Everyday, Waiting For You

Reminiscing

I checked the time on my phone for what seemed like the sixth time already. It read 20:04. He said that they would be finishing up around now I thought. I shivered and took a deep breath and exhaled, revealing a cold frosted puff which disappeared into thin air. I've been waiting outside of the practice studio building for 30 minutes in the cold, surrounded by the weightless, sparkling specks of snow falling from the night sky. I actually didn't mind waiting, heck, I was more than happy to wait because I was looking forward to finally seeing my best friend, Kim Taehyung.

Kim Taehyung. Those words bring a smile to my face and take me back to some of the best memories of my childhood. Ever since he introduced himself to me with that wide, boxy grin of his when he found me sitting alone in class in elementary school, we soon grew to be inseparable friends. I distinctively remember his large ears and his random, but bright and confident personality, one quite the opposite of mine at the time. Taehyung was a funny, popular, and multi-talented kid. Often making jokes in class, he would find himself getting in trouble most of the time. However, he was a kind and humble person, always making sure I was well. We would spend time after school, over the weekend, or anytime we were free together doing whatever we wanted and talking about whatever we pleased. Taehyung never failed to make me feel happy, and he really brought out the best in me.

We would talk about a lot of things, but our favorite thing to talk about was our love for music. In elementary school, we were in band together. He played saxophone and I played piano. Sometimes after school, we would fool around and create silly little duets together. One day, we talked about our hopes and dreams of the future. That was the day I found out about Taehyung's deep passion for singing and his dream to become a singer. Fascinated by his perseverance and determination, I told myself that I would support his dream no matter what.

All was good and we remained best friends until middle school came around. Taehyung, with lots of persuasion, hard work, and auditioning, was able to be enrolled as a trainee under BigHit Entertainment. I remember him calling me one day while I was working at my local convenience store. Excited and speechless, all at once, he said to me, "Jung-ie! Jung-ie! Y-you are not going to believe what I'm about to tell you!". We celebrated that night on his accomplishment over japchae and meat. His face lit up while he talked about how nervous he was during the audition and all the amazing people he met. I've never felt more proud of him than that night.

However, as days turned to months, his busy training schedule kept him constantly occupied. Our daily attempts to meet up after I finished work and after he finished dance training started to become more difficult to plan. It soon resulted in us talking less. The pain of loneliness started to kick in. It hurt at first, but knowing that Taehyung was achieving the dream of his life brought consolation to my sadness. Before I knew it, after a few years, BTS, a seven member boy group, finally made their debut. I was able to watch their debut performance on the small convenience store T.V. I couldn't keep my eyes off of Taehyung. His was a totally different person on stage. He left me speechless, and I was very proud of him. That day, a satisfying feeling filled me. The fact that my best friend was making it big made me happy, but the sadness in my heart was still present and has remained there ever since.

I was surprised when I received the text from Taehyung one day while I was walking home from university class. I stood, shocked, in the middle of the road, staring at my phone in disbelief with my mouth wide open. It was only when the impatient traffic began to honk at me, was I able to come back to reality, running for my life to get off the road so I wouldn't get hit by the speedy death on wheels. My heart was racing, not just because I almost got squashed by several cars, but because I was given the chance to have the oppurtunity to reconnect with the past that I left long ago.

Suddenly, the door threw open and people began emerging out of the doors, talking and laughing. Since it was quite dark I couldn't see very well, but I could identify them by voice, since I've been following BTS ever since they debuted (and became quite an avid fan too). I watched as a tall shadow walk out with another tall shadow, followed by a man with what seemed like earbuds in his ears. Namjoon, Jin, ...and Yoongi? I thought. Shortly after, what seemed like Jungkook, Hoseok, and Jimin fooling around, burst out of the doors. "Sorry Chiminie, but the majority voted on hotpot tonight! Haha!" teased Hoseok at a defeated, but nevertheless, happy, smiling Jimin. All six members seemed to be going out to eat together I concluded, across the street, still standing beneath the lamppost unseen.

I stood silently in anticipation, waiting for the man of the hour. What is taking him so long? Why isn't he with the other members? I sighed again. I was now one with the cold air. My nose was numb and my ears were red from the chilling night.

"Excuse me?"

I jumped a little.

" I think I'm lost. Can you help me find my way?"

A voice from behind me spoke, startling me. I turned around to look at the voice.

"I-I'm sorry, I'm actually waiting for someone and I don't know the area very well myse-"

Suddenly, two arms were wrapped around me in a tight hug. I stood frozen and confused. What the? Who is this stranger? Why is he hugging me? Wait a minute...This scent. This hair.

It was Taehyung.

"Taehyung..." I said weakly while gaining enough feeling in my arms to hug him back. I felt tears well up in my eyes and my face flushing.

Taheyung pulled away from our hug, both of his hands firm on my shoulders. He gave a good look at me and showed me a big grin.

"Jung-ie. C'mon, let's go grab some japchae and meat. We have a lot to catch up on."