❝ Stardust & Heartstrings ❞ YEONBIN FF

Chapter 13 : A Sense of Belonging

Time flew by, and before Yeonjun knew it, a month had passed. He was overjoyed to see his grandmother's condition stabilize, and she could even recognize him during his visits. However, his parents were too engrossed in their busy professional lives to spare time for a family visit to the geriatric care, despite Yeonjun's repeated calls.

As time passed, the news of his grandmother's health spread throughout the locality, and the community rallied around her, offering support and assistance in various ways. Yeonjun was touched by their kindness and heard heartwarming stories about his grandmother's selflessness and generosity when she lived in Pohang. The locals shared fond memories and praised his grandparents, highlighting their positive impact on the community.

The community's kindness continued to pour in, with a steady stream of neighbors and locals bringing Yeonjun meals every day, ensuring he never went without breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Their gestures of love and care made him feel deeply appreciated and valued, as if he had become a part of their extended family.

Yeonjun's friends regularly checked in on him through video calls and group chats, inquiring about his absence and offering support. Whenever work-related stress from his law firm in Seoul weighed on his mind, Taehyun was always there to reassure him that everything was under control. Meanwhile, Beomgyu and Hyuka provided a shoulder to cry on, lending a listening ear and emotional support on difficult days when his grandmother's memory lapses left him heartbroken.

His friends made a heartfelt promise to visit his grandmother soon, bringing a sense of comfort and reassurance to Yeonjun, who was grateful for their unwavering support and friendship during this challenging time.

The locality head convened a meeting at the development office, gathering all community house members to discuss a special event aimed at reviving Yeonjun's grandmother's memories and uplifting her spirits, a testament to the community's collective care and compassion.

Yeonjun stepped out in a bold ensemble, pairing Ami de Coeur puffer jacket with Dries Van Noten's eye-catching blue skirt denim jeans, black and white cow print zip-up boots, and a graphic printed cotton T-shirt by Mihara Yasuhiro. Once met with curious glances, he was now showered with admiration and compliments from the community, who praised his unique style and handsomeness. Embracing his individuality, Yeonjun finally felt a sense of belonging, like he had found his place among them.

Yeonjun sat among the community members at the office, awaiting the arrival of Choi Beom Seok, the locality development community head, to commence the meeting. Mirae playfully tugged at Yeonjun's Gentle Monster Crella W1 sunglasses, which he was still wearing, before he handed them over to the little girl.

Mrs. Han swiftly intervened, concerned for the expensive accessory. "Give those back, Mirae! You'll break Oppa's expensive sunglasses!" she exclaimed. Yeonjun, however, reassured her with a gentle smile, "It's fine, I let her have it."

Choi Beom Seok, the locality development community head, arrived at the meeting with his son, Choi Soobin, and got straight to business. He invited everyone to share their ideas for the event to revitalize Yeonjun's grandmother's memories. After listening attentively to each suggestion, Mr. Choi's face lit up with a nostalgic smile as he proposed, "Let's organize a traditional community fair, just like the ones we used to have back in the day!" The room filled with excitement and nods of agreement, as the community members eagerly embraced the idea of recreating a classic fair, full of nostalgia and joy.

Mrs. Baek's eyes sparkled with a warm memory as she added, "Yoon Hee-ssi always had a passion for organizing dance programs, didn't she? The local women can prepare a special performance in her honor!" Her suggestion was motivated by a deep sense of gratitude, recalling how Yeonjun's grandmother had selflessly lent them money when they were struggling to keep their agricultural land, a kindness that had never been forgotten.

Soobin and Yeonjun shared a fleeting, secretive glance, their eyes meeting in a moment of wordless understanding. Soobin's gaze then lingered on Yeonjun's legs, subtly exposed beneath the skirt denim jeans, prompting him to instinctively drape his own jacket over Yeonjun's lap. The gentle, protective gesture conveyed a depth of consideration and camaraderie, transcending the need for words as Yeonjun intuitively grasped Soobin's thoughtful intent.

As the meeting adjourned, Soobin offered to escort Yeonjun home, their time together extending beyond the community gathering. Upon arrival, Yeonjun warmly invited Soobin to stay for dinner, mentioning he was planning to cook jjajangmyeon, a dish Soobin particularly enjoyed.

As Yeonjun busied himself in the kitchen, expertly preparing the jjajangmyeon, he asked Soobin about his day. Soobin leaned against the counter, watching Yeonjun cook with interest, and shared the details of his busy day. He mentioned working at his parents' department store, followed by his volunteering stint at the hospital, and concluded by apologizing again for arriving slightly late to the community meeting. Yeonjun listened attentively, his eyes occasionally meeting Soobin's as he nodded and offered supportive smiles, creating a warm and cozy atmosphere in the kitchen.

Yeonjun announced with a flourish, "It's done!!" as he presented the steaming hot jjajangmyeon. He added with a sheepish grin, "I hope it will taste well. Mine won't taste like Hwa Young ajhumma's, so don't judge it on the basis of your mother's dish." Soobin chuckled and nodded understandingly, his eyes sparkling with amusement. He appreciated Yeonjun's humility and the reference to his mother's renowned cooking skills.

Yeonjun gestured towards the bathroom, saying, "I'll take a shower and change my clothes. You can start without me." But Soobin waved his hand, his expression considerate, and replied, "No, it's okay, I can wait."

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