String to my heart ♪ Mark Lee

♪ 78

In the city with the lights off
The night takes you far
I won't let go of your hand
Let's go into your dream

♪

The moment they stepped out of the rides, the energy shifted completely.

The night air was cool enough to calm the heat left from running around the rides. Steam curled upward from grills while they stared at the menu as if it was a big life decision to take.

"I need food immediately, I can physically hear my organs fighting." Jaejin announced dramatically, pressing a hand against his stomach.
"You've said that three times today." Jihye replied.
"And every time it's been true."

The group ended up scattering between stalls instead of choosing one place to sit, no one had enough energy left for actual decision making.

Chenle was the first one to buy something, returning with two giant corn dogs covered in sauce and potato cubes and passed one to Jaemin who asked for it.

Meanwhile, Jisung stood in front of a potato twister stall looking deeply concerned while the vendor handed him the massive spiral potato on a stick.

He turned it slowly.
"This doesn't even look real."
"It's literally a potato." Jaemin laughed at his reaction.

Haechan grabbed one too and immediately took a huge bite before nearly burning his mouth.
"Oh my- it's hot."
"You watched him fry it in front of you yet shoved it directly in." Jaejin said, disgusted by his behaviour.
"That doesn't mean I expected consequences."

Jaejin snorted before balancing three paper trays in his arms while walking back toward them, beef jerky packets tucked under one arm, fresh churros in the other hand.
"Move." he ordered.
"You look like a struggling father of three." Renjun said.
"I practically am." Jaejin said and pointed at Jihye, Hannah and Haechan.
"You'd lose custody in a week."
"False information, I'd feed them." Jaejin said proudly.

Jeno disappeared quietly at some point and came back carrying several gummy packets stuffed into his hoodie pocket like a raccoon preparing for winter.

Haechan stared at him.
"You bought gummies?"

Jeno blinked calmly.
"Yeah."
"We're eating actual food."
"I ate, so leave me."

Chenle immediately held out his hand.
"Can I have one?" Jeno passed a few to Chenle.

Hannah who stood beside Mark while others were circled around, some sharing their orders with others for a taste while others were engrossed into food.
"Jeno..." Hannah looked at him, as if checking if she bothered him.
"Yeah?" Jeno looked at her properly for the first time in the day.
"The other day when I called you, what were you doing?" Hannah asked, genuinely curious.

Jeno thought for a few seconds before responding.
"I was showering then I slept, you called me around that while my phone was in silent and when I saw the missed call it was 3 AM."

Hannah nodded.

Jeno looked as if he expected more than a nod and asked.
"Was it something important?"
"No no... Actually, I was really bored so I was calling almost everyone to ask what they were doing so that I could take an inspiration and do something but you all seemed so comfortable with a week off."

Jeno shrugged.
"We're used to it, that's what happens in our day off's. Nothing entertaining."

Hannah nodded, understanding their part.

The group slowly started walking again afterward, all carrying different snacks while conversations overlapped into complete chaos. The paper bags crinkled every few seconds. Haechan kept stealing bites from everyone else's food while claiming sharing-built friendship.