Paper Hearts

one - the man in the book

Soobin loved books as much as he loved himself, probably more. He never thought that reading one book at a young age would bring him this far. Now he's studying creative writing in university so that he can be a writer who writes wonderful stories. He has been dreaming about being a successful male writer.

"Hey Soobin!"

Soobin turned around to meet with Arin, his classmate in creative writing. He smiled as she walked faster to him. Arin is a good friend to him. She liked almost every genre of books there are in the world, but she especially liked mystery. Arin had published several books online and her works are a wonder to read. She never failed to surprise the readers of what would happen next in her books and who the culprit of the crime really is.

"Where are you going? You seem to be in a rush." She asked as she pulled up the straps of her backpack that fell a second ago.

"Oh, just going to the library. What is it?"

"Oh. Well, I just wanted to tell you about this writing competition that'll be held online. Prize money for the first place winner is a huge load if money. I figured it could help you with your expenses."

"Thanks for info Arin! But I don't really like competitions. You of all should know since you're my best friend."

"I know. I just thought it would be worth it telling you. You are a bit struggling on money."

Soobin smiled.

"Thanks for caring, but I'm fine. Really."

Arin just nodded despite wanting to say more. They parted ways as Arin went to her next class while Soobin made his way to the library. He needed to finish his assignments before he goes to work. He might not be able to finish them after work. He'd be too tired and forget them.

Soobin found an interesting book in the library and figured that it wouldn't hurt to borrow it and read it sometime later. He finished half of his assignments and figured that he should probably set out to work.

Soobin worked as a waiter in a diner. It pays good money but it tires the hell out of Soobin. He had to put on a smile at all times and he has to be patient while dealing with troublesome customers. Although, some customers who goes out of their way to thank him for his services made him smile honestly and it fills him up inside with happiness. A normal job, for a normal student, with a normal dream.

Soobin was nothing special. He had the looks, the height and even the good son personality every mother wants in their son-in-law. But Soobin never stood out. He had never wanted to.

It's not that he didn't want to date anyone but his idea of romance is just too top tier for anyone. He didn't want to stand out for anyone to see him, he wanted someone to see him amidst the people around him and see only him. He didn't care if that person is a girl, boy or non-binary. Anyone who would appreciate him as he is, would be the one he would love wholeheartedly.

Which would explain why he felt happy reading the book his friends wrote for him. They did indeed use a female lead — Choi Soojin — but her personality, her face and her height was exactly like him. Only difference would be that she has long black hair that she ties into a ponytail everytime she goes out of the house, and she has boobs and uhh...other stuff.

The fact that Soojin ended up with the second lead, Kim Namjoon kind of made him sad. It was always what he wanted to see in dramas and books but not in this book. Somehow, he fell for the first lead when he would usually fall for the second options. Kim Namjoon is a good guy, caring, smart and sweet but Kim Seokjin was what he call, the closest to his type.

Soobin wished he was real.

Soobin wishes that Kim Seokjin is real.

As he walked towards his apartment unit, he saw a shooting star in the sky. He could wish for anything at all.

Money.

Health.

Love.

So he chose all.

"I wish I'm the male lead in the book Kim Seokjin is in. I want to marry him. Have his love and maybe his money." Soobin mumbled. It wasn't really wished properly since he knew it won't come true. What kind of miracle would that be, right?

[🤍]

Soobin yawned as he woke up.

He didn't know he was already home. He forgot much of what had happened but it's probably just because he just woke up. He'll be fine after breakfast. But somehow, his head was pounding. It hurt like hell.

"Ow..." He groaned.

"Ah. You're awake. Finally."

What the fuck? Who's that?

Soobin's eyes shot open wide and observed his surroundings. He was in a huge bedroom, on a huge king sized bed with three plushies on it. The bedroom was as big as his whole apartment and it's interior design is the most expensive shit he has ever seen. He's not in his house, this is someone else's room!

"Hello? Hey! I'm talking to you!" The guy snapped his fingers in front of Soobin's face.

"Huh?!" Soobin looked at him with confusion. His face was still kind of blurry as he tried to rub his eyes to wake himself up. He wanted to believe he's dreaming but when he felt a hand on his cheeks, he was confirmed that he wasn't.

"You were real drunk yesterday. You're lucky I'm the one who found you Choi Soobin." He said as he handed Soobin some water. "I made some dried pollack soup. Better it while it's still hot. "

Why did this line feel vaguely familiar to him?

Right.

He read it in the book his friends wrote for him. This was the first chapter in the book. The scene where Seokjin tended to Soojin after bringing her home since she was too drunk.

That's odd.

He turned to look at the male beside him. He nearly gasped so loud once he saw his handsome face. Brown hair, brown eyes, fair skin and full lips. The description of the male lead in the book.

"Kim... Kim Seokjin?" He asked, making sure he's not hallucinating or maybe this was someone else. The brunette smirked.

"Of course it's me. Who else do you think I am?"