I Love You Before And After 18 || Jeongcheol [Lachrymose Series #1]

Chapter 1: Memories

It was a cold, windy night, and the sound of rain pattering against the window filled the quiet room. Jeonghan sat cross-legged on his bed, the warm glow of a small lamp casting soft shadows as he read his favorite documentary book. The lines on the page drew him into another world, an escape he savored each night.

Meanwhile, Boo Seungkwan, his lively roommate, was completing his evening routine. True to form, he had migrated to Jeonghan’s room, filling the air with the light floral scent of his skincare products.

“Reading again? What a boring hobby,” Seungkwan remarked, rolling his eyes as he caught Jeonghan’s reflection in the mirror.

Jeonghan looked up, amusement flickering in his eyes. “And you’re one to talk. I don’t even put a drop of chemicals on my face, yet look at this dazzling face card,” he said, gesturing to himself with a smirk.

“Unbelievable,” Seungkwan muttered, shaking his head in exasperation. He couldn’t help but let out a soft chuckle, though, as Jeonghan returned to his book.

They fell into a comfortable silence until Seungkwan broke it again. “Hey, are you coming this Saturday?” he asked casually.

Jeonghan’s brow furrowed as he closed his book, turning to Seungkwan with mild confusion. “Oh… is it your birthday?”

Seungkwan gasped, dramatically placing a hand on his chest. “No! And I can’t believe you forgot my birthday! I just celebrated it like a week ago!” he exclaimed, rolling his eyes. “You need to get out more, Jeonghan, or you’ll rot in this room and turn into a workaholic zombie.”

Jeonghan rolled his eyes but smirked at his friend’s antics. “Fine, then. If it’s not your birthday, what is it?”

Seungkwan’s expression softened. “It’s our high school reunion, actually. Section Chrysanthemums,” he said, the name of their class rolling off his tongue with a slight hesitation. “That word still sounds so fancy, doesn’t it?”

The mention of “Chrysanthemums” stopped Jeonghan in his tracks. Memories flooded his mind—laughter, friendships, tearful goodbyes. It all felt as if it had happened only yesterday.

Jeonghan looked away, flipping through his book as if to distract himself. “I’m not sure,” he muttered. “I have a case to handle at work.”

“Oh, come on, Yoon Jeonghan! You’re the ultimate party pooper,” Seungkwan whined, moving to sit beside him on the bed. “It’ll be awkward if I go alone, especially with Nonie there,” he added, giving Jeonghan his best pleading look.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes again, though he was secretly amused. “Alright, alright, but you’re cooking dinner for a week,” he sighed, patting Seungkwan on the back. “And don’t think I’ll forget.”

“Deal!” Seungkwan beamed, nudging him playfully. “But if the food tastes a bit funny, don’t ask questions. Maybe a touch of ‘extra spice,’ you know?”

Jeonghan playfully smacked his arm, laughing. “Better not try it, Boo Seungkwan.”

Seungkwan laughed and got up, stretching. “Anyway, I need to change my sheets. Goodnight!” He exited the room, leaving Jeonghan alone once more.

As silence reclaimed the room, Jeonghan lay down and stared at the ceiling. The thought of the reunion lingered, and though he tried to shake it off, sleep wouldn’t come. He checked the clock—it was 3 a.m.

“Would it hurt if I went?” he whispered to himself, sighing heavily. Memories he thought he’d buried started to resurface. “How would I even handle it?” He bit his lip, fidgeting with the pendant that hung from his necklace. It was a reminder of someone who had once been important to him.

Would I see him there? he wondered, his mind drifting back to that familiar face, the one he’d avoided thinking about for years. He convinced himself that, even if the man attended, he’d likely find an excuse to leave early. That was his way, after all.

As he closed his eyes, fragments of conversations and laughter filled his thoughts.

--

“Jeonghan, I’m so sorry I couldn’t come to your birthday! I had something really important to do that day,” the voice said, apologetic yet cheerful. “Let me make it up to you! Let’s grab dinner this week?”

“Fine, I’ll forgive you… but you’re paying!” Jeonghan had teased, pointing playfully.

The man had laughed, bowing dramatically. “Your highness, let me carry your bag for you,” he’d joked, earning a fond chuckle from Jeonghan.

--

The memories faded, and he sighed, sitting up. Morning sunlight was beginning to filter through the curtains when Seungkwan’s voice rang from the living room.

“Jeonghannie~ I’m heading out to the vet! I made toast for you, but it’s a bit burnt.. It's edible though! Enjoy!” Seungkwan called.

Jeonghan laughed as he rose, already hearing Seungkwan’s voice disappearing down the hallway. He readied himself for work, going through his routine until he realized he’d forgotten his watch upstairs. Clicking his tongue in frustration, he returned to his room to look for it.

He scoured his nightstand, checking behind books and boxes. He often misplaced his belongings, a side effect of returning home exhausted night after night. Then, as he rifled through an old box, his hand brushed against a photograph he hadn’t seen in years.

Jeonghan sat down, unable to look away. He’d buried these memories, convinced he’d left them in the past. Yet here they were, surfacing with a simple invitation to a reunion.

But now, the thought of seeing him again felt like opening an old wound. He wasn’t sure if he could handle it.

“Would it really be so bad to go?” he murmured, looking at the photo again, he was reminiscing.

"And.. just as i was having a bad day, you're here again. But why now? Why not when I'm about to give up on us? Don't look at me like you love me, you bastard"

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

WARRUP PPL😭😭✨✨✨
lololol is it okay?? It's my first time writing in wattpad since I'm an AU in twt/tiktok girly..
I HOPE IT DIDN'T BORE YOU TOO MUCH!! I PROMISE I'LL DO BETTER!!

LMK YOUR THOUGHTS‼️‼also your theory about their past hm..