Chapter Text
Hyunjin’s life was boring. Everyday he went to school and saw the same places and people. He cherished his friends and the time they spent outside of school. Usually, they would play games at home or hang out in the city and go to the cinema.
Vancouver, the city where he was born and raised offered more than enough for him to enjoy his life, not wanting to change the way it is. However, despite his boring and normal life, he was happy.
He had a loving family and great friends. His parents would often nag on him though because Hyunjin never showed any interest in learning Korea. Even though his parents are Korean and try to incorporate the Korean culture in their daily life, Hyunjin never bothered with actually adapting to it. Of course, he was able to use some common phrases or words like asking when the food’s ready, but having an actual conversation would be impossible.
Hyunjin was one one of the very few Asian kids in his school but he got along well with everyone.
Today Hyunjin meets up with his friends near a cross road. As every day they go to school together the last few meters. As soon as they start walking, Hyunjin starts gushing about his favorite topic: Stray Kids. Luckily by now his friends are used to his admiration to the group.
“And soon they will have their comeback! I am already so excited, I can’t wait. I need to buy everything I can., especially the Lee Know photocards!”
“Given how much you love them it’s a shame that you haven’t met them yet.” Mark says.
“I know! It’s so unfair! It’s my only wish to meet them just once.” He whines. “It should be possible just once before I die, right?”
“Definitely.” Johnny laughs.
Classes were going as usual. Whenever they had a short break, Hyunjin looked at his phone to see if there are any updates on his favorite group. Sometimes he would just look at their pictures, especially Minho. From watching all their videos Hyunjin developed a crush on the idol. Of course, he knew that he was delusional and his feelings were to no avail, but it was nice to be fond of someone. Even if they would never even know about your existence. Hyunjin knew that these feelings would fade sooner or later, but until then he could be enjoying his little crush.
During lunch break he ate together with his friends in the cafeteria. The food was bland, but edible. They joked around until the break was over and headed back to the classroom. Hyunjin saw a pastel-colored envelope on his desk. While everyone was still busy, he quickly turned it around and opened it. It was a love letter by a girl from the neighboring class. While he felt flattered to receive the letter, he was a little disappointed, because the girl just pointed out his appearance and only called him handsome, without saying anything about liking his character.
He doesn’t even consider himself particularly handsome, he looks like everyone else. But if someone just praises his looks, it felt like they didn’t see anything but that. He was more than just his face and he wanted to be acknowledged for that. If they had talked some more and she was interested in his personality he might’ve given her change and started dating her, but for now, he won’t.
He quickly writes a nice rejection letter on the same paper and hushes over to her desk to give her back her letter. She looked at him confusedly, not knowing what reply she has gotten from him but before she could speak up their teacher walked into the room. During the lesson she read her rejection.
After school Hyunjin packs his books and noticed that he forgot his sports bag. He was part of the volleyball team together with Mark and they had training twice a week. Hyunjin wasn’t particularly good in that sport, but it was fun and he got to exercise a little.
“Hey Mark, I forgot my sports bag. I will quickly go back home, so please tell the coach that I will be a little late.”
“Sure thing.” Mark replied and remained in the classroom a little with Johnny.
Luckily training started around 30 Minutes after their last class, so he wouldn’t miss too much of the training. On the way home Hyunjin watched a Stray Kids video. He really admired the seven members and wished he could be like them. Idols in general always seemed like they had a perfect life. They could dance, sing, rap and travel the world. Things Hyunjin couldn’t.
At home, he quickly grabs his stuff and leaves as fast as he came. He checked the time and he made good time. He walked a little slower, not wanting to be out of breath as soon as he arrived at the gymnasium. The street was unusually busy that day. But since he lived in the city all his life he was used to crowds and many cards driving around. One day he also wants to get his drivers license and be part of the stream of cars on the street. That might have to wait until he goes to college though.
Hyunjin stands alone at the big cross road, the traffic light red. Only five more minutes and he would be at school again. Hyunjin hums to himself, waiting for the traffic light to turn green again. It seemed like an eternity until the light finally changed.
When it was good to go, Hyunjin started walking. When he crossed half the street, he suddenly hears the sound of a car horn approaching him and the squeak of breaks. He looks to his side and sees a car coming at full speed towards him. His eyes widen in shock and there isn’t any time for him to react. The car is too fast to stop in time and he was about to get overrun. Everything happened too fast. The loud noise was deafening, but at the same time it felt like he didn’t hear anything. His vision was tunneled and it was light. In the fleeting moment he couldn’t grasp the situation and before he knew it, he closed his eyes. He didn’t want to look death in the eye and just hoped it would be over quickly