Work Text:
♫
Talk to the moon
While I wait
For a ride home
♫
An endless abyss speckled with stars lay above as the moon hung low, full and luminous, bathing the ground in a dim silver light. A swing set sat in the middle of an open clearing, illuminated by the glow of a distant lamppost, flickering faintly with the breeze that smelt of something sweet and distant. The whisper of flowers, and a memory just out of reach.
Luka sat on the swing, his fingers loosely curled around the chains, staring down at the scuffed tips of his shoes. He pushed his legs off the ground with just enough force for the chains to quietly screech with each slow sway. The rhythmic motion made it seem as if time had slowed, blurred at the edges. His pale blond hair glistened softly in the moonlight.
Hyuna stood nearby, her presence steady— the only thing that made Luka’s world feel warm. The breeze played with the edges of her clothes, tugging at the strands of her long hair. Here, in the quiet of the night, it felt as if the world belonged to them alone.
Hyuna moved in front of him, her arms crossed, shifting her weight impatiently.
“You look like a kicked puppy,” she said, nudging his knee with her foot. “Seriously, you need to get out of your own head.”
Luka’s shoes barely brushed the ground as he kept swinging, a slight pout gracing his face. “And what do you suggest?”
Hyuna grinned. “We run away.”
Luka swung a little harder, lightly brushing his leg against hers. “Where?”
“Anywhere!” Hyuna threw her arms out, grabbing onto the chains and steadying the swing. “We could hop on a cruise, disappear for a few days, and get away from all the stuff your dad makes you do. Just you and me.”
Luka looked up at her, at the life in her eyes, the way she seemed so alive in ways he never was. “…I really want to.” He admitted quietly.
Hyuna crouched down in front of him, resting her hands on his knees. “Then let’s go,” she smiled, voice softer now, before leaning in, expression suddenly fierce. “You don’t have to keep waiting for someone to give you permission to live.”
Luka frowned, though he felt heat dusting his cheeks at the contact. He wanted to be brave like she was, to grab her hand and run. But before he could make a decision, his butler’s car pulled over on the side of the road.
Luka sighed, reaching out and brushing a strand of hair from her face. “I have to go,” he mumbled, wishing he could stay by her side forever. Wishing he could bury his face into her skin and make everything else go away.
♫
You’re all I can see from the rearview
Stay right where I can see you
Count all the places I think we should run to
Somewhere with nothing to do
♫
Luka tilted his head back against the car seat, eyes half-lidded as he watched the moon through the window. He could still feel the warmth of Hyuna’s skin, her laughter in his ears. She had grabbed his wrist as he was leaving, pulling him back with eyes that out-burned even the shining sun.
One more minute, she had said. One more minute, then you can go back to being perfect again.
And of course, he had stayed. He would always stay for her if she asks. He had wrapped his arms around her and enveloped them both in a warm embrace, attempting to savour all he could from the brief moment.
Now, through the rearview mirror, he could still see her standing at the curb, hands in her jacket pockets, watching the car disappear.
His stomach twisted. He felt so empty without her, so hollow. Heperu would be waiting for him back home— the obligations, the expectations, the standard of perfection. But none of it mattered as much to him as the way Hyuna had cupped his face before he left, telling him to live with love. To embrace the pain, the frailty, the moments unbearably shameful. To forgive himself endlessly, because everything begins from there.
Luka reached for his phone, heart pounding.
A cruise that led anywhere but home— somewhere with nothing to do. Somewhere where the noise couldn’t reach them, where he could be human, instead of a carefully curated image. Just Luka, sitting beside Hyuna, counting the places they could run to.
He pressed the call button.
“Hyuna,” he whispered as soon as she picked up.
There was a pause, then her voice came through, playful and teasing. “Changed your mind?”
“Come with me.” Luka exhaled. He doesn’t know what came before Hyuna, all he knows is that he adores her and knows he doesn’t want an ‘after.’
“I’ll be waiting right where you left me.” Hyuna said, and that was all he needed.
The car rolled to a stop at a red light. Luka reached for the door handle, stepping outside whilst ignoring the protests from his butler.
♫
It’s always too loud, hope the noise doesn’t scare you
I don’t know what else came before you
You must know that I just adore you
♫
Luka’s breath came in sharp, shallow gasps. Each inhale was harder than the last, and his heart began thumping louder and louder in his chest. His surroundings blurred, phasing in and out of focus, but he kept running. He couldn’t stop, not when Hyuna was right back at the park, waiting.
He barely noticed the tightness in his chest and the burning in his lungs, he had learnt to control it long ago. His legs felt like they were moving on their own; Luka would not allow any of his ailments to stop him. All that was running through his mind was Hyuna.
She’s waiting for me.
His feet stumbled as black dots began clouding his vision. The dizziness threatened to pull him under, but he pushed through. He could see her now, standing under the lamppost, her hair catching in its brightness like a halo of an angel.
His heart hammered painfully against his ribs as he practically threw himself into her arms. The moment he collapsed onto her, everything seemed to stop— the pain, the exhaustion, the throbbing in the back of his skull. It all faded into the background, swallowed by the way Hyuna held him, steady and strong.
Hyuna’s arms tightened around him, concern clouding over her features. “Luka, you should’ve slowed down!” She scolded in a hushed tone. “You didn’t have to run, I could’ve met you halfway. You know your heart—”
“I don’t care.” Luka interrupted, hoarse but sincere. “I don’t care about anything else except for you.”
His words were raw, full of desperation and longing he had never shown anyone else before. There was no mask there, no pretense. Just Luka, exposed in a way only Hyuna could make him feel. His inhales came in uneven gasps as he buried his face in the crook of her neck, his hands gripping at her arms as if she would fade away the moment he let go.
Hyuna rested her head on his, rubbing soothing circles on his back. “Hey, you’re okay. Follow my breathing.”
Luka hummed noncommittally, only half listening. Whatever happened to him didn’t matter, he knew it would all be worth it, because right now, he gets to be with her.
They stayed like that, existing together in each other’s arms, until Luka’s breathing finally steadied, and his vision came back into focus. “Sorry,” he murmured, pulling back slightly and brushing his hand over her cheek in a tender motion. “I just needed to be here with you as soon as possible. I had to be.”
Hyuna barked a laugh as she affectionately tangled her fingers in his hair. “You lovesick idiot.”
Luka let out a quiet chuckle, then planted a delicate kiss on her cheek. “Only for you.”
Hyuna’s other hand curled around the fabric of Luka’s coat, holding him closer like she could shield him from all the hurt. Her chest ached, not in the way Luka’s did— not in a way that could ever be diagnosed— but in a way only Luka made her feel. He was always her weakness, after all.
She sighed dramatically, ruffling his hair. “Yeah, yeah. My idiot. You could’ve collapsed halfway.”
“It would be fine. Because you’d come and save me,” Luka answered without missing a beat, his lips curling into a soft, genuine smile— reserved just for her. “You always do.”
Hyuna shook her head, smiling as she kissed the bridge of his nose. “Damn right I would.”
Luka laughed, though it came out weak, barely audible. His eyelids felt heavier now, the adrenaline ebbing away, leaving the exhaustion to catch up with him. His heart still ached, a dull and constant reminder that he wasn't built for this, that his body may fail him— and yet, he would do it as many times as he needed to if it meant staying in Hyuna’s arms forever.
Hyuna moved to loop his arm over her shoulder. “Alright, loverboy, let’s get you somewhere to sit before you collapse on me for real.” Though her tone was lighthearted, Luka didn’t miss the hint of underlying concern.
He held onto her free hand with his other, gently squeezing it as he revelled in their closeness. “Hyuna…” he began, quiet and reverent, like a prayer. “Thank you.”
♫
And I want you to have it all
All you ever needed
The minute that you fall
♫
They were sitting on a wooden bench, hands loosely intertwined together. For a while, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the distant hum of cicadas, and the occasional rustling of leaves. Luka closed his eyes, feeling the cool night air brush against his skin. He grounded himself to the sound of Hyuna’s heart resounding in his ears as his head rested on her chest.
Just as he was about to drift off, Hyuna suddenly stood, grabbing his arm. “Come on,” she said, tugging him forward.
Luka blinked at her, startled. “Where are we going?”
Hyuna only smirked, mischief twinkling in her eyes. “Somewhere better.”
Luka stood, letting her pull him along. He was too tired to argue, too enamoured by the way the moonlight caught the edges of her hair, to do anything but follow.
After a few minutes of walking, they reached a small hidden patch of wildflowers. The air was thick with a floral, lavender scent. Hyuna dropped down onto the grass, reaching for a cluster of tiny purple flowers. Their petals glowed under the moon, pale and luminescent. She patted the spot in front of her, and Luka wordlessly sat down.
The flowers tickled against his hands as he leaned back slightly, watching as Hyuna began trying to weave the stems together, her brow furrowed in concentration.
“…What are you doing?” He asked after a moment.
“Making you a flower crown,” Hyuna answered, shooting him a quick grin. “You’ve got the hair for it.”
Luka simply kept watching as she clumsily twisted the stems together, attempting to secure them.
“Hold still,” Hyuna instructed once it looked finished, moving onto her knees. Carefully, she placed the crown atop his hair, adjusting it until she was satisfied. Then, she sat back, admiring her work with a proud beam. “See! You look pretty, like a prince.”
Luka reached up, his fingertips lightly touching the flower crown resting on his head. It felt lopsided, some petals were already wilting, but he didn't mind. If it was from Hyuna, he would treasure it. However, just as he tilted his head a little, a few of the flowers slipped free, tumbling onto his lap. Then another, and another.
Hyuna gasped. “Oh no—”
Before she could finish, the entire crown came undone, stems unravelling. The flowers spilt onto the grass in a mess of purple and green.
“Ahh, no!” Hyun shrieked, reaching out as if she could somehow catch them all midair. “I worked so hard on that!”
Luka looked at the scattered remains of his crown before a snort escaped him. He lifted a hand to cover his mouth, trying to quell his following laughter, but then he couldn’t stop himself. The sound bubbled up from his chest, light and real.
Hyuna pouted at him. “Why are you laughing? That was supposed to be my masterpiece!”
Luka tried once again to stifle his laughter, but the sight of her, arms crossed, brows furrowed in the most indignant way, only made it worse. “Hyuna… that thing was doomed from the start.”
Hyuna gasped in mock offense, elbowing him. “Rude.”
“You tied the stems together in knots.” Luka picked up one of the fallen flowers, twirling it between his fingers. “You weren’t even braiding them properly.”
“I was improvising!” Hyuna groaned, flopping back onto the grass, arms spread out. “I suck at making flower crowns.”
Luka smiled, laying down beside her. “It’s okay. It was cute.”
Hyuna perked up immediately. “Yeah?”
“Yeah,” Luka plucked a red flower from the ground, shifting to tuck it behind her ear. “Even if it fell apart.”
The flower crown could fall apart, his image of a prince— a ruler— could crumble. Because Hyuna would still be here, laying with him in a field of flowers, loving him for everything he is, not everything he was made to be. With Hyuna, there was no throne.
Hyuna’s lips curved into the widest smile as she rolled over on top of him, their faces inches apart. She plucked another purple flower and tucked it behind his ear as well. “We’re matching now.” She giggled, pecking his lips. “You’re so cute, Luka. Especially when you let yourself laugh like that.”
Luka felt his face heat up instantly. He hurriedly covered it with his hands. “Shut up.”
“Never.” Hyuna pried his hands away, intertwining their fingers yet again. “Feeling up for that cruise now?”
♫
And I wanna be a saviour
I don't wanna need anything
Whеn you're all that I've got to lose
♫
The ocean stretched out endlessly before them, catching the gleam of the stars above. Its waves lapped against the hull, blending with the hum of the engine. Hyuna and Luka had found a secluded corner on the deck, away from the other passengers. Both had changed out of their casual wear to attire more befitting— Luka donned a black suit with a crisp white shirt, his hair combed neatly, parted to the side. Hyuna opted for a flowing blue dress, gold hoop earrings glinting in the low light. Her hair was tied back, highlighting the delicate curve of her neck. A faint dusting of glitter shimmered on her eyelids, applied with Luka’s careful touch.
Hyuna reached into her bag and pulled out a large bottle of wine, eyes sparkling as she held it up triumphantly. “I came prepared.”
Luka sat down and leaned back on the lounge chair, the sea breeze tousling his hair. He gazed at her with a bemused smile. “Just one?”
Hyuna popped the cork easily and settled beside him. “We’re sharing, obviously. Here,” she passed him the bottle, fingers curling around his free hand as she did. “Taste test for me. Don’t worry, it’s rosé, you can handle it.”
Luka accepted it with slight hesitation. The last time Hyuna had coaxed him into drinking, he had made the quick unfortunate discovery he was an extreme lightweight, much to his dismay as he considered Hyuna’s heavy drinking habits. Nonetheless, he drank a long sip. The chilled liquid slid down his throat, instantly making heat course through his veins. The taste was rich, subtly sweet, but not nearly as intoxicating as Hyuna herself.
“Mm, you can have the rest.” He handed the bottle back to her, though he never really fully let go of it, instead allowing his fingers to softly graze hers.
“That’s it? You’re scared, aren’t you?” Hyuna teased.
“Am not,” Luka lied, bringing their clasped hands to his lips and kissing the back of her hand. His lips lingered there for a moment, prolonging the warmth.
Hyuna’s teasing grin softened into a more tender smile. She leaned in, and Luka met her halfway, their lips brushing before melting together, slow and unhurried. The world seemed to hush around them, the distant murmur of voices and the gentle crashing of waves pulling back like a held breath. By the time they broke apart, Luka could sense Hyuna was about to make fun of him for the warmth blooming on his face.
Before she could, he let go of her hand and traced his fingers along her jaw, tilting her chin up to meet him again. This time, he kissed her deeper, drawing her into the pull of it.
“I love you,” he whispered, low and earnest. It felt natural on his tongue, he knew he would never get tired of saying it to her.
Hyuna pulled back just enough to smirk. “Did that one sip seriously get you drunk?”
Luka frowned. “No. Aren’t you going to say it back?”
Hyuna laughed, her breath warm against his skin. “I love you too, Luka.”
Luka nuzzled her cheek. The ship rocked gently beneath them, and the distant beat of piano notes drifted from the ballroom inside. He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, only that Hyuna’s hands were still in his, anchoring him to the present.
Hyuna guided their hands holding the bottle down, setting it on the table, before brushing her fingers through Luka’s hair, untangling the strands the wind had toyed with. “Got nothing to say to my confession?” She joked.
Luka wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her closer, pressing his ear to her chest. “Busy listening,” he mumbled, tired and content.
“To what?”
“To your heartbeat.”
Hyuna huffed a laugh, tilting her head down to kiss his temple. “You’re a sweetheart. I can’t believe this is coming from a thirty year old man.”
Luka didn’t argue, Hyuna could tease him all he wanted, as long as he gets to stay cradled and safe with her. In the arms of his saviour, he wants to be engulfed by her sun, her heat.
“We don’t have to talk about it yet,” Hyuna spoke once more, voice lowered as she continued brushing his hair. “But you know I’m not letting you go back, right?”
“You say that like I have a choice.”
“You don’t. I know you’d choose me if you did.” Hyuna grinned, though her eyes were uncharacteristically serious. “I’ll fight your entire family if I have to.”
Luka let out a small chuckle. “You would.”
Time kept passing. They drank, they laughed, they danced under the stars, swaying to the distant music as Luka’s hands rested on Hyuna’s waist, while hers were draped around his neck. They whispered secrets, shared stolen kisses between sips of wine, and traced constellations in the sky as if they were mapping out their own universe.
♫
But don't you ever tire of all that?
Picking up the pieces
You don't have to be alone
When you're the place I wanna go
♫
The rosé sat empty on the nightstand, reflecting the cabin’s dim golden light. The room swayed ever so slightly, but neither of them minded. Luka lay sprawled across the bed, his head resting next to Hyuna’s shoulder, blond hair fanning out across the pillow. His suit jacket had long since been discarded, leaving him in his now wrinkled white shirt. Hyuna, curled up beside him, had kicked off her heels and lazily draped a blanket over them both.
The alcohol buzzed through them, making everything appear soft and dreamlike. Luka absentmindedly traced patterns on Hyuna’s wrist, his movements slow, drowsy.
“Luka,” Hyuna murmured sleepily.
“Hmm?”
“I think… I’m actually going to kidnap you.” She nuzzled up into his hair, breath tickling his skin. “We’ll just… never go back.”
Luka nodded in approval, his lips quirking into a smile as Hyuna’s words began slurring into incomprehensible murmurs. The cabin light flickered, and Luka hummed a quiet lullaby. Wrapped up in each other, they both drifted off.
And then— a gunshot.
The deafening crack shattered the air. Luka was on a stage, surrounded by faceless people in cloaks. Watching were several monstrous looking creatures. He felt a weight fall into his arms, grabbing him and spinning him around.
Before he could register what was happening, blood splattered across his face. His whole body trembled as he looked down, eyes widening in horror as Hyuna crumpled against him, her blood dripping down onto his hand on her back. His ears rang, his vision a mess of static. All he knew was that Hyuna wasn’t moving.
Her breath was sharp and uneven, sweat dripping from her temples. Her fingers twitched where they held him. She was talking to him— something about resentment, something else— but Luka couldn’t register the words.
He attempted to put pressure on the wound, but there was too much blood, spilling between his fingers, staining his blue garments, staining his skin. “Hyuna—” Luka choked, voice breaking. Her blood was warm, seeping into his clothes. His vision blurred as he clutched her tighter.
She was going to die because of him.
A sob tore through his throat as he pressed his forehead against hers, tears spilling uncontrollably from his eyes. “Please,” he begged, helpless and desperate. “Please don’t leave me.”
Hyuna’s lips barely moved, then her body went completely limp in his arms, and everything faded to black.
Luka jolted awake, his breath catching in his throat like a scream that never made it out. He was back in the darkness of the cabin, the soft lull of the ocean the only sound.
His heart hammered in his ribs, the phantom feeling of Hyuna’s blood still clinging to his skin. Full of fear, he turned over, his hands twitching as they reached out, searching for Hyuna.
She was still laying there, peaceful, alive. Luka watched the slow rise and fall of her chest, trying to bring himself back to reality. It was a dream, it wasn’t real.
But it felt too real, almost as if he had gotten sent to another universe for a brief moment. The nausea clawed at his head, the image of Hyuna’s limp, bloodied body etching itself into his mind. Luka clung to Hyuna, unable to steady his emotions, as tears pricked at his eyes.
Hyuna stirred, cracking open her eyes. “…Luka?” She spoke his name, voice thick with sleep.
Luka didn’t answer, he couldn’t. His tears felt as if they were choking him.
Hyuna blinked, adjusting to the dark. She frowned, feeling how tightly he was holding her, feeling how much his hands were shaking. A tear landed on her cheek, and she realised he was crying. “Luka? What's wrong?” She raised a hand to wipe his tears.
Luka only tightened his grip, swallowing back any words. He was afraid that if he told her what happened, he would be speaking it into reality. For a while, he just stared blankly at her, pupils dilated as his tears began soaking the bed sheets. “Nightmare, sorry.” He eventually admitted through a pained whisper, exhaling shakily in an effort to calm himself. “I didn’t… I didn’t mean to wake you.”
Hyuna pulled him closer, running her fingers through his hair in slow, soothing strokes. “I’m right here,” she reassured, comforting him in the way she knew best since they were kids.
Luka’s throat bobbed as he tried to stifle the sobs threatening to escape him, but they came anyway. Luka moved to bury his face into her neck, his breathing ragged as his tears continued to fall. His fingers dug into the fabric of her dress, as if feeling for a pulse, for proof she was really alive in front of him.
Hyuna gently lifted his face, kissing away his tears. “It’s okay,” she said for both of them. Because in that moment, she could feel the fear too, even if she didn’t quite know what was happening.
Eventually, Luka’s sobs began to subside, his cries softened by the warmth of her embrace, the safety of their love. “I love you,” he echoed once more. He would give her everything if he could, but how could he if she was everything? His entire world is her.
Hyuna smiled, pressing her lips onto his forehead. “I love you too. Always.”
♫
And if you ever wanna fall back
I'll let you go
But when it's said and done
I’ll be the north star that takes you home
♫