Fragments of a Soul

Sleepover at the Mountains

It was a rare kind of invitation—one that didn't come from a need to prove something, or a spur-of-the-moment challenge.

Taesoo had mentioned the idea casually the next time they met. The evening, they spent together was relaxing. The usual fights and jabs absent, replaced by easy conversation and shared laughter.

"Ever been to the mountains?" Taesoo had asked, the flicker of the arcade's neon lights reflecting off his eyes.

James had raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Can't say I've spent a lot of time in nature. Seems too... peaceful for someone like me."

Taesoo had smiled, the ghost of a smirk on his lips. "I think you'd like it. I'm heading up this weekend. You should come."

James had almost dismissed the idea at first—he didn't exactly know how to fit into Taesoo's world of hiking boots and mountain trails. But there was something about the sincerity in Taesoo's invitation that made him consider it, made him want to experience this side of Taesoo's life.

So, here they were, walking along a narrow trail in the late afternoon light. The mountain air was still crisp, and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot filled the space between them.

They both carried backpacks—Taesoo's loaded with camping gear, a few bags of food, and a pair of sleeping bags stuffed into the side. James' bag wasn't as heavy, but it was enough to make him appreciate the challenge of the hike as the sun began to dip lower, casting an orange glow across the horizon.

"I still can't believe you brought me out here," James said, glancing at Taesoo, who had been leading the way with ease. "I mean, the last time I was in nature, I was probably in a fight or running from someone."

Taesoo glanced back at him, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Nature's good for the soul. No distractions. Just the wind, the trees... and food."

James raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You're all about food, huh?"

Taesoo's lips curled upward, a slight chuckle escaping him. "You'll see what I mean tonight. I brought something special for dinner."

James followed Taesoo through the forest, the trees thickening as they climbed higher up the mountain.

The sounds of the city were long gone, replaced by the rustling of the wind and the occasional bird call. It felt like stepping into a different world, one that was slower, quieter, where time didn't move as fast.

After a while, they reached a small clearing near a stream, the mountain peaks surrounding them like silent sentinels.

Taesoo immediately dropped his pack, moving with familiar ease to set up camp. He unrolled the sleeping bags first, laying them out side by side, before gathering kindling for a campfire.

James didn't have a sleeping bag. He never thought that he'd ever need one. So, along with his own sleeping bag, Taesoo brought one for James as well.

James stood for a moment, watching him work. Taesoo moved with purpose, his hands sure and steady as he arranged the firewood, setting up a little cooking area beside the flames. There was something oddly calming about watching him—a focus and simplicity in his actions that made James feel like they were on the brink of something... peaceful.

"You've done this before," James said, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched Taesoo prepare. "This isn't your first time cooking over a fire, is it?"

Taesoo glanced up from where he was lighting the fire, his expression softening. "I've been camping a lot. Grew up doing it. I find it easier than dealing with all the noise in the city."