Chapter Text
"Wanna hang-out today? Seungwoo-hyung's treating!"
"Not coming. There's this biology report and notes that I need to finish before tomorrow."
The tall male frowned. "Come on, It's due 10 am tomorrow, you can hang out with us now and finish the homework after."
"If I finished it faster, I got plenty of time to continue the periodic table infographic after."
Byungchan once again, shaking off his head while side-eyeing his best friend that was just coming out from the counselling room after talking about post-graduation plans. Does his best bro even have free days in while? Even if he had one, Byungchan already knows what Yuvin is going to spend it on. Sitting in the library with a CSAT-support book in front of him, not including a few notebooks that he brought along just because...
"They all have different functions. This green one is to write science subjects’ formulas, while this grid one for grammar and literacy. It's good to balance your study materials, or you get dizzy easily." Yuvin said. Hearing the 'study' words already makes Byungchan's head explode. He rolled his eyes.
"To be honest? Vin-ie? There's nothing wrong to have tiny bits of entertainment, you know. I mean you already done a lot...come on! You don't even need to spend any money this time! Like I said, Seungwoo-hyung's treat! I'll buy you some leek pancakes too if you come along!" Byungchan said, with his casual excited tone. Suddenly Byunchan's phone ringing from his pants.
"Oh! Kookheon's calling. He's probably waiting for me already."
"Anyway! Song Yuvin! Remember! Tonight! 9 p.m on Yuja Dakgalbi Hongdae Branch!"
Yuvin remained silent while looking at the taller male that was beside him before, now ran away toward the wider corridor that leads to the school's entrance.
He knows he's being hard as always, but he can't help it. His parents want to see him entering the medical department in one of the top universities in Korea. And having fun pretty much equals to making his goals seems a little bit further, although his parents never push Yuvin that hard. It's just him.
Yuvin decided to brush off the thoughts and head back to his class, picking up his bag. Yes, the bell had rung 15 minutes ago right before Byungchan asked him to join the night-out. Byungchan already brought his own bag but didn't bring Yuvin's because he thought Yuvin's counselling time would be quite long. Yuvin didn't even protest about the notion because he felt it unnecessary .
There are few students left in his class which some of them are still talking about random things, and Yuvin being Song Yuvin, immediately pack and leave the class without wasting anytime, yet still manage to bow slightly to his classmates just for formalities.
His timing is perfect. Once he arrives at the bus station, the bus that passes through his favorite library also arrives not long after. It takes only 10 minutes and once he got down from the bus, he noticed some students that wear the same uniform as him also get down in this library's bus stop. The number of them pretty much increased than last week when he also came here for the same reason as his fellow schoolmates, that is because CSAT are less than five months, libraries are more crowded than before. Yuvin did not feel irritated but rather glad just because that's what they should be spending their time on.
But expectations aren't the same as reality. Yuvin chose the 3rd floor because he wants to study Biology today and this floor mainly features the natural science section. And some students—although not all—that he saw earlier, turns out only displaying their textbooks in open and chit-chatting.
Annoying.
The first word that comes in Yuvin's mind after seeing that. He ignored them completely and checked his phone for digital notes about the report's topic while he walks to the Biology sections. Circulatory system, of course. Just when Yuvin finally found the supporting book for his topic, he notices another hand also trying to reach the same book. But since the book was already touched by Yuvin's finger before, the other owner retreated in shock but gave up in the end. Yuvin turned to look at the owner of the hand.
A boy. Pretty much the same height around his own. Fair skin, pitch black strands, plump lips, and round-silver glasses on his sharp nose. Yuvin also noticed that he's wearing the same institution uniforms as him, but in catholic school uniform style. "Produce High student?" He thought.
"Ah so sorry!"
Yuvin raised his left eyebrow.
"I was meant to borrow that book for report....but if you need it the—"
"What topics?"
"Huh?"
"What topics did you choose? We're from the same high school anyway, and you're probably seniors like me because this report assignment was pre-CSAT requirement too, am I wrong?"
The younger male went quite for a while, before he mumbled,
".....Respiratory system."
Yuvin nods a little. "No wonder, so you're also taking human's anatomy topics too."
The younger male giggles, and Yuvin could see his bunny teeth poking out.
"I have no other choices. I've been interested in that topic since 1st grade, now that i'm writing a report about it, I got pretty excited. Biology is the best subject out there too afterall! Studying human anatomy, other living things, and ecosystem in such a natural way, I'm pretty much in!"
Yuvin shocked. His eyes didn't got wide open but he's currently stuck in a very interesting moment. Meeting someone that pretty much have the same interest as him, and saying a subject is interesting. Even his best friend never willing to stand his over-curious behavior and often want to get things done quickly. But this boy in front of him now, not even irritated with the fact that he took the book that he intent to borrow as well. Instead, he's naturally responding Yuvin's small talks. Yuvin can't even find any fakeness in his tone.
"Share."
The boy got confused. "Huh?"
"Let's just share this book. I actually need it for my Circulation system report. You can borrow this first and later I—"
"No!"
Yuvin jerked his body a bit in shock to the younger male's small shout.
"Oooh...I mean, it's not that I don't want to share it but…besides using this book, perhaps...you also wanna borrow my notes? My circulation system notes are quite detailed because I've been reviewing it last week. If....you want to...?"
Yuvin thought for a while, then nodded. "That's fine for me. Thanks for the offer. Then maybe we should exchange notes as well, if you would like to see my respiratory system notes. Song Yuvin." Yuvin offered his right hand.
"Kim Yohan." The younger male replied with a handshake. Once again, Yuvin could see his bunny teeth coming out along with the bright smile.
.
.
.
"Yuvin-ssi, I think I never really saw you in high school. Did you join any clubs?" Yohan asked, while lending Yuvin the supporting textbook to him after he finished.
Yuvin nods a little while opening the book and reading the index. "I’m actually in choir and music clubs. But I don't get spotlights that much." Yuvin isn't lying. There are other students who were better than himself when it comes to singing or playing instruments. Like Han Seungwoo and Cho Seungyoun which both were his closest seniors who graduated last year, Yuvin’s close friends after Byungchan—Kim Kookheon—or even freshman Kim Minkyu. He usually only played piano both for choir and music club, and only been around the 2nd or 3rd row when performing for choir.
"But you're cool, Yuvin-ssi!! You're studying a lot but still willing to help clubs you're in." Yohan praised him.
"Cool, huh?" Yuvin mumbled inside. He sometimes heard those words from someone else, when they knew about his multiple interests, despite being well-known for his studying frequency.
".....you don't want to know anything about me?" Later, Yohan asked. Yuvin raises his eyebrows.
"We're here to study."
"Of course, but we exchange notes too. We're acquaintances now. At least we should know about each other! Or you probably know a little bit about me from school!"
Yuvin stops writing, and faces Yohan.
"Just for your information, I rarely went to the cafeteria during break-time because I bring my own lunch. I don’t even absorb any information from hall gathering. So I'm sorry if I have no clue about you at all just in case you're one of the famous school dudes." Geez, talking that much draining lots of Yuvin's energy.
Yohan was kinda surprised, but he laughed after that. "Wow, now you're finally talking." He said.
"I'm a taekwondo club member. I'm often in the main lineup for province-level competition but so far I only won three times in my high school years."
"That's actually something to be proud of, Yohan-ssi."
"Really?"
Yuvin nod to convince the younger male. Not long after that Yohan looked at his surroundings.
"Do you like the current place we're sitting?"
Yuvin hesitated to make even a slight gesture, but he ended up nodding anyway.
Yohan giggles again. "I actually like studying on long tables near the lift. It has wide space and sunlight but students who came recently are being too loud, I ended up removing myself from that area."
"I thought I was the only one who found them annoying..."
"Trust me, you're not alone. But anyway this place is nice too, isn't it? This area was meant for two people or loners. We still got lights from the windows as well." Yohan smiled. Yuvin spontaneously agreed. Who doesn't love quiet space and atmosphere for studying anyway?
But Yuvin starting to feel a bit weird. He never felt this excited when hearing someone's talking to him. He can even count how many times he feels excited when Jinhyuk-hyung or Kookheon start a convo about gaming or football match, which both are other hobbies that Yuvin likes to do if he's free or in the sporty mood, which are almost rare. Perhaps Yuvin finally found another person that he could relate to.
"Of course. Oh by the way, do you have any notes about this part right? I can't seem to find it in this book." Yuvin asked. They're going back to a proper and serious studying session again.
"Ah! It's almost 8.30 p.m!" Yohan said, after he took a slight glance at his watch. Both of them are currently opening their laptops. Although they've finished the report and completed their notes, Yuvin still wanted to do more work like the infographic assignment he had mentioned to Byungchan at the end of the school. The library used to be open for 24 hours, but as for today, it'll be closed by 9 p.m because some staff are getting sick from the unstable summer weather, so they run out of people to be in charge, and it's impossible to run a longer shift for them, logically.
Yuvin looked at Yohan, who's now starting to pack, and he followed because it might be scary to wonder in the library late when it's closing too soon. Both of them finish packing after a few minutes. They're also returning the book they've borrowed to the 3rd floor's receptionist with Yuvin actually filling his library card because he wanted to take home one book for upcoming assignment references. Yohan waited for him so they're walking outside the library together.
"Are you taking the bus as well?" Yohan asked.
Yuvin nodded. "Yeah, although i actually don't know if I should come home or..."
"Or..?" Yohan mirrored, was confused by his open ended sentences.
"....hanging out with my friends."
"The senior who's pretty close with me kinda wanted to treat us because we haven't met that often ever since he went to university. But I might as well want to skip it because I can continue-"
"I think you should join them, Yuvin-ssi."
Yuvin gazed at the younger male. "I mean if I were you, I would actually go hanging out with them. There's so many things you will probably regret if you don't come." Yohan explained.
Yuvin raised his eyebrows. "But I can probably see this senior later. He studied in Seoul too anyway, we could manage time to set dates for hangout."
Instead of getting irritated, Yohan, once again, giggled. Yuvin got more confused.
"It's not about 'we can probably see each other again'. It's the moment. Your senior is kind enough to spare his time for you guys in between his busy schedule or assignments that probably formed a stack now. I understand that getting into university is pretty competitive and you're probably afraid of not passing if you didn't keep studying. But for once, try appreciating others' effort for you, Yuvin-ssi. We can never turn back the time. Live your youth to the fullest, and friendship is also one of the things we should never take for granted. Losing your friends could be the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone and of course, we don't want that." Yohan said, smiling gently.
Yuvin remained silent, but he realized that Yohan is actually right. Maybe this certain opportunity won't be available in the future because nobody could guarantee it. Maybe that's why Byungchan gave so much effort when it comes to reminding him to rest. Everyone should not live only for their own, they should actually live their best with others, which is why every human was born to be social creatures after all. Making moments, living their life and the current time to the fullest, are probably one of many things Yuvin should pay attention more.
Yohan noticed that Yuvin hadn't spoke any words since his rumbles, so he's getting nervous.
"Yuvin-ssi?? Did I just say something wrong??? I'm so sorry if I—"
Yuvin shook his head. "No, nothing wrong."
"It's just that, after hearing your advice, I'm trying to reconsider my plan for tonight."
Yohan didn't say any words after, but later he felt relieved, because he's glad that he didn't say anything wrong nor has he accidentally hurts Yuvin. Not long after that, Yohan noticed a bus coming. It's still pretty far but he chose to move forward to the passenger queue line on the sidewalk.
"My bus is coming."
Yuvin noticed, and he instantly stood as well. Out of consciousness, Yuvin spoke.
"Can we meet again? In this library?" He asked.
Yuvin just realized what he just said. But he can't take it back, especially after seeing Yohan's surprised face, that somehow quickly turns into a much more calm expression.
"Thursday as well? After school?" Yohan asked him back to make sure. Yuvin nodded, and the younger smiled.
"Can I have your Kakao ID? So we could plan times or anything?" Yohan asked.
Yuvin nodded, then gave Yohan the ID.
"I'll make sure to message you later. See you next Thursday, Yuvin-ssi."
Yuvin waved his hand. Once Yohan already entered the bus, he's back to the seating facility. Something hits Yuvin. He felt different ever since he's back from school this afternoon. He reminisces how he and Yohan naturally click with each other, and for some reason, it looks like they're now probably a studying partner because of the biology note exchanges. He wonders though, has he ever talked that much like this afternoon to other people before? Why is he even looking forward to seeing this acquaintance of him next week? Or is it just a spontaneous response because you're befriending another same-interest person outside the school environment? Who knows? Song Yuvin being Song Yuvin just easily brushes his current thoughts off.
His eyes later move to the bus schedule and destination. He has made up his decision, to wait for 10 minutes, for the bus to Hongdae direction instead of his house.
"Whoa, Yuvin!! You came?? And just in time!!" Byungchan shouted. He's truly surprised to see Yuvin's figure approaching and now, entering the small chicken resto where his group of friends intended to meet up.
"I went straight from the library, which is why the uniform is still here." Yuvin said.
"It's not like our usual Vin-ie....I thought you would go directly to your house." Seungyoun commented.
"I'm hungry and it'll be too late if I had dinner at home. I didn't even think about visiting a convenient store for a quick snack. Like I said, I'm heading here straight from the library." Yuvin explained. His group of friends just nod in unison. Seungwoo then asks what he wants to drink while they're waiting for the chicken to arrive. Yuvin also didn't forget to demand Byungchan for the leek pancakes treat because he's truly hungry.
5 minutes later, a glass of free-refill cola and a plate of leek pancakes, along with pickled radish and kimchi are already in front of him. Yuvin forgot to contact his mom that he'll be eating outside because he's too busy studying the whole evening. He sends his mom a message. Once he finished sending and his mom read the message, Yuvin noticed a new message from Kakaotalk. As soon as he opened it, he saw a familiar face on its profile picture.
-Anonymous-
Hello Yuvin-ssi! This is Kim Yohan, your study partner this afternoon ^ ^
Have you arrived home safely?
Or are you eating with your friends now?
Well, whatever it is, I hope you enjoy it. Stay healthy :)
Yuvin didn't smile, but his inner self couldn't lie.
"Cute." He thought.
He wrote a few things to Yohan. And once he sends it, the chicken arrives. He didn't forget to take a few pictures.
"Wow, you take pictures. What for?" Byungchan asked.
"Mom. Since I'm not joining dinner at home." Yuvin answered. Byungchan just nodded and continued picking up the fried chicken in front of him to his own plate.
Meanwhile Yuvin's thumb moves to Kakao platform instead, and opened the most recent chat he had.
Hi, Yohan-ssi.
Thanks, I'll enjoy tonight
Song Yuvin sent a picture.
Garlic Soy Chicken