Chapter 1: A Step Forward

A step forward

✿

Orange.

A mixture of pink, yellow, and green as well.

Everything was like a pathway of pastel that colored the trees, showering the road with leaves, and the sunlight breaking through the branches. The entire city of Seoul was drowning in the beauty of Autumn. Every single thing was still so beautiful, the world continuously rotating despite the sadness and chaos going along with it. The seasons kept changing; from the leaves falling, to trees being cloaked with frozen white, to showering the city in pink, and finally being basked under the sun's warmth.

Nothing changed, everyone was still living their lives, the city was still as loud and as busy as ever. But some things change, perhaps the old playground you used to play in is now gone. Or maybe your favorite tree where you've carved your name on has been cut down. That's life, everything changes, even the slightest and littlest things change.

From being an innocent boy who used to go to school with a backpack, a heart that's beating fast, and eyes glimmering as soon as he sees that familiar brush of yellow hair amidst the crowd of chattering students; he was now a man, working and earning for himself. His wounds hiding beneath his busy schedule with that lingering crave for an oh so familiar scent still living in his heart.

He also changed. From being a mischievous boy that never liked school, a boy who fell in love at first sight with an innocent ray of sunshine that taught him everything there is when walking on a road of love and heartbreaks, and in the end, had his poor little heart smashed for countless of times; he was now someone who reached his dreams after facing battles that pulled him down to his lowest, wounds that are—little by little, step by step—healing, yet his heart still holds that first love he never wants to leave his soul.

They changed; in hair colors, in heights, their faces matured but still carved by those little details that had one saying they're still the same, and lessons that were gathered and applied have now turned them into people who knew so much about being loved and being in love.

They changed.

Beomgyu and Yeonjun have changed.

✿

The ringing of an alarm echoed all throughout the spacious apartment, the hands of the clock indicating that it was eight in the morning—the sun was up, the city busy and loud, but he was still wrapped around the comfort of his bed. He groaned, rubbing his eyes, and turning the alarm off.

Silence.

"Holy fuck, I'm late," Beomgyu immediately hopped off from his bed and quickly went inside the bathroom, leaving his bed in a complete mess. The sound of shower could be heard, followed by a loud "Cold! Why is it so cold?!", and quick footsteps. Beomgyu just grabbed his favorite yellow and black shirt paired with the same colors of striped long sleeves, his pants, and of course, his gray hoodie.

After dressing up, he immediately toasted a piece of bread, grabbed his bag, and left the apartment. Nothing was new, it was his usual day; waking up late, doing his morning routines for 20 minutes, running out of his apartment and off to the building he works in.

Beomgyu ran out of the elevator, his toasted bread still in between his teeth, and sprinted towards the exit. He waved his hand to the doorman, "Bye!" Beomgyu smiled and the doorman waved back. Most of the staff knew him, even interacted and talked to him. Beomgyu was nice, he always made people feel comfortable when talking to him.

As he walked fast down the street filled with orange leaves, he already finished his bread. The avenue was already full of people, chattering and some were running just like him. He took a turn, passing by a bakery shop that gave off this homey scent of breads and coffee owned by an engaged couple; Soobin and Lia.

Beomgyu looked down and saw his shoelaces untied, he squatted down and tied them. A boy in his suit briefly ran past him, checking his watch, and cursing when he saw the time. The tall boy was working in a small company, doing paperworks and assisting everyone in the office; the name Huening Kai being printed on his I.D.

Once Beomgyu was done tying his shoes, he stood up and turned his phone on. His crewmate was already messaging him, asking him where he was and if he woke up late again. The little one sighed, he slid his phone in his pocket and ran again.

The six of them, they were apart now. Having their own busy lives, walking on different paths, and facing multiple struggles in work, within themselves, and even problems brought by that damn stupid cupid who can't even aim right and shot them directly on the ass.

Finally, after what felt like eternity (it was really just a few minutes of running but Beomgyu felt like he was circling around a wormhole), he finally arrived in their building. A huge one, the same old building he worked in for that movie a year ago. The same, old building that he also works in. But he grew accustomed to it. They never met, never crossed paths, Beomgyu was always inside the studio, or the office, he didn't always go out. Which was a relief in his side.

Beomgyu went inside the elevator, tapping the button that led to the fifth floor, anxiously waited, and ran out the lift once the silver doors opened.

He brushed his hair up, twisting the knob, and pushed the door open. A gust of cold air caressed his pretty face as he was met by a boy with a blunt face while sitting on the chair and staring at him.

"Hey," Beomgyu grinned and closed the door, "Sorry I'm late," the boy scratched the back of his ear with an awkward smile.

The other rolled his eyes and grabbed the pieces of paper, "Why am I still not used to your tardy ass," he shook his head and handed Beomgyu the papers, "Here's the script, read it and do some adjustments if you will."

Beomgyu huffed and grabbed the papers, "The alarm just woke me up late, Chan," he defended himself as he sat down in his swivel chair and scanned the script.

"Yeah, right." Chan shook his head, "You're the one who sets your alam," the blond ruffled the younger male's hair. Beomgyu slapped his hand away, "Shut up."

"Just finish that," Chan said as he pointed at the script, "I'll be out," he waved his hand before closing the door. And Beomgyu was left with silence, the sound of the air conditioner being the only loud thing inside the small and cold room.

"Waiting for me then leaving," Beomgyu furrowed his brows and sighed, looking at the script and began reading it. He clicked and clicked the ballpoint pen, his face creased with seriousness that only comes out when he's working.

He would lay the paper down on the desk, circle some words, erase a sentence, and replace it with something he knew was better. The cycle repeated and went on and on for an hour or so. Maybe some people would get bored and get frustrated with doing this, well even Beomgyu would get stressed out with all the editing and reading he has to do, but it was fun—he loved it, reading and writing.

After being satisfied with the script that he edited, he placed the pen atop the paper, and stretched his muscles with a groan. He looked at the ticking clock on the wall and found out it was already past 12 in the afternoon.

"Well, the food isn't going to walk its way to you, Beomgyu." The boy laughed and walked out of the room, walking his way to the cafeteria of their building. He could already hear a bit of chattering but it wasn't that loud, probably because lunch is almost over. He didn't mind, he wasn't going to eat here anyway.

Beomgyu bought a can of cola and instant noodles, he's going to eat that inside the studio while going through the details of their new project. He bowed to the lady behind the counter, "Thank you," he smiled.

He was about to leave when he heard someone calling his name, Beomgyu quickly turned around and saw a familiar blond boy.

Beomgyu smiled, "Hyunjin Hyung!"

Hyunjin ushered him to their table with a smile, Beomgyu walked to him and said, "What is it?" the boy asked while glancing at the other boy on the table, Wooyoung.

"Me and my friends are eating at a Samgyeopsal restaurant tonight," Hyunjin said as he pointed at Wooyoung with his thumb, "It's been a while since we last had a hang out, do you want to come with us?" the blond asked and anticipated Beomgyu's answer.

Beomgyu chuckled, "I'm really busy—"

Hyunjin's eyes sparkled, "It's my treat."

Beomgyu looked at him in disbelief, his gaze jumped from Hyunjin to Wooyoung before rolling his eyes, "Fine," he sighed.

Hyunjin grinned while looking at Beomgyu in a teasing way, "You're really up for it just as long as you don't pay, yeah, I can relate." Hyunjin laughed and looked at Wooyoung who also chuckled while nodding.

"Yeah," Beomgyu shook his head as he chuckled, "Just text me the location and I'll meet you guys there," the little one said with a smile before bidding his goodbye and walking away.

As soon as Beomgyu was nowhere in sight, almost instantly, a boy with pink hair walked out from the comfort room and waved at Hyunjin and Wooyoung with a small smile. He sat down on a seat and asked, "So, are we still up for later? Your treat right, Hyunjin?"

Hyunjin glanced at Wooyoung and snickered, "Yes, definitely my treat, Yeonjun Hyung."

Yeonjun nodded and took a sip from his can of cola, "That's great, then."

The pink-haired boy saw how Hyunjin and Wooyoung grinned at each other with mischief in their eyes, he raised a brow, "You two okay? You're acting weird."

Hyunjin shook his head with a smile and walked over to Yeonjun, he placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Let's just get back to work."

Wooyoung left together with Hyunjin, Yeonjun looked at their fading forms with furrowed brows before taking one last sip from his cola, "Weirdos."

✿

Evening came, the city was still loud and noisy despite the cold breeze that circled around the buildings and trees. The stars twinkling in the dark sky with the moon taking the spotlight, the city lights reflected in the calm ocean, and the soft chatterings of people walking by and down the streets.

Beomgyu yawned and turned his laptop off, Chan already left, and it was past eight in the evening. Hyunjin had already texted him the location so he got up and prepared to leave. He grabbed his gray hoodie from the blue couch in the corner, zipped his bag, and turned off the lights before locking the room and leaving.

As soon as he walked out from the building, noises coming from cars and chatterings welcomed him along with the cold wind that brushed his skin—causing him to shiver a bit. He read Hyunjin's message again and concluded that the restaurant was just a walking distance from the building. So, he pulled his hoodie closer to give him warmth and started walking his way down the street.

His footsteps were small like a little kid's. His hands buried inside his pockets, his bangs falling effortlessly above his eyes, and those pair of orbs that twinkled along with the stars in the sky. This felt calming, maybe more like home, but it was still different. Way different from the home he always ran to before.

In no time, he arrived at the restaurant, immediately spotting Hyunjin and Wooyoung on a table by the far corner when he walked in. The boys were already grilling the meat, it's delicious aroma stirring his taste buds. With a smile, he greeted them and sat down on the seat beside Hyunjin.

"Oh, wait," Hyunjin suddenly said when Beomgyu sat down, the younger looked at him with one brow raised, "What's wrong?" asked Beomgyu as he glanced at Wooyoung.

"That seat's already taken," Wooyoung answered with a sheepish smile.

Beomgyu looked at him with furrowed brows, "What?"

"Uh," the three boys heard from behind, Beomgyu turned around and he swore he just felt his breath hitch.

"That's my..." the pink-haired boy scratched the back of his ear while looking at Beomgyu who had wide eyes and his lips slightly parted. Oh god, those doe eyes that the elder was absolutely insane for. It's been so long since he last stared at those.

Beomgyu was lost in his own thoughts, questions occupying his panicking mind. "Why on Earth is he here?" he asked himself while staring at the pretty pink-haired boy standing in front of him. Fuck, he looked pretty in his white shirt.

"Excuse me?" Beomgyu absent-mindedly said.

Yeonjun chuckled, "That's my seat, Beomgyu."

And Beomgyu just wanted to freaking slam Hyunjin's face against this table because why the fuck didn't he tell me that Yeonjun would be here?

The younger immediately panicked and stood up from the seat, "I'll... yeah, sorry. I'll just sit there," Beomgyu's words were so low and fast that if someone weren't listening well enough, they wouldn't have understood what he said. But Yeonjun understood, he always does.

Yeonjun had his lips in a thin line as he panicked as well, "No, no. You can just sit there," he tried to insist. But Beomgyu only shook his head as he avoided Yeonjun's gaze, "It's okay," he awkwardly chuckled before walking towards the seat beside Wooyoung.

When Beomgyu was already seated, Yeonjun cleared his throat as he sat down. Briefly giving Hyunjin and Wooyoung a glare as Wooyoung grilled the meat and Hyunjin pretending that there was no deadly glare being thrown in his way.

Beomgyu felt small in his seat, his hands on his lap, his eyes carefully scanning his surroundings. The atmosphere was so terribly awkward that it made Beomgyu sink in his seat, he could still feel his heart beating so fast within his chest—it hurt, it made him more and more nervous; the sight of Yeonjun in front of him was making him anxious.

When was the last time they saw each other?

A few months ago? Right. During Spring, on that street, with the pink petals dancing their way down the streets. The memory still felt fresh and vivid in their minds; Beomgyu and Yeonjun standing on different paths that faced each other, eyes staring at each other's soul, both afraid to even take a step closer. Yeonjun could still remember how Beomgyu looked at him with anticipation, and Beomgyu could still remember how Yeonjun walked away from him.

Everything was still so terribly vivid and it ached the two of them.

"Here," Wooyoung suddenly broke the growing silence when he placed a piece of meat on Beomgyu's empty plate. Even Yeonjun looked at him. Not even knowing why, but he felt something fuel inside him. But he didn't mind it. He won't let his emotions take the best of him again.

Beomgyu looked at Wooyoung, "Oh, thanks, Hyung."

Yeonjun grabbed his chopsticks and placed another piece of meat on Beomgyu's plate. The younger looked at him with wide eyes and the tips of his ears in a hue of red. Yeonjun smiled and grabbed a piece of meat for himself before saying, "Be squishy."

Fuck, Beomgyu's hands felt cold, but his cheeks were hot—and he knows that his ears are so red right now. How could they not turn any redder? Those words, they felt awfully familiar to him.

"Let's just eat," Yeonjun calmly said and started eating. Hyunjin and Wooyoung nodded as they started digging in, while Beomgyu shortly stared at Yeonjun before drinking from his glass of water.

The awkwardness soon melted and faded away, the four of them started talking more comfortably with each other along with quick glances from two boys that were sitting across each other.

The night was still young, maybe a bit late, but the city and even the restaurant were still pretty much alive. It's the city, when does it even sleep? It was always so alive together with the bright lights shining amidst the dingy waves of darkness.

"He looked stupid," Hyunjin laughed, "He was so pissed because I kept getting my lines wrong," he shook his head as he continued to chuckle. Wooyoung spoke, "You looked like you were really having fun teasing him back then. It's a surprise you didn't get fired."

Yeonjun nodded as he laughed, "Right, right. He was so close to being kicked out of the set."

Beomgyu was also laughing along with them, Hyunjin was almost close to choking himself from laughing so much that it made him laugh too. He hadn't been laughing this much in a while, he was always so busy with work and he was always stressed and sleep deprived (explains why he always wakes up late).

"Oh," Hyunjin cooed as the waiter placed bottles of Soju on their table. "Let's get it," Hyunjin excitedly said and handed each one of them one bottle. Beomgyu hesitantly accepts one and chuckles while looking at them.

Yeonjun noticed that, "You don't have to drink if you don't want to, y'know." Beomgyu looked at him, Yeonjun smiled and poured some in his own glass, "It's okay if you won't."

Beomgyu watched him drink his glass of Soju before answering, "It's fine. I can handle it," the boy poured himself a shot too and drank it all. Yeonjun stared at him and Beomgyu did the same, but soon enough, the elder just shrugged and poured himself another glass.

The night went on and on until the city was soon quieting down, only a few people were left inside the restaurant. It was almost midnight, Wooyoung had already left and it was just the three of them.

Beomgyu was a little tipsy but he was still sober enough, he didn't drink much unlike Hyunjin who looked so wasted already. Yeonjun laughed at him then looked at Beomgyu, "I'm guessing you aren't drunk."

The younger, although having his heart skipping a beat, answered in a calm way, "Nah. I'm not, I told you, I can handle it." Beomgyu shrugged with a smile. Yeonjun stared at him, eyes sleepy but was still able to take in every detail of Beomgyu's pretty face.

"You two," Hyunjin suddenly pointed at the two of them, "Make up," he said, which widened Beomgyu's eyes. Hyunjin rested his arms on the table and laid his head down, "You two better make up."

Yeonjun laughed, "Dummy."

Suddenly, Seungmin arrived at their table. He looked displeased while looking at Hyunjin who was giggling by himself. Seungmin rolled his eyes, "Hyunjin, what the hell?"

Hyunjin looked at him and smiled, "Baby, you're here. Pick me up," the boy widened his arms for Seungmin to take, but the other just looked at him and grabbed his ear, "I told you to stop making me pick you up this late but no, you wouldn't listen."

"Ow!" Hyunjin hissed as he stood up, his ear still being held by Seungmin's fingers, "I'm sorry," he pouted while looking at Seungmin but no, the boy wasn't having it.

Seungmin looked at Yeonjun and Beomgyu with a small smile, "We'll get going now. Get home safely, you two."

Beomgyu and Yeonjun only nodded and bowed as Seungmin dragged Hyunjin out of the restaurant. His "You're so lucky I love you or I would've just left you on the streets" not failing to reach their ears. Beomgyu chuckled, they're cute.

Awkwardness filled their table again, Beomgyu was fidgeting with his fingers while Yeonjun just stared at him with tipsy eyes. Fuck it, Beomgyu could feel his heart was about to explode because of Yeonjun's piercing gaze.

Why is he even staring at me? He glanced at Yeonjun and the elder was looking at him, he wasn't even blinking.

"Are you okay?" Beomgyu asked with a brow raised.

Yeonjun chuckled and nodded, "Pretty much."

Beomgyu awkwardly laughed and slowly grabbed his bag, "I'll get going now—"

"Wait," Yeonjun sat up straight, Beomgyu stiffed at that—he looked at Yeonjun and asked, "What?"

Yeonjun's shoulders dropped, "Can I ask something?"

Beomgyu looked at him, his lips sealed and his heart still beating so fast. Damn it, can you just... stop beating for at least a few seconds?

He cleared his throat and shifted in a more comfortable position, "Sure, ask away."

Yeonjun stared at him more, he was contemplating, but would it hurt to ask? He's got nothing to lose anyway. He's been wanting to ask that since a long time ago, and now that Beomgyu is here, he won't let that chance slip away.

"Can we... have some closure?"

Beomgyu fell silent, what? A closure. But why? That was sudden, even Beomgyu didn't expect it.

"I know a lot has happened, and most of them were really bad," Yeonjun breathed, "But I understand everything... do you feel the same way?" he asked.

Was the alcohol getting into him? Beomgyu was surprised.

"Yeah, I... do," Beomgyu answered with a sigh.

Yeonjun smiled, "You don't have to worry. It's all in the past, I'm okay now." He was genuine, Beomgyu could feel that. Yeonjun leaned closer to the table, "So... can we?"

He was anxious, he was back to fidgeting with his fingers as he looked at the elder who was patiently waiting for his answer. Beomgyu was unsure, uncertain, maybe a little scared. This was Yeonjun, the person who always made his heartbeat fast, the person he also broke and left; the person who was now in front of him and asking for closure.

But what could possibly go wrong? It wouldn't hurt, right?

Closure meant acceptance. Moving on. A step forward to completely healing from the toxic cycle the two of them went through.

Beomgyu sighed and leaned against his seat, he tilted his head. And with a small smile, he answered, "Of course."

Yeonjun smiled, "That's nice," he leaned against his seat with a sigh.

The younger one could only stare at him with a small smile.

Closure. They finally got that. After everything, they got that. Yeonjun finally caught up to him because this time, Beomgyu didn't run away.

✿ Bloom Again ✿