Hybe-topia

15 - Sim Jaeyun

Imagine you live in an alternate universe where everything is black and white until you meet your soulmate. No one really knows why the humans in your universe see colors the way they do - it was just always like this. Some call it fate or destiny while others believe it's the doing of a deity or even several deities. But whatever the reason, you all accept your abilities to see color - or rather when you obtain your abilities to see in color. 

Just as one can imagine, your first encounter with your soulmate is magical due to the memorable visual aid. However, with that being said, the moment your soulmate dies, your world fades back into black and white - which also makes that day one of the most memorable days of your life.

It's been a few years since you first started seeing color. But it's also been a year since your world faded back to black and white. The moment it happened still haunts you to this day. Your friends and family have all been very concerned for your wellbeing, and rightfully so. The loss of your soulmate impacted you tremendously. Everyone has been trying their best to offer you the comfort and support you need, but they all know nothing can ever take away the pain of losing the love of your life - especially at such a young age with so much ahead of you.

Recently, one of your closest friends suggested that you attend a group therapy session held for people who share similar experiences. Of course, you were hesitant at first. Can a group of people talking about traumatic experiences really help you forget what happened - or even relieve some of the stress associated with it? In your mind, you envisioned talking about a traumatic experience with others who have similar experiences something akin to adding fuel to the fire.

However, after much contemplation, you finally decided to attend, just to say you tried it. Maybe, you can gain a new friend or two. You do admit that it's a little hard to talk about your experiences with your friends since none of them have experienced this for themselves yet. And so sometimes, you feel like you're burdening them with the heavy topic. In fact, recently, you've avoided bringing up the big elephant in the room.

When the day of your first session finally arrived, you were a jittery bundle of nerves, to say the least. Yet, when you actually arrived at the location you were immediately calmed by the overall aura of the session. The group leader, a sweet young man named Jake Sim who also lost his soulmate at a young age, didn't make you share your experiences. Instead, he only opened the floor for those who were comfortable talking. You were beyond appreciative of his understanding nature because just sitting there and listening to others' stories relieved some of the weight you had been carrying on your shoulders for so long.

The session had flown by quicker than you had anticipated and it's safe to say you had already determined that you would be returning. And rightfully so because as everyone was slowly dissipating from the session, you had walked over to say your thanks to Jake. Yet, the strangest thing happened while doing so; you saw a flicker of the rosy color of his lips.

At first, you assumed it was your imagination playing tricks on you. In fact, even now, a year after your soulmate had passed, you still "see" glimpses of colors in your day-to-day life and your dreams are all still in color. You had consulted your physician about the phenomena a few months ago to which she had gently explained that they were simply hallucinations that everyone experiences once they lose their loved ones. The brain had gotten so used to seeing in color, so sometimes, it liked to "fill in" missing information that wasn't actually there.

However, each week, as you returned to each session, the flickerings of color continued to reappear. Each time it happened, it was longer in duration - and they all happened when you were around Jake's presence.

"Alright, great job everyone. I'm so proud of you all for sharing everything that has been on your mind and I hope today has brought you some comfort," Jake smiles gently as he addresses everyone in the session today. "Please free to stick around if you would like to talk privately with either your fellow peers or me. But other than that, you're all free to go and I hope to see you next week."

You slowly stand up from your seat and pretend to stretch your legs just so you can catch more glimpses of the flickerings of color taking place around you. While some of the other attendees stay behind to chat with each other, no one is going up to approach Jake aside for the occasional thanks.

"Y/N," Jake smiles at you as he approaches you. "How was the session today?"

"It was good," you nod while returning his smile. "These weekly sessions have surpassed my expectations so I'm more than grateful for everything you do for us."

"It's no problem," the bubbly male chuckles bashfully. "I just really enjoy what I do."

"And it shows," you nod. "You're a great leader."

Just as the conversation dies down, you contemplate what to say next. Should you mention the colors? Would that freak him out? What if he thinks you're delusional?

It might be better to keep it a secret for a little longer.

"Well, I think I'm going to head-"

"-Actually," Jake cuts you off abruptly. "There was something that I wanted to bring up."

"Oh, okay. What's up?"

"This might sound totally crazy and you're probably going to think I'm imagining things, but something's been happening ever since you came to attend these weekly sessions," he begins to explain a little frantically. You study his behavior and you slowly recognize his feeling of nervousness.

Your eyes widen in realization and your heart starts to beat a little faster.

So it wasn't just you.

When the rambling male notices your shocked expression, he begins to talk even faster.

"Wait, I know that sounded weird - and trust me, I have no intentions of freaking you out. But I've-"

"Have you been seeing flickers of colors?" you ask, cutting him off softly.

"Yes," Jake answers breathlessly.

"Oh my stars, I thought that was just me hallucinating!" you begin to laugh, a relieved airy laugh.

"No, no, I see the colors too! And it only ever happens when you're around," he adds.

"I wonder if this has ever happened," you ponder. "Two individuals who lost their soulmates seeing in color again."

"I've never heard of it before," he shrugs. "But it must mean something, right? If we're starting to see in color again, the universe must have wanted us to meet all along."

"Perhaps," you shrug happily, gazing into Jake's warm eyes.

For a moment, it looks like he's about to say something, but you notice him hesitate. There's a visible trace of contemplation in his eyes before he finally asks, "Would you like to go on a date with me?"

You're surprised by Jake's sudden question, and for a split second, you hesitate. You're unsure if you're ready to move on from your late soulmate - especially since you and Jake met through a session that is supposed to help grieving and recovering individuals. But, there's also no denying that the handsome group leader had caught your eye since the first day.

"Sure, I'd love to," you finally respond with a bubbly giggle.

The two of you have wide smiles on your faces as you figure out a date and time for your date - both excited to learn more about each other and perhaps experience some of the rush and fun of dating again.

And little to your knowledge, when you end up sharing your first kiss with Jake at the end of the date, your worlds are going to fade back into color again - only this time, twice as magical as the first time. 

♡ ♡ ♡

Happy Monday, Dalgis! I hope you enjoyed this Jake Imagine. It was definitely one of my favorites to write! 

My author's note this week is going to be on the shorter side because I'm exhausted and ready for bed, lol. But I hope you all have been doing well and staying safe, happy, and healthy! I can't wait to share next week's Sunghoon Imagine with you all. 

Much love,
Dalgi Jungoo 🍓