Chapter Text
“Do you believe in time travel, Minhyuk?” Hoseok asked, looking up from the book that he was reading. He studied Minhyuk who was sitting opposite of him, slowly putting down the teacup that he was drinking from. He licked his lips from the coffee that might have stained his lips. He looked back at Hoseok, crafting a smile on his lips.
“You, my dear, read too much sci-fi stuffs that it's getting into your brain.” Minhyuk pointed out. Hoseok rolled his eyes and closed the book in his hand. He put them down on the table, shifting his attention to the cold potato wedges that were in front of them.
“But seriously, Minhyuk. With time traveling, you can go back to your past and recalls them. It has been something you want right?” Hoseok leaned on the table, taking small bites of the wedges. Minhyuk went silence. He doesn't know what to reply.
The earliest memories he remembered was waking up to Hoseok’s face, looking down at him. Hoseok was in his white coat, stethoscope around his neck checking out on Minhyuk who was lying on the bed.
That was all Minhyuk could remember. Nothing before that. Nothing at all.
Hoseok finished up the last bit of his coffee. He took the book on the table.
“I'll better head back down to the hospital. Text me when you free, alright.” Hoseok got up from his seat and walked pass Minhyuk. He ruffled Minhyuk’s hair a little.
“I'm the one who supposed to be saying that. You're the one who is always busy.” Minhyuk giggled, looking up at Hoseok who was just beside him. He smiled, returning back Hoseok’s.
And when Minhyuk was left alone in the cafe, he was lost in his own world.
Time travel to learn about your past, eh. Does that thing even exist?
Minhyuk knocked his head, thinking how silly he is to fall for Hoseok’s words. It's illogical to have time traveling.
But even so, Minhyuk is always curious about his past. Who was he, what was he, Minhyuk yearns to know. He wanted to know anything about life before Hoseok. But no matter how much he tried, it's no use. He can't remember anything. Not even Hoseok knows his past.
Minhyuk walked out from the cafe after settling the bills. He took his bicycle from the side of the cafe door and pushed it, walking side by side. Planless, he always is and today is no much better.
Minhyuk reached the end of the street, just before making a turn to head towards his neighbourhood. His eyes caught on the sign of one of the shops around that area. A fortune telling shop. Minhyuk squinted his eyes. He didn't remember seeing it there last week.
Then again, who in the 21st century believes in fortune telling?
Minhyuk remembered watching Back To The Future in his living room while waiting for Hoseok’s text. He fell asleep, awoken by the vibration of his phone on the coffee table and the flickering of the television. With his eyes still half asleep, he read Hoseok’s text.
“But really. No matter what, I am interested in your present and future. No matter what you are in the past, no matter what you do back then.” Minhyuk smiled at the text. He didn't know why Hoseok texted those. Maybe he is still not over with the conversation in the cafe. Minhyuk decided to reply, but something unrelated to it.
“Get home safely and don't sleep on empty stomach. You will end up eating everything you see on the table tomorrow.” Minhyuk put down his phone on the coffee table and took the remote, flipping the channels. He took his phone again after hearing the vibration.
“I still have some cases to see through. But I'll definitely go home safely later and will munch on something. You go ahead and sleep first. And don't forget your meds.” Minhyuk felt his heart skipped a beat, smiling sheepishly. Sometimes, he still couldn't believe how much Hoseok cared for him even though he is no longer his main doctor. It makes him all warm on the inside.
“Alright, dear. Text me when you're home and I'll reply you first thing in the morning.” Minhyuk replied and he already felt like sleeping straight away and hoping it's already morning so that he can continue to talk to Hoseok.
He realized if there is anyone else who can love him, no one can love him and care for him as much as Hoseok.
Minhyuk went to bed thinking about Hoseok. He wanted to dream about doing happy things with Hoseok.
But he didn't see Hoseok in his sleep. It was a terrifying dream, a nightmare. Minhyuk remembered trying to wake up but he couldn't. He felt like he is being pulled in, suck into the nightmare. He saw how a car lost control and skidded on the wet road. It hit the metal railing by the side and fell down a cliff. It hit a nearby tree and stopped it from going any further. Smoke began to escape from the hood of the car.
Minhyuk’s eyes were wide open. Finally he could wake up from the nightmare, escaping it. He blinked his eyes, slowly getting up to a sitting position. He glanced at the clock on the wall.
3:10am.
He never had such nightmare before. And suddenly, he began to creep out by it. Minhyuk reached out for his phone by the nightstand. He realized that Hoseok did not text him. He bit his lower lips, trying not to let his mind wander to something unnecessary.
He was about to dial Hoseok’s number before seeing a text message from the said person. He carved a small smile on his lips.
“I just got home, babe. I'm hungry but I'm too tired to function. Please don't kill me if I gobble down all the food tomorrow.” Minhyuk wanted to reply but he decided not to. He knew that his message at this hour will worry Hoseok and to think that the man is already tired, Minhyuk decided to not bother him. He placed back the phone back to the nightstand and laid back in bed, pulling the blanket up. He closed his eyes, hoping that this time around he will dream of Hoseok.
The first thing Minhyuk did in the morning was getting ready to go out and head to Hoseok’s. He planned to surprise the man with breakfast at home. He cycled his way towards Hoseok house which is on the other side of the cafe.
As he made a turn from the end of the road, he saw the fortune telling shop sign again. He stopped his bicycle and stared at the shady looking glass door. He couldn't really see through them as it was covered with a curtain from behind the door. Minhyuk hated the fact that it peaks his interest.
Minhyuk went down from his bicycle and brought down the support. He walked closer to the shop, being cautious like as if he’s about to rob the store. Minhyuk reached out for the doorknob and turned it, pushing the door open. He heard the bell rings amidst the door opening. Minhyuk walked into the store. He could smell some kind of an intense woody scent which might come from a burning incense stick. The store looks dim and just by the side of the door, there was a display rack filled with some relics decorations. Minhyuk walked in further when he was welcomed by a guy in a checkered button on and a pair of dark denim jeans. He was almost as tall as Minhyuk and Minhyuk couldn't deny how good looking the guy is. The guy flashed a smile at him.
“Welcome to the fortune telling shop. I am the owner of this shop, Hyungwon. What can I help you with today?” The guy’s smile was still plastered on his face. Minhyuk studied the guy.
Owner of the shop. He looks like someone who can scam anyone. And he doesn't look like a shop owner. More like a model.
Maybe an actor, Minhyuk thought.
“Don’t you think having a fortune telling shop in this century is a bit absurd?” Minhyuk muttered. He saw how Hyungwon walked towards a table which was by the other side of the wall and pulled the chair out. He gestured for Minhyuk to sit.
“You look like someone who lost his past. And you are probably looking for the answer. I can help you.” Minhyuk was surprised by the remark. His mouth was ajar, wanting to say something but his voice was stuck in his throat. It took awhile for Minhyuk to move towards the chair and sat on it. His eyes were staring at a board, something like an Ouija board on top of the table. Hyungwon walked to the other side and sat on the chair opposite of Minhyuk. His hands were clasped together, looking at Minhyuk, studying him. Minhyuk felt insecure all of the sudden. His fingers were fidgeting on the strap of his sling bag.
“Before I proceed with this, what are the chances that whatever you're about to tell me are the truth?” Minhyuk asked, uncertain. He watched how Hyungwon lean back to the chair, a small smile appeared on his lips again, what seems like a sinister smile.
“It's something that defies the logic and probably science. But it's up to you to believe them. I'm only here to offer you help. That is, if you really want to be helped.” Hyungwon’s fingers were tapping on the table, waiting for Minhyuk’s decision. Minhyuk bit his lower lips, thinking. Before Minhyuk could open his mouth and reply, his phone vibrates. He fished it out from his pocket, only to see a message from Hoseok. He paused, the phone screen was still on its lockscreen.
“There's someone that is stopping you.” Minhyuk couldn't tell if Hyungwon was asking or stating the fact. He raised his gaze to meet Hyungwon.
“What's the worst that can happen if I decided to learn about my past?” Minhyuk asked. Hyungwon snickered, something that Minhyuk couldn't define if it's bad or otherwise.
“It's up to you how you want the outcome to be. But I am not liable for anything.” Hyungwon said. He slid his left hand on the table towards Minhyuk and Minhyuk saw underneath Hyungwon’s hand; a piece of watch. When Hyungwon removed his hand, Minhyuk studied the watch.
Nothing abnormal about it. Just like a normal watch.
Right. He might be a step away from getting scam.
“It will bring you back to the past. Just press the side of the watch. And when you want to come back, just press it again.” Hyungwon explained to him. Minhyuk raised one of his eyebrows, taking the watch into his hands and scrutinized it.
No harm in trying right?
Minhyuk didn't think twice the moment he exits the shop. He didn't even think about replying Hoseok. His hands were still holding the watch, waiting for the moment to be disappointed by Hyungwon’s word and got scammed for almost hundred bucks.
Is he so desperate to learn about his past?
Minhyuk closed his eyes and pressed the side of the watch. For a moment, he heard how the needles of the watch stopped moving. Suddenly everything around him felt stagnant. Not even the sound of the passing cars nearby were heard.
Minhyuk opened his eyes slowly. He was still standing by the street where he exited the shop. He rolled his eyes, knowing that he had already been scammed. Minhyuk turned around, wanting to head back to the shop, returned the watch and get back his hundred bucks, with or without force.
But to Minhyuk’s surprise, the fortune telling shop wasn't there. The sign stated some bakery shop. Minhyuk had to squint his eyes, rubbing his eyes thinking that he is seeing it wrong. But he didn't. His eyes didn't deceive him. It is really a bakery.
He blinked, pouting his lips and thinking hard. He must have been dreaming, or probably hallucinating. He slapped his own face, feeling the pain on his cheeks and hissed from the pain. He felt stupid for doing so.
“Minhyuk…” He heard someone calling him. Minhyuk turned around, towards the direction of the voice only to be welcomed by a guy slightly taller than him. His build was almost the same as Hoseok. He was wearing a suit, which Minhyuk recognized it to be one of the high-end brands. Minhyuk had never seen him before, neither did Minhyuk knows him. He is too good looking for Minhyuk to forget such guy even existed in his life.
“You left your portfolio at home. And you needed it for your interview.” The guy extended out his hand and passed to Minhyuk what seems like a folder. If Minhyuk remembered correctly, he didn't have such file and what portfolio is this guy talking about.
“Sorry. Do we know each other?” Minhyuk decided to ask. The guy sighed, his hand dropped to his side.
“You really hate me, don't you?” he said, eyes dropped to the ground. Minhyuk was surprised and he didn't know what to do.
First of all, he doesn't know this guy's name. Secondly, who is this guy and what is their relationship? And lastly, where is he and what is happening?
He probably already offended this guy and the only way to get his questions answered is to act.
Maybe, just maybe the watch really bring him back to the past. And this is, his past.
“I'm sorry. I'm not feeling well. Can you take me home, please?” Minhyuk rubbed his temples, pretending. It didn't take long before Minhyuk felt the guy's hand around his wrist, pulling him somewhere. Minhyuk was stunned, grasping the watch tightly in his hand. Before he knew it, he was shoved into the passenger’s seat of a car.
Minhyuk managed to take a look at the interior of the car before the guy slid into the driver's seat.
Woah. A BMW. Minhyuk thought.
Just who is this guy?
He didn't ask any questions when the guy drove away from the area. Minhyuk looked out of the window. He didn't know what to expect from all of these. His hand was securing the watch around his other wrist, probably the only way to keep it safe.
Minhyuk gasped the moment the car entered gigantic iron gates. Ahead of the gates, he saw a huge white mansion, something that he would only see in movies, or something that he would dream about staying at.
The car came to a halt and before Minhyuk could get out of the car on his own, he was pulled out by the guy. His wrist was being grasped tightly, up to the point that it's hurting Minhyuk. He was being led up the series of staircases, and down a long corridor of the second floor. They entered a room and before Minhyuk could react, he was shoved towards the bed in the room. It made him dizzy for a moment.
“You’re not my husband, aren't you?” Came from the guy. Minhyuk was stunned. He couldn't turn to look at that guy.
Where did he land himself at?
Minhyuk turned his head slowly, smiling sheepishly. He licked his lips, wetting them from being too dry.
“I can explain everything to you but I don't know if you will believe me or not.” Minhyuk said. He was about to get up to a sitting position when the guy pounced on top of him. His huge body towering Minhyuk, eyes looking straight into Minhyuk’s. Minhyuk realized how intimidating his stares are.
“Look. I lost my memory and I came from the future. It's unbelievable that I am able to come back here to relive my memory but as you can see, I can't remember anything.” Minhyuk said in one breath. He gulped, thinking hard again. The guy smiled, the side of his lips raised first and it somehow scares Minhyuk.
“Do you think I will believe your lies? You tried to kill me once and love me for just my wealth. Do you think I'll believe all these stories?” The guy muttered, gritting his teeth. Minhyuk paused, searching for words to say.
If this is really his past, what did he do to deserve this? Why did things turn out to be this way?
And then Minhyuk remembered. He needs to return to the present. It's the only way to escape this.
“Before you kill me, let me do the honor and killing you first. Loving you has killed me enough.” The guy muttered under his breath. Minhyuk shut his eyes tightly. He didn't imagine the past to be this way. He regretted the decision he made now.
Minhyuk’s eyes were wide open the moment the guy fell on top of him, burying his face in the crook of his neck. He didn't move at all, holding Minhyuk in his arms. Minhyuk felt the time stopped for a moment. The scent of this guy's hair… It suddenly felt familiar to Minhyuk. It triggered the dormant cells in Minhyuk's mind. His hands slowly creeping behind the guy’s broad back, hugging him back.
“I'm sorry, Hyunwoo.” Minhyuk heard himself saying but it wasn't loud enough, just above whispers. He closed his eyes, suddenly all of these felt familiar.