sonder {a seungjin fic}

| 02 |

hyunjin returns to the small coffee shop the next day, leaning against the front just like he had done the other day.

although the clouds have cleared up, and the mist is somewhat gone, it still feels dreary to him.

the sidewalk is wet and slippery, but the sun is shining, creating rainbows in the surrounding air.

as hyunjin closes his eyes, he can feel the bookmark, his sweaty hand wrapped tightly around it. the sides dig into his skin, but he doesn't care.

he looks around, the name running through his head. he's disappointed that he didn't get a better look at the boy. he is positive he'd be able to recognize him, but the distinct features get lost in his memory.

hours pass, but hyunjin stays there, watching everyone as they hurry on with their busy lives.

he notices the small things. like how someone grips their briefcase in their left hand, or how their glasses almost fall off their nose before they have the urge to push them back up.

but hyunjin isn't really focusing on those things. he's searching for a certain someone.

and he isn't let down when he spots the familiar face in the crowd. he smiles, a blush dusting his cheeks.

he watches as the boy crouches down. it's obvious to hyunjin that he's looking for something. and hyunjin knows exactly what.

it takes some time for hyunjin to gather up enough courage to walk over to the boy. but once he does, he immediately regrets it.

but he realizes he doesn't have a choice as he stands in front of the boy.

"hello?" the boy, presumably seungmin, says, standing up and facing hyunjin.

"h-hi," the other stutters out.

hyunjin feels as though his heart is stuck in his throat, trapping his words. nervousness floods through his veins.

he finally regains control.

"i - um - saw you drop this yesterday," he holds out the bookmark, "i thought i should give it back."

seungmin smiles at hyunjin, it's blinding, overpowering the sun.

"thanks," he says, reaching out and grabbing it, "i was looking for this."

hyunjin can't help the smile that threatens to take over his face. he clasps his hands behind his back and bites his lip.

"it's no problem," he responds.

he wants to say more, strike up a conversation, maybe even get to know him better. but his anxiousness ties him down, keeping his mouth shut. so he doesn't.

"well, thanks once again," seungmin says, "i've gotta get going."

hyunjin nods, painfully aware of the sinking feeling in his chest.

"oh, yeah, bye."

he steps away, watching seungmin disappear into the crowd.

hyunjin returns to his spot, his footsteps a little lighter and heart a bit fuller.

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off to go study for exams :(