fever | ateez lore story

| the captain |

dream
noun
1. a cherished aspiration, ambition, or ideal
"I'm a dreamer"
OR
2. a series of thoughts, images, and sensations occurring in a person's mind during sleep
"I'm dreaming a dream, every night."

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"Follow your dreams" they said to me. I am, but why do people not enjoy it?

"Why weren't you at school, again?" Is all I ever hear whenever I leave my room. Not a greeting, kiss on the cheek, nothing. A verbal lashing, is all I get.

Why aren't people happy?

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I am the happiest I could ever be, cramped up in my own little studio that took me years to create. Everything I need is here, and people know how happy I am, and know how good I am with what I do. But why aren't the people, themselves, happy?

I guess it wouldn't hurt to go into school today. Just once, right? I need some fresh air anyway.

"I hope you're attending class today, Hongjoong." Mom yells from the kitchen.

I skip down the stairs when I respond; "of course I am, mother!" Eager to pull my shoes on and run out the door. I see her lay out breakfast on the table, and I sit with her and my brother to enjoy. A few bites devoured and I'm out the door, parting ways with my brother who is still in elementary.

I take in the scenery as I walk to school. It's spring season, which means the weather is getting warmer, and the cherry blossoms begin to bloom. I am surrounded by some as they are blown off the branches, the blush of the falling petals colouring my blonde hair. It's like confetti at a concert.

Concerts. I wish to hold one of them, one day. For thousands of people, who have finally found happiness in what I do. That is all I dream of - bringing happiness to people, through my music. I want people to listen to each melody, each lyric, each beat, and feel a cadence of contentment. I dream for people to find my music and call it 'home'.

I'm snapped out of my head by the sudden breaking of a bike, the squeaking wheels pulling my feet back onto the ground. My heart races as I feel my life flash before my eyes. I stare at the man, who stares back at me with the largest, boba-looking eyes ever.

"I am so sorry. I wasn't paying attention." I say, bowing sincerely with a winsome smile on my face. He watches me fold over and straighten back up, responding with a hesitant bow.

"I-it's okay. Neither was I." He says sheepishly, avoiding my eyes and fixating on the road ahead. Silence filled the air as a result of a lack of exchange. Eventually, he goes on about his day, in the same direction as me.

He must go to the same school.

"Hey, wait up!" I yell after him, but he cycles faster, too far for me to catch up. Maybe I'll see him there.

Hopefully.