In Chinese folklore there is what's known as The Red String of Fate, a red string connecting two souls fated for love. Jake however cut his string at eight years old, thinking it was only a burden and not a blessing. He felt hopeless...that is until...
In this moment something inside Heeseung changed. He wanted to protect Jake, and he wanted to stay with him, care for him, and never have to leave his side.
Lee Heeseung had fallen head over heels in love with Sim Jaeyun.
Nine years earlier
"EOMMA! APPA!" Heeseung wailed. He waddled into the house from the pouring rain. His nose pink from crying.
"What is it Hee? What's the matter?" his mother knelt down in front of him. He sniffled and cried harder.
"M-m-my string is g-gone!" He showed his hand to his mom, of course she couldn't see anything either way. She softly patted Heeseung on the head.
"Are you sure? How do you know?" she asked carefully and sweetly. Heeseung rubbed his runny nose on his sleeve.
"I c-can't feel it anymore. It j-just d-disappeared," Heeseung wiped his tears. He spent the rest of the day crying and imagining that his soulmate must have died.
Present time
Jake backed away from Heeseung and sniffled. He was about to say something when the door opened and in walked two people. Jake and Heeseung straightened up and luckily the string was hidden under the couch pillow making it harder to spot.
"Heeseung, what is the meaning of this meeting?" his mother asked as both his parents sat down on the couch across from them.
"I'd like to let you know my friend Sim Jaeyun will be staying with us for an unknown amount of time," Heeseung spoke very politely to his parents which made Jake confused.
"And what is the reason?" his father asked scanning Jake, who was fidgeting with his clothes.
"He currently has too much of an unsafe living environment to return home anytime soon," Heeseung answered. Jake blushed a little from embarrassment.
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Jake tried to hide his tiredness, but he couldn't help but look drowsy.
"It's very nice to meet you Sim Jaeyun," Heeseung's father greeted him.
"Heeseung dear why don't you take poor Jaeyunnie up to his room. Can't you tell he's exhausted," Jake thought maybe Heeseung's mom could hear his thoughts. Heeseung looked over a Jake and noticed him yawning.
"Okay, sleep well," Heeseung said as his parents got up and left the room first. "Wan't me to give you a piggyback ride?" Jake nodded tiredly. Heeseung knelt down and Jake climbed on his back. He rested his chin on Heeseungs shoulder.
Not long after they made it to the guest bedroom. There were two beds and a decorated wall with album photos and records.
"Heeseung...I need to wash up..." Jake muttered in a flustered tone as Heeseung set him down on the bed. Heeseung realized what the issue was and turned a soft pink.
"I hadn't really thought about that," he said trying to think of a solution.
"I wouldn't mind if you joined me..." Jake hid face in his sleeves. He didn't really understand why he was blushing so hard. Friends shower with each other...Right?
