Chapter Text
Soulmates soulmates soulmates.
Yeosangs world revolves around them.
He’s been taught all about them ever since he learned how to speak. From his parents, and gradually throughout school. He was patiently told why he can’t see colors properly and how he’ll be able to see them. ( ya know, everyone is born seeing the world in a very muted color palette of washed out dupes of what true colors vibrancy should be. And upon meeting your soul mate the world receives the saturation it’s lacked. )
And ever since the first official lesson in kindergarten where his teacher sat him and all the 5 year olds down to talk about what exactly soulmates have to do with them Yeosang has yet to catch a break.
Where he goes the word soulmate isn’t far behind.
From clickbait videos on “how to act when your first meet your soulmate”, “5 things to do that will guarantee a soulmate”, “how to stay calm when seeing in full for the first time “, he’s very much tired. Forums online talking about their experiences, Jesus Christ don’t get him started on Valentine’s Day that’s the worst week in existence.
And yet with all this in Yeosangs 22 some years of life he has yet to meet his soulmate. His world stays muted and dull and he lives his life. He graduated elementary, middle and high school without finding “the one “ and he doesn’t care anymore he really doesn’t. He’s certain at this point he just doesn’t have a soulmate or maybe they died long before he could meet them. Whatever the case may be, if Yeosang has to hear about soulmates one more time he might self combust.
There are whole groups dedicated to finding people their fated match and it’s not like he hasn’t tired, he has so many times. And each come up with no progress to show for it so he doesn’t bother anymore.
It’s not like he’s not lovable, he’s dated said I love yous, it’s just those damn colors that never seem to come.
At least through all this he has Wooyoung and San to get him through. Loud social butterfly Wooyoung who holds his hand and pats his back whenever he needs a shoulder to cry on. Who’ll cook for him anytime he needs it. He’s known him since kindergarten, they grew up together, and for a while Yeosang thought woo was his soul mate but when the colors never came he just gave up and tucked his crush far far away into the conclaves of his mind.
Confident head strong San who coos at Yeosangs every move, always willing to listen to any and every thing Yeosang has to say. Eyes wide while Yeosang rants about his day. Hes known San from junior year of high school and the trio have been inseparable since. They share the same burden he does, of having no color in their lives so they silently emphasize with each other. It’s never talked about just a simple nod of the head in acknowledgement is enough. They have each other.
They’re all second year college students now, and by some grace of a god out there landed an 3 bedroom apartment close enough to main campus and anything else they could ever need. They split all expenses 3 ways, each having jobs to juggle along side school but they make it work. And for now Yeosang is content with the life he lives. Pulling through and focusing on that damn degree.
He lives a life of harmony together with silent understanding. It’s all very calm.
——-
“Get the fuck up you bastard.”
Yeosang groans pulling the comforter closer to his frame. He screws his eyes shut tighter and ignores the sound of Wooyoung at ungodly hours of the morning here to disturb his peace. His bed is far to comfy to be moving out of.
“Fine don’t come to the cafe with me and Sannie like you promised. “ Wooyoung sighs.
Ah shit was that today ? Yeosang groans again debating on staying in bed for an hour or two but ultimately deciding on getting up.
San and Wooyoung have been pestering him for literally weeks to go out and do something with them. The middle of the spring semester doesn’t allow for much wiggle room that’s for sure. He’s constantly swamped with school work but thankfully spring break is nearing and he’ll catch a break. (Maybe this will be the break he sees in full color. ) Maybe he’ll have long enough to go skating again, his board sits in his closet and has been for moths now. Neglected and ignored. He feels bad for it.
Not wasting anymore time Yeosang drags himself out of bed, shooting Wooyoung a look as he heads into the shared bathroom. He strips and ducks into the shower blasting the hot water into his bare back. He sighs relaxing and lathering body wash in his hands but before he can apply any the bathroom door opens. Yeosang groans drawing the shower curtain and San greets him with a sleepy smile wiggling out of his clothes. The irritation washes off Yeosangs face and is replaced with a warm smile.
“Hey Sangie. Gonna join. “ San mumbles out to him.
Yeosang nods and gestures him in. It’s a snug fit but there’s just enough room for them to move around as they please. San finishes the body wash for Yeosang to his delight and they take turns washing each other’s hair. The lines of their friendship have long since blurred into whatever domestic lifestyle they live now. Yeosang has gotten over San seeing him naked, it’s all platonic. Yeah all platonic.
Yeosangs mind wanders as he closes his eyes for San to rinse the conditioner out of his hair. All platonic huh. He remembers the countless times he and Wooyoung have sloppily kissed after drunken nights out. Or how San will manage to find himself is Yeosangs bed for more then just cuddling. Yeosang shakes his head, all platonic. Yeah.
They manage to finish up and wrap towels around themselves to get dressed for the day. San kisses his cheek and he heads to his room. Yeosang blows him a kiss and San catches it playfully giggling. (Remember all platonic.)
Today is Friday. None of them have classes Friday, Thank god. Friday’s used to be their hangout days, up until Yeosang got swamped with so much work he couldn’t even afford spend an hour away from his laptop. Honestly Yeosang can’t remember the last time he’s been out with them. It hurts, to spend time locked up in his room writing paper after paper while San and Wooyoung sulk in a cafe without him. But his priorities are set on his education damn it, no matter how much he absolutely despises it.
One day Yeosang will grow the balls to defy his parents and do what he wants but for now he’s just surviving.
Yeosang gets his phone out while rummaging through his piles of clothes. He settles on a black trasher tee and black jeans. So what he never out grew his emo phase mind your own business.
Wooyoung and San come bursting through his room in a matter of minutes hands intertwined. Yeosang stares at their hands a moment too long. If either of them notice they don’t say anything.
“Sangie come onnnnnnnnnn I want to get those tarts before they sell out hury up !” Wooyoung pouts.
San laughs and gestures for Yeosang.
Yeosang groans yet again, though he doesn’t mean it. Grabbing the last of his things and stuffing them in his pockets he intertwines his hand with San and they set of for his car. A lovely 2014 Honda Civic. Wooyoungs been saying he’ll get his license since sophomore year and here they are years later with no progress and Yeosang forced to be his chauffeur. San doesn’t really care, he can take the bus he claims. (Yeosang actually likes driving them around, it gives him an excuse to leave his room and get some fresh air.)
The cafe they frequent is called NERO tucked neatly on a busy street corner decorated in what Yeosang assumes to be pastels. There a little more washed out colors then he’s used to. Its cute, the prices are great and the food is amazing. Yeosang loves it here.
The trio sit at their usual booth seat in the corner snuggly against the window. They all older wildly different variations of coffee. An americano for Yeosang, Matcha green tea latte for Wooyoung, and an iced coffee with extra cream for San. The nice waiter/barista tells him it’ll be a few minutes longer then usual since they’re kinda short staffed today. Yeosang tells him, he pauses to read his name tag, Jimin, he tells Jimin it’s all fine and that they’re in no rush. Jimin immediately sighs in relief and thanks them immensely for their patience.
They fill the time talking, bickering, and Wooyoung daring San to put as many tiny sugar cubes that sit on the table in his mouth as he can. Yeosang rolls his eyes and smiles anyway.
They always, always, get the mini fruit tarts. There’s literally no reason to go to NERO if your not buying their tarts. They are to d I e for and best believe if Yeosang could lay down his life right here right now with this pastry he absolutely would.
The food arrives 30 minutes after they place their order which isn’t t h a t bad. Jimin even throws in extra tarts for everyone when he sets their coffee down. Wooyoung silently cheers in his seat.
They eat and have their fill, Yeosang feels content for the first time in a while. San scrolls through his phone while Wooyoung retells a story of how he got some scar on his thigh, ( he went hiking as a field trip in 4th grade and fell, Yeosang knows he was there to see it all happen. Very funny if you ask him. )
San interrupts his thoughts.
“Oooo did you hear about the new media music and arts club ? First meeting is today in one of the art campuses joint class room. We should totally go. “
Yeosang hums as he sips his coffee.
“Media and music arts ? What’s it even about?” Yeosang asks.
“I don’t know all the online flier says that it’s for anyone looking to try new and different things in the arts and music. It says there’s more info and it’s best to just show up to the meeting so they can like go over it and stuff. “ San explains showing them the digital flyer on his phone.
A club doesn’t sound all that bad. Yeosang was looking for something to spend his time on. Maybe this will be his “thing”.
“We should totally go I haven’t joined a club yet this year it’s been pretty bland. Oh my god it’ll be so fun. Like a bonding experience on crack let’s do it. “ Wooyoung cackles at them as he dives into what’s his second pastry of the day.
San grimaces at Wooyoungs antics.
“Sure I’m game. You guys owe me gas money though the art campus is so far from here Jesus.“ Yeosang shrugs. He’s joking, and the pair know it.
San and Wooyoung take a moment to fake ponder their answer, deeply stroking their fake beards.
“Deal” they say in unison.
They spend they rest of the early afternoon passing time in the lovely little cafe. Yeosang is feeling the excitement pool in his chest. A club means new people, he’s a bit nervous but for some reason the excitement out ways his nerves. He feels really good about today.
——————-
“Jesus Christ could they have chosen a worse place for the first meeting where the fuck is this room. “ Yeosang groans. He’s been groaning a lot lately.
They’ve been circling the same 3 hallways in search for room 332A for about an hour now and there’s absolutely no sign of it. They’ve seen 332B and even 223A but damn they can’t find they one they actually need. Yeosangs pride have stopped them from asking directions thus far.
“Just ask for directions at the main office. Maybe they’ll have a map ? I don’t know. “ Wooyoung sigh.
“Yeah let’s just go to the office and hopes there’s some one there with directions. “ San agrees.
Yeosang caves in and nods his head while they make their way to the main office.
Thanks to the nice reception lady it turns out room 332A is in the other end of the building for some god forsaken reason. Hurriedly down the hallways they go hands interwoven muttering excuses as they pass students and faculty alike in their rush.
By some miracle they make it and gently knock on the door. A shorter man with wild red? It looks like red to Yeosang, red hair and a patch work of clothes welcomes them in. Dozens of tattoos peek from where the long sleeves of his cardigan are rolled up and where it hangs low from his collar bones. It takes a second for Yeosang to get over just how gorgeous he is. Everything about him is so, wow okay yeah Yeosang is definitely staring now.
Behind him stands a taller man with darker hair and stern face. He wears a simple hoodie over washed out jeans.
“Hi hi ! Are you hear for the media music and arts club ?” He says gesturing them forward.
“Yeah but damn this room was basically impossible to find. “ San huffs as he drags himself and the rest of woosang through the door.
“Oh yeah sorry about that we were originally in one of the smaller lecture halls but eco debate took it last minute. “ the red head explains.
Yeosang takes a moment to look around the room, it looks like any other class room, though boxes and tubs of what looks like paint and other art supplies lay on on the floor. There’s two other people further back in the class room. Yeosang can’t make out any faces from here. They turn at the new arrivals and make their way to the front of the class room where an array of chairs and beanbags stand.
Yeosang nods at the red head as they each take their seats. He sits with San and Wooyoung in a larger beanbag. Legs tangled and Wooyoung who almost bites Sans shoulder but they settle down soon enough.
The taller one who was near the back sits in a chair barely containing the excitement in his seat while his companion sits next to him in one of the class room chair/desk things.
The red head claps his hands excitedly when everyone gets comfy and begins introductions.
“So, I’m Hongjoong ! I’m a 3rd year fine arts major, and Leader and creator of this club. Thank you so much for showing interest !“ Hongjoong says, nudging the man next to him.
“Um hello. I’m Seonghwa. I’m a 3rd year pre vet major and I’m co creator of this club. Thank you for joining us. “ Seonghwa says as he clasps his hands together.
There’s silence for a moment too long before Wooyoung breaks it excitedly.
“Hi !! I’m Wooyoung, I’m a 2nd year dance major and I really don’t know anything about this club. “ he concluds with a smile.
San goes next.
“Hey I’m San, I major in psychology and minor in dance. Oh I’m in my second year too. “
Followed by Yeosang.
“Hello I’m Yeosang. I’m a 2nd year English major. Yeah. “
Hongjoong claps his hands silently when the trio concludes their introductions while turning to the tall man and his friend.
“Oh my god hi! I’m Yunho, 2nd year dance major and a minor in political science. Nice to meet you all !” He says excitedly. Barely pausing to take a breath.
The man next to him smiles softly.
“I’m Jongho, 1st year classical music major. “ he mumbles picking at the ends of his sleeves .
“Theres actually one more person who’ll be joining us. Mingi, he’s in the back right now getting stuff out let me go get him. “ Hongjoong says springing from his seat.
But before he can go anywhere what Yeosang assumes to be Mingi walks in and his whole world changes.
Color blooms gradually seeping into his vision coming to life. He watches as the dull green of the carpet blossoms into a vibrant lush color new to him. The walls erupt with crisp clean saturation, he stares at his hands, life slowly coloring them in, the tips a peachy pink. His t shirt no longer dead and dull but a bold stark black that almost hurts to look at. The posters that line the walls of the classroom burst at the seems with so many blues and yellows, purples and greens. Yeosang is going to cry. His soulmate. He’s finally found them.
Tears well in his eyes but San grabs at him feverishly, breaking him from the daze he’s in.
“Yeo....did you...” His voice is barely a whisper.
Yeosang turns to look at Wooyoung who’s eyes dart around the room feverishly. Could it be?
Yeosang takes Wooyoung and San hands in his. They’ve been waiting so fucking long for this. They deserve this.
He stares at the other people in the room, the same shock and tears mirror on their faces as well. No fucking way. Silence sits heavy in the air, nothing more then shallow breathes echoing off the walls.
Maybe Yeosang should’ve watched that “what to do when you find your soulmate “ video. At least it would give him a clue of what the actual fuck to do.
Hongjoong is the first to speak. He’s still standing, though grabbing onto Seonghwas shoulder for support.
“Was that..did.. did that happen to everyone?” His voice is hoarse, as if he’s fighting off tears. Yeosang doesn’t blame him.
Half hearted nods are shared throughout.
“Okay okay. Fuck sorry. This was supposed to be a club meeting but obviously that’s gonna he thrown out the window. “
Yeosang is shaking and both San and Wooyoung share the feeling.
“I’ve heard of poly soulmates, but never 8. “ Seonghwa mumbles.
“Just to clarify, no one saw in full until Mingi walked in right ?” Hongjoong asks.
More nods follow.
“Yeah okay, then that means the eight of us are.... “ Hongjoongs voice dies near the end.
Yunho and Jongho step out of the room for a breather. Mingi goes into the back wiping tears from his eyes. Seonghwa and Hongjoong whisper among themselves. And San, Wooyoung and Yeosang simply sit holding each other. The emotions coursing through them is too much for words.
Hongjoong goes around asking everyone to come back inside so they can talk over this mess.
When everyone comes back sniffling, faces puffy and red Hongjoong speaks once more.
“Well we better know where each of us stand on this. Soulmate business is complicated even with just 2 people. 8 is gonna be interesting. I think we should try it out, get to know each other and all that jazz. Same thing with regular soulmates but 8. “
7 whole soulmates.
“Yeah I agree. So just go around introducing yourself to Mingi and what you think about the idea of trying it out. As well as anything else you want us to know “ Seonghwa speaks up.
Yeosang takes a deep breath in and introduces himself again
“Hello Mingi, I’m Yeosang 2nd year English major. “
“Hey Mingi, I like your tattoos I’m Wooyoung. 2nd year dance major. “
“I’m San, 2nd year psych major and dance minor. “
Mingi nods timidly .
“Mingi already knows me, but I think trying this whole thing out is a good idea. We’re soulmates for a reason right ? You should know I get pretty clingy really fast. “ Yunho explains.
“Mingi also knows me already. Yeah trying things out is cool with me. I just need to know exactly how. I don’t like the idea of going in blind on something like this. “ Jongho says.
“Um Seonghwa and I are a thing. We’ve been together for 3 years now but are more then open to adding all of you into our lives. “ Hongjoong states.
“I’m hi I’m Mingi. 2nd year chem major. And I’m really sensitive so please take your time with me. “ he mumbles sniffing into his sleeve.
Yeosangs internally coos at him. He’s literally adorable.
“Yeah I agree with Jongho. A plan we def need. How about just hanging out together first ? Then in pairs trios whatever. I’ll make a group chat go ahead and out your numbers in. “ Hongjoong passes his phone around and pings sound when he sends a little hello to create the gc.
“We can start now ? On the whole getting to know each other thing. Or go somewhere more private and not a spare class room ? “ Seonghwa offers.
“Yeah can we head somewhere else ?” Yunho breathes out.
Nods follow and it’s a unanimous decision to lock up and leave.
“We can go to my house? I have the space for everyone. Unless someone has another idea !” Seonghwa breathes out.
“No no that’s fine we can go to yours. I drove here and I have room for 2 more people in my car. “ Yeosang says.
“Yeah same so I can fit like 4 people. “ Mingi says.
“Mines a 2 seater so I can only take one person, sorry. “ Seonghwa mumbles.
“I didn’t bring my car Mingi drove me. “ Yunho says.
“That’s fine I’ll send my address and everyone can pick who you want to ride with in the mean time. “ Seonghwa says fishing his phone from his back pocket.
Unsurprisingly Jongho Yunho chooses with Mingi. Hongjoong with Seonghwa. And San Wooyoung with Yeosang. Basically the same as how they came.
“Okay well I’ll see you there. I’ll get a head start. “ Seonghwa explains.
Hongjoong packs tubs and containers of art supplies neatly while Yunho and Mingi help carry the rest out to Seonghwas car.
Wooyoung and San get up stretching their legs while Yeosang fumbles for his keys.
What a fucking day it’s been. If only his kindergarten teacher would see him now. Take that Miss Kim.
The walk to the parking lot is quiet, Yeosang almost cries when he sees the sky thought. It’s so blue and beautiful. The grass is so green. His car is also very red. This is basically the best day he’s ever had. And funny enough they each parked close to each other.
Yeosang almost looses his damn mind when he sees the car Seonghwa steps into. 2020 Jaguar F-Type So the mans loaded, lovely. There’s no way the average college student has the money for a fucking Jaguar laying around. Yeosang thinks he’s getting light headed.
Everyone says rushed goodbyes and Yeosang unlocks his car while Wooyoung slides into the passenger and gets google maps up. Yeosang sighs slipping into his seat and takes a moment to close his eyes. The day he’s had so far huh.
“Sangie, you good ?” Wooyoung gently nudges his shoulder.
Yeosang opens his eyes and gives him a smile.
“Yeah all good. Just pretty crazy turn of events huh.” He chuckles.
“Do you think we should tell them about us? Like our relationship?” Wooyoung questions.
Yeosang frowns.
“I guess but let’s not think to hard. We have other people to worry about now. “ Yeosang scoffs.
“Right ? Did you see Yunho ? I think I came in my pants just looking at him he’s so fine. “ San groans from the back seat.
“Your disgusting you know that ?” Wooyoung scoffs.
“No. I’m just horny. Next. “ San defends himself.
“Yeah yeah whatever. Better buckle up this dude lives a good 40 mins away. “ Yeosang warns while looking at Wooyoungs screen and putting his seatbelt on.
“Did you see his car ? He’s gotta be loaded. Oh my god soulmate and a sugar daddy ? Someone hold me. “ Wooyoung sighs dreamily.
The trio chuckle among themselves. Wooyoung connects his phone for both music and GPS while San practically begs him not to play blood sweat and tears for the whole car ride. They’re acting normal for now, ignoring the puffy eyes and blotchy red faces they all sport. Or maybe the reality of the situation hasn’t set in and they’re all delirious. Either way Yeosang thinks he’s having fun. Thinks is the key word here.
Yeosang sets the keys in and goes to turn his car on, but to his horror his car doesn’t start properly. What a lovely day indeed.