Unexpected Journey || Hoonsuk AU

Chapter 33 : Winner's wish

For countless times, Hyunsuk's sigh could be heard. It could even be heard from feet far. Jihoon just smiled looking at him. His grin is wide enough to be seen on his face.

"Happy enough?" Hyunsuk asked with an annoyed tone to his voice.

"Mhm," Jihoon nodded while grinning at him. Hearing Jihoon didn't even bother answering him with a proper answer made Hyunsuk feel even more irritated.  The smile doesn't seem to go away anytime soon. Hyunsuk sighed again time continuing to walk by the seashore. There are fewer people there since most of them are prepared to have them.

The two of them are now at Seminyak Beach, about to have their dinner under the orangish light of the sunset. The sky was filled with colorful and beautiful lights. People are enjoying themselves while the sun is slowly falling towards the horizon. From afar, they could see some were lying down on chairs, some are on the blankets, and some seats at the dining table.

Jihoon is looking at the view, his eyes sparkling with so much joy. He takes out his camera, points it to the sky, and snaps a picture. He then turned it towards Hyunsuk and flashed a cute smile. His eyes are shining brightly as if they're glistening gold. Hyunsuk just looks at him, not saying anything. The orangish views is reflecting onto Hyunsuk's features making him look like he's glowing. His hair falls gently as it's blowing in the wind.

"Hyung, it's pretty," Jihoon suddenly said, with a soft gaze in his eyes. His lips slightly parted exposing his pearly white teeth. There isn't any trace of mischief or teasing present in his voice. Just pure admiration, pure happiness, pure contentment. Strange, hearing Jihoon said that made something inside of him stir and flutter. His chest feels warm and fuzzy with something he can't even describe.

Hyunsuk averted his gaze from Jihoon, focusing on the sea before responding to him. "It is," he finally agreed. Hyunsuk rubs his left hand against his right forearm. Suddenly, he felt his wrist being grabbed by Jihoon. Startled by this sudden gesture, Hyunsuk looked back at Jihoon. Jihoon grinned widely at him. Hyunsuk stares at him, dumbfounded. His smile somehow brightens up the whole place. Jihoon's expression shows genuine enjoyment. His smile shows so much warmth and happiness. It's almost as blinding as the golden rays of sunlight behind his head. Hyunsuk's heart suddenly stings and the familiar sensation starts creeping up on him.

He brings his hand to his chest, where a certain area started to itch and throb.  He feels like his chest will burst open. A strange feeling starts bubbling inside him and spreading throughout his entire body.

"Hyung," Jihoon calls out softly, bringing Hyunsuk out of his thoughts. "Let's have dinner. I am quite hungry," he says still smiling. Without letting go of  Hyunsuk's wrist. And without waiting for him to say anything, Jihoon drags him toward the restaurant at the beach.

Hyunsuk let himself get dragged along as he follows Jihoon with his eyes. He focused his eyes on Jihoon's wide back. His hair bounced lightly along with his steps.

The wind carried his scent. Hyunsuk tries to take deep breaths to calm down his beating heart but it proves to be a bit too difficult. His chest starts burning as well. He could feel a lump forming in his throat.

Hyunsuk then looks up to Jihoon when the latter suddenly lets go of his wrist. The air suddenly filled with the sounds of laughter, happy chatter, and songs played by the locals. He quickly glances around him, his eyes catching both of them now in the middle of the crowd. He then looked at his front again, with Jihoon's back still standing ahead of him. Strange, he suddenly feels a bit relieved. But he wasn't able to explain the reason behind his relief.

"Ah, hyung. There's a vacant seat," Jihoon says pointing toward an empty table near the edge of the beach. Hyunsuk nods his head and follows him. "Woah, we're lucky to get the seat here," said Jihoon while taking a seat opposite Hyunsuk. Hyunsuk just nodded, he then throw his glances to his side. He's right. We're lucky.

Their dinner is served soon after they order their food.

"I'm glad I won the race just now," said Jihoon as he takes a sip of juice. He then smiles at Hyunsuk. Hyunsuk halted his movement and look at Jihoon. "Well yeah. When we could just have dinner at our resort," said Hyunsuk with an annoyed tone. Jihoon chuckles. "But you're enjoying it, right hyung?" He asks, with his eyes glinting with hope.

"... I guess," Hyunsuk answered after a few seconds' pause. "No more talking," he then added and continue eating. Jihoon just hummed in response and eat quietly.

The time passes quickly as they finished their dinner. After his last bite, Hyunsuk wipes his lips with the napkin. He then looks at Jihoon, who is busy taking pictures of the darkened ocean and the dim moonlight that's shining through the sea of clouds.

Noticing that Hyunsuk has been staring at him for some time. He turns his head to meet Hyunsuk's eyes. He then points his camera lens at Hyunsuk and clicks the shutter button. Hyunsuk didn't know how to react, so he just stay there, letting Jihoon take picture of him.

"Why do you always do that?" said Hyunsuk after Jihoon bring his camera down. Hearing him, Jihoon then looks at Hyunsuk.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"You... you always take pictures of me,"  said Hyunsuk, there isn't a slight annoyance in his voice. Hearing him, Jihoon let out a small chuckle. He can't believe Hyunsuk is asking him why he does that.

"I've told you that I always want to share happiness through my pictures. So, everyone will be happy just by looking at it. And it includes you, hyung. I want you to be happy. After all, you look pretty," said Jihoon.  That last sentence made caught Hyunsuk off guard. His breath hitches. Not sure how to reply.

Jihoon then suddenly realized what he said. "Ah, hyung. I didn't mean it that way. Y-you're pretty but not in a way that I don't love your face or anything. Of course. I-" Jihoon mumbled with his hand flapping frantically trying to find words to say it.

Hyunsuk just chuckles, shaking his head.
"I know," Hyunsuk smiles. He just stares at Jihoon while the latter couldn't help to stare back. Jihoon felt his cheeks heat up.

He then looks back at Hyunsuk. "Hyung, I have the last wish as a winner," he finally said after he calmed down a bit. Hyunsuk raised his eyebrows.

"What it is?"

The waves crashing against the shore were a calming rhythm, like an orchestra in the distance. The air around was fresh, and the salty smell of the ocean wafted in with each breath. A slight breeze blew over his skin making him shiver. The sand against his feet was soft and cool.

"So this is your last wish?" asked Hyunsuk looking at Jihoon. Jihoon who seems to enjoy his stroll like an excited puppy turns his head at Hyunsuk. It took a few seconds before he finally answered.

"Yeah. It's calm and peaceful here. Just us, nature, and the sound of the ocean." said Jihoon as he flick the sand using his toe. Hyunsuk glances at Jihoon before rises his head higher, looking at the dark sky above him. The stars are twinkling as if they're trying to tell something to him.

He then looks at the person in front of him. His feet slowly bring him closer to the other person.

"Jihoon..."

"Hmm?"

Before Jihoon could realize it, he felt his lips being touched by something soft, moist, and warm.