Unexpected Journey || Hoonsuk AU

Chapter 29 : Sunrise in Bali

"What taking you so long?" said Hyunsuk upon seeing Jihoon appear in front of him. The taller guy panting and holding on to his knees to gain more breath. He raises his head, looking at Hyunsuk who looks at him with a frown face, both hands on his waist. He then creates a smile. A soft smile while still trying to catch his breath.

In the dawn light, he can see Hyunsuk's features as if he was a painting. A painting that is slowly coming to life. He stands up straight and walks towards him. "Sorry, I get a phone call from my studio. They said-,"

"Let's go. The sun is about to rise," said Hyunsuk cutting off what the other was going to say. Jihoon then looked up at the sky, feeling the slight breeze of cold air hitting his face. He's right, the sky is getting brighter. Jihoon follows Hyunsuk as the latter went ahead. As soon as they reach the top, Jihoon gawks at the sight in front of him, eyes wide open. It was a view unlike any other he has ever seen. It's not as tall as he expected from the site, but still, it was quite breathtaking.

Jihoon then took out a camera from the bag, snapping a picture of the scene before him. The sky is blue with white clouds, and some of them were floating above him. The wind was cool, it made his hair flutter slightly. Jihoon turns to the left side to find Hyunsuk standing there, staring at the scenery. His hair danced gently with the breeze.

From Jihoon's point of view, he couldn't tell if Hyunsuk enjoying the view as he is or not. Hyunsuk's eyes look empty, lost in his world. His expression is calm yet there is a sadness inside of him. He always gives an empty stare at anything that catches his attention. That's what Jihoon noticed. Jihoon then sighed.

He forged a smile. "Hyunsuk hyung," he called out. As Hyunsuk turn his head, he clicked his camera shutter, a small smile forming on his lips. Jihoon could feel his heart beating faster.

For the first time, he feels so lucky that he takes photography as his job. Through his camera lens, he could see any kinds of beauty that this world can offer. Beautiful sunset, beautiful sunrise, pretty flowers, pretty people, and the most beautiful thing is the beautiful man in front of him. Something about that man makes him want to capture him, keep him, and cherish him forever. 

The sun finally comes up, breaking through the layers of clouds. Showing its dazzling rays on them, making them shine even more. The birds chirped happily, bringing life into this peaceful moment. The sun is rising on a new day. Everything looks so magical. Hyunsuk's gaze turned to the sky as well as Jihoon's. They both stared at the same thing. There were no words spoken between them. Around those chattering sounds of people's surround, all they could hear was just the sound of Jihoon's camera shutter clicking.

Jihoon's finger didn't stop clicking the camera shutter. He snaps a lot of pictures just to capture it all, capturing everything perfectly, every single moment that unfolds before his eyes. 

He smiles and keeps taking pictures of the scenery around them. The sun keeps rising, creating an orange hue over the whole area. All the colors are mixed, painting the sky into different shades. It glints beautifully on Hyunsuk's skin, making it look like it's glowing, which it is.

Hyunsuk takes a few steps closer, their bodies almost touching as people started gathering around them.

Everyone didn't want to miss the sight of a beautiful sunrise. Everyone wants to see how the sun shines brightly on the horizon, creating a beautiful view. "Ugh," Hyunsuk grunts as he someone accidentally bumps into his back. Jihoon jolted as Hyunsuk's body suddenly lean against his. Hyunsuk's hands are tightly gripped onto Jihoon's arm.

Just a few inches were separating them, making their faces very close. Jihoon can smell Hyunsuk's fresh shampoo, making him feel a sudden rush of heat rushing down his cheeks. The urge of wanting to pull the other closer and kiss him grows bigger. His heart starts thumping loudly against his ribcage. "Hyunsuk hyung..." he whispers. Just when the tip of his finger reached the trigger, the sound of children's laughter stop him. He quickly shakes his head, trying to clear his mind. Taking his hand away, he let out a breath.

"Hyung, let's take some pictures at the popular Gates of Heaven. They're really beautiful," Jihoon said, pulling Hyunsuk by his waist, and dragging him toward the direction of the Gates of Heaven. Hyunsuk who wishes to get out of the crowd, follows Jihoon, letting him drag him somewhere.

They're lucky as they arrive at the Pura Lempuyang before sunrise. The queue at the Gate of Heaven is not as long as they expected. "What?! There's no lake?" asked Jihoon as he reach the Gates of Heaven photoshoot spot. Hyunsuk facepalming himself hearing Jihoon. "Yeah, there isn't one," said Hyunsuk. Jihoon stares at the gates. Almost can't believe that the pictures he usually saw on social media are all fake. There's not even a 'lake' to create a reflection illusion like those pictures on Instagram.

Hyunsuk glances at Jihoon when he couldn't hear the younger voice anymore. The taller and younger guy just standing by his side, with his hand still on his waist. "What do you look so dejected at?" ask Hyunsuk didn't even budge from Jihoon's grip.  Jihoon didn't react. He just still stares blankly at the front. Hyunsuk sighing. "Don't you read from the site yesterday? There are everywhere sources said that there's no lake," explained Hyunsuk rolling his eyes.

"Let's go," said him as they finally arrived at the front.

"Woah, mirror?!" said Jihoon, loosening his grip and moving towards a staff that assigned to take pictures of tourists at the gate. He holding a mirror underneath the phone. The staff glanced at Jihoon for a second as he hear a Korean man suddenly approach him before continuing his job.

Jihoon just silently watching at him while the local man was engrossed in their job. He gestured his hand telling a foreign couple what to do so they can pose properly. Jihoon is amazed by how professional the staff is. He sure has been working there longer than he expected.

"Yosh!" the man suddenly cheers. There's a big smile plastered on his face as he looks at the phone screen. Probably satisfied with the pictures he snapped. He also didn't forget to show a thumb up at them as they look at him. The couple approached him with big smiles on their face. As they stand in front of him, he shows the phone while looking at their face with faces full of hope. Surely wants the couple to praise him.

Jihoon knows how it feels. The pleasure of when someone's found happiness from his pictures. His lip then creates a smile. The couple looks happy with the results. After thanking him, they walk away.

Jihoon then walks towards the man and taps his shoulder lightly. "Sir, can I take picture of you?" He asks in English. The man looks at Jihoon confusedly.  "Of me?" Jihoon nods. The man laughs and looks around. "Is that fine?" asked Jihoon holding his camera, preparing to take a picture of him. The man's face suddenly brightened. He stands up, fixing his attire, his headwear, and even his shoes.

"Sure, sure," he said. He stands with both of his hands clasped together and a large smile on his face. Jihoon brings the camera to his eyes, taking a shot. A loud click echoed in the air as the light flashed before him. He smiles softly after he puts down his camera. He then walks next to the man and shows him the picture.

"Woah, so pretty! I like it!" said the man in English with a bit Indonesian accent. "Yeah. I like it too," Jihoon said, plastering a wide grin on his face. He then glances at Hyunsuk who seems so reluctant to join their conversation. "Sir, can you please take my picture too?"

"Of course! That's my job," said the man, laughing.