A Short Story
"I hope you shortly find what you long for, Renjun."
Renjun is a senior in high school and an aspiring writer with big dreams. He was tasked by the school paper to write sports news as a final requirement.
His goal in life was fixed...
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EP. RJ
It was August 12th of the year 2016, and Renjun had the house of his dreams.
It was very simple, full of neutral colors like he always wanted, but it was comfortable and felt like home.
"Love, where's my tie?! Have you seen it?" Renjun rushed around his house, the first two buttons of his button up were opened while he held his blazer on his hand.
"I'm already late, and the keys... wait, where's Lucy?" Renjun turned around but was met with a hard chest.
The taller wrapped the tie around Renjun and fixed his clothes.
He also dangled their car key in front of the shorter and held the hand of their six year old daughter named Lucy.
"Don't panic, okay? I got you."
"Sorry, Jaem. It's just I'm late and I have an important news to cover at the station today. Something about Korea and the Olympics." Renjun sighed, before picking up Lucy.
"Where we going?" Lucy giggled against Renjun's shoulder, while Jaemin, Renjun's husband, answered, "We're going to work, baby. You're going to grandma."
The little lady squealed in excitement and nodded, "I love grandma!"
"I know you do." Jaemin smiled as he tucked a strand of her black hair on her ear.
Even after all these years, the sight of his family interacting together warmed Renjun's heart.
The family entered their car and drove to Renjun's parents.
"Bye Lucy baby! See you later." Renjun waved.
"Bye daddy, papa! Love you." The adorable little girl blew Jaemin and Renjun a kiss as she was carried by her grandfather.
"We love you too, Lucy!" Jaemin bid goodbye.
The couple entered their car, Jaemin on the driver seat with Renjun on his right.
"Are you going to work overtime today?" Renjun asked.
"No. I just have a couple files and projects to sign. But I'll get off early to pick you up later."
Renjun pouted, "You don't have to though."
Jaemin took Renjun's hand in his and laced them together, "But I want to, baby. Let me spoil you every once in a while." The taller sweetly smiled.
"Okay, I love you so much, Jaem." Renjun sighed, giving his lover's hand a light squeeze.
"I love you more."
📝
"We're going on live in five, people!" The director, conveniently named Mark, shouted at the crew and anchors.
Renjun quickly straightened his suit and went over the script one last time.
"Mr. Huang," A staff went over to him, "Slight change of plans, here's the new manuscript and we're interviewing the athletes live today."
Renjun was totally caught off guard but he's been doing this for eight years, it's nothing he can't handle, right?
"We're on in three, two and one!"
Light flashed on their faces and the music played as Renjun's co-news anchor started it off, "Good morning, New York City. I am Karina..."
"And I am Renjun and we are America Morning News. Just in, Korea is celebrating their first win in the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Summer Olympics." Renjun stated.
"Now we have some of the athletes that won gold and silver medals, live from Rio. Hello, Ms. Kim." Karina interviewed a silver medalist swimmer named Minjeong.
Everything was going great, and Karina's interview was about to end, "Thank you for that. Up next we have the gold medalist fencer of Korea, Mr. Lee?"
Renjun eyed the paper in his hand before smoothly continuing, "Mr. Lee, good morning."
The screen showed the athlete, still in his fencing gear and still blonde, like Renjun remembered him.
"Hello, Mr. Lee Jeno, how was the game?"
Jeno's eyes formed crescents, "It was amazing, it was truly an honor to represent Korea." The athlete tried his best to speak in English.
"The country must be so proud, seeing you win gold today. What are your plans after this Olympics?" Renjun asked.
"Well, I'm planning on retiring. It was great journey that lead me here. Thank you to my coach, my family and my lovely wife. To all my supporters as well, I appreciate you." Jeno smiled brightly, pushing his damp hair back.
Renjun gulped, as he subtly glanced at the script, "Right. Congratulations on your recent wedding, Jeno."
Jeno stared at him blankly, blinking what Renjun assumed was tears, but were masked due to the sweat that trickled down his face.
That can't be right, Renjun thought his mind must've been tricking him.
"Thank you, Mr. Huang."
"Also of course, congratulations on winning the fencing category and securing Korea a gold medal."
Renjun went off the script, "We... are beyond proud of you. And good luck to your future endeavors."
"Thanks. You too."
The odd tension he felt left as soon as it came. Karina resumed the regularly scheduled program while Renjun stared at the now empty screen.
The corner of the anchor's lips tugged upwards, before he continued his work. "A fire broke out on a building near..."
Maybe that closure he had with Jeno was not what he wanted, but what he needed.
