Echoes in the forest | Minsung

Underneath the Moonlight

The sky above the campsite was a deep indigo, dotted with stars that twinkled like diamonds against the velvet darkness. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter, music, and the crackling of the fire that burned brightly in the center of the clearing. The scent of smoke mingled with the fresh pine, and the warmth of the flames was a welcome contrast to the cool night air.

Jisung sat a little apart from the others, his back against a tree, the soft glow of the fire casting flickering shadows across his face. He had his headphones on, lost in his music, his gaze distant as he watched his friends dance and drink, their laughter filling the night.

Chan and Changbin were in the thick of it, both already tipsy, their movements loose and carefree as they danced around the fire. Seungmin, his injury bandaged and mostly forgotten thanks to the alcohol, was leaning heavily on Felix, who was trying to keep him from toppling over. The rest of the group was scattered around, some dancing, others sitting in groups, talking and laughing.

The party was in full swing, everyone was in high spirits, and Jisung found himself content to sit back and observe, the music in his ears creating a comforting barrier between him and the world.

He was so absorbed in his own little bubble that he didn't notice when Lee Know arrived, slipping into the campsite with an air of quiet hesitation. The new arrival paused at the edge of the clearing, his eyes scanning the scene, his expression unreadable as he took in the chaos of the party.

Lee Know hesitated for a moment, his gaze settling on Jisung, who was sitting away from the group, his head nodding slightly to the rhythm of his music. There was something almost endearing about the sight—Jisung, in the midst of the party, lost in his own world.

With a soft sigh, Lee Know made his way over, his footsteps quiet on the forest floor. He stopped in front of Jisung, who still hadn't noticed him, too caught up in the song playing through his headphones.

Lee Know crouched down, tapping Jisung lightly on the knee to get his attention.

Jisung blinked, startled, and pulled off his headphones, looking up to see Lee Know standing there, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Hey," Lee Know said softly, his voice almost drowned out by the music and laughter around them. "You're missing the party."

Jisung felt a blush creep up his neck. "Oh, hey. I didn't notice you come in," he said, fumbling with his headphones. "I was just..."

"Listening to music?" Lee Know finished for him, his smile widening. "That's pretty cute."

Jisung's blush deepened, and he looked away, embarrassed. "I guess I just needed a break from all the noise," he admitted.

Lee Know nodded, understanding. "I get that," he said, his tone thoughtful. "Sometimes it's nice to escape for a bit."

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the sounds of the party fading into the background as they sat together. Jisung glanced at Lee Know, noticing the way the firelight flickered across his features, casting shadows that made his expression hard to read.

"So... what do you study?" Lee Know asked after a moment, his tone casual, as if trying to keep the conversation light.

"Music," Jisung replied, his voice soft. "Like the others."

Lee Know raised an eyebrow, a look of mild surprise on his face. "All of you?"

Jisung nodded. "Yeah. Chan, Changbin, and I are in the same department. The others are in different programs, but they're all involved in music in some way."