Across the Universe - Namjin Yoonmin Taekook

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(This will be a double chapter! Make sure to read the next part too!)

The ship lands safely and the crew gets ready to explore the old abandoned planet. As the Captain, Jimin divides them in groups and makes sure to be the first one to come out. In his room, Jin puts on his suit and give one to his favorite alien.

- You're coming with me, right Joonie?

He doesn't need a verbal answer when he sees him get ready. The big white suit looks adorable on him.

- We won't be long here since it's pretty small and we're just passing by. But with your help we can both look for clues!

His roommate doesn't really need much convincing. No matter how much it'll hurt, he wants to see what's left of his planet. A soon as he steps down from the ship, his eyes water. The place is not what it used to be. For some it would be unrecognizable but he knows it's the right planet. His home. The place where his species used to live. Until it all went to shit and he ended up being the last one left. As he tries to keep the tears from falling, Jin looks around amazed.

- It looks absolutely destroyed, I wonder what it used to look like

As always there's no answer. Together, they walk their way getting slightly separated from the rest. It's a small planet they shouldn't take more than a few hours in seeing all of it. At least the most accesible part.

- It looks so...natural. I'm sure humans would've loved this place.

Joonie smiles sadly. Of course they loved it. His species always took care of the nature that the humans destroyed on earth. That's why he also loves every single plant, flower or small animal. As they walk, the alien has that inner desire to find someone like him. But there's nothing left. Not alive at least. In his head he replays the way this place used to look like. All their plants, their music, their colors. A lost culture. He never thought he would be the last piece of it.

Jin can tell Joonie is acting weird. Sure, he's always quiet but there seems to be something else this time. There's a gloomy atmosphere around him, he walks slowly with little to no energy. All Jin can do is try to distract him from whatever his mind is thinking.

- My brother probably visited when it was still put together. He always wanted to explore space, help others, find a planet filled with life. A planet the humans could learn to take care of. I...I wish I could tell him how proud I am that he could find it. Even if neither him or this planet are still here.

Jin wasn't expecting an answer. But he's surprised to feel Joonie's arms wrap around him. He's holding onto him like his life depends on it. Like he's about to break apart.

- Joonie? What is it? Are you scared? I know it looks like a very quiet place and a little grey but it's really pretty if you look a little closer!

That only makes the alien cry a little harder while maintaining the strong hug. Only someone like Jin could see how beautiful this place used to be under all that destruction. A trace of what it used to be that will eventually disappear in time. He looks up and Jin cleans his tears softly.

- Don't cry, Joonie. I'm here for anything you need. We'll just walk a little more and then we'll head back, okay?

Namjoon takes a deep breath and after another minute he finally lets him go so they can go on their way. They keep a steady pace and Jin makes sure to check on him every few minutes. Suddenly, the boy stands still with wide eyes. Jin looks in the same direction than him, not knowing he's about to find the answer he's been looking for. And the one he's been avoiding. Even if it's been 10 years, it's impossible not to recognize the ship his brother left in.

- If that's here then...my brother has to be here too!

Half buried on the ground, the ship stands in front of him. Immediately, Jin calls for the rest. He knows he'll need help to open the door since it's not supposed to be open from the outside. Especially since it looks like it crashed there. It takes several minutes for Jimin and the rest to arrive at the place. The Captain has no doubt giving the order and several men force the door open. Close behind, Jin stares at it with hopeful eyes.

Jimin is the first one to enter followed by his subcaptain. Only then he signals for whoever wants to follow them to enter. And even though Jin is dying to go, his legs won't move. Because hope has a counterpart. He knows there's an answer inside that ship. But he needs the strength to face it. He takes a deep breath and feels a hand hold his softly. He turns and sees Joonie. The alien is avoiding his eyes but at least he's standing by his side for now.

- Thank you, Joonie. Let's go. I need to see this.

(The second part of the chapter is already up) 👇🏼