Asahi's moon 🌙 朝日の月

朝光の月 - 1

Chapter 1. "I especially like gummy bears" - YJH

Azuki had been studying Painting at SNU for 3 months. It was her first time studying abroad and she really missed home. She didn't have close friends at school because the Korean friends weren't really her type. They all hung out after dark or even through the night, eating out, going to karaokes, getting drunk. She would gladly join them, if only they weren't so superficial. So everybody thought she was the reserved loner of the class. Nobody really knew her. She only talked to one person about other things beside her assignments and art, that was Asahi.

Asahi was her best friend and desk-mate at high school. On the first day at school, the seats were arranged alphabetically and they were desk-mate and slowly became best friend. Now, Asahi's been training to become an artist at YG Entertainment for almost 2 years. Even when Asahi left Japan to pursue his dream, they still kept in touch and caught up with each other daily through messages. Azuki mostly texted about Korean life, or anything she wanted to tell him about Painting classes. They also shared their sketches and paintings. Asahi sometimes even sent his demo tracks and asked Azuki for her opinions.

***
That day, in Painting class, the teacher picked Azuki to present her painting journal. She was so nervous as other students all looked at her skeptically as she walked to the front of the art class. Most of them presented amazing paintings before, so she felt very insecure about sharing hers. She only managed to talk briefly while showing her journal, struggling with her Korean. Most of the students frowned or threw confusing looks at her and the pressure was taking a toll on her introversion. Fortunately, she was backed up by the teaching assistant, Jaewon-sempai:
"I like your unique and daring use of stroke and brushes. It makes the paintings very expressive and bold. Well done!"

His compliment made the atmosphere lifted up as they clapped for her. "Thank god he did that!" - She thought to herself, and thanked the teaching assistant before going back to her seat.

On her way back to the SNU dormitory, Azuki stumbled upon a snack vendor that sold Japanese snacks. She took photos and texted Asahi a photo of their mutual favorite childhood snacks.
Azuki : "Remember these??"
Asahi: "..."
"So nostalgic. They sell them here too?"
Azuki : "Ikr, I'm surprised too! They make me so freaking homesick 🥺"
Asahi: "Me too"
Azuki : "wanna eat? I'll buy some for you!"
Asahi: "Same time, same place. Thank you!"

They weren't strangers to the park near Asahi's training building. They frequently met there after Asahi's training time to talk. It was a small park with kid's games, play houses and swings. At night, the park was quiet enough to be their safe hangout place.

Later that night, she came to the park, bringing Coke and lots of childhood snacks. She waited for 15 minutes before Asahi showed up in his oversize training clothes and his bag. He looked worn out. Azuki was already there sitting on one of the swings, and when he saw Azuki waving at him, he cheered up a bit. Asahi sat on the swing next to her, saying while catching his breath: "Sorry, we had to practice some more". Azuki replied: "I know. Here!" and she handed him a can of Coke and the bag of snacks. He thanked Azuki and gulped the Coke quickly, his face relaxed. He examined all the snacks carefully, smiling brightly and exclaiming his amazement at the nostalgic childhood snacks. Azuki joyfully asked: "They're the same right? Right? I'm so happy I found them!". He chuckled and casually asked, his hands unwrapping a jelly: "How's study?"

Azuki opened her backpack and took out her drawings and paintings. He was very interested and looked at each and every piece. Asahi really liked one of them and asked to have it.
"I need to hand them in for my assignment tho..." Azuki replied.
"Is that so? Too bad..."

He silently looked at the painting for a long time, and commented:
"Very nice strokes you used in this one. So free and expressive."
"Thank you! That's the second time I heard that today!" Azuki cheerfully squealed.

He gave it to Azuki and she put all the paintings away. They returned to snack munching and reminiscing old times. But Azuki did most of the talking while Asahi just listened, nodded and replied with noises coming from his throat. Azuki sneaked a peek at his face to see that his eyes became dreamy and he was staying very still. He looked sentimental thinking about old times.

Azuki smiled and said:
"Just close your eyes and rest."
Asahi sighed in relief, almost whispering: "Thank you. I just need this right now."

He closed his eyes and rested his head on the swing rope. She became quiet and pat his black hair to comfort him. They stayed like that for a while.

Asahi softly said:
"I miss home so much."
Azuki comforted him:
"Me too... But you have a new home, with your group members, so it's not that bad!"
Asahi mumbled: "You mean that zoo?" and they both laughed.

Azuki joked that Treasure would definitely become a success very soon and she might not be able to contact Asahi when he became famous. Asahi joked along:
"Very likely. My phone may be monitored by then. But you will have an idol friend! Aren't you proud? Aren't you?" And Azuki joked back: "Then I'd make big bucks selling your pre-debut school photos haha"

Asahi continued the joke: "Then you must share with me 50% of the earnings", and they both laughed. Azuki asked Asahi about his songs and they talked and talked. About everything. Their dream, art, music, nature, culture, people, space, the universe,... That was why Asahi really looked forward to spending time and talking with Azuki. She was the only one who could get him to open up.
They only said goodbye at midnight when both were too sleepy.