Chapter Text
Growing up as a child, Kim Hyunsung would often be described by other people as a quiet, shy kid, a good child that just lacks social skills. It was a worry for his parents that Kim Hyunsung would end up alone with no friends.
For Kim Hyunsung, he was content with his life. His mother ran a mid-sized company for camping, and his father was a college professor. Both parents have good income, and he, as an only child, didn't lack anything and was given whatever he wanted.
He is quiet, follows the rules, and is a good child. However, he did yearn for a friend. A companion. Someone he could share everything to.
It wasn't like Hyunsung didn't try making friends. He did. And he did have friends. It didn't last very long. It became clear that when other children tried to befriend him, it was more because of his background and wealth. When he would share his own interests about mythical creatures like the griffon, or how he found the colour blue really pretty, he would receive a rather lackluster response.
He, who was already shy from the beginning, became introverted. He became more fond of his pet dog, whom he considered as his only friend. This only serves to raise his walls.
Now in 5th grade, he transferred to a new school, as his father got a better job offer at a prestigious college far from their old home. As always, he kept to himself, even when other students tried to approach him.
When school ended, his mother contacted him, saying that she won't be able to fetch him, so he must go home by himself. While he did see the way to and from his home to school, he still isn't very familiar. It’s only been a week after all.
Kim Hyunsung carefully navigated the streets. He tried to look for familiar signs that he’d see on the way home. Unfortunately, he couldn't. After wandering around for 30 minutes, Kim Hyunsung concluded that he was lost.
He felt scared. It was sunset, and he still hasn't come home yet.
He felt tired, after walking around, his legs were exhausted. Fortunately, there was a nearby playground with a vending machine. Using the money from his allowance, he bought himself a drink and sat at one of the swings.
While drinking his drink, he heard a voice from his side.
“Huh? What is a kid like you doing here? It’s sunset. Shouldn't you be home by now?”
He turned to the speaker. He couldn't see their face very clearly as the sun behind them shadowed their face. Though it was clear that the speaker was a boy, around 2-3 years older than him. The boy sounded quite curious.
“...”
Kim Hyunsung remained silent. His mother and father always warned him about stranger danger. The boy didn't seem to appreciate the silent reply though.
“Hey, you should answer when someone's asking you.”
The boy said. His tone wasn't threatening, more like scolding. Kim Hyunsung finally replied, hoping that the boy would go away.
“... I’m lost.” He mutters. The boy tilts his head.
“Lost? You must be new around here then.” The boy then sat beside the swing and swung himself a little.
“How about this, you buy me a drink and I help you get home.” The boy offered.
Kim Hyunsung furrows his brows in suspicion. “My parents said never trust strangers.”
The boy huffs, crossing his arms. “So you’d rather get lost than go with a stranger who’s not even an old man?”
Kim Hyunsung went silent. Every minute that passes, the sun sinks further to the horizon. Sooner than later, it’d get dark. He looked at the boy, whose face he still can't see. He thought over his choices. The boy offered help in exchange for just a drink. He doesn't look suspicious either.
“Okay.. I-I’ll buy you a drink, so help me get home.” Kim Hyunsung said after much deliberation.
“Good. Hurry, I want orange juice.” The boy got off the swing and ushered Kim Hyunsung to quickly make the purchase. He went to the same vending machine he bought the drink from, and bought the orange juice the boy wanted.
He returned and handed the drink to the boy, to which he drank from. Kim Hyunsung then looked at him sternly, though it looked more pleasing than anything.
“I got you your drink.. Now help me home.” He said.
The boy chuckles, ruffling his hair. “I keep my promises, don't worry. Come on. Before we take off, do you remember any significant landmarks near your home?”
Kim Hyunsung looked back at his memories to see if he could see any.
“Ah! There's a bakery near my home just a few houses away..” Kim Hyunsung answers hopefully.
“Bakery? Hmm.. there's two bakeries here. Does that bakery sell any particular pastry exclusive to only them?” The boy asked.
“I think they sell chocolate pastries every Friday.. or so my dad said.” Kim Hyunsung answered.
“Ohh, okay I know where now. Come on, follow me, you lost puppy.” The boy began walking off. Kim Hyunsung quickly followed in his footsteps like a duckling following its mother.
Kim Hyunsung followed behind as the boy led the way. The path they walked on became more and more familiar to Hyunsung. They eventually crossed that bakery that Kim Hyunsung managed to recall. Kim Hyunsung felt very relieved, because now, he could see his house.
“So where's your home?” The boy asked. Kim Hyunsung quickly pointed to his large home just a few walks away.
“It’s right there!” Kim Hyunsung quickly ran to the front of his home. The boy reached him not long afterwards.
“It’s certainly big. Well, I guess I’ll see myself off.” The boy began walking away, Kim Hyunsung widened his eyes in surprise before stopping the boy.
“W-Wait! You’re leaving already?” He asked. He wanted to thank the boy for guiding him all this way and sounded a bit disappointed.
“Of course. I have other matters to attend to, you know? Don't get lost, ‘kay?” The boy patted his head and walked off, not being stopped this time.
It’s been only three days since he was first lost. Now, he found himself lost again. He tried to remember the path he walked with the kind boy, but the previous math assignment made him forget about it.
Now he once again found himself in the playground, buying the same drink from last time, and hoping for the best that the kind boy would come to him again.
And lo and behold, the boy showed up again.
“Eh? You again? It’s only been like, three days though?” The boy tilts his head, surprised at seeing him again.
“I-I forgot which way to go Hyung..” Kim Hyunsung sadly says. If he had dog ears, it would be drooping.
“Woah, Hyung who? Hehe, just kidding. Welp, you know the drill! A drink please. Strawberry this time.” The boy ruffles his head. Kim Hyunsung obliges, purchasing a strawberry juice from the vending machine before handing it to the boy.
Like last time, the boy began to lead him home again. This time it felt a bit different. The boy began asking how he got lost, and Kim Hyunsung ended up telling how one event led to another and he became lost.
This time, as they walked down the path, the boy made sure to point out signs that were easy to remember, so that in the case Kim Hyunsung got lost, he could find his way home without any guidance. Kim Hyunsung found himself greatly enjoying his small chatter with the boy. It felt like he had a friend.
The boy paid attention to what he said and would impart his own knowledge of whatever interest Kim Hyunsung has, if he happened to have some. Kim Hyunsung felt.. happy.
The boy bade him goodbye as Kim Hyunsung heads inside his home after watching the boy disappear at the corner.
Upon arriving home, his parents didn't seem to be there. They were probably still at work, he thinks. They always go home in the evening. Normally, while waiting for his parents, Kim Hyunsung would do whatever homework he had been assigned with. Now, he can't focus properly. Whenever he tries to use his brain, he gets distracted by his earlier interaction with the boy.
He just.. he can't help but feel giddy. Is this what having a friend feels like? Kim Hyunsung felt restless. He wanted to meet that boy again. Come to think of it, he never properly saw the boy’s face. No, what even was his name? He only ever called him Hyung.
For now, he could only wonder. He wished tomorrow would come soon.