❝ Stardust & Heartstrings ❞ YEONBIN FF

Flashback (4)

Yeonjun's visit to Pohang for his semester break unexpectedly blossomed into a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Initially, Yeonjun had intended to keep a low profile and stay at his grandmother's house, avoiding social interactions. However, he found himself unexpectedly immersed in the community, donning the same attire as the locals and assisting Mrs. Baek with planting lettuce on her farm.

Glancing occasionally at the eighteen-year-old's carefree laughter as he joyfully planted potatoes on the opposite end of the field, Yeonjun's mind wandered back to the moment in the truck when Soobin's words still lingered vividly in his memory: "You're beautiful."

As soon as Soobin caught sight of him, he sprinted back over, a bright smile on his face, and asked, "Hey, hyung! Are you joining us for the community clean-up tomorrow?"

"No, I think I'll pass and stay home instead."

"Oh, okay, sure thing, hyung," Soobin replied with a smile, but his gaze dropped, hinting at a subtle disappointment.

The following day, Yeonjun surprisingly found himself arriving first at the community clean-up event, a stark contrast to his initial plan to stay home.

Soobin's face lit up with a radiant grin as he spotted Yeonjun already present, and he excitedly shrieked "Hyunggg!" as he enthusiastically wrapped Yeonjun in a warm hug.

Yeonjun's face flushed with a sudden surge of warmth, his heart racing erratically, as Soobin's words sent a thrill through him: "I'm so happy you're here, hyung." The genuine delight in Soobin's voice only added to Yeonjun's fluttering emotions.

"Whoa, hyung, those shoes are way too fancy for our clean-up work today! I've got some spare sneakers in my bag that'll be perfect for this - hang on, let me grab them for you!"

The tiny gestures Soobin made didn't go unnoticed by Yeonjun. It was the little things that mattered most - carefully removing tomatoes from his sandwiches, holding his hand while crossing the road, and even bringing the community dog to play with him because he knew Yeonjun loved it. In a remarkably short span of time, Soobin seemed to have developed an uncanny ability to notice and attend to every minute detail about Yeonjun, leaving a profound impression on him.

Yeonjun's grandmother, the respected head of the locality committee, kept a watchful eye on the proceedings, and her keen observation skills didn't miss the subtle exchanges between Yeonjun and Soobin. She noticed the way Yeonjun's face lit up with a soft smile whenever Soobin was near, and how he couldn't help but steal glances at the younger boy, his eyes betraying a tender affection. Her wise eyes twinkled with knowing, as if she could see the blossoming emotions between the two.

As they took a break from their cleaning tasks, Soobin thoughtfully prepared a snack for the two of them, handing Yeonjun a steaming bowl of cup noodles alongside his own. The simple, comforting gesture spoke volumes about Soobin's considerate nature, and Yeonjun's heart swelled with appreciation as he accepted the offered bowl, their fingers touching briefly in the exchange. The warmth of the noodles and the kindness in Soobin's eyes made for a soothing combination, and Yeonjun felt his senses come alive in the quiet moment they shared.

As Yeonjun savored the noodles, a tiny droplet of broth escaped, leaving a small stain on the corner of his lips. Soobin, with a playful glint in his eye, gently reached out and wiped it away with his thumb, his touch sending a shiver down Yeonjun's spine. "You're 19, but still such a messy eater, hyung," Soobin teased, his voice low and affectionate, "it's cute." The whispered word hung in the air, a tender endearment that made Yeonjun's heart skip a beat, his face flushing with a warm, happy glow.

Soobin's eyes sparkled with excitement as he asked, "Want to ride the bicycle near the lotus pond?" Yeonjun's face lit up with a soft smile, and he nodded silently, his heart racing with anticipation. The prospect of a leisurely bike ride alongside Soobin, surrounded by the serene beauty of the lotus pond, filled him with joy.

Yeonjun's face turned slightly pink as he admitted, "But I don't know how to ride a bicycle." Soobin's response was immediate and reassuring, "It's fine, you'll just sit, and I'll do the rest." Soobin's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, his voice filled with a gentle encouragement. He gestured for Yeonjun to get on the bicycle, his hands ready to support him, and Yeonjun's heart skipped a beat as he realized he would be sitting close to Soobin, feeling his warmth and proximity as they glided through the picturesque surroundings.

As they dismounted the bicycle, Soobin led Yeonjun to a small, secluded hut near the pond, its wooden slats weathered to a soft silver. "This is my secret spot," Soobin said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I've never brought anyone here before." Yeonjun's curiosity was piqued, and he asked, "Why me, then?" Soobin's gaze locked onto Yeonjun's, his eyes shining with sincerity. "You're special," he said, the words hanging in the air like a promise. The quiet intimacy of the moment, the tranquility of the surroundings, and Soobin's heartfelt admission all combined to make Yeonjun's heart flutter, as if it was trying to take flight.

***