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Jaehyun had his life planned out at 14; go to college, be the best Chemical Engineer to ever sprout from his university, then work diligently until the day he dies. But unfortunately, life had its own plan for him. And on his eighteenth birthday, he found himself being wheeled into an ambulance after a hit and run accident. It’s all funny, he thinks. One minute he was blowing out his birthday cake, and the next, he was seeing red all over.
Day after day, he’d spend it within the four corners of the hospital, and any improvement he makes today, gets debunked tomorrow. It’s an endless cycle of feeling hopeful one day, and devastation the next.
And then one day, his world stopped. “Given your current condition, I’m giving you about six months left, Jaehyun. I’m so sorry.” Yeah, that totally didn’t hurt at all. In fact, he’s never felt number before than he does now. The words ‘six months left’ just slapped across his face just like that.
But amidst all the negative things piling in his life, there’s still hope. ‘There’s always hope,’ his older cousin, Johnny would say.
“How about this, come to Chicago and let’s get you a second opinion, yeah? Chicago’s got all the latest medical equipment.”
“Hyung, I don’t think my parents can even afford a plane ticket there, not to mention the hospital bills afterwards.”
“It’s fine, Jae. We can work something out. It’s better than sitting down on that hospital bed knowing that anything they do to you isn’t working.”
“Have we ever thought that maybe I’m just broken beyond repair?”
“Have faith in yourself, Jae. You’ll pull through!”
“I wish I was as optimistic as you are, hyung.”
“We won’t know the results unless we try, do we?”
And maybe he does let himself be persuaded, because four months after his birthday, he finds himself again hopping on a plane to Chicago. Oh, how he’s missed the city.
“You’re here!” His cousin cheers.
“Wish it was under a different circumstance, though.”
“Nonsense! You’re here regardless!”
And as if luck would have it, Jaehyun’s new doctor tells them of a new medical technique that might just do the trick. If the stars are aligned for him, then he may partially recover from his injuries. But if the surgery fails, then it’s game over for him.
Now it’s just a waiting game, Johnny says to himself to keep himself calm.
One hour, three hours, eight hours, ten hours, thirteen hours later and the doctor comes out with devastating news – It didn’t work. And to make things worse, a complication during surgery resulted in Jaehyun being paralyzed from the neck down. No one knows how long his paralysis will last, but for Jaehyun, he can’t be bothered anymore. He had already died the day he was hit by that car. Everything else that happens afterwards is him just going with the flow.
“We tried, hyung. You tried your very best and it just wasn’t meant to be.” Jaehyun tries to console his older cousin.
“We can still ask for a third opinion!” Johnny argues.
“No more, hyung. I’m tired. If anything, this is better because I don’t have to do anything anymore.”
“Jaehyun, please!”
“Although I do have a favor, though.”
“What’s that?”
“Do you remember when we were in Jilin ten years ago?”
“Yeah?”
“Do you remember that boy that we met at the park eating ice cream by himself?”
“Wow Jae, did your injury sharpen your memory or something?” Johnny jokes to lighten the mood.
“Not funny, hyung.”
“Sorry, but go on.”
“What do you think he’s doing now?”
“I don’t know, Jae. Maybe living his life?”
“Can you find him for me?”
That Johnny did not expect.
“Are you crazy? How the hell am I supposed to find him?”
“Please?” Jaehyun begs. Johnny sees it. Faintly, but sees it. The light of hope in Jaehyun’s eyes. It’s back but it’s only a tiny spark for now.
“All of a sudden?”
“I don’t really know why I’m asking you this, but while I was in surgery, I suddenly dreamt that I was back in Jilin and he was there, all grown up, but still eating ice cream by himself.”
“Did you see his face?”
“Not really. His face was blurry.”
“Jae, we probably played with him for a total of like, I don’t know, ten minutes maybe? How the hell do you still remember him?” Johnny points out.
“I don’t really know, hyung. But this is a sign, right? That we should find him?”
“Do you remember his name?”
No? But I do remember that he has a birthmark on his right hand.”
“Yeah, that totally narrows it down, Jae.”
“Please?” Jaehyun pleads again.
“God, Jae. If only you were able to feel pain right now, I would’ve kicked you in the balls with how impossible your favor is.”
“Can’t you try to get Doyoung hyung on this? Doesn’t he work for the Make A Wish Foundation? Maybe he can help?”
“Okay, you got me. But if this doesn’t work, then we forget about him, okay?”
“Thank you, hyung.”
“You’re lucky I love you.”
“Love you too, hyung.”
Johnny couldn’t say no. Of course, he’d say yes. His cousin was terminally ill and nothing in life excites him anymore except for that kid they met in Jilin all those years ago. God, he looks like a complete idiot right now pacing back and forth at the hospital cafeteria trying to think of a way to find a random person. But he takes a deep breath and decides to face time Doyoung regardless.
Johnny: Hi!
Doyoung: It’s like two am, what are you doing?
J: Jaehyun just got out surgery and well, it didn’t go as planned.
D: I’m so sorry, Johnny.
J: Well, there’s nothing we can do about it now, can we? Even Jaehyun himself had already given up.
D: Do you think you can hold up?
J: God, Doyoung, I don’t know. But enough about me. I called because I have a question to ask.
D: What’s that?
J: So, there’s this boy Jaehyun and I met in Jilin, China like ten years ago and –
D: You want us to find him, don’t you?
J: Something like that, yeah.
D: Do you remember his name?
J: No.
D: Oh, great.
J: But he does have a birthmark on his right hand, I think? I hope I remembered it right.
D: And what am I supposed to do with that information?
J: I don’t know, really.
D: Do you remember how old he was when you met him?
J: He was younger than Jaehyun, that’s for sure.
D: Yeah, that totally helps!
J: Please, Doyoung! Jaehyun is literally begging at this point! I haven’t seen him be this determined since his accident!
D: I’ll see what I can do, alright? But I can’t make any promises.
J: That’s all I need. Thank you!
D: Alright. Go to sleep. It looks like you really need it.
J: And you too. I’m sorry for disturbing your sleep.
D: Ah, it’s okay.
J: Goodnight.
D: Goodnight, hyung.
Doyoung processes his conversation with Johnny and can’t help but think how out of character Jaehyun’s request was. The younger was definitely not the one to keep track of his peers, let alone someone he met ten years ago in a different country. But then again, life threatening injuries can change people. He looks at the clock, and notices that It’s about three pm in Shanghai right now. Well, he has to start somewhere.
To: Kun
Doyoung: Kun, how big is Jilin?
Kun: Weird question, but it’s not that big. Why?
D: Do you know a boy a with a birthmark on his right hand?
K: There’s like twenty four million people in Jilin, you gotta be more specific
D: Ah, I know this was futile.
K: Why?
D: There’s this kid that’s terminally ill and apparently, he met a friend in Jilin some ten years ago and wants to reconnect.
K: That’s tough. 😐 I can ask around though?
D: Thanks, Kun.
K: Hey, anytime!
After Kun deemed that Doyoung isn’t going to reply to him anymore, he turns to his younger cousin who was nose deep in his homework.
“Ah – Chen, do you perhaps know someone with a birthmark on their right hand?”
“For the last time, Ge. Please don’t talk to me about your crime stories. I’m trying to do my homework.”
“Rude! But that’s not it! A friend of mine is looking for someone with a birthmark on their right hand who lives in Jilin.”
“Oh!” Chenle’s face lit up. “I know someone who was from Jilin and has a birthmark!”
“Really? Who?”
“Renjun – ge”
“Wait, isn’t he your math tutor?”
“Yeah!”
“Can I have his number?”
“Okay? But don’t try to do anything funny, okay? I actually understand my math lessons because of him.”
“I’m not going to scare him away! I’m just going to ask him a question.”
“Okay, fine.” Chenle hands him his phone with Renjun’s contact on the screen. Kun quickly types it in his phone and immediately messages the younger.
To: Renjun
Kun: Hello!
Renjun: Hi? Do we know each other?
K: I’m Kun, Chenle’s older cousin?
R: Oh, hello Kun – ge!
K: This is going to sound really weird, but can I see your picture from ten years ago?
R: Uhhh
K: That sounds weird, I’m sorry. But my friend is looking for someone from Jilin with a birthmark on their hand and Chenle told me that you fit that description.
R: That sounds oddly specific but okay
- pic –
Here
K: Thank you! I’ll send this to my friend and ask if you’re the one they’re looking for!
R: As long as I don’t get kidnapped
K: Thank you, Renjun!
R: - emoji –
To: Doyoung
Kun: I know it’s like three am where you are right now but
- pic –
Send this to your friend, yeah? This might be him
Doyoung: Already? God, you and your ways.
Teach me your ways, O great one.
K: heh
D: But thank you! I’ll send it to them right away!
K: Sure sure
Johnny wakes up to Doyoung poking his cheek and holding a paper bag that smells a lot like a ham sandwich. “Wake up, sleepyhead.”
“You’re here early.”
“Yeah, I have a meeting with another patient in an hour. But I talked to Kun last night and he sent me this picture.” Doyoung whips out his phone and hands it to Johnny.
“Shit, Doyoung! That’s him!” Johnny whisper yells, trying hard not to wake up Jaehyun.
“You’re joking? We got it right on the first try?”
“I’m going to wake up Jae, hold on!” Johnny excitedly sits up and pats Jaehyun on the leg to try and wake him up.
“Higher.” Doyoung deadpans as he takes out the sandwiches he made.
“Oh, right.” A laugh escapes Johnny’s lips as he remembers his cousin’s condition. “Hey!” He pokes Jaehyun’s dimple. “I’ve got some news you’d want to hear!”
“If it’s not a Girls Generation comeback then I don’t want to hear it.” Jaehyun manages through his sleepiness.
“Oh, but this is way, way better. You might want to see this.” Johnny holds up the phone in front of Jaehyun’s face.
“Who – “ Jaehyun mutters as he tries to get his eyes to focus. “Who – oh my, God! It’s him!”
“You’re welcome.” Doyoung calls out from the table.
“Thank you, hyung!” Jaehyun beams, dimples on full display. “Where is he right now?”
“He’s in Shanghai right now.” Doyoung informs.
“Can he come to Chicago?”
“You’re joking, right?” Johnny breaks from beside him. “Didn’t you hear Doyoung? He’s all the way in Shanghai right now!”
“But I can’t fly to Shanghai, can I?”
“You’re tripping.”
“No, I’m not. Besides, isn’t it summer there right now? Can’t he come for the summer?”
To: Renjun
Kun: Remember when I asked for your picture?
Renjun: Yeah?
K: Apparently, you were the one they were looking for.
R: HUH?
K: Do you remember meeting two Korean boys ten years ago?
R: I don’t really remember, ge. I was really young back then.
K: Well, he remembers you.
R: And?
k: He’s in Chicago right now seeking treatment.
R: For what?
K: An accident left him paralyzed and with a prognosis of less than six months and it would mean the world to him if you went to him.
R: But I don’t remember him at all.
K: - pic –
This was him ten years ago, ring any bell?
R: Not really.
K: Well, guess that’s that. But my question is, do you wanna go to Chicago for the summer?
R: WHAT
K: Your expenses will be paid for by the foundation. I promise you. You won’t have to spend a penny while you’re in there.
R: And? What am I supposed to do there? Make him feel better?
K: Sorta, yeah. Come on. He’s got around two months left, can’t you do him a favor?
R: Many people are dying right now, ge. He ain’t special
K: But you seem pretty special to him if he still remembers you after all this time.
R: Fine
Fine!
I’ll do it!
K: Thank you, Renjun!
R: Don’t make me regret agreeing, ge!
K: I promise you won’t!
Renjun wasn’t made of steel. Renjun is human, just like everybody else. And like everybody else, swoons over flowery words.
Three days later, and Renjun finds himself seeing the Chicago skyline for the very first time. Heck, it’s his first time stepping foot outside of China at all. But Renjun was tired. It was even worse that Kun wasn’t able to accompany him on his trip. But a guy named Doyoung was there to pick him up and take him to the hospital to meet his supposed childhood friend. Can he even call them a friend if he doesn’t remember what they were like?
When he gets to the hospital, a much rather large man greets him. “It is you! I remember you now!”
“You were there?” Renjun scans the tall man from head to toe.
“Yeah!” They beam. “I was the taller kid Jaehyun was with!”
“So that’s his name, huh?”
“Wait, you only found out now?”
“Well, yeah!” Renjun replies as a matter of fact.
“Oh, that’s on me, then.” Doyoung scratches his head. “Sorry about that.”
“Forget it! I’m already here, aren’t I?”
“Right! Wanna go see him now?” Johnny offers to him.
“That’s what I’m here for, yeah?”
They take the elevator and hop off the seventh floor. The older two accompany him to Jaehyun’s room, but will not be entering with him since they want to give them a chance to talk. He nods and takes a deep breath before opening the door.
“Hello?” He greets. And there lo and behold, a guy not much older than him, but looks like they bare the weight of the world.
“You must be Renjun.” They greet.
“You must be Jaehyun, then.” He smiles. “Hi.”
“I’m sorry if this is all sudden.”
“You bet it is!” Renjun walks closer and takes a seat on the chair next to the bed. “Now, care to explain to me on why you dragged me all the way to America?”
“Wow, your Korean is pretty good.” Jaehyun interrupts the younger.
“I studied Korean for a while.”
“How convenient.” Jaehyun smugs. “But to answer your question, I suddenly dreamt of the younger you while I was in surgery and after I woke up, I had this strong urge to find you and talk to you like my life depended on it.”
“Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?”
“Yeah.” Jaehyun smiles his dimpled smile. “Thank you.”
And like a bucket of cold water, it all hits him. The small fragment of his memory from ten years ago. A boy wearing a yellow shirt with choppy bangs sitting on the swing next to him. And when he smiled at him, Renjun couldn’t help but be in awe at the tiny dips of the boy’s cheeks.
“How… sick are you?” Renjun asks cautiously.
“I can’t feel anything from my neck down and on top of that, my lungs are giving out soon, so yeah.”
“I heard you had an accident.”
“My spine and lungs took the brunt of the force.”
“I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be!” Jaehyun dismisses Renjun’s guilt. “You already did so much by just being here!”
“I’m honored? Who knew us playing by the swing from years ago would eventually lead to this?”
“You remember?”
“Yeah, how I could I forget that dimple of yours?”
Jaehyun couldn’t help the blush growing on his cheeks, but Renjun had already caught on to it seeing as the younger was staring at his ears. “It’s crazy, isn’t it?”
“Yeah.” Renjun agrees.
“How long are you going to be here?”
“However long you want me stay.”
“That sounds… reassuring. Thank you, Renjun.”
“So, what now?”
“Wanna play Zelda with me? I brought my Switch with me but I haven’t been able to play with it since I got out of surgery and Johnny won’t play with me.”
“Sure, sounds fun!”
The next couple of weeks flash by, and Johnny couldn’t help but see the life back in jaehyun’s eyes. The younger absolutely reveled in the fact that Renjun was there by his side, giving him encouraging words, doing everything together. He concludes that having Renjun around helped a lot, considering that Jaehyun wasn’t as pessimistic about his condition as before. This was a start, Johnny thinks. Maybe, maybe Jaehyun might actually outlive his prognosis. It never hurts to have hope, right?