Fate | Jakehoon

chapter 32: the red string

2026
Brisbane, Australia
15th of January

It's been a long time coming for Jake. Nearly seven years had passed since he left his hometown, Brisbane, to pursue his dream, and now that same dream had brought him back — on tour in Australia. A stadium tour that started in Melbourne, continued in Syndey, and ended in Brisbane. The concerts were a blast, and Jake could feel the overwhelming love from the fans who had been waiting for years. He was very grateful for all the support.

A few of his high school friends attended the Brisbane concert, so he was able to catch up with them backstage. They had graduated from university and were fortunate to be working in their chosen careers. One of them had even gotten married. Jake marvelled at how everyone's lives had taken different paths.

Since the concert in his hometown was the final one in Australia, Jake had asked the company to stay for an extra day afterward — an his request was granted.

So, the members get to spend a free day in Brisbane with Jake as their guide. They explore the city center for a bit and he takes them to Streets Beach, a man made swimming beach on the South Bank area. Although not the beach Jake had originally hoped to show them. The beach he frequently went to when he was a kid is about an hour drive away and unfortunately, they don't have enough time to go everywhere. After all, Brisbane and its surrounding areas can't be seen in a day.

Besides, the members were intent to see koalas and kangaroos, so they had pre-purchased tickets for a sanctuary. And of course, Jake can't escape the inevitable comments about his resemblance to a koala while they're there.

Later in the afternoon, they return to the hotel to rest. As it's currently summertime in Australia, it's quite hot during the day, which tires them out faster, especially after walking in the sunshine for hours.

They have dinner plans at a barbecue restaurant, recommended by Jake, and to wander around the area after that.

However, Jake's plan is slightly different. He and Sunghoon are determined to skip the group dinner and explore the city on their own. Jake is eager on showing him the riverwalk along the South Bank and the mesmerising view from Kangaroo Point Cliffs Park — his favorite spot in the city.

For that, they both make up an excuse for their managers — claiming they're too tired and sunstroked to go to dinner — which seems understandable.

In the evening, an hour before everyone else is supposed to head to dinner, Jake meets Sunghoon in outside his room, ready to leave the hotel premises.

"The uber should be here in two minutes," Jake says, checking the app on his phone.

"Where are you going?"

Jake and Sunghoon freeze in place when they hear Do-Il's voice. They were literally one step away from getting into the elevator, when they turn around to see him approaching.

"The bathroom."

"The pool."

Jake and Sunghoon exchange a glance of disbelief, though Sunghoon's response holds more logic.

Really?

The best Jake was able to come up with was the bathroom?

"What?" Do-Il knits his brows in confusion.

"We were..." Jake struggles to think of something, but Sunghoon steps in to help.

"Going down to the pool..." Sunghoon trails off. "But stopping by the bathroom first," he adds quickly.