room after Ryeowookie. And with your dance group you can go to different places now... who knows," said Jongwoon.

 

Hyukjae pouted. "Maybe. Ugh,” he closed his eyes. “I got my hopes up already." 

 

The eldest laughed softly. 

 

“You’re so easy to convince.”

 

Hyukjae had studied dance and performing arts in college. He was an urban dance teacher, always busy with choreography projects and performances (sometimes small, sometimes big). 

 

He had shown interest in dance and hip-hop from a young age, so that life choice came naturally to him. His parents always supported him in his career because they knew how passionate he was, and how hard he worked. If he wasn't good at something he wanted to do, he would practice until he was good at it, period. During the afternoon he worked at the cafe run by his mother, and on weekends he always spent the afternoon at his college friend's cafe, Ryeowook, where he occasionally worked for some extra money for trips and stays.

 

His life was in the heart of the city. He always had places to go, his colleagues invited him to different buildings and he was always visiting new bars and restaurants. 

 

He was known for having an incredible amount of energy and always being in the mood for a friends’ gathering. But his most precious time was when he could recharge his batteries in a quiet and calm place. 

 

His apartment was his favorite place, although sometimes he didn't love to be alone in the evenings. It was his time to breathe and rest from the street noise he was way too used to. He liked to remember that there was silence.

 

And in the silence he could connect for a while with his soulmate as if they were an old friend. 

 

He liked to make sure they were feeling okay. 

 

Sunday morning Hyukjae woke up in Kyuhyun's apartment, everything reeked of alcohol. He slowly got up, put on his shoes, and went to his apartment to continue sleeping. Everyone already knew that Hyukjae would prefer his bed to the cold floor and the limbs of one of his friends falling on his stomach. He curled up in his sheets and, right before falling asleep, he felt them thinking about him. 

 

Good morning, bug.

 

_________

 

Donghae laughed at the question his mother had just asked him. "What about your soulmate, then? Do you think they live in Mokpo? You have to go find them!"

 

His mother was using every resource she had to convince him to apply for a job in Seoul. As much as he would love to finally meet his soulmate, him moving or not wouldn’t make them meet any sooner. He did always imagine seeing them for the first time at some park in Seoul with birds chirping all around, though.

 

"Still... I don't wanna leave you alone."

 

Donghae hated being alone. He wouldn’t wish that on anyone, much less his own mother.

 

"I'm not alone, I have my eldest son and myself.”

 

“But I’m gonna miss you...” he was resorting to his cute youngest-son phrases now.

 

“Oh, stop that,” she laughed softly. Donghae looked at her with sad eyes. “If you call me every now and then, I’ll consider myself a lucky mother. Don’t worry about me. Whatever you do I will support you, understand?"

 

Donghae had tears in his eyes. She never failed to say the words that affected Donghae the most. He felt grateful and loved every time his mother showed him her support.

 

"Yes, mum."

 

He spent the rest of the week sending out resumes.

 

_________

 

Next monday, Hyukjae couldn't get the smile out of his face. 

 

His students told him about a dance contest that was taking place in Busan three months from then, near the winter holidays. They were so enthusiastic about it, Hyukjae couldn’t help but feel excited as well, and they all agreed to do their absolute best. They would have to perfect their choreographies, come up with new ones, create a smooth mix and just practice, practice and practice.

 

Starting next week, Hyukjae was assigned to take care of the logistics of their trip. The inscription, grupal and individual; the permits for a couple underage students and the bus tickets. Maybe he should rent an entire bus. 

 

This was what he liked the most. Just making sure everything went perfectly.

 

_________

 

Donghae scratched his head, many worries going around in his mind. He had a ton of interviews to go to during the next few weeks. Some were for different jobs that he applied for just in case, and he had no idea which label would accept him. Or if someone would accept him at all.

 

He hoped to have at least some power in the decision, he would be happy with two job offers to choose from. 

 

During the following two weeks, he would have to take the train almost every other day. The trip was almost three hours long. He wished he knew someone in Seoul who could receive him, because he surely didn’t have the money to rent a hotel room.

 

If he succeeded, he would have to look for an apartment right away. If he didn't make it, he would have to work harder. Study harder. Save more money. Look for more experience somehow. Stay in Mokpo for one more season. Ugh... he really wanted to start this new stage of his life but things kept happening and piling up. And he didn’t want to let his mother know how anxious he was and the second thoughts he was having about all of this. 

 

He opened his eyes when he felt his soulmate, and then he closed them again. The fact that they were thinking about him, plus the worry that Donghae sensed from them, most likely meant that they were worried about him.

 

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for thinking of me. I’m okay, don’t worry.

 

They couldn’t hear the words. Still, he liked making them clear in his mind.

 

_________

 

Donghee sighed loudly after they finished practicing, and looked at Sungmin. Made a gesture towards Hyukjae, who had been tripping over his feet more often than not that week.

 

Sungmin got the hint and asked Hyukjae to talk in private. They went together to the empty hallway.

 

“Are you alright, Hyukjae? You seem so distracted lately.”

 

Hyukjae had a pout on his face. "Ah, just soulmate stuff... They've been nervous for days now. It’s stressing me out."

 

"You know you can focus on something else, right? You don't need to suffer with them all the time..."

 

"But I have to do something."

 

"You don't have to. You really don't. They must have more people to support him through whatever they’re going through, or should know how to deal with these things alone.”

 

“But...” he sighed.

 

“I know how you’re feeling, Hyukjae…” He caressed his shoulder. “But not being able to do anything for them will only make you feel frustrated." 

 

"But what if they don't have anyone?" 

 

Sungmin grimaced.

 

"I don't know. But don't wear yourself out thinking about them all day, okay? Remember what they say… don’t become dependent on them."

 

Hyukjae nodded, his expression serious. 

 

“Yes, hyung.”

 

“Hang in there, okay?” He said gently.

 

Hyukjae smiled at him.

 

Honestly, he did feel like he had to do something. 

 

When they were younger, they had plenty of free time to know as much as they could about one another. Being a working adult, on the other hand... didn’t leave much room for bonding moments anymore. Hyukjae couldn't help but miss his soulmate thinking about him as often as they did when they were kids. 

 

Yes, it was inevitable. That was life, he needed to pay the bills and he enjoyed keeping himself busy. But still...

 

Those past weeks, they had been reconnecting somehow. He knew they were facing some big change in their life and he wanted to be there for them, support them in any way he could. His bug had been there for him uncountable times, it was only fair.

 

However, he knew that the constant worry was making him perform poorly, and he couldn’t allow that to happen. Sungmin was right. He would try to focus on them only when he was at home.

 

_________

 

Donghae walked down the streets of Seoul, trying not to look around too much so people wouldn’t notice he had no idea where he was. 

 

A few days ago he had started going to Seoul almost every day for his job interviews. He had been there many times before, but never completely alone. He just wished someone was by his side at that moment. Even his soulmate hadn’t been around much lately and he couldn’t figure out why.

 

He was confident he was going to find the building eventually, though. Technology would help him. And if it didn’t, he just had to choose the right people to ask for directions.

 

As he walked, he tried to think about everything they could ask him about, to make a good impression. 

 

He should sound serious and polite. But also kind. Or maybe the label wanted someone more self-confident and outgoing? He could do that. But he didn’t want to pretend, he wanted to be himself. But he was self-confident and outgoing. Right?

 

Well, if I’m questioning my own personality I’m clearly not.

 

He sighed as he waited beside the traffic light to cross the street. He needed to get there as soon as possible.

 

Hyukjae walked down the street with a chocolate-filled bun in his hand. He needed some good pick-me-up snack for his rehearsal that afternoon, he was heading towards the academy building.

 

When he had to stop at the traffic light, he quickly took a bite off his bun. Hoping no one noticed him eating so messily as the powdered sugar on top of the bun fell slowly on his shirt. There were a lot of people, luckily most of them were busy doing their own thing. The lights turned green and Hyukjae continued walking calmly, enjoying his me-time. 

 

Suddenly, he felt something. His heart started beating faster.

 

What? 

 

He didn’t recognize the feeling right away. He just knew his bond with his soulmate was stronger and louder than ever.

 

What is this...

 

Then, it hit him.

 

It had to be that, right? Ryeowook had told him that was the feeling. 

 

His soulmate was near him. Like, physically. 

 

As in, they were crossing the same street.

 

, , , . 

 

Hey, can you hear me? Bug? Do something. I’m here.

 

He started looking around quickly, trying to make eye contact with everyone, but he was already reaching the other side of the street. His mind felt fuzzy. There were so many people pushing him around and he couldn’t just run into traffic now.

 

He placed a hand on his chest. He stayed near the traffic light, looking back at all those people and feeling the bond fading away. 

 

He tried communicating again. 

 

Okay.

 

So… his soulmate was a mess.

 

They were nervous and confused, Hyukjae even felt a little sadness? Probably busy doing something important. Hyukjae got a feeling similar to when he was anxious before a performance. He took another bite off his bun as he kept looking, waiting for someone to look back at him, but nobody did.

 

He patted his shirt to get rid of the sugar on it and reluctantly kept walking.

 

As a sigh escaped his lips, a scary thought appeared in his mind.

 

What if he didn’t meet them again for the next twenty years?

 

_________

 

A week passed by and Hyukjae was starting to think life was playing a joke on him. 

 

After the initial feeling of emptiness and disappointment, he tried not to make a big deal out of what had happened the other day. He almost met his soulmate, so what? 

 

But then the same thing happened again. And again. And again.

 

He had sensed them so many times, so many times that week and he still hadn’t been able to know who his soulmate was. Because of his busy schedule, he was always running. He couldn’t just stop everything and start talking to every person on the street whenever he got the feeling. One time he even felt it when he had just gotten on the bus.

 

Meanwhile, Donghae...

 

Donghae had felt something of the sort once that week.  According to him.

 

He was asking directions to an old lady and his eyes unfocused for a few seconds. Then, his heart started fluttering in his chest. What was that? He thought it was the heat again. He then felt the urge of his soulmate to communicate with him. 

 

What is it… are you okay? 

 

He felt sorry he couldn’t focus on them at the moment.

 

Yunho facepalmed as he listened to Donghae’s “strange” experience when he was back at home.

 

“That was the signal, Donghae!”

 

“The signal?”

 

“Yes, the signal!”

 

“What do you mean?”

 

“It’s impossible that your mother hasn’t told you about this. When you’re physically close to your soulmate and you haven’t met yet, you start feeling slightly dizzy and your heart starts beating like crazy. Then you feel your bond activate immediately. That’s how you know it’s them.”

 

“But I’ve already felt like that a few times this week and it's not… Wait.” Donghae moved his eyes as if he was solving some complex math equation.

 

His bond has activated out of nowhere all those times too. 

 

Donghae’s mouth formed an ‘o’ shape.

 

“They were literally next to you, Donghae, oh my god.”

 

“No, but…” Donghae buried his head in his hands. “I thought I was just tired and thinking of them because I was stressed out. Yunho...” he called out helplessly.

 

Yunho pouted at Donghae's teary eyes.

 

“How many times has it happened?”

 

“...Four times? That I know of.”

 

Yunho went to hug his friend when he saw him close his eyes. “You walked past your soulmate four times,” he cooed.

 

Donghae hugged him back. He’d been wanting to meet them since forever. That week was about to be one of his worst ones. He was already under enough pressure, now he lost an opportunity to meet his soulmate and it was entirely his fault.

 

He suddenly gasped.

 

“What if I don’t get a chance to meet them again in the next twenty years?”

 

Yunho broke the hug. "Since when are you so dramatic?"

 

“I’m not. It’s possible.”

 

"You'd normally think the opposite, that you're gonna meet them tomorrow or something."

 

Donghae pouted.

 

"Been feeling pessimistic lately."

 

“Well, don't. You're gonna get a great job and you're gonna talk about all this with your soulmate when you reunite. They're probably frustrated too.” Donghae nodded. He quietly decided to be a little more aware of his surroundings on his next trips. "How are they, by the way?" 

 

"Hm… Tired. But content. They’re just… doing their thing." I wonder what it is. Donghae had missed his soulmate lately, but he was happy they were keeping themselves busy and healthy. They thought of each other for a moment and Donghae smiled. “Yeah, they’re doing just fine.”

 

_________

 

They met on a Friday afternoon. 

 

It was Hyukjae’s moment of freedom between dance classes and a ton of paperwork and calls he’d have to make before midnight, so the contest with his students was all organized. 

 

He was sitting on a bench when he got the feeling again. As always, he started looking around for someone who, hopefully, was also looking for him. 

 

He was trying to see people on the benches near him when a guy in a grey suit stumbled in front of him and quickly kept walking. Hyukjae snickered and then he unconsciously kept staring at the stranger as he walked away. 

 

Why…?

 

Oh.

 

Oh my god, that’s him.

 

Because he was sure it was him. 

 

He noticed how the man felt their bond as well, he had stopped walking and stood there looking around for a few seconds. Hyukjae was quick to stand up and hide behind a tree before the man saw him. 

 

Hyukjae was wearing a loose t-shirt and loose sweatpants. His hair was messy. And his soulmate was wearing a suit. 

 

A suit! And he looks so good on it. This is just unfair.

 

He kept looking at his soulmate; he wasn’t able to see his face but at least he could see his silhouette clearly now.

 

He couldn’t believe he was freaking out because of his outfit. He was literally awarded as best dressed in high school and college-- that couldn’t be happening. 

 

Donghae kept walking, way too busy trying to find the building he had to go to in less than twenty minutes. He was starting to feel dizzy, he had even stumbled a few times.

 

Hyukjae hid behind another tree, closer to him. 

 

What am I even doing? I’m a 30 year-old man.

 

Was it supposed to be like this? Am I supposed to be the cowardly one? The chicken of this relationship? I’m supposed to be hiding behind a tree and then not meet him again for who knows how many years because I was wearing ugly clothes?

 

No. I don't think so.

 

Okay, I’ll do it.

 

I’m a 30 year-old man, I’m a 30 year-old man, I’m a 30 year-old man.

 

Just as he’s about to call his soulmate, he sees him accidentally drop a black folder.

 

He tries to fix his hair a little. Sprints a little. And, before his soulmate fully bends down, Hyukjae had already picked the folder up from the floor.

 

They both straighten up and Hyukjae hands him his folder. When they look into each other's eyes, Donghae gasps. 

 

He recognized him immediately, it was obvious. What he was feeling at that moment couldn't mean anything else, he had learned his lesson. 

 

“Hi,” he said dreamily.

I missed you so much.
 

Hyukjae laughs cutely and Donghae simply cannot believe what he's seeing. That's his laugh, that's what it sounds like.

 

“Hi.”

 

“Ah-- no, I-- I’m, I mean, thanks. Um… Thank you. Sorry.”

 

Hyukjae felt so happy already. 

 

“You’re welcome.”

 

Donghae's chest was rising and falling rapidly. He couldn't take his eyes off the man in front of him. They both felt each other's longing.

 

"I'm lost," Donghae blurted out in a shaky voice. Not because he was afraid, but because he didn't know what to do. He needed to get to the label as soon as possible, he wanted to stay there and hear his soulmate talk forever. "Can you help me find this building...?"

 

“Oh, sure.”

 

It was overwhelming. Donghae could feel Hyukjae's curiosity and his attraction to him so strongly, even if he looked so put together, Donghae knew it wasn't the case. 

 

He showed him the folder with the address, there was a reference map printed on it. Every mental image he had made up regarding his soulmate was being replaced by the cute man in sportswear standing in front of him. 

 

He had a lump in his throat. "They told me I could walk through the park to get there faster, but I started walking around and I think I'm going the wrong way now." 

 

“Aw, is that so?” Donghae gulped. His voice was so calming, he seemed genuinely worried. Donghae nodded.

 

"And I have to be there soon a-and my phone battery died," was the last thing he said before he started crying. He covered his mouth with one hand.

 

Hyukjae opened his eyes wide. "What happened, are you scared? I'm not going to do anything to you."

 

Donghae shook his head. "It's just..." he sobbed. "You don’t feel it? The, the thing?"

  

Hyukjae wanted to hug him so badly. "Of course I feel it." He could feel their bond so strong and alluring. He had missed him terribly without even realizing for years, and never wanted to part from him. But it wasn't something that brought tears to his eyes, he just felt... peaceful. Happy. And anxious. He wanted to get to know him better as soon as possible, he wanted to drop everything to spend the entire day with him. "Come here, let's sit down."

 

Donghae again shook his head and lowered his hand. "I have a job interview in fifteen minutes," he hiccupped and got his folder back, holding it close to his body with both arms.

 

"But you need to rest first... The building is over there, you were on the right track. You can be there in less than five minutes."

 

Donghae sniffled and nodded.

 

They walked together to a wooden bench. Once there, Hyukjae offered him a tissue and a bottle of water from his backpack. Their hands brushed in the exchange. Donghae smiled for the first time since they met and Hyukjae felt his heart racing. 

 

He's so cute. 

 

He watched him wipe away his tears gently.

 

"Um... sorry for showing up like that. It's just that you walked past me and... at first I wasn't sure but..."

 

"Don't apologize, I’m grateful for it… It's just," he sniffled, “I'm worried about this interview and this city is so confusing," he let the last couple of tears fall. Hyukjae felt his heart clench. That's why he had been so restless lately. "I was feeling you were really nervous too before I saw you."

 

"Sorry it wasn't the best timing."

 

Donghae shook his head. “It was good timing.” Hyukjae didn’t fully understand what he meant. “Did you just say I walked past you?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“I can’t believe it happened again,” he whined, making Hyukjae laugh.

 

I’m making him laugh. 

 

"Yeah, we're gonna have to talk about that. I'm Hyukjae, by the way," he said after a few seconds.

 

Donghae smiled adorably at him.

 

"Donghae."

 

They both looked at each other. They wanted to absorb as much of that moment as possible.

 

"Well, Donghae..." the younger man felt butterflies in his stomach. We looked at each other and he said my name. He was going to get home to write down everything that happened that day. "I'm sure you'll do great at the interview. You have nothing to worry about."

 

Hyukjae usually would feel so awkward saying those things to a stranger. And even if it wasn't a stranger, he simply wasn’t the type to give encouragement like that. But seeing Donghae with his puffy eyes and a (literally) lost puppy dog look melted his heart. He wanted to make him feel better, and he looked like he needed some reassuring words. 

 

"Thanks, Hyukjae." This time, it was Hyukjae who felt butterflies. He liked his voice. "The thing is I'm not good at talking in front of cameras, and they're recording the interview. So I don't know if I can do my best."

 

Hyukjae looked at him attentively while he spoke. "Well… If that's what you're most worried about… I think it's a good sign. Because it means you've practiced your other skills. Maybe your voice will sound a little different but what you say is more important, right?" Donghae pouted. "Besides, now that I know you have this thing, I can try to help you!"

 

“How?”

 

“I don’t know. I’ll just go ‘Donghae, fighting!’ every few minutes in my mind,” he laughed at his own words and Donghae chuckled. He seemed so easy-going and fun to be around already. “But seriously, I’ll try to be somewhere calm and stuff. So you don’t get extra stress.”

 

“That’s so kind.”

 

“It’s the least I could do. I just caused you to have a breakdown like two minutes ago.”

 

Donghae laughed. “It wasn’t a bad breakdown…” he mumbled.

 

They looked into each other’s eyes. “That's good.”

 

“Yeah.”

 

_________

 

After exchanging their numbers, Hyukjae showed him the way to the building and they walked together to the front door. Instead of going inside the building. Donghae kept looking at him, as if wanting to tell him something.

 

Hyukjae raised his eyebrows, prompting him to talk.

 

"Um... can I ask you one last favor?" Hyukjae nodded. "I know it's weird, but can you give me a hug?” Hyukjae blinked and let out a laugh. Was his soulmate the cutest thing ever or what. Donghae kept nervous-talking. “I just feel like it's the only thing that could calm me down right now, I'm more scared than I thought I would be and I know I should be able to do this alone and that we just met, but you’re right here and seeing you makes me feel so..."

 

He shrugged. 

 

Hyukjae came up to wrap his arms around his torso gently and Donghae closed his eyes. He hugged his back and leaned on his shoulder. "...so relieved," he quickly finished his sentence.

 

God, he's so adorable. I wanna put him in my pocket.

 

The feeling of their bond and bodies being so close together was the most soothing experience. Donghae wondered how he lived all those years without it.

 

Donghae was finally able to fully feel the peace and familiarity that came along with meeting your soulmate. “You’re exhausted,” mumbled Donghae. Hyukjae’s feelings and emotions became clear as day now. He was trying so hard to stay positive and calm, Donghae could feel the strain. “Get some rest if you can today, okay?”

 

Hyukjae felt his shoulder muscles relax at that simple sentence. Wow, he didn’t realize how much he needed to hear that. He nodded as he held him a little tighter. 

 

When they parted, Hyukjae was smiling and Donghae was looking at him shyly. "Good luck."

 

"Thank you. I’ll see you soon, right?"

 

“Of course!” Hyukjae said confidently. Donghae felt relieved once again.  "See you, Donghae."

 

_________

 

Donghae got a call from OneWay Label that same week. He had to sign the contract and he needed to start working as soon as possible.

 

He called Hyukjae, excited to tell him the news. “I got the job. I’m moving to Seoul.”

 

"...Don't lie."

 

"I'm not lying! I always tell the truth."

 

"Really? You're actually moving here?"

 

"Yes!"

 

"You're not kidding with me?"

 

Donghae laughed. They had only been texting each other for a few days and Hyukjae had already gotten into Donghae’s habit of asking questions over and over.

 

"It's true. I promise."

 

He didn’t expect Hyukjae to have a hard time talking because of the tears. “Ah, I knew you were gonna get it. I’m so happy for you, Donghae, seriously.” 

 

Donghae was also tearing up.

 

“Why are you crying, huh?”

 

Because only a month ago I was starting to believe I was never gonna meet you.

 

Instead of answering, Hyukjae asked him where he was going to stay. Hyuk offered Donghae to stay in his tiny apartment while he looked for a place to live. Donghae happily accepted.

 

They got to know each other better those few days Donghae stayed there before he officially moved.

 

As Hyukjae was working nonstop and Donghae spent the day visiting apartments on rent, they only saw each other late at night. They talked over a cup of tea before Donghae nagged Hyukjae to go to sleep.

 

Donghae was easily impressed, it was a quality he shared with Hyukjae. He was already in awe when he learned Hyukjae was a dancer. Then he learned he was a dance teacher, a kinda well-known one in the community, and that he was leading an entire group for a dance contest. “I feel like I’m meeting a celebrity.” Hyukjae laughed out loud at that comment.

 

Despite their obvious and expected attraction, they were still more or less strangers, and they both wanted to try being friends first. Which was a fairly easy task. Even if they were different, they got each other. 

 

Hyukjae enjoyed listening to the childhood stories Donghae held so dearly, and his self-composed songs. He just liked to hear him express himself.

 

“When are you going to write me a song?” 

 

“That’s a work in progress and it’s gonna be more than just one.”

 

“I like your attitude.”

 

Donghae thought Hyukjae was the funniest person on Earth, and didn’t want to leave his side ever. He kept teasing Donghae in the most endearing ways, even if he was tired, he always tried to make him laugh.

 

When he first complained about Donghae eating avocados all the time, Donghae felt something warm and soothing in his heart. That's what I felt every time I had a meal he didn't like. He was whining. So cute. 

 

As the days passed, Hyukjae couldn't help but open up to the adorable man who shared his life so freely and innocently. Every night, Donghae wrote in simple sentences what he learned about his soulmate. 

 

Sweet tooth (makes sense).

 

He keeps acting cool, but I have the theory he’s a softie.

 

Amazing dancer.

 

Not really affectionate.  Huggable and cuddly.

 

Everyone around here loves Hyukjae to bits. He gets along well with everyone.

 

Pouts when he wakes up.

 

Hyukjae felt the need to protect and take care of Donghae since they were kids.

 

His protective instincts officially awakened when he saw those sparkly eyes for the first time. But apparently so did Donghae's.  And Hyukjae didn't know how much he wanted someone to take care of him until he met his soulmate. Of course. 

 

Donghae cooked warm, hearty meals when the day was especially chilly. He made sure to ask Hyukjae how he was feeling even though he could figure it out by himself, just to make him voice out his thoughts. He gave him gentle arm rubs that made Hyukjae relax almost immediately. And when Hyukjae sheepishly told Donghae about his dance project, he looked so inexplicably proud. He didn’t hesitate to tell him he believed in him so naturally and genuinely.

 

One Saturday evening, they spent the evening at Ryeowook’s cafe after he had closed it. It was Donghae’s first time meeting Hyukjae’s best friends.

 

They were all laughing at the story Hyukjae was telling about Donghae’s babbling when they first met, one week ago. 

 

"So I said hi and he went 'uh, uhm, sorry, thank you, uh, sorry'." 

 

Donghae was also giggling at Hyukjae’s impression of him, but he was quick to slap his arm. "It wasn't like that!"

 

"Okay, you show us."

 

"I said 'no, I mean, uh, thank you, sorry--'"

 

Donghae gave up and burst out laughing when he realized it sounded basically the same. Jongwoon cackled.

 

"See!?" Hyukjae said while he kept looking at Donghae with a smile on his face.

 

Ryeowook laughed. “I bet you never thought your bug would be that cute.”

 

"Your bug?" Donghae asked. Ryeowook covered his mouth. Hyukjae shot him a murderous look. Donghae looked at Hyukjae. "You have a bug?"

 

Hyukjae’s cheeks were red. "Yeah, I guess." 

 

“Where?” 

 

The rest of the guys snickered. 

 

Hyukjae clicked his tongue at Donghae’s confused expression. "It's you,” he tried to sound indifferent. “Before I met you I used to call you that."

 

"Really? Why?" Donghae started to smile.

 

"Yes, Hyukjae, why?"

 

Hyukjae stared at Kyuhyun before starting to talk. He turned to Donghae.

 

"Uh… When I was little I used to find you annoying, so I always pictured you as a little bug. Then I got used to it and imagined you were like a tenant bug just living in my mind. So I kind of mentally adopted you and called you bug..." Donghae smiled brightly. Ryeowook laughed out loud. "I was five years old!"

 

“I love this story so much.”

 

"We think it's cute," Jongwoon clarified.

 

Donghae nodded. "So cute, right?" he said with a pout. Hyukjae felt his heart racing. Donghae could feel how embarrassed Hyuk was and he was quick to change the topic. "I made up names for you too, but I never knew which one fit you best."

 

"Oh!" exclaimed Kyuhyun, who also knew his friend too well. "That sounds fun. Let's see your options."

 

_________

 

When they were back at the apartment, Donghae went to hug his soulmate. Hyukjae teasingly tried to escape, but he didn't make it. Ever since he realized their bodies fit perfectly together, he couldn’t say no to a hug. 

 

Donghae leaned on his shoulder. “Hyukjae...” he said softly. Hyukjae hugged him back, didn’t answer. He knew Donghae just wanted to call out his name.

 

They cuddled a little longer. It just felt so good.

 

“Sorry about the bug thing,” said Donghae after a minute. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

 

“Oh, it’s nothing. They’d been probably waiting for this moment forever.”

 

“It’s the cutest thing I’ve heard in my life.” Hyukjae laughed. Donghae broke the hug and looked at him, smiling softly. 

 

He had a glint in his eyes.

 

“What’s on your mind, Lee Donghae.”

 

Donghae looked at his lips. “Well… I know we’re trying to be just friends, but the more I learn about you, the more I like you… and I kinda really wanna kiss you right now.”

 

Hyukjae let out a breathy laugh.

 

"You really always answer with the truth, don’t you, bug?"

 

"Hm."

 

Donghae grinned playfully while feeling his heart racing at the term of endearment. It flowed so naturally out of Hyukjae’s mouth.

 

His smile widened when Hyukjae’s face went dangerously close to his. 

 

He delicately cupped Donghae’s face, and they closed his eyes as their lips finally came together in a kiss.

 

_________

 

Two months later, Donghae had already settled down in Seoul.

 

He had a small apartment, a steady job, and didn't get lost as often anymore. He was saving money for a car so he could travel more easily to his hometown.

What Donghae loved the most about his new life was the people he got to know. 

 

He was learning so much from every single person he met at the label. Some of his colleagues were as artistic and sentimental as him; he clicked immediately with the composers he got to meet there. They went on walks together, they liked to hang out and play some instruments. 

 

He even met the singer Kim Heechul on his first day at work and he virtually adopted Donghae after seeing him struggle with his handwriting. They talked on the phone every week and Donghae would always ask him for advice.

 

What Donghae loved the most about his new life was the people he got to know. 

 

Especially his cute, lovely, huggable boyfriend.

 

Hyukjae had organized a small party as they had won the dance contest they had been working on all those months. They had just arrived from a one-week stay at Busan, and he invited all the dancers that participated and his group of close  friends.

 

Donghae had become a part of Hyukjae’s group. Kyuhyun was especially fond of him, it took one evening for him to fall for the adorable man and he kept babying him whenever he got the chance.

 

Of course, Hyukjae was already familiar with Donghae's favorite people from Mokpo as well, including his mother. 

 

Hyukjae’s dancer friends also knew Donghae and welcomed him warmly whenever he visited the practice room with refreshing drinks for everyone. They were happy to see him again.  

 

Donghae loved Hyukjae’s company. He loved it when he and Hyukjae just talked about whatever crossed their mind at his apartment, but he tended to focus a bit too much on their little moments. 

 

Sometimes he even forgot that there were people around.

 

Jongwoon rubbed elbows with Ryeowook.

 

“Look at them.”

 

Donghae had his arms wrapped around Hyukjae's neck as they talked comfortably on the sofa. They were both smiling and at times Donghae would whisper in his ear. They had missed each other. Hyukjae absentmindedly caressed Donghae's waist over his sweatshirt.

 

“He's crazy about him.”

 

“It’s fascinating.”

 

Hyukjae looked around as he felt a gaze on him and tried to pull away from his boyfriend as soon as he saw the couple smiling from the table, behind the couch. He became aware of all the people that could see them.

 

Donghae stopped hugging him and tilted his head, silently asking what was wrong. 

 

“They’re making fun of us.”

 

Donghae looked at the couple with a sad expression.

 

“That's not true!” Ryeowook quickly denied. “You know, hyung?” He talked to Donghae. “Before meeting you, when we hung out together, Hyukjae was always the first to complain that we were too affectionate.”

 

"Oh? Really? But you're such a cuddler." He turned his body towards Hyukjae's friends. "He's so clingy, you guys--"

 

"Shhh! That's too much information," said Hyukjae, whining when he heard everyone around laughing. Donghae giggled.

 

“But it's nice seeing you like this,” added Jongwoon.

 

"Whatever! I'm not listening!"

 

Ryeowook laughed before going back to talking to his soulmate.

 

Hyukjae looked back at his boyfriend. Donghae was pulling away from him.

 

"Nooo, bug, come here." Hyukjae pulled him to his body.

 

“But you’re feeling uncomfy.”

 

“I’m trying not to.” 

 

Donghae pouted. “It’s okay, I can stop being clingy.”

 

Stare contest.

 

Yeah, right.

 

Okay, you win. Just tell me what’s wrong.

 

It’s nothing!

 

Tell me.

 

Hyukjae chuckled. He leaned closer to his ear to speak softly. “I’m just embarrassed because they were right. They told me I was gonna be even more affectionate than them when I met my soulmate.”

 

They looked at each other and Donghae began to smile.

 

“Really? And you told them it wasn’t true?” 

 

Hyukjae laughed as he nodded.

 

“I told them I was never even gonna meet my soulmate.”

 

“And now we’re cuddling in a room full of people.”

 

“Uh-huh.”

 

Donghae grinned, getting closer for a kiss as he felt Hyukjae was at ease again.

 

“Well, I'm glad you were proven wrong.”

 

 

 

The end. ❤