A few days after their emotional journey through the places that held the most cherished memories of Seokmin, Mingyu found himself feeling lighter. It was as if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders, allowing him to breathe more freely. Wonwoo had become an integral part of his life, offering support and understanding without judgment.
One crisp morning, Wonwoo invited Mingyu to join him for a photography session in the park. Mingyu hesitated at first, feeling self-conscious about being in front of the camera, but Wonwoo’s gentle encouragement convinced him to give it a try.
They met at the park, the early sunlight casting a golden glow over the landscape. Wonwoo had his camera slung over his shoulder and a warm smile on his face. "Ready for some photography fun?" he asked.
Mingyu smiled, though still a bit nervous. "I guess so. Just don’t make me look too awkward."
Wonwoo chuckled. "I promise, you’ll look great. Let’s just have some fun with it."
They began by walking around the park, with Wonwoo occasionally stopping to take candid shots. He captured Mingyu as he interacted with the environment—admiring the flowers, watching the ducks in the pond, and simply enjoying the tranquility of the morning.
As Wonwoo snapped photos, he chatted with Mingyu, helping him to relax. "You have a natural presence in front of the camera," Wonwoo said, showing Mingyu some of the shots he had taken. "You might not realize it, but you have this quiet strength and warmth that really comes through."
Mingyu looked at the photos, surprised by what he saw. In the images, he looked more at ease and happier than he felt he had been in a long time. "I don’t know, Wonwoo. I’ve never seen myself like this before."
"That’s the beauty of photography," Wonwoo explained. "It captures moments and emotions that we might not even realize we’re showing. Sometimes, it helps us see ourselves in a new light."
They continued exploring the park, with Wonwoo capturing more candid moments. At one point, they reached a clearing with a bench under a large oak tree. Wonwoo suggested they take a break, and they sat down, enjoying the serene surroundings.
As they talked, Wonwoo discreetly took a few more shots of Mingyu. He captured the way Mingyu’s eyes lit up when he spoke about something he was passionate about, the subtle curve of his smile, and the thoughtful expression that often crossed his face.
"Mingyu, can I show you something?" Wonwoo asked after a while.
"Of course," Mingyu replied.
Wonwoo handed him the camera, and Mingyu began scrolling through the photos. With each image, he saw himself through Wonwoo’s eyes—someone who was healing, someone who was beginning to find joy again, someone who was stronger than he realized.
"It’s amazing," Mingyu said softly. "I never thought I could look like this. I’ve spent so long feeling broken, but these photos... they show something different."
"That’s because you are different," Wonwoo said gently. "You’re not just a man grieving his loss. You’re someone who’s finding his way back to life, to happiness. You have so much to offer, and you deserve to see that in yourself."
Mingyu felt a lump in his throat, his emotions welling up. "Thank you, Wonwoo. You’ve shown me something I didn’t think was possible."
"It’s all you, Mingyu," Wonwoo replied, his eyes full of sincerity. "I’m just here to capture the beauty that’s already there."
As they sat together, Mingyu felt a deep sense of gratitude and connection. Wonwoo had not only helped him to confront his past but was also showing him the path to a brighter future. Through the lens of Wonwoo’s camera, Mingyu was starting to see himself in a new light—a light that held promise, hope, and the possibility of love once more.
For the first time in years, Mingyu felt a spark of self-worth. He realized that he was more than his grief, more than his loss. With Wonwoo by his side, he began to see the potential for a new beginning, one where he could honor Seokmin’s memory while also embracing the life and love that lay ahead.
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Captured Hearts
RomanceMingyu's life was a mosaic of grief and memories after the sudden loss of his beloved Seokmin. Five years had passed, yet the pain felt as fresh as the day it happened. Seeking solace, Mingyu wandered through the familiar park, where the world seeme...