Chapter Text
Another sleepless night—nothing new so far—a regular night stroll by the river, as usual. The beautiful cherry trees that once filled the path with flowers were now green. Only wild flowers were peeking through the grass, watching those who passed by. Aah, who could be like you? Your only worry is to bloom in time and stay as long as you can until Autumn comes.
In the silent space, only the sounds of the water and Geon’s footsteps were heard. He stood under a dim streetlight, resting his arms on the railing. The fresh breeze from the river was perfect for a summer night. With his head slightly lifted, he took a deep breath, taking in the smell of grass and water. This is nice.
Geon was returning home when he saw a dark silhouette moving quickly from side to side. What now? The night was going well.
As he got closer, the dark shape turned out to be a young man. Black T-shirt, a snapback cap, and silver earrings that glowed every time he passed under a light on his skateboard. Geon made his way through the park, careful not to bump into the other man. For a brief moment, he saw his face as the young man slowed down beside him, but the only thing he remembered was his big brown eyes.
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Two weeks had passed since Yu moved in to continue his career as a dancer. While still adjusting to the city, it wasn’t strange for him to wander at night—after all, most of his work was until late at night, so his mornings were mainly for sleeping.
Clear nights like today were perfect to go around on his skateboard. Watching the stars while feeling the fresh air on his face was what he enjoyed the most. At some point, he ended up at a neighbourhood park, spacious enough to practice some tricks on the skateboard. He was moving from side to side when a young man entered the park. He didn’t look dangerous, he looked rather, peaceful. As the man passed by, Yu slowed down so he wouldn’t bump into him. At this point, he couldn’t see his face clearly, the long bangs covered the man’s eyes so he could only see the tiny mole in the corner of his mouth.
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Geon arrived home after a long day of work. Delivery food in one hand and a pile of letters in the other. He had language class after filming an advertisement for a flower shop, so tonight, he was going to sleep like a baby. While going through his mail, he found an unfamiliar name “Tomiyasu Yu”. This isn’t mine. Why is this here? Tomorrow I will put it back in the mailbox. Geon kept staring at the letter when he realized the apartment number.
Oh! Apartment 01. We are on the same floor. It’s better to deliver it today, it could be important.
Once he was in front of the apartment, he knocked.
Knock, knock, knock—he waited before knocking again.
Hmm, there’s no one home—Geon slid the letter under the door and headed back to his apartment.
The week passed, and Geon grew busier by the day. Language class, acting class, filming, auditions. Get home, order delivery food, take a shower and go to bed. The cycle continued.
Sometimes it was hard to fall asleep, but he forced himself to do it or he would be twice as tired the next morning.
One day, he decided to go for a walk.
The night was clear and the wind was taking away the heat from the summer day. As he walked through his usual path, he found himself staring at the sky, contemplating each one of those tiny glowing dots when suddenly he bumped into something—more like someone—Oh! I’m sorry, I wasn’t paying attention.
It’s okay, I’m okay—said the young man in a soft voice.
Those eyes. I’ve seen them somewhere.
Geon continued walking.
What a strange person. Why was he walking while looking up?
Yu watched the other man walk away. He then lay on the grass next to his skateboard and stared at the sky.
A few nights later, Geon was returning home from his usual walk by the river when he saw the young man again. He was in the park, doing some tricks on his skateboard. This time he was wearing a black tank top, grey sweatpants, a beanie, and big earphones hanging from his neck. As he passed by, he tried to get a better look at his face. Big brown eyes, a sharp nose, and full lips. It was like a character from an anime. Handsome.
Those eyes. I knew I saw them before.
Without realizing it, Geon was staring at the man as he passed by. He noticed it when the other man nodded at him.
Geon shyly nodded back and walked away.
The following night, Geon went out. He wasn’t particularly tired but a walk by the river was always the best after a long day. This time he took his earphones with him. His plan, sit by the river and enjoy the breeze. As he approach one of the benches, he saw the young man resting against the railing. Earphones on, looking into the distance.
It’s him. He looks different now that he is not moving.
Geon passed by him when the man noticed his presence. A polite nod. Geon nodded back and sat on the bench close to the river.
Every now and then, Geon glanced at the man who was still resting against the railing. The streetlight cast shadows across his arms, making the lines of his muscles more defined. He tried to look away and enjoy the view—the river view.
What Geon didn’t know was that Yu also looked at him. How he could see Geon’s eyes whenever the air moved his hair. How his hair fell behind his neck, curling slightly forward at the ends. But his lips…the shine of Geon’s lips caught his eyes. Even from afar, they had a certain shine that made them look, beautiful.
The frequent encounters and the polite nods between them became part of their nightly routine.
On a rainy night, Geon arrived home. There was a big box in front of his door. “Tomiyasu Yu”.
Again?! Can’t they see this is apartment 10?!
With an annoyed expression, Geon went to the other side of the floor to deliver, once again, something for Mr. Tomiyasu.
Knock, knock, knock
As soon as the door opened, Geon started talking.
I’m sorry for knocking at this hour but they left a package for you at my door. Apparently, it’s hard to differentiate Apartment 01 from 10—as he was about to continue ranting about the delivery, a soft voice interrupted him.
Hi…
Oh…Hi—Geon’s ears turned red.
It was the young man from the past few nights.