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It was a cold December day, and the long-awaited finale of "Project 7" was upon them, a survival program that both Kenshin and Andy had eagerly participated in together. The two had made a conscious decision to join forces, filled with hope for their debut as a duo.
Their friendship started online between late 2023 and early 2024. It all began when Kenshin replied to one of Andy's Instagram stories. The older boy had shared a song from the band "DAY6," specifically "Days Gone By," a track that the younger one adored. Intrigued, Kenshin decided to send him a private message, and from that moment, a beautiful friendship began to bloom.
Despite the distance between them, the two young men dedicated a significant amount of time to each other. They would spend hours on video calls, sharing laughter and jokes, listening to music, and playing Roblox, especially a game called "Dress to Impress”, this particular game held a special place in Andy's heart, and because he cherished his bond with Kenshin, he was eager to introduce it to him. Kenshin enjoyed it immensely and found himself hooked, unable to stay away.
In early September, Andy received an unexpected call from his best friend, inquiring whether he had been accepted into the survival show for which they had auditioned back in May. Andy rushed to check his emails, and to his delight, he discovered that he too had been accepted. This news made him happy, but what made him even happier was the fact that he’ll finally meet his favorite person in real life.
_19/10/24_
The day of the "Zero Setting Test" had finally arrived, and Andy was super nervous. However, the thought of meeting Kenshin for the first time provided him with a sense of calm. As soon as he entered the waiting room, he spotted Kenshin, who was dressed in a simple white long sleeve shirt and overalls, nothing too complicated yet so endearing.
<< Andy!! >>
Kenshin exclaimed, his voice ringing with excitement as he rushed to hug him. They nearly stumbled over one another, laughter erupting as they regained their balance.
<< Kenshin, oh my goodness, I can't believe you're really here, >>
the older boy exclaimed, tears welling in his eyes. He was overwhelmed with happiness at finally meeting his best friend in person. Kenshin was the first to pull away from the embrace, immediately noticing the tears glistening in Andy's eyes.
<< Andyyy, please don't cry, >>
the younger one whispered softly, gently cupping Andy's cheek with his hand. This tender gesture caused a rush of warmth to spread through Andy, who found himself blushing. He couldn't quite understand why he was feeling this way; it seemed inexplicable.
After a few moments lost in each other's arms, they reluctantly had to separate, having promised to meet again after the "Zero Setting Test."
_Time skip, post Zero Setting Test._
Around six-thirty in the evening, most contestants had completed their "Zero Setting Test." Many had retreated to their dorms to rest and get to know with their roommates. However, Kenshin and Andy had different plans; they wanted to explore the vibrant city of Seoul together. Neither of them had ever set foot in Korea before, and they figured it would be a fantastic opportunity to spend some quality time together.
<< Andy, you were absolutely incredible!! You were the best, as always!! >>
Kenshin cheered, taking a sip from his peach-flavored tea bottle.
<< Thank you so much, Kenshin! But honestly, I think you were better than me, >>
Andy chuckled, gazing fondly at the younger boy.
<< Hey, that’s not true; you were far superior, especially since you were on your own. >>
Kenshin paused and placed a reassuring hand on Andy's shoulder.
<< You really need to believe in yourself more, Andy. Do it for me, okay? >>
the younger one encouraged, tilting his head slightly to the side. It wasn't that Andy lacked self-confidence; he had plenty. However, after witnessing the impressive performances of almost all the contestants during the "Zero Setting Test," he felt a bit insecurity.
<< Alright, alright, I’ll believe in myself for you. happy now? >>
the older one replied with a playful laugh. Kenshin chuckled in return, and after what felt like an eternity of anticipation, they finally locked eyes. The in-person connection was far more profound than their virtual interactions.
As they gazed at each other, Kenshin gave him a bright smile, and Andy's heart raced as he finally addressed a lingering doubt; he was in love with his best friend. But therein lay a dilemma, sooner or later, he would have to confess his feelings. He couldn't hide them forever. So, in a moment of courage, he decided to voice his feelings right then and there, amidst the bustling sidewalks of Seoul.
<< Kenshin, I need to tell you something, >>
Andy said, his voice slightly trembling.
<< Tell me everything; you know you can always tell me anything, >>
Kenshin replied, offering a warm smile to ease Andy's nerves. The older one cleared his throat, took Kenshin’s hands in his, and began to speak earnestly.
<< Kenshin, we’ve known each other for almost a year now, right? In these months, as our friendship has grown, I’ve developed feelings for you. I’ve fallen for your personality, the way you always brighten my day with a simple message, how you genuinely care about me, and your unwavering positivity that keeps you from being weighed down by life’s challenges. >>
Andy paused to catch his breath, his emotions overwhelming him as tears began to stream down his face.
<< I hope I haven’t ruined our friendship with this confession, but I needed to get it off my chest. >>
He broke down, unable to hold back his tears any longer. Upon seeing him cry, a gentle smile spread across Kenshin's face. He reached up and tenderly brushed his hand against Andy's cheek.
<< Andy, please don’t cry; I’m not going to reject you, and I certainly won’t end our friendship. In fact, I want you to know that I like you too, and I care about you deeply. I would do anything to see you happy. >>
The younger boy confessed, wiping away Andy's tears with his thumb. Andy could hardly process what he had just heard; Kenshin's unexpected confession filled him with joy. Though he hadn't anticipated this moment, it brought a beaming smile to his face.
After several minutes of silence, the two shared a brief, sweet kiss on the lips. When they pulled away, Andy burst into laughter out of embarrassment; no one had ever kissed him in his seventeen years.
After a delightful fifteen minutes, the newly formed couple decided it was time to head back to their dorms; night had fallen.
As they walked home, the younger boy accidentally stepped on a piece of chewing gum, which stuck to his shoe. The two erupted into laughter over the situation, especially when Kenshin removed his shoe and started to walk without it.
As time passed, things between the two flourished. They made it to the semifinals, and although they were placed in different teams, their connection remained strong. Also, they had made a new friend, Atilla, a boy their age who had previously participated in a survival show, "Asia Super Young," but had not made it to the finals.
The trio became inseparable; whenever they had the chance, they would go out together, share meals, and spend countless hours talking in one another's rooms until they fell asleep from exhaustion. However, the day of the final eliminations came, and it separated them; Atilla was eliminated. Kenshin and Andy were both heartbroken, yet they took comfort in the fact that they survived.
That evening, silence enveloped the dorms as everyone retreated to their rooms, except for Andy. He sat alone on the stairs, filled with anxiety about what would happen if he and Kenshin couldn't debut together. Would they drift apart? Would their bond fade? His mind was racing with worries; he desperately wanted to debut alongside the younger boy.
After about ten minutes spent wallowing in his thoughts, he heard footsteps approaching, followed by a familiar voice. He turned to find Kenshin behind him, his face etched with concern.
<< Andy? Are you okay? The elimination of Atilla really shook you up, didn't it? >>
Kenshin asked as he sat beside him, taking Andy's right hand in his.
<< It’s not just that. I was thinking, what if we can’t debut together? What will happen to us? Will we lose touch? Will we never see each other again? >>
Andy confessed, his voice revealing that he had been crying and still felt the urge to cry.
Kenshin gazed at him, offering a small, comforting smile as he gently caressed Andy's cheek.
<< Listen, Andy, I’m certain we will debut together; I’m 100% sure of it. And if, by some stroke of bad luck, we don’t, I will keep texting you. I will continue to love you just as I do now; I will never let you go, not ever, understand? >>
Kenshin declared, his eyes glistening with emotion as Andy's tears began to flow again. The two remained embraced on the stairs for about twenty minutes in silence, offering each other solace.
Once they felt tired, they returned to their rooms and fell asleep.
_27/12/24; Final of "Project 7."_
The fateful day had finally arrived—the day of the finale, the day when both would know whether they would be separated or stay together. Before the performances, Kenshin and Andy spent their time together, encouraging one another and offering reassurances that everything would be alright.
After the performances concluded, it was time to announce the contestants who had succeeded in debuting in the group. Both boys were filled with anxiety and fear of potential separation.
<< And the seventh place goes to Kim Sungmin, congratulations! >>
announced the MC. Kenshin's expression morphed into a mix of shock and sadness as he immediately searched for Andy. When he spotted him, his heart shattered; Andy was hiding his face in his hands, bent over in his chair, likely crying.
As soon as the announcement ended, Kenshin rushed over to Andy, ignoring the congratulations from the other contestants. At that moment, all that mattered was that he hadn’t debuted with his favorite person.
<< Andy, Andy, Andy, come here! >>
Kenshin shouted through the chaos, pulling Andy in a tight embrace.
<< Kenshin, >>
Andy managed to say before choking on his words, tears streaming down his face.
Kenshin joined him in crying, pulling back slightly to cup Andy's face in his hands.
<< Listen, even if we didn’t debut together, that doesn’t mean our relationship ends here, absolutely not. We will remain the same as before, okay? >>
The younger boy paused briefly to catch his breath.
<< I won’t let you go just because we aren’t in the same group, okay? I will continue to love you just as I have for the past few months, and I’m sure you will do the same, >>
Kenshin concluded. The two hugged again, crying in each other's arms.
_Time skip; Two months later._
Two months had passed since the finale of "Project 7." The two spoke daily through messages and phone calls. Unfortunately, they could only hang out once a month. One morning, Kenshin was awakened by Minwook, who had something to give him.
"Hey, Kenshin, good morning! Andy sent you this letter. I'll leave you alone to read it, and if you need anything, whether to cry or talk about him, don’t hesitate to call me, okay?"
Minwook said before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.
Kenshin sat up, taking the envelope in his hands. He hesitated to open it, apprehensive about what he might find inside, but his curiosity was overwhelming.
Once he opened it, he found a pink sheet of paper adorned with various stickers of stars and dinosaurs, alongside a letter written in black ink. Kenshin smiled, the sight bringing warmth to his heart, and began to read.
<< Hey, Kenshin, how are you? I hope everything is going well!! I'm doing okay, but I miss you :(
The other day, I hung out with Atilla. We walked down the same street we did the day we started dating, and I smiled the whole time.
Then, we went to the park where we celebrated after the first eliminations, remembering how we both survived. Do you recall?
Later, while we were walking, Atilla stepped on a piece of gum, just like you did during the "Zero Setting Test." We burst into laughter, but I have to be completely honest with you, I didn’t laugh as much as I did with you.
Kenshin, I’ve never been able to say this to your face or convey it clearly, but I’m so proud of you, truly, immensely proud of you. You have no idea. I’m proud of all the times you’ve ranked first, every performance you’ve done, and every time you’ve made it to the top seven.
Beyond being proud of you, I want to thank you. Thank you for believing in me, for reassuring me, for giving me the strength to keep going when things got tough, and for countless other things I won’t list here because we’d be here until Christmas, HAHA.
Kenshin, remember that I will always be your number one fan. I’ll cheer for you from afar, and I’ll continue to be proud of you and your achievements. Never give up; you’re amazing and doing great. And keep in mind that I love you. I know saying that at our age might seem dramatic, but I genuinely mean it from the bottom of my heart.
Now I'll say goodbye; I eagerly await your response. Best wishes, Andy <3.
P.S. Inside the envelope, you’ll find a necklace; I have the other half!! >>
As soon as Kenshin finished reading, he burst into tears, setting the letter aside to take a moment to breathe. Inside the envelope, just as Andy had mentioned, was a necklace featuring a broken heart pendant. Additionally, there was a Polaroid photo of Andy wearing the necklace, smiling brightly. The younger boy decided he would keep that photo in his wallet and vowed never to take off the necklace, not now, not ever.