That Night....

 

The wind seems cold when it hit Kyungsoo’s skin. It was already late at night and yet, here he was, standing out of nowhere and he’s feeling terrible.

He and Baekhyun just fought and they never fight about things no matter how big it is. But lately, things became much different. Since Baekhyun started dating this guy named Park Chanyeol, Kyungsoo always felt a pang in his chest which he realized later on to be jealousy. He was jealous of Park Chanyeol. Not because he’s inlove with Baekhyun because he isn’t. He was jealous of the too much attention his best friend was giving Chanyeol that he never hangs out with him anymore.

The thought of completely losing his best friend haunted Kyungsoo for months and a while ago, he just snapped. He couldn’t take it anymore. He screamed at Baekhyun telling him to just his boyfriend and leave him alone. Baekhyun was puzzled why the hell Kyungsoo was acting like that but he wouldn’t tolerate that kind of behavior from his best friend, so he shouted back telling Kyungsoo to get the hell out of their house. Yes, they’re living together since Kyungsoo’s parents died three years ago.

Kyungsoo was afraid to be alone again and he became so selfish. He realized it just now but he doesn’t know how to approach Baekhyun when he just called him a .

 

He sighed and continued walking until he reached a park and , memories suddenly came to him. He remembered how Baekhyun would bring him here whenever he’s upset or when it's his parents' death anniversary and then he would buy Kyungsoo an ice cream and they would sing like retarded people without caring what others think about them. He suddenly missed his best friend. He left two hours ago and he already felt like he hadn’t seen him for a year.

 

 

Kyungsoo started singing. He didn’t where it’s coming from but he heard a music coming from somewhere. Maybe it’s only his imagination but still, he sang his heart out. He sang along with the music he hears with his melodious voice and it was only after that that he realized someone was staring at him.

 

“You have a good voice.” It was a guy. Kyungsoo was sure of it. The voice was soothing and deep but Kyungsoo felt shiver ran through his spine. He was terrified. He wasn’t able to move when the guy started walking towards him. He was like frozen on his spot.

But then light hit the guy’s face and he was more surprised.

The person in front of him – who was grinning like an idiot – looked a little younger than him because of his playful aura. He have plump lips and chocolate brown eyes which made Kyungsoo’s heart stop for a moment at the sight.

 

“U-uhm. Thanks?” Then Kyungsoo heard the most enchanting laugh in his whole life. He stared at the guy to find him smiling at him. Not grinning but smiling and yes, his heart skip a beat.

 

“I’m Jongin.” The guy – Jongin – said before extending his arm which Kyungsoo gladly accepted. “My name’s Kyungsoo.” And like a high school girl, Kyungsoo cherished the moment of holding Jongin’s hand even for a short period of time. Okay this was obviously a crush. Just a crush. He wasn’t even sure if he’ll see this guy ever again.

 

Just then, Kyungsoo’s phone started ringing. It surprised the both of them and Kyungsoo immediately pulled his hand away and mentally cursed whoever was calling him at this moment. But when he checked the caller, his mouth had gone dry.

It was Baekhyun.

 

“Uh. I need to get this. Sorry.” Was the last thing he told Jongin before turning his back at him and answering his best friend’s call, not even waiting for the younger to say anything.

 

 

“Baek?”

 

“WHAT TOOK YOU SO LONG TO ANSWER YOUR GODDAMN PHONE?” Kyungsoo’s eyes widen at his best friend’s loud voice. He literally distanced the phone away from his ears to avoid being deaf.

 

“W-why? I’m sorry I was talking with someone and I… I need to say goodbye first and I was s-surprised because I thought you’re never going to talk to me and –”

 

“Ohmygod Kyungsoo, I’m close to dying here worrying where the are you right now! I’m your best friend and I can never stay mad at you. And you were what? You’re talking with someone? Who? Kyungsoo, if that person’s a e or something, believe me, I might kill him.” Baekhyun sounded extremely worried and that made Kyungsoo a lot guiltier than before and he was close to crying but he bit his lip to stop his tears.

 

“No no! He’s not a e, Baek. He’s kind of nice actually. But Baekhyun, I am really sorry. I didn’t know what got into me – or maybe I do – but I’m still sorry and I regret calling you names. I understand if you would never forgive me but please –”

 

“Shut up Do Kyungsoo. Go home already. I'm stupid to tell you to get out. I miss you.” Baekhyun’s voice suddenly became soft and Kyungsoo missed him more.

 

“Alright. I’ll come back. Wait for me, okay?”

 

“Of course.”

 

 

But when Kyungsoo turn around, he was surprised to still see Jongin there behind him. But he was sitting on the grass and he was looking at the sky. He seemed peaceful and the smile on his face made Kyungsoo look at him even more.

 

“J-jongin…” At the sound of his name, the said man turned to look at Kyungsoo, the smile was still on his beautiful face and Kyungsoo almost gasped for air. Yeah, he may be exaggerating but he can’t help it. “I need to leave now. Baekhyun – Uhm I mean my best friend called me and he wants me to go home now.”

 

“Baekhyun hyung eh? Well, okay. He must be waiting for you now. I’ll be leaving as well.” Jongin said while smiling at him. Kyungsoo could only stare at the other male as he walked towards the darkness until Kyungsoo could no longer see him.

When he was walking home, he wondered how Jongin seemed too familiar with Baekhyun to be able to call him hyung.

 

*****

 

Ever since their fight, Kyungsoo learned to accept Chanyeol fully. He even learned to cope with his hyper-active personality. But he still can’t handle it when the couple was doing lovey dovey things in front of him. It makes him want to puke.

 

“You guys are disgusting.” Kyungsoo would tell them while making a face. Baekhyun would glare at him and reply with a, “Tell that to me when you already have a boyfriend.”

 

 

The weird thing was whenever Baekhyun asks him if there was someone he likes, the first thing that pops into his mind was the chocolate eyes and the plump lips of someone named Jongin. He would blush after realizing his little crush and of course, Baekhyun would immediately know that there is someone. But Kyungsoo never admitted anything.

 

*****

 

The second time Kyungsoo and Jongin met was also at the same park where they first saw each other. Kyungsoo decided to go out to take in some fresh air when he heard the same music he heard before. But this time, he didn’t sing along. Instead, he followed the music until he reached the source.

That was when he found Jongin dancing.

 

 

“That was… wow. Just wow.” Was all he could manage to say before Jongin started laughing. Kyungsoo only blushed and bit his lip but didn’t say anything.  They just sat side by side while looking at the beautiful sky for a few minutes.

 

 

“Kyungsoo do you think those stars are happy?” He couldn’t help but be confused about Jongin’s question. Why would the stars be happy? They aren’t even alive.

But when he looked at Jongin who was staring at the sky like it was the best thing he could ever see, maybe Jongin doesn't think things like that. Maybe he's just different.

 

“I don’t know. Maybe. Because you know, they’re with each other? I don’t really know.”

 

“Would you be happy if you were up there?” Kyungsoo thought of his answer for sometime before smiling and turning to look at Jongin straight in the eye.

 

“If I could see everyone I love, then why not?”

 

“Mmm. Yeah. Why not…” Jongin never spoke after that again. He didn’t until Kyungsoo needs to go home or else, Baekhyun might kill him. All Jongin did was bid goodbye at him before he disappear into the darkness once again.

 

*****

 

“What? Stars are just rocks outside the earth with blah blah blah so why the would they be happy?” Baekhyun looked like he was ready to smack Kyungsoo with the book he was holding but his best friend just shrugged.

 

“I don’t know. Someone just asked me that.”

 

“Then that person is insane.”

 

 

 

“Well not really.” Chanyeol said, speaking for the first time since dinner. He looks serious and Baekhyun was not even trying to talk to him because he was terrified than an alien replaced his boyfriend. Because Park Chanyeol was never serious. “I have this friend that believes that once a person dies, he becomes one of the stars in heaven. It was childish really but sometimes I thought, maybe he’s right. A person always says that our loved ones are watching us and I thought they could watch us best when they’re above us. You know, like the stars.” While Chanyeol was saying that, he looked sad and Baekhyun couldn’t help but worry.

 

But Kyungsoo was different, he thought of Jongin.

 

Maybe Jongin thinks the same thing.

 

*****

 

The third time they met, Jongin saw Kyungsoo crying. It was his parents’ fourth death anniversary and Kyungsoo had a nightmare. It was almost midnight when he crept out of his and Baekhyun’s shared apartment and he headed straight to the park. He didn’t know why he went there but he was relieved when he spotted Jongin by the swing. He sat next to him and when Jongin saw the tears streaming down his eyes, the other male panicked.

 

“What’s wrong? Are you hurt? Why are you crying?”

 

Kyungsoo was touched, really. But he chose to stay silent and shook his head to avoid making Jongin worry. The whole time they were together, Jongin made sure to make him smile before parting their ways. Kyungsoo only smiled before saying goodbye when Jongin embraced him tightly.

 

*****

 

Kyungsoo tip-toed his way to their apartment, not wanting to wake Baekhyun up.

So he clearly wasn’t expecting to see his best friend in the living room to be embracing his boyfriend who was crying and Baekhyun himself was biting his lip to refrain from doing the same.

 

“Baekhyun what’s wrong? Why is Chanyeol crying?”

 

“Kyungsoo? When did you leave your room?” Baekhyun looked like he wanted to say more but then Chanyeol gripped his shirt tighter and Baekhyun’s chest hurt. He kissed Chanyeol’s forehead and whispered him something before Kyungsoo saw Chanyeol standing up to head towards Baekhyun’s room.

When Chanyeol was out of sight, Baekhyun looked so down like he would faint anytime and Kyungsoo was worried once again.

 

 

“Chanyeol he… he arrived a few minutes ago and he was already like that. He’s been incredibly down since a few days ago and I only figured out the reason now. I’m so stupid.” Baekhyun sighed and sat down on the couch, looking very frustrated.

 

“Is he going to be alright?” Kyungsoo really sounded worried and that made Baekhyun’s heart hurt a little more. He had to admit that he's glad that his best friend didn't ask any more questions. He bit his lip before shrugging as an answer to Kyungsoo's question.

 

“I don’t know. He’s just too sad today and I can’t… ugh. I don’t know what to do anymore. I’m really thankful you’re not crying right now like before because I’m telling you, I might die early if you do. This is getting depressing.” Baekhyun was almost pulling out his hair and Kyungsoo bit his lip in guilt. He was crying like the usual but this time, it was Jongin that made him feel better.

 

*****

 

The next morning, Kyungsoo woke up and found Chanyeol and Baekhyun at the kitchen. They weren't talking and they're not even acknowledging the other's presence. His best friend was cooking something while Chanyeol was sitting alone at the dinner table. He was fidgeting with his fingers and he looks wasted.

 

 

“How are you feeling now?” Kyungsoo asked him worriedly. Maybe he didn’t really like Chanyeol at first but now he treats him as him he’s an older brother and he’s really concerned.

 

“O-oh. I’m much better. I’m sorry for the fuss last night. It’s just I remembered someone important. He was my best friend and... It was his fourth death anniversary and yet, I still can’t accept the fact that he’s gone forever. I even visit him lot of times and tell stories at his grave. I even told him about Baekhyun. He’s very important to me. He’s the brother I never had.” Chanyeol laughed bitterly and Kyungsoo was hurt at the sight. It was obvious that Chanyeol was forcing himself to look and sound happy but it wasn’t working because Baekhyun slammed whatever he was holding on the kitchen counter and he splashed water on Chanyeol. Everyone was shocked at Baekhyun’s action but when they looked at the elder, the tears that are forming on his eyes were already visible and Chanyeol immediately felt guilty.

 

“Stop it, Park Chanyeol. Can’t you see I’m getting affected here myself?! Yesterday was both your best friend and Kyungsoo’s parents’ death anniversary and I don’t know what to do to help both of you. But please, accept the fact that Jongin is –”

 

 

“Excuse me, what?” Baekhyun wasn’t able to finish his sentence when Kyungsoo cut him off, his voice was shaking and he looked like he just saw a ghost.

 

“Kim Jongin. That’s my best friend’s name. He… he was killed at the park nearby at night while he was practicing his dance routine. A bunch of drunk people didn’t know what to do with their lives and decided to end his. He was so young, Kyungsoo.”

 

Kyungsoo’s world started to fall apart.

 

*****

 

A month later, Kyungsoo decided to pay the park a visit. It was the second week of January and two days ago, it was his birthday. He never came back here since he knew the truth about Jongin. He was hurt, he must admit. But he was still thinking why Jongin was showing himself to him? Why can he even see Jongin?

 

He sighed and walked around the park. He smiled realizing why he always see Jongin here. This place it where he was robbed of his life. Jongin could have lived a wonderful life. He was talented. He deserves to be noticed.

The sun had set an hour ago and maybe Jongin might show up sooner or later. He wanted to talk to him. He wants to know why he hid the truth. He wants all his questions to be answered. So he waited and waited.

It took him two more hours before he finally hears the familiar voice he had grown to love. That moment, he forgot why we went here in the first place. When he saw Jongin's face, he felt like crying. Kyungsoo missed him.

 

 

“Kyungsoo, I’m glad you’re back.”

 

“Jongin…”

 

“You’re mad at me aren’t you? I can sense that you already know the truth and I’m sorry for not telling you everything.”

 

“…”

 

“But this is the last time you’ll see me though.”

 

“What?” Kyungsoo suddenly felt his heart beat double. He might be mad at Jongin for not telling him that he’s dead but he doesn’t want him to leave. Even though Kyungsoo knows the truth, he still can’t help but like Jongin even more each time they see each other. He doesn’t want him to disappear from his life.

 

“I’ll be leaving this place.” Jongin said, a small smile on his face and he looked directly into Kyungsoo’s eyes.

 

“Why are you leaving? Where are you going?”

 

 

 

“I’m going to be a star soon, Kyungsoo hyung.”

 

 

'But I’ll be watching you, always. I love you.' was the words left unsaid by Jongin that night.

 

*****

 

The wind seems cold when it hit Kyungsoo’s skin. It was already late at night and yet, here he was, standing out of nowhere and he’s feeling terrible.

He just sent out his audition video to a management that might handle his singing career if he managed to have one. He's nervous of their reactions.

What if he get rejected? What will happen to him? He will be scarred for life by this failure.

 

He was starting to feel down when his phone started ringing. He didn't bother to check the caller because he knows who it was.

 

"Yes Baek?"

 

"Where are you? Do Kyungsoo get back here this instant!"

 

"I don't want to." Kyungsoo said while pouting.

 

"I know that you're pouting Kyungsoo. Stop it. Come back home now!"

 

"I'll come back later. See ya'~" He said before cutting off the call. He sighed and started walking around the park. It took him a few minutes before he reached his destination.

 

He sat down the swing and he looked up the sky. He smiled, knowing that someone is there watching him. He knows someone is guarding him.

 

 

Kyungsoo then started singing. He didn't know why but he just felt like it. He didn't hear any music, all he heard was just the rustling of the leaves and the sound of the bats and the whistling of the winds.

 

But after he sang, he heard someone clapping their hands. The clap was so loud that it made Kyungsoo turn around. This scene seemed familiar and hell, he was sure he almost fainted when he saw the person clapping behind him who was smiling brightly.

 

 

"J-jongin?" The clapping suddenly stopped and the person pouted.

 

"Why is everybody calling me Jongin? Almost everyone I encounter has this shocked face and then this shaking voice that asks 'Jongin?' Uggh. Who the hell is that Jongin? My name's Kai. And by the way, your voice was great."

 

 

That night, he knows Jongin was smiling down at him. He can't explain why but he can tell.

 

 

 

Maybe this was the start of Kyungsoo's new life.