It's not always like that || Treasure Fanfiction

Chapter 2: Unseen Worlds

The following week passed in its usual rhythm—school, homework, and the occasional text from Junkyu about how exhausted he was. Solar didn't mind the monotony of her routine, but she couldn't help but notice how different her life felt compared to Junkyu's. While her days were predictable, his were filled with intense training, late-night rehearsals, and the constant pressure to succeed.

On Friday afternoon, after another long week of classes, Solar found herself daydreaming in the back of the classroom. The teacher was discussing something about historical events, but her mind wandered back to Junkyu. She imagined him in the practice room, sweat dripping down his forehead as he learned a complicated dance routine. She could picture him laughing with the other trainees during breaks, sharing stories about their struggles and dreams.Just then, the school bell rang, breaking her reverie. The other students packed up quickly, eager to escape into the weekend. Solar gathered her things, still lost in thought. As she walked through the bustling hallways, she couldn't shake the feeling that something about her life might be changing soon. After school, she headed to her usual café to unwind. As she sat at a corner table, sipping her favorite strawberry smoothie, she pulled out her phone and texted Junkyu.

Solar: "Hey, you free later? Wanna grab dinner?"He replied almost immediately.

Junkyu:"Definitely! I'm done with practice early today. Let's meet at our spot!"

Feeling a rush of excitement, Solar left the café and made her way to their favorite restaurant. The thought of catching up with her brother filled her with warmth. As she approached, she spotted Junkyu sitting at their usual booth, his cap pulled low over his brow.

"Hey, superstar," she teased as she slid into the seat across from him.Junkyu looked up, a grin breaking across his tired face. 

"I'm not a superstar yet! Just a trainee trying to survive."

They both laughed, and for a moment, it felt like everything was normal. They ordered their food, and as they ate, Solar noticed the bags under Junkyu's eyes and the slight tension in his shoulders. It reminded her of the sacrifices he was making.

"Is it getting harder?" she asked, her voice softer now.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Some days are tougher than others. We've been working on our performance for the upcoming showcase, and the pressure is intense. But it's worth it when I think about debuting."

Solar nodded, trying to understand. "What if you don't debut, though? What happens then?"

Junkyu looked down at his plate for a moment, contemplating. "I don't know. I guess I'd have to reevaluate things. But I can't let myself think like that. I have to believe I can make it."

His determination was inspiring, but it also made Solar anxious. She had watched him chase this dream with unwavering dedication, and she felt a mix of pride and fear for him. "Do you ever think about how this affects me?" Solar asked suddenly. "I mean, it's like your entire life is in this bubble, and I'm just...here."

Junkyu looked up, surprise etched on his face. "What do you mean? You're my sister. You're always in my life."

"Yeah, but it's like I don't really get to share it with you," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "You're always so busy, and when we do get to hang out, I feel like I'm living in two separate worlds."

He paused, clearly taking her words seriously. "I didn't realize you felt that way. I'm sorry, Solar. I want to be there for you, but it's hard to balance everything."