Missed Opportunity

Hongjoong stood in front of his studio door. Making no attempt to grab the door knob. Just standing there. He thought he could do this. He thought he was ready but as the memories started flashing in his head he realized he had been wrong.

He was foolish for ever thinking he could get over it.

It was all his fault.

He’d never get to see him again.

The love of his life.

The only person who had shown him any bit of affection.

The only person who meant something to him.

How had he ended up here?

Standing in front of his once beloved studio that he hadn’t visited in 10 months. With heavy eyebags and overly baggy clothes that used to fit his now bony structure.

He wouldn’t want this.

It’s his birthday.

Hongjoong had almost forgotten.

That alone ate him up inside.

To forget something that was once significant to him.

He felt guilty for even thinking of moving on.

It was his fault.

It was this studio's fault.

The studio devoured Hongjoong's passion like a relentless beast, leaving his soul cold and empty.

His once vibrant melodies now rang hollow, echoing through the sterile confines of that dreaded space. Each note wrenched from his fingers felt like a part of him being torn and discarded, until nothing but an empty vessel remained.

Hongjoong's eyes, once ablaze with creative fire, were now vacant, his once radiant spark extinguished by the soulless grind.

He took a step away from the studio as if it was gonna swallow him whole.

His vision blurred with tears. It happens often nowadays.

This was his 20th time visiting his studio but never entering.

Yes, he counted.

“Hong?”

That voice.

Hongjoong froze in place.

“Hong, is that you?”

He turned around quickly.

It was him.

Seonghwa.

Hongjoong leapt toward the man, but he quickly moved away. Fear decorated his beautiful face as he took a few steps back.

“D-don’t be scared of me.” Hongjoong pleaded in a whisper

“It’s hard not to be.” He replied timidly.