𝚒𝚗𝚌𝚎𝚗𝚍𝚘, Hyunjin

14.

September 2023

When Hyunjin suggested I look over his paintings, I didn't expect him to drag me out of the cat café. In our very different styles, he was leading me down the streets of Seoul. I was trying to keep up, he seemed to be walking incredibly fast. I was also very overwhelmed by all the cars on the road and all the people walking against us.

My feet were tripping over each other, trying to catch up to Hyunjin. I wanted to call out to him and tell him to slow down, but he was walking too fast and I had nearly lost him in the small crowd while turning a corner. I ran forward, and before thinking about it, I grabbed onto Hyunjin's hand.

He paused and turned to me. I was breathing heavily which was quite awkward, and I tried to smile. He frowned at the sight of me, and his eyes explored my whole face and down my body as if I were hurt.

"You were walking too fast," I said to him, and he looked at me in realisation.

"I'm sorry Oliver." He said with a sheepish smile, "I don't usually go out during the day."

I carefully placed my headphones on my ears without the music playing, and I laughed at what Hyunjin said.

"What? Are you a vampire?" I chuckled, and he followed with his own. His dimple coming out to play.

"No, I worded that weirdly." He said and I smiled, "I...I'll walk slower for you."

I nodded and got ready to follow behind him again. We were standing in the middle of the street, people pushing past us, and giving us looks to move. I was always hyperaware of my surroundings, wanting to avoid the harsh stares people gave at all costs. With Hyunjin at this moment, I care less about the stares of the people and more about what Hyunjin thought.

When he turned around to lead us again, his grip on my hand didn't loosen. My body could feel the squeeze of his fingers against mine, it made my body hot in the icy winds. I looked around at the people walking past us, their stares felt more intense as we held hands. The headphones on my ears helped keep me safe in my thoughts and helped me concentrate solely on Hyunjin.

Eventually, we got off the main street which was crowded with people. Hyunjin took his time in leading the both of us down several streets. In time, we got to a much quieter place and began walking side by side.

"So, what are you listening to?" He asked, and I turned to him. He let go of my hand now that we didn't have the chance of getting lost.

"Oh, nothing," I confessed, "Just get overwhelmed by public spaces I guess."

He nodded with a smile, "Me too, have you ever been in a really busy airport? People taking pictures of you?"

People taking pictures of me? I tried to imagine it in my mind, a whole airport full of people with cameras or phones directed towards me. The thought made tingles go down my back just at the uncomfortableness of the situation. I couldn't imagine going through something like that, so where did this come from? Has Hyunjin experienced this? How awful.

"No, have you?" I asked him, keeping close to him in this unfamiliar place.

"Yeah, all of the time." He laughed, and I tried to laugh too but really I was worried. Why was he the centre of everyone's attention at the airport and how all of the time?

"How? Do you travel a lot?" I asked him, as we kept pace.

"Oh, I guess I forgot to tell you." Hyunjin chuckled, "I'm an idol."

I paused for a second and then jogged to catch up to him. It explained so much. From the first time I saw him, he was so pretty that I believed he had to be glam, luxurious, or even royal. He was a work of art every time I saw him, and I wondered what type of world he lived in. I often wondered about the things he did, the people he talked to, the hobbies he had, and the job he worked in.

I looked to my left and looked at the side profile of his face. Despite the mask and hat, I could see the perfectly defined eyes with a hint of brown eyeshadow, and his jaw a perfect line. He was an idol, most likely praised by millions across the world. Eyes were on him at all times, a pressure so unhuman-like on his shoulders. His beauty belonged to sirens, he was so eye-catching and I was the one walking alongside him.

"An idol?" I asked to make sure, doing a double take.

He nodded and smiled at me under the mask. My imagination of him was sort of right, he lived a glam life then. Spending his days performing in massive stadiums and venues, singing for masses of people. I had no doubt he was popular, talented, and loved everywhere. It was intimidating, knowing I was standing beside such a person. I wasn't bothered by it, not necessarily excited by it either.

I wondered what type of music he made, or was he a part of a group? Groups were more popular in Korea, so I had no doubt he had many friends whom he made music with. I was suddenly excited by the voice he had, or suddenly watching videos with him in during my spare time. I wondered just how glam he really was, and how often? Now, I understood why he was never out during the day. He was probably nervous to get noticed.

"Can I listen to your music?" I asked him, pulling out my phone to search for him on Spotify.

"Hmm." He hummed in agreement, "Search up Stray Kids."

I did as told. When I searched, they came up at the top and I clicked. Nearly 10 million monthly listeners and their most recent album was released at the top of the trending. I smiled and followed them on the app. I saved the top 5 trending songs; I would listen to them when I was sitting down and not holding a conversation with the idol.

"This is cool, I'll listen when we get to yours," I told him and he nodded.

"I would recommend my solo songs too," He teased a little and I smiled, "I have a solo song called Ice Cream which I think suits you."

"I promise I'll check it out then," I told him, my feet moving faster now that I wanted to listen to this song.

Hyunjin turned a final corner before we came to a high-rise building. It was a simple apartment building, bricks and stone with large windows seen on the outside. I followed his lead as he guided us into the building and the elevator. I was relieved to find we weren't going to be long in the elevator, there was a certain smell that made me hold my breath. Hyunjin's front door was similar to mine, opened only with the owner's fingerprints and sealed tightly.

"Oh, pre-warning I guess...I live with 3 other people." Hyunjin awkwardly states with a shrug of his shoulders.

"I guessed." I smiled and shrugged too. I would've been more bothered if I had found out when I was in there but I had time to prepare by guessing he might've been in a group if he was an idol.

He smiled and opened the front door. Standing in the corridor of the building, I could only make out some of the kitchen which you walk directly into. I looked at Hyunjin and he encouraged me to enter first. I took a few steps in before removing my blue shoes to place them on the mat, where some other shoes lay.

"Welcome chingu," Hyunjin stated in English which made me giggle.