Harmonic Destinies

Chapter 1 : Festival

The bar was busier than usual. The dim lights cast a soft glow on the customers, giving a soft vibe. Taehyung wiped down the last of the glasses, his mind only half at his task. His shift was almost over, he sighed deeply. He helps his uncle in the bar sometimes, he gets out of the bar. "Nicely done Tae! Could you take out the trash? After that, you may go. I also brought some bibimbap for your mom and you. Don't forget to bring it with you!" His uncle Jin said behind the counter. Taehyung nodded and grabbed the trash bags.

The air outside was alive with energy, just beyond the usual crowd, you could hear the distant music and laughter. The Asian festival was a common event every year. He returned inside and saw his uncle again saying goodbye to some customers. "Hmm? Still upset by the credit you got?" His uncle asked him. "Yeah! How dare they say I don't have a spark in my music!" He huffed angry at the advice he got late this afternoon.

Taehyung was born with golden fingers, as they say. At age 4, he had already performed a good show with his violin, which rarely happened. His motivation was his father, who at the time had a love for the violin. He sadly passed away when Taehyung was performing his third show at age 6.

"Lighten up, will you! Sometimes you have to live like there is no tomorrow. You know what I mean? Take some risks in life, don't always go by the book. I know it's hard for you, ever since he died. Your mom is still a workaholic. So please don't turn out like that. Follow your passion!" Jin said as he smiled and patted the others back. Maybe Jin was right, Taehyung might have been holding himself back.

Taehyung took out the bibimbap grabbed his jacket and walked out. The lights of the festival gave off a nice glow. Tonight, though, something in him felt different. He didn't want to go home yet, he would be alone again. So he took a step and found himself in the middle of the festival. Lanterns swung gently in the breeze, casting warm, golden light, over the faces of the festival-goers.

Taehyung walked through the market but got pushed by a drunk man. He let out a soft 'ah' and fell down on top of someone. "Ouch!" Taehyung heard as he looked underneath him he saw a boy around his age. He had a black hoodie on, with grey jeans and a cast?! "I'm so so sorry I just got pushed!" Taehyung said getting up, as he helped the other.

As their eyes met Taehyung felt a spark go inside of him. "Ah it's fine, I uhh can you grab those?" Taehyung looked down and saw crutches on the floor. "Here you go! That looks painful." Taehyung said, normally he wouldn't be going into the conversation. He just felt so different tonight. "I should have been more careful, I don't know what I'm doing here anyways." Taehyung laughed at that a bit. "I'm sure you do. Aren't you with anyone" Taehyung asked.

"No, got no money either. Just wanted to get out for a bit." The bunny-looking boy said. Taehyung took a good look at the other, the other was looking so eternal. "Why don't you come with me? I have no one either." Taehyung said with a smile. "That doesn't sound so bad, you can call me... Jk that will do." The boy said. "Alright mister being mysterious, you can call me Tae." He smiled back.

As they walked passed the tent, with a board saying 'Karaoke!'. "You good at karaoke? I bet you can't beat me?!" Taehyung said with a bit of a smirk. "Game is on!" Jk said as they entered the stall. Taehyung quickly booked the karaoke stand. Scrolled through some of the music. Spotted one of his favorite songs from his dad. 'I Fall In Love Too Fast' is a popular jazz song.

Taehyung starts singing, he isn't all that bad at it. His voice is deep yet so soft, Jk was closely listening. The score came up and it was a solid 91. Now it was Jk his turn, he scrolled down the list. He clicked a song Taehyung had never seen before. 'Down the waterfall' by ZENITH as the tune started playing Taehyung felt a deep connection when he heard an angelic voice. He was so transformed into the song, looking at the other in just disbelief. As the song came to an end Taehyung was just in deep shock. The end score was 84 but even a judge would say Jk had won the competition.

"Wow that was... beautiful," Taehyung said as he took his time to take in all the notes. "Really? I still think I can improve." Jk said with he chuckle. At the end of the song, the computer took a picture of them. "Look at that! Aren't we cute laughing?" Jk said

Taehyung smiled, "You're right! Let's pay then we could maybe see the fireworks still!" Taehyung announced. "Sounds like a plan," Jk said as he took his crutches. Taehyung paid and they took off into the busy streets of the festival.

As they reached the top there was an open field. People already standing around, waiting for the final signal. They found a bench by the riverbank. Jk shifted to sit more comfortably, and Taehyung sat beside him, feeling oddly at ease in the company of someone he didn't even know.

After a moment, the night sky crackled, and the first burst of the fireworks lit up the sky. Bright blues and reds exploded over their heads. Jk tilted his head back, watching the display with an awed expression. Taehyung tried to say something, perhaps go ask Jk more. His thought faded away on his tongue as he found himself caught at the side before him.

With the soft glow of the fireworks glowing up Jk his face. Taehyung felt his breath hitch. The lights reflect in his eyes, creating the tiny galaxies of color within them. For a moment, Jk looked almost unreal. He watched the boy's expression soften with each burst of light.

Jk turned to meet Taehyung's gaze, catching him in the act. A slow, playful smile spread across his lips. "What? You never seen fireworks before?"Taehyung blinked feeling his cheeks flush, though the dim light hid it well. "I've seen plenty of fireworks," he murmured. "Just not like this.." he added.

Jk his smile grew, but push the conversation further. They sat in comfortable silence, watching as the sky continued to explode in brilliant colours. Taehyung had never felt this comfortable in his life. As the show ended they walked off the little park. As they walked into an alley a black van stopped right in front of them.

"Where were you getting in the car now?!" Someone with a black cap said. "I was just..." he heard Jk sigh. "Let me at least say goodbye," Jk said and he turned around to look Taehyung in the eye. He took the other hand and placed something in it. "Here, send me the picture." He smiled the boy got into the car and drove off.

Curious, Taehyung looked at his hand finding a sticker. ZENITH was printed with bold letters at the top, but just underneath it was a phone number. Scribbled hastily, as if left on a whim.

Taehyung stared at the number in disbelief, a smile slowly forming on his lips. It was as fate had thrown him a lifeline and a second chance. He tucked the sticker in his back pocketed and called Jin. "Could you pick me up please?"

As he waited for Jin to arrive, Taehyung's thoughts kept drifting off to the bunny boy. Something about tonight felt different. He took his phone and typed the number in.

Taehyung: Hey, it's Taehyung here is the pick, and have a safe travel home! (Attracted picture)

Taehyung waited a few seconds and saw 3 dots appearing. A smile took over his lips.

Jk: Thanks! We look cute! I'm at the airport, going on the plane back to Korea. I hope to see again someday!

Taehyung: Of course, I will be happy to have a guide! Let's meet again someday!

Taehyung felt content with how his night went. Maybe it wasn't all that bad to go out of your comfort zone.

To be continued...