Ineffable 𓇢𓆸 || Jakehoon

🌸 Chapter 06 🌸

After parking the Corvette, we stepped out and walked toward the entrance of the art exhibition. I scanned the crowd and spotted my friends. My heart lifted as I waved at them, and they rushed over, excitement lighting up their faces.

"Is this that introvert flower guy?" Jungwon teased, a playful grin on his face.

I smiled and nodded at Sunghoon. "Yes, this is him!"

Sunoo bounced over, wrapping his arms around me. "I can't believe you finally brought him! We need to celebrate!"

Just then, Niki dashed over, his energy infectious. "Hey! I'm Niki, the coolest one here. I don't know you but it's ok who care, I don't care!

"Uh, thanks?" Sunghoon replied, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Heeseung and Eunhee joined us, extending his hand with a friendly smile. "Nice to meet you, man." Heeseung said and Eunhee did the same.

Sunghoon shook his hand, looking more at ease. Meanwhile, Jay stood a bit off to the side, observing quietly.

"Jay hyung come on! Talk to him!" Jungwon nudged, rolling his eyes.

With a reluctant sigh, Jay stepped forward and extended his hand. "Hey."

Sunghoon shook it, a bit unsure. "Hi."

"Nice to meet you," Jay said flatly, but there was no malice in his tone. He simply wasn't one for small talk.

Niki, ever the jokester, leaned in with a smirk. "Don't mind Jay hyung, he's just practicing his silent brooding for a future role as a superhero."

"WHAT DID YOU SAY? SAY IT AGAIN!!" Jay yelled.

Everyone laughed, breaking the ice further. Sunghoon relaxed a little more, his smile growing as he met each of my friends' eyes. I could feel the warmth of camaraderie surrounding us, and I knew this was the start of something special for him.

As I chatted with Jungwon, Sunoo and Eunhee their laughter filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile at how effortlessly they made everything feel lighthearted. Niki had drifted over to Sunghoon, and from the way they interacted, it was clear he was becoming more comfortable. he had a way of drawing people in, her energy infectious.

Meanwhile, Jay stood a little further back, his arms crossed and a frown etched on his face. Heeseung, ever the peacekeeper, was trying to lighten the mood, but it seemed like nothing could break through Jay's brooding exterior tonight.

I glanced back at Sunghoon and Niki, who were animatedly discussing one of the installations. Sunghoon was actually laughing now, a genuine sound that warmed my heart. It was nice to see him starting to open up.

As we walked around the gallery, I felt the vibrant energy of the place wash over me, but soon my gaze was drawn to a particular piece on the far wall. It was a child's drawing, messy but full of life-crayon scribbles in bright hues, a sun with a smiling face, and stick figures that seemed to dance across the page.

Something about it caught me off guard. My heart ached as memories flooded back-long summer days spent drawing in the backyard, laughter echoing in the air, the simple joys of childhood. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes, the weight of nostalgia settling heavily in my chest.

I forgot the chatter around me, lost in that drawing. It felt as if time had stopped. The world faded away, and I was enveloped in a bittersweet reverie of innocence and warmth. I could almost hear the echoes of my younger self, carefree and unburdened.

"Hey, are you okay?" Jungwon's voice broke through my haze, and I blinked, realizing I was staring.

"Yeah, I just... this piece reminded me of him, you know" I murmured, wiping my eyes quickly.

"We know you miss him so much Jake" Eunhee said.

Sunoo stepped closer, concern etched on his face. "It's beautiful, isn't it? It captures so much."

"It really does," I replied, my voice trembling slightly. "It takes me back to a simpler time."