Chapter Text
Front row.
Hyeongjun was so far away from the front row.
His vision from there was not the best, but he would take it. Of course he would like to watch and enjoy the concert as a whole, but he tried looking at the bright side. He wasn't in a very crowded area, and the sound was pretty good there. It was enough. He knew he could really enjoy it his way.
Their intro was sure great, but as Hyeongjun heard the amazing guitar line of 'Don't Stay', his world stopped. It was real, he couldn't quite believe, he was seeing Linkin Park live. Chester, Mike, the whole band was right there, playing for him. They sounded even better live, "how is that possible?", Hyeongjun wondered, amazed by the way the song resonated in his ears.
He looked around, then at the stage. Then at himself.
That was it.
He belonged right there.
Unable to suppress his own shy, small, yet meaningful tears, he pretty much screamed the lyrics to 'Somewhere I Belong', a whole crowd singing along with him.
It felt right.
He promised himself not to feel ashamed of his spiky hair, or his black nail polish (which matched Chester's, he noted), or his pierced lip. Right there, he promised to be true to himself, always.
"Why did they start with such emotional songs?", he asked himself in his head.
– Man. - a different voice. Not in his mind, not from the band. Someone. – I think all of their songs hit too hard. - like an answer to his own inner question.
Out of nowhere – or, perhaps, out of one of the rows behind Hyeongjun – this guy showed up. Hyeongjun couldn't pay much attention as 'Lying From You' started, one of his favorites. He knew the guitar lines by heart, and it blew his mind how great it was live.
Each song emitted a new vibe there. Oh, my, Hyeongjun would miss it so, so much. He wished to have a new Linkin Park concert to go every week. Every day, if possible. He was sure he wasn't getting tired of it ever in his life.
– Fuck! - that same voice again. – This one is fire!
The man was still by his side, the whole show. Hyeongjun could only recognize him because, even in the dark space they were in, he could see how brightly the guy smiled. "Pretty", Hyeongjun thought, while smiling back quickly, before focusing again on the band.
'Crawling' was playing.
Hyeongjun felt it all, he found himself crying once again. The song felt even emotionally heavier when he eyed Chester singing it so sentimentally, offering the mic to the audience in front of him, singing together with everyone. The band and its fans became one, it was so meaningful.
– Who is the craziest motherfucker out there? - Chester asked the house, and a tiny bit of jealousy scratched Hyeongjun.
They chose a fan to join them up there. "A crazy motherfucker, for real", Hyeongjun thought at the sight of a guy jumping, running, screaming on stage.
– I'm crazier than that, hey! - the smiley guy shouted, jokingly.
Hyeongjun couldn't help but chuckle, and the man did the same. A quick moment to brush away any tension around there.
It was an amazing performance, they agreed, while watching and jumping from far away. The fan and Chester screaming the lyrics together, kind of hugging. Hyeongjun could only imagine that lucky fan was having the time of his life.
– Luckiest man ever! - that same guy, by Hyeongjun's side, said loudly, while getting closer to him.
They also had their very own performance in the middle of the crowd, losing themselves to the song, singing every and each one of the words of 'A Place For My Head', lowkey mirroring the band-fan interaction they were watching.
They didn't know each other, but a connection was being made right there. Hyeongjun had so much fun... with a stranger. It was a Linkin Park fan, though, so he thought it was fine, "he's just like me", he thought, half joking.
– Thank you, Seoul! - Hyeongjun screamed back to Chester. – You guys were amazing tonight. Thank you very much!
Oh, no! It was the end already. Hyeongjun couldn't believe, he wanted the band to start over. It felt so short, and so unreal. Out of this world, even. His hands were shaky, pencil eyeliner ruined, he even lost his ring. All according to plan. It was chaotic, just the way a wholesome show should be. Hyeongjun truly enjoyed it all.
Everyone was leaving, except for a small group of die-hard fans that just didn't want to believe that it was the end. Of course Hyeongjun was part of it.
– Let's go? - Hyeongjun didn't notice, lost in thought, but the same guy that kept him company the whole night was still there.
– What? - what did he mean by "let's go"? They were literal strangers.
– I know we're literal strangers. - and he could read minds, or something. – It's just that I'm having an after party with friends and... that would be cool if you'd come!
What a random guy. Hyeongjun just waved and smiled as a way to say "no, thanks", but the other guy wouldn't take it so easily.
– Come on! - his tone was melodic. – We're just having ramen and drinks before going home.
It even got Hyeongjun thinking about it for a second, but he politely declined it right after. He could have noodles at home and that would be cheaper.
– Look, it's my treat! Just come, please. - his eyes like a lost puppy's. – No pressure!
"No pressure"... funny, after insisting for minutes in a row. Hyeongjun didn't mind it, though. It didn't bother him at all. He thought it was hilarious. He agreed, and he could swear he saw the other guy slightly jumping in excitement. Why not? Free food was involved too, so it was a good deal!
– I'm Lee Jooyeon. - he finally had a name.
Jooyeon said it while offering his hand to Hyeongjun, as a way to greet him properly. It seemed like so, at least, because as soon as Hyeongjun took his hand to shake it, Jooyeon squeezed back and started running, dragging Hyeongjun with him. He was surprised, but not unhappy. It felt like freedom.
Once they exited the house, Hyeongjun could see Jooyeon's wide, proud smile. The wind hitting their faces was a good natural air conditioner. It also gave Jooyeon such a cinematic aura, blowing his very long hair beautifully. It was not beautiful, though, how they were panting, red from the run there.
– You sure are crazy.
– And I take that as compliment, thank you very much! - Jooyeon responded, smiling. – By the way, name?
Oh, right. Hyeongjun couldn't even say his name before being drag to the exit.
– Hyeongjun. Han Hyeongjun. - he answered simply.
– Han?! Like Joe Hahn! - Jooyeon referenced Linkin Park's DJ, still electrified by their show.
– Yeah, I guess. - Hyeongjun chuckled, "as if it's not a common name", he thought lighthearted.
With that, they were already walking towards the convenience store around the there. Jooyeon would not stop rambling about the concert, and Hyeongjun was just actively listening. The long haired man had the energy of four kids.
– First ever time Linkin Park in South Korea! - he was talking with his whole body. – That's history, Han. We're part of it. Insane.
They quickly got to the place where they would have snack. Hyeongjun spotted, from afar, a group of guys sat on the outside. Their distinct style and Linkin Park t-shirts gave off that they were the friends Jooyeon talked about.
– My man! - one of the men shouted, hand high to greet Jooyeon. – You're kinda late. I need to go home, so...
– It's ok! Get home safely, and all. - Jooyeon responded before the man could even finish, winking quickly previous to entering the store.
Hyeongjun just followed him, having the door close to his back.
– What type of after party is this? - it was a genuine question from Hyeongjun's part.
– If I tell you I just met these guys in the line to see the show and they invited me to eat... are these Pokémon cards?! - Jooyeon bended down to see a small bunch of small packs on a shelf.
Of course. It made sense now. Friends would wait for you to eat, right? Or anything close to that. Those were just strangers. Hyeongjun would say Jooyeon is crazy to eat out with people he just met, but he was doing exactly that right now. He was not in the position to judge.
Hyeongjun didn't realize the slight discomfort in his belly before eyeing the ramen shelf, opposite direction of where he was standing. Oh, he was hungry. Concert's atmosphere would not let him even think about food, but now... his stomach talked to him in a low growl. Low, but the empty store made it sound loud.
– You can get whatever you want, I mean it. - Jooyeon pointed out, reminding Hyeongjun that he was eating for free.
It was good, of course. Free food. But, at the same time, Hyeongjun felt the need to choose something cheap. He would feel so, so bad to spend his freshly made friend's money, even if it was him who offered it in the first place. Hyeongjun was pleased to see his favorite ramen flavor on sale.
A few minutes went by on the empty, small store before Jooyeon approuched Hyeongjun, who was just waiting for him near the counter. Other than his own ramen and a Sprite, he also carried two packs of Pokémon cards, waving them to Hyeongjun with bright eyes and even brighter smile. Jooyeon told him, repeatedly, to get a drink before giving up on the offer. Hyeongjun was not the type to drink while eating, anyways.
They made use of the table the group of guys left behind, noodles warm and ready to be eaten.
– You open one for me. - Jooyeon placed both the blind Pokémon packs on the table. – You might bring me some luck, I don't know.
Hyeongjun couldn't hold back a chuckle, agreeing to the deal with a funny face but a genuine smile. He didn't really believe in luck, but Pokémon cards were fun, so whatever.
Jooyeon finished much earlier than Hyeongjun, probably too eager to see his new cards to waste time eating. His hands soon reached one of the packs, tearing it open, eyes twinkling. His enthusiasm matched his energy perfectly - childlike, carefree.
– Let's see, let's see...! - his words, filled with anticipation, slipped out of a growing smile.
He carefully flipped the cards, one by one, placing them on the table so that Hyeongjun could see them. Hyeongjun's curiosity was suddenly awaken by the sight of Jooyeon passionately contemplating the recently revealed cards, sometimes making enthusiastic comments about them too.
Hyeongjun moved his noodles aside, swallowing one last bite before taking the unopened pack, eyes focused on opening it without making a mess. The sound of the plastic was thrilling to both of them, he could see Jooyeon trying to catch a glimpse of the cards in his hands.
Common card, common card, two more common cards... before looking at the last one, Hyeongjun could already see something different. The tip of the card was hit by the light of the convenience store, revealing a unique glist. Hyeongjun's eyes widened in surprise, unable to hide his enjoyment.
– What? Show me! - Jooyeon exclaimed, smiling, as he saw how amazed Hyeongjun looked.
A shimmering holographic rare card, with a purple ghost character in it. Somehow, it looked even prettier under the store's not-so-good light, amidst the scent of not-so-hot ramen. Hyeongjun carelessly dropped all of the common cards on the table, then quickly turned the prized find for Jooyeon to see.
– No way! - his jaw dropped at the sight. – This is such a rare one!
Jooyeon couldn't believe his own eyes, or his own fingers, as he grabbed the rare item and analyzed it carefully. He enthusiastically explained to Hyeongjun how much he wanted that one, how awesome and cool it was, how Gengar was one of his favorites.
– See? You definitely brought me luck!
Hyeongjun shook his head, grinning, as he reorganized the other four cards that came with the special one. He placed each of them close to the ones Jooyeon revealed, taking a closer look. Surprisingly, there were no duplicates.
His ramen was quite cold now, but Hyeongjun wasn't going to waste the remaining food. Maybe he was still a bit hungry, or maybe the atmosphere was so joyful, but even cold noodles tasted good now. Everything was okay.
As Jooyeon was still lost in his new Pokémon cards, taking small sips of Sprite here and there, his eyes fell on a specific character that seemed to catch his attention.
– Well, - he held it up, studying the card as if he was some kind of scientist. – this one looks familiar...
Hyeongjun stared, paying attention, resting his head on both his hands. "Is it a dupe in his collection?", he wondered, trying to understand what was going on Jooyeon's mind as a brief silence settled in. Jooyeon looked directly at Hyeongjun's face, a mischievous smile forming on his lips.
He turned the card to Hyeongjun without a word, hoping he would crack the code himself. Honestly, it just made him extra confused. How was he supposed to know? Before his eyes, he could only see a common Ditto card, the pocket monster expressing some type bravery. Hyeongjun furrowed his brows, unsure of what that meant, then looked at Jooyeon, asking for the answer with his eyes.
– This little guy, - Jooyeon's eyebrows danced playfully. – it reminds me of someone I know...
Hyeongjun's confusion turned into realization once he noticed how Jooyeon's eyes shifted their focus between the card and his face.
– What, me? - Hyeongjun asked, not thinking deeply about it.
– Of course! - his whole body slumped onto the table, resting his arms and head right on top of it. – The expression and attitude... if I saw him and you enjoying a hard-core Linkin Park song, I don't think I could tell who is who.
Jooyeon burst into laughter, and Hyeongjun joined right away, giggling. Jooyeon was much louder, laughing at his own silly joke, but both their sounds filled the emptiness of the night. Anyone around could tell they were having fun and joy, and no one would say these were two strangers who had just met.
They clicked so quickly.
But it was already too late in the night, Hyeongjun should go home. He was going to work in a couple of hours, too. His plans were much simpler in his mind, not a single thought imagined encountering a long-haired, bright smiling, good-looking man. Such thoughts never crossed his mind, not even in his dreams, especially the idea of a random yet catchy stranger pulling him into going out to eat.
– I really should get going. - Hyeongjun stood up slowly, tidying up his side of the table.
– Already?! - Jooyeon looked up, his eyes followed Hyeongjun closely, who lowkey thought he looked like a cute puppy.
Hyeongjun nodded with a smile, though if felt somewhat fake. If he could, he would stay. He wasn't much of a people person, but the fun he was having there was one of a kind. It was natural and hard to let go of.
– Do you use NateOn? Or any social media?
– Hm, I do have MSN. - Hyeongjun answered with a small hesitance.
Jooyeon once again broke into a bright smile, while writing something on... something. Hyeongjun couldn't really see it from where he stood.
– Message me! - Jooyeon extended Hyeongjun a piece of paper... or a card?
A card.
Ditto card. The one he compared Hyeongjun to.
Hyeongjun grabbed it with a big question mark up on his head, then took a closer look. On the back of the card, it was visible now, there was a combination of letters. It doesn't take much thought to understand that it was, actually, Jooyeon's e-mail.
– Also, keep the card. Make it your lucky charm.
Hyeongjun's cheeks grew warm for a moment, his mind forming weird thoughts. "I'm so messaging him". He stored the card carefully in a zippered pocket on his pants before waving a bye-bye to Jooyeon.
It felt weird.
Just walking away.
He couldn't quite understand why.
– See ya! - Jooyeon shouted loudly one last time, right before Hyeongjun would disappear in the dark street.
"He sure is so crazy", Hyeongjun thought, not being able to shout back but waving from afar anyways.
Unconsciously or not, he also hoped to cross paths with Jooyeon again.