FATE

4.

The whirlwind of debut had finally calmed to a gentle breeze. EN-, exhausted but exhilarated from two months of promotions, were granted a precious one-week vacation. Fan sign events, radio interviews, and late-night TV appearances – the rookies had tackled it all with youthful enthusiasm, their popularity soaring with each passing day.

"Finally!" Riki exclaimed, stretching his arms high above his head. "A whole week to just... exist?"

"No schedules, no cameras," Seon-hoon added, a blissful smile gracing his features.

But a pang of longing tugged at Riki's heart. Unlike the others, his home in Japan felt like a million miles away, a vacation there practically impossible. A heavy sigh escaped his lips.

Sensing his dejection, Taehyun, ruffled his hair affectionately. "Feeling homesick, Riki-chan?"

Riki nodded, a small frown creasing his brow. "I miss my family. A week in Japan would be amazing, but..."

A chorus of playful suggestions erupted. Si-woo proposed a beach trip, while Seon-hoon insisted on a karaoke marathon. "How about you join me, Riki? We can go home and do some fishing? My dad will join us." 

"Really, Taehyun hyung?" Riki's eyes widened. A grin bloomed on Riki's face. Maybe this wouldn't be such a lonely vacation after all. "You little rascal! I guess you have your favorite hyung now." Eun-hee ruffled Riki's hair and everyone laughed.

And so, while the others pursued each plan on vacation, Jeong called Won gently. "Wonie?"

"Hmm..yes hyung?" He responded and looked at him. 

"Would you like to go with me?" softly looking at the younger. "Others have different plans during the first 3 days, hmm I-I mean we can go first to our rest house then after 3 days the rest of the members will follow. We will enjoy the remaining days of vacation there" 

Won stared at Jeong as if he was somehow joking. But he noticed that Jeong was quite serious. Hmmm, he is. So, he nodded. "Yes, hyung I'll go with you."