𝐒𝐄𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐃𝐄; boysnextdoor

solo ; jaehyun

The vibrant streets of Rome stretched before Y/N as she wandered aimlessly, camera slung around her neck, taking in the ancient city's charm. Solo traveling had become her escape—a way to connect with herself and experience the world unfiltered. She stopped at a quaint café to rest her feet, only to have her peace interrupted by the unmistakable sound of a suitcase's wheels clattering over cobblestones.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite stranger," a deep voice teased.

Y/N looked up, her breath catching as she recognized him—Jaehyun. His tall frame was outlined against the Roman sunset, his mischievous grin impossible to miss.

"Jaehyun," she said, feigning annoyance as her lips curved into an unbidden smile. "Why am I not surprised to see you here?"

"You must be stalking me," he replied, sliding into the seat across from her as if they'd planned to meet.

"Stalking you?" Y/N raised an eyebrow. "If I recall, you were the one who 'accidentally' ended up on my tour in Paris last month."

Jaehyun chuckled, dimples flashing. "Hey, I didn't know you'd be there. It's not my fault fate keeps throwing us together."

"Fate, huh?" she said, leaning back in her chair. "More like bad luck."

They'd crossed paths repeatedly over the past few months—at a museum in Vienna, a train station in Zurich, and now here in Rome. Each encounter had been filled with playful banter and subtle flirtation, their connection growing stronger despite the transience of their meetings.

Jaehyun leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "So, what's on the agenda for today, world traveler?"

Y/N shrugged. "Exploring. Maybe finding some good gelato. You?"

"Same. Mind if I join you?"

She smirked. "Only if you can keep up."

They spent the evening wandering through Rome's cobbled streets, their laughter blending with the hum of the city. Y/N pointed out her favorite landmarks while Jaehyun matched her step for step, his easygoing demeanor making her feel like they'd known each other forever.

At the Trevi Fountain, Jaehyun handed her a coin. "Make a wish," he said, his voice soft.

Y/N hesitated before tossing the coin over her shoulder. She glanced at him. "What did you wish for?"

"If I tell you, it won't come true," he teased.

"You're impossible," she muttered, shaking her head.

"Maybe," he said with a grin. "But you like me anyway."

She rolled her eyes but didn't deny it.

As the night deepened, they found themselves at a small rooftop bar overlooking the city. The soft glow of string lights cast a warm ambiance, and the distant hum of the city filled the air.

"So," Y/N said, swirling her drink. "Why do you travel alone?"

Jaehyun's playful expression faltered for a moment, replaced by something more contemplative. "I guess I like the freedom. No schedules, no compromises. Just...me and the world."

She nodded, understanding completely. "Same. Though sometimes it gets lonely."

He looked at her, his gaze steady. "Doesn't seem so lonely when you're around."

Y/N felt her cheeks flush but managed a smirk. "Careful, Jaehyun. That almost sounded romantic."

He laughed, the sound rich and genuine. "What can I say? You bring it out of me."

They talked until the bar began to close, sharing stories of their travels, dreams, and everything in between. It was only when the city grew silent that they realized how late it was.

The next morning, Y/N stood at the train station, her backpack slung over her shoulder. She checked her ticket—her next stop was Florence.

"Leaving so soon?" Jaehyun's voice cut through the crowd.

She turned to see him standing there, his suitcase in hand.

"Jaehyun," she said, surprised. "What are you doing here?"

"I could ask you the same thing," he replied, his grin a little too casual.

"Florence," she admitted. "What about you?"

"Venice," he said, holding up his ticket.

Her heart sank a little. "So, I guess this is it."

"Guess so," he said, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes.

For a moment, neither of them spoke. The bustling station seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them in their little world.

"You know," Jaehyun said finally, "we could change our plans. Go somewhere together."

Y/N hesitated, torn between the allure of staying and the independence she'd always cherished. "As tempting as that is, I think we both know we're better at being solo travelers."

Jaehyun's smile was bittersweet. "Maybe. But for what it's worth, I think we make a pretty good team."

She nodded, her throat tightening. "We do."

As her train was called, Y/N stepped closer. "Take care of yourself, Jaehyun."

"You too, Y/N," he said, his voice soft.

She turned to board the train, but just before stepping on, she looked back. "Hey, Jaehyun?"

"Yeah?"

"If fate throws us together again..." She paused, a smile playing on her lips. "I won't fight it this time."

He grinned. "Deal."

And with that, she disappeared into the crowd, leaving him standing there with a mixture of hope and longing.