𝕃𝕚𝕞𝕓𝕠 [LEE KNOW]

9

Left

When 2015 arrived, Yumi was aware of the idol industry getting more and more recognition. At the age of 17, she has received countless of business cards from different companies in an attempt to recruit her in their company. She knew she wanted to be an idol; she was just waiting for the perfect opportunity. Her collection of business cards from different entertainments continued to grow each passing day.

"Yeong hyung left." Minho suddenly blurted out as they sat. He held out his hand, helping her sit on the bench comfortably. The bench that has been a witness on how they spent their free time for the past five years.

Five years. It has been five years and yet they still found solace on each other. In the span of five years, Yumi has seen major changes in her life. It was a long time. Half a decade is more than enough to turn someone's life around.

She now considers the space as her second home. Despite not being able visit often. Blame the schoolwork that are drowning her. Works that have been progressively harder each passing year she just wanted to cry. Despite it, she still tried her best to go every now and then. Yumi knew it was inevitable for a person to leave, but the feeling of abandonment was still felt.

Every now and then, when a dancer has been missing their usual routine, it was their first clue that they have left. Of course, they were never truly informed if someone left. The only confirmation they could get is seeing the locker that was once owned by that dancer is empty and vacant.

"How could you be so sure?" She asked, still in denial. "What if he just gone to go to a vacation?"

Minho shook his head. "His locker is empty."

That answered everything. Yumi just nodded and let out a shaky breath. "I hope he's happy and healthy wherever he is." There was a sad part in her. Yeong has been a great older brother and guide to her in the space.

At the same time, she's also happy for him. Taemin wasn't looking sad as he visited, and it meant that Yeong left for a good reason. She wanted the best for him and clung on to the hope that they meet again in the near future.

The boy next to her nodded. "Who knows? We might meet him someday."

"Hopefully in that someday, we can use each other's real names." She chuckled. It was a joke but there was a lingering emotion behind those words.

It has been five years, and they still don't know each other's names. They stuck with the rule and did not break it. Nobody dared to initiate breaking it and they did not care. They were happy and that's what matters. They were too scared. Not one of them dared to step over the line.

"Taemin hyung built a billiard pool over there. Fancy a game?" He asked.

"Don't know how but it seems fun." She nodded, groaning as she stood up.

They wordlessly reached the place. The two of them immediately went and grabbed their own pool sticks. "Who's breaking?" She asked.

"You do it." He said and she nodded.

As Yumi tried to hit the cue ball, it did bounce but on the brighter side, she was able to break it. She was not able to shoot any, but it was still a good try.

Minho roamed around the table for a while before he chose a ball to hit. As Yumi observed him, she can't help but admire the man.

Where did all the time go?

It seems as if was only yesterday when she met Minho for the first time. Thin and still with a high-pitched voice.

Now, he already got his Adam's apple. His voice still breaks every now and then. Most were subtle changes but nonetheless, changes. It was obvious that things were no longer the same

Yumi was also there was the boys grew. Jun was only a year younger than them, but the younger teen always asks Minho for advice and help on how to deal with puberty. He too was an only child and Minho became the older brother he never had. Just like he became the younger brother Minho never had.

He would always approach Yumi on how to talk to the girl he likes and on how to be respectful to her. He paid close attention to every word Yumi said.

Woo and Dobi were different. At the young age of twelve, they were already pretty mature for their age. Those two didn't really aproach Yumi and Minho for life advices. Mostly annoying and bothering the living daylights out of the two teens.

She knew time slipped through her fingers in a blur. The five years seemed so long yet so short at the same time. She couldn't believe she spent most of her childhood in the space.

However, as she stared at the boy who celebrated for shooting a ball, she found herself not minding it.

***

There was going to be a dance 'competition' of some sort at the space. The space was never really about competition. It was about enjoying their hobby and improving it at the same time. There's a reason why it was every dancer's safe space.

It was a mystery whether the performer will do a solo, duo, or a group performance. Nobody knew who worked with who. It was a complete mystery. Of course, there were some bets and guesses but they wouldn't really know until the day of the performance.

"Now, for the third performer."

Yumi and Minho smirked at each other before climbing up the stairs and walking towards the center of the stage. They had to bite their lip to stop the smile from forming. They wanted to laugh out loud based on their reaction.

"Those two again?"

"It's so unpredictable that it's predictable."

"I knew it."

"Why am I not even surprised."

"I'm no longer gonna ask."

Whispers and murmurs filled the room as the two waited for their cue to dance.

"Go hyung and noona!" Jun cheered. He danced alone and received countless of compliments. He truly was a dancing machine.

Dobi and Woo seemed inseparable. They danced together and did a powerful performance which made people surprised and at the same time compliment the younger ones.

They sent thumbs up and winked at the older teens when their eyes met. Yumi could no longer fight the chuckle that left her mouth. The two were adorable and too cute to handle.

As the song began playing, the hands and feet worked coordingly. They already practiced it several times and could confidently do it.

Meanwhile, the crowd was still whispering amongst themselves.

"Are they dating?"

"I don't know but I hope they are."

"Now I know why there are tons of people wanting to dance with Blue."

a/n: Lee Know on Lee Mujin!! Can't wait for tomorrow:))