Bonds (Part 1)

When Night Blooms

September 16, 1999.
Gwangju, South Korea
Friday
6:15 P.M.

Endless count of stars placed on the sky with the majestic moon, showing it's borrowed light in a land where darkness is the only thing you'll see every night. It is a miracle to see it now. Accompanied by the moonlight, the place seems a little serene and calm. The sound of the waves crashing at the shore was a music to Hoseok's ears, wiping away all his worries. Bright, optimistic and full of positive vibes. That's how they describe Jung Hoseok. So maybe it's a little weird to find him here near the shore, sitting cross-legged with a smile on his face. Everyone always thought he was a person who likes the sun. But it's not the case here. In the midst of the dark, in the midst of silence, Hoseok spent his spare time looking at the stars, silently wishing on each of them.

He may be an outgoing person, but deep inside, he's wounded and beyond repair. To him, his bubbly personality is only a mask used to hide all of his insecurities. Showing affection to others and communicating is a very hard thing to do, so in this lovely place, he dump all of his tired and confused self.

Hoseok sighed. Back in the past, he have someone who accompanies him here. Talking about the solar system, till their head pop off, exhausted from thinking about complex things.

He laughed, remembering that specific month.

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»»————> 7 months ago <————««

Author's POV

Ring! Ring! Ring!

The school bell notified the whole academy about their dismissal time. The very moment it rang, cheers of students can be heard even in a far distance. In a flash, the usual crowded classroom was now empty, leaving Hoseok alone, holding a broom.

He was shocked that everyone will leave him alone when they know that some of them are cleaners for today. But despite of it, Hoseok smiled, nodding.

"It's okay. Their as tired as I am." He mumbled, getting to work. He calmly strode to the front of the room, and finally sweeping the dirt that lingered on the floor.

Not long after, another student came in, almost making Hoseok faint.

"Aghhh! Aisshh, you should knock, you know!" He stumbled backward, clutching his chest.

The other one just laughed, slapping his knee. "I'm sorry. I just remembered that I'm on charge of watering the plants to-".

The boy stopped talking, looking around with a confused face.

"Where are the others? From what I know, we're more than 5 who's in charge in cleaning the room today. Right?", he questioned, scratching his nape.

Before the boy grabbed the little spinkler, Hoseok spoked up.

"They asked for permission if it's okay if they leave first. Plus, they have valid reasons."

But the latter didn't seem to accept Hoseok's excuse. Frowning, he went closer to Hoseok and chuckled.

"You don't need to lie to me, Hoseokie. I've known them for so long. Let me guess... " he trailed off, tilting his head to the side.