A Fight For Integrity

XXIII | A Step Closer

The sky looked perfect like the abstract starry night painting. It looked as if a black blanket was wrapped in the sky while stars scattered among themselves. Stars rendered as radiating orbs. The glowing yellow flame in the house looking tiny from afar. Surprisingly enough a cool wind blew across conveying a soothing feeling. Among all these there stood one figure admiring the beautiful night sky. The air blew his hair in a tangled mess comforting him. Jeongin felt at ease and that ease reminded him of only one person. He took out the gadget from his pockets and pressed on the contact that appeared on the top.

Chan roamed around the streets lighted dimly as a scent of smoke and alcohol filled his nostrils. The smell was too strong but the boy was used to it. Chan entered the nearest pub and were being eyed by some men who matched with the definition of drunkers.

"What would you like to have sir?" The bartender asked Chan as he took a seat on the counter table. "Umm just a normal glass of whiskey" Chan replied. He wasn't in the mood of having a drink but he has to get one in order to sit inside the pub. "Any preference of brand sir?" The bartender asked. "No" he shortly replied.

Chan's eyes roamed through the pub. He watched men and women dancing, having a party. On the other hand his eyes fell on heartbroken peeps whom no one cared about. The diverse atmosphere was entertaining yet distracting. He couldn't focus on what he was on. "I hope they all are fine" Chan thought. He wished that no more attacks were to be found that night. He just wanted his friends to be safe. His country to be safe.

Taking a sip from his whiskey he took out his phone which was buzzing like a lunatic a second ago. "So many texts from Jeongin? Omg where is he?" Chan said out loud and called on the number which was texting him for the past minute. "Where are you Hyung ?" Jeongin asked the older. "I am in the pub area innie" Chan said being concerned about the situation. "I of course know that but in which pub are you exactly in?" Jeongin interrogated. "Oh boy- Don't tell me you're here" He said with a sigh. "And what if I am. Come on tell me Hyung" Jeongin said and he got his anticipated answer from the older.

"Are you sure you can come?" Chan asked through the phone. " I am not a baby Hyung. Yahhh got you" Jeongin said and chan felt a hand on his shoulder. "H-hi" Chan said being a bit startled. "Mind taking this seat eh?" Jeongin asked the older. "Ofcourse not" Chan said as Jeongin sat beside him. "Please make the same for me." Jeongin directed the bartender.

"So why are you here?" Chan asked. "Just wanted to see you" the sentence made the older feel his importance. "Hyung what do you think will happen if the portal breaks?" Jeongin asked. "I don't know but let's not think much about that right now" Chan said. "Yeahh". Both the boys began talking about each other's life, how it's going and just light hearted talks. "Don't you feel this place is a bit conjusted?" Jeongin asked in the middle. "For sure it is" Chan agreed. "Let's go upstairs then" Jeongin said and pulled Chan out of the chaotic atmosphere.

Both the figures went to the terrace top hand in hand. "Ahhhh this is more peaceful " chan said sitting on the ground. "I told you" Jeongin added. The sky is exceptionally beautiful and the sweet silent made it more pretty. Chan sipped through the bottle of beer which he held in his hand. His head was entangled with different kind of thoughts and the impact of the alcohol made those lighter in his head. His heart felt soft and the warmth could be felt in his cheeks.

The older stole a glance at the younger who was busy admiring the beauty of mother nature which was beautifully portrayed on the night sky printed with white dot like stars. It was like a beautiful painting painted by God which would last only for a bit as Jeongin thought. He thought his and Chan's relationship was just like one starry blue night which wouldn't last forever.

Chan looked at the side profile of Jeongin. He didn't know whether it was the intoxicating alcohol or Jeongin was a hundred times prettier now. He couldn't help but stare at the boy sitting beside him.