❝ Stardust & Heartstrings ❞ YEONBIN FF

Flashback (1)

Summer of 2014.

Yeonjun let out a relieved sigh as he walked out of the exam room, stretching his arms wide. His junior, Taehyun, from the Seoul National University Law program, grinned beside him. "Hyung, we finally made it through the year-end exams!"

Yeonjun said, "Dude, I'm going to be in my final year from next semester. Can you believe it? I hope I don't mess up and can be a decent senior for you juniors."

Taehyun chuckled. "You'll be fine, hyung. You've already helped me out so much since I was a freshman. I'm sure you'll do the same for the others."

Yeonjun clapped Taehyun on the back, saying, "You're a year younger than me, but you're way more mature than I was at your age."

Taehyun smiled, feeling a sense of pride and appreciation for Yeonjun's acknowledgement. "Thanks, hyung. I've learned a lot from you, and I try to follow your example."

Yeonjun chuckled. "You're making me sound old. But seriously, you're one of the most level-headed juniors I've met. I'm confident you'll do great things."

Taehyun's eyes sparkled with amusement. "You're not old, hyung. Just...seasoned. Like a fine wine."

Yeonjun's face lit up with a smile as he asked Taehyun, "So, what's on your agenda for the semester break before sophomore year kicks in?"

Taehyun's eyes sparkled with excitement. "I'm heading out on a camping trip with my school friends, Beomgyu and Hyuka! We're going to escape the city and enjoy some fresh air."

Yeonjun's eyes lit up with interest. "Camping, huh? That sounds like a blast! I'm jealous. I've been stuck in the library for too long."

Taehyun's curiosity was piqued. "What about you, hyung? Do you have any exciting plans for the break before your third year starts?"

Yeonjun shrugged, "Honestly, I don't have any plans. My classmates are having a semester-end party, but it's at one of my dad's hotels, so...yeah. I'm not really feeling it."

He paused, a hint of frustration in his voice. "To be honest, I'm exhausted from all the monotonous tea parties, business trips, and high-society events. I need a break from all that."

Taehyun's face lit up with a bright smile. "Hey, hyung, I've got an idea! I want you to meet my friends Beomgyu and Hyuka. They're really cool, and I think you'll get along great."

Yeonjun raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Okay, sure. What's the plan?"

Taehyun's enthusiasm was infectious. "Let's meet up at the arcade tomorrow! We can hang out, play some games, and just have a good time. No fancy parties or business stuff, just pure fun."

He grinned mischievously. "Plus, I want to see you get destroyed at Pump It Up by Beomgyu. He's a total pro!"

Yeonjun chuckled, feeling a spark of excitement. "Alright, you've got a deal. I'll be there tomorrow."

The next day, Yeonjun walked into the arcade, eager to meet Taehyun's friends. As soon as they gathered around the Pump It Up machine, Yeonjun felt an instant connection with Beomgyu and Hyuka. They joked, teased, and laughed together like old friends, putting Yeonjun at ease.

When it was time to play, Yeonjun surprised everyone by defeating Beomgyu, who was known for his impressive skills. The group erupted in cheers and applause, and Yeonjun beamed with pride. He couldn't remember the last time he'd had so much fun, feeling carefree and unburdened by his usual responsibilities.

As they exchanged social media handles and Taehyun created a chat group for the four of them, Yeonjun felt a sense of belonging he hadn't experienced in a long time. Hyuka, not one to give up easily, invited Yeonjun to join their upcoming camping trip, but Yeonjun regretfully declined, explaining that he had to accompany his mother on a business trip to Paris.

The group's faces fell, but they quickly reassured Yeonjun that there would be more opportunities to hang out soon. As they parted ways, Yeonjun felt grateful for the unexpected friendship and already looked forward to their next gathering.

The chat group, named "Pump It Up Squad" by Taehyun, was already buzzing with jokes and memes, making Yeonjun smile as he walked away from the arcade, feeling more connected than he had in years.

Next morning, Yeonjun woke up to 50 texts in the group, with the title "Pump It Up Squad" still gleaming on his screen. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes, a smile spreading across his face as he saw the flurry of messages from his new friends.

_Pump It Up Squad_

[02:34 AM] Beomgyu: Yo, guys! Who's up for watching Captain America: The Winter Soldier on Friday?

[02:41 AM] Hyuka: I am! I've been meaning to rewatch it

[02:43 AM] Taehyun: Count me in! Hyung, can you make it?

[02:45 AM] Beomgyu: Yeah, hyung! You in?

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Yeonjun scrolls through the messages, chuckling

[08:00 AM] Yeonjun: Haha, okay okay! I'm in! What time and where?

[08:02 AM] Beomgyu: 6 PM at my place! Don't be late, hyung!

[08:05 AM] Hyuka: Can't wait! It's gonna be a blast!

[08:10 AM] Taehyun: Hyung, bring your A-game! We're gonna debate the best Marvel movie after

Yeonjun grins, feeling excited for the movie night and happy to be accepted as the "hyung" of the group.

Yeonjun eagerly counted down the days until Friday's movie night with his new friends. To pass the time, he focused on preparing for the upcoming semester, busily collecting and organizing his textbooks and reading materials. The excitement for Friday's gathering kept him motivated, making the task more enjoyable.

Yeonjun arrived at Beomgyu's house, following the location Taehyun had sent him. As he entered, he was greeted by the savory aromas of kimchi stew (kimchi jjigae) and pan-fried pork cutlets (donkaseu). His stomach growled in anticipation.

The movie night was a blast! They watched Captain America: The Winter Soldier, debating who was the best Avenger (Yeonjun argued for Iron Man, while Beomgyu championed Captain America). Amidst the lively discussion, Yeonjun devoured the delicious spread before him: crispy kimchi-jeon (kimchi pancakes), fluffy steamed buns (mandu), and spicy instant noodles (ramyeon).

For the first time in a long while, Yeonjun felt free to eat without worrying about his mother's disapproving gaze. No need to worry about table manners or etiquette; he could slurp, crunch, and savor to his heart's content. The messy, joyful atmosphere was a refreshing change from his usual formal dining experiences.

As they wrapped up the movie and finished their snacks, Yeonjun felt grateful for this newfound camaraderie. Who knew that a simple movie night could bring him so much happiness? He left Beomgyu's house with a full belly and a heart full of memories.

As Yeonjun walked through the front door, he was met with the stern gaze of his parents, seated on the sofa, clearly awaiting his arrival. His father, Choi Ye Jun, a man of strong convictions as a prosecutor and businessman, glanced at the clock, his eyes narrowing at the late hour of 11 PM. Yeonjun instinctively knew he was in for a lecture, his father's emphasis on punctuality and discipline evident in his disapproving expression.

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