Cherry On Top

Chapter I.

Sometimes Hoseok wondered if he'd be stuck forever. Not psychically, but mentally stuck in a position he just couldn't get out of. He felt as if even though he moved from town to town, there wasn't a reason for it - he would return to his dusty grey couch soon anyways, sit and stare, stare and sit and wonder.

Just like last night, he now sat down heavily, letting out a breath, and closing his eyes for a moment. Only now, the room around him was different. The air felt fresher, new, the light too intense. He resistantly opened his eyes, staring at the blank, white wall in front of him.
He just moved to Lilydale, the name sounding like something from the fantasy-books he read a lot as a child. The new apartment smelled like paint and dust, the old couch not helping on the case. He knew he should throw it away, literally everyone who visited him had wholeheartedly agreed ... But something in him were resistant every time he stood up to drag it out. It annoyed him as well, as he felt like the couch was a part of the feeling of being stuck. He turned his head to the window, the thin blue curtains flowing gently at the light breeze streaming through one of the open windows. Outside there were black cars, silver lampposts, blue sky. A thin, ratchet tree providing a small spot of shadow on the sidewalk; the leaves being light green, vibrating in the wind - reminding him of the tree in his garden. Or, old garden.

He was quickly cut out of his trance by a loud slam, the door being forcefully opened - the door knob probably already haven made a hole in his new walls. Hoseok looked over, a smile widening as he saw Taehyung, better known as Tae, standing there, two enormous bags in his hands.
"Hobi!" Tae shouted, dropping the bags and throwing himself at the couch. Hoseok let out a chuckle, moving over a bit to make more room for the boy as he greeted him. Tae sighed and leaned back, making himself more comfortable. "You don't know how long I've been wandering around, trying to find your damn house."
Hoseok smiled, happy to finally have some company in the strange, new silence. Tae glanced around the room, not looking further excited. "Don't you have any other furniture or something? Lookin' like a prison-cell in here."
Hoseok couldn't help but laugh, following Taes eyes around the room. "Of course I do. The truck just isn't here yet."
Tae lifted an eyebrow, still not impressed. "And the couch?"
"Brought it here myself."
The younger boy looked confused a moment before rolling his eyes, trying to look annoyed - but Hoseok could see the smile playing on his lips.
"Oh - right. 'Cause you can drive and stuff. Got it." Tae said with cynical expression.
Hoseok laughed again, the other boy always able to bring a smile to his face. Always able to make him forget the worried thoughts for some time.
He nods to the bags. "What did you bring?"
Taes eyes lit up again, pulling one of the bags over and emptying it on the floor. "Just all the best foods in all of town!"
Hoseok suddenly realized he was quite hungry, staring at all the takeout, snacks and a few beers Tae had brought. He picked up a can, chuckling as he opened it. "You're a champ Tae. Cheers!"

The weather stayed calm and clear, even in the afternoon, when the temperature dropped at least fifteen degrees Celsius. Tae left a little hour ago, Hoseok now welcoming the movers and their truck, helping them carry the last of his things inside.
It was like the city was a bit more alive at nighttime. Neon-lights and lights from cars, the shadows hiding the faces of all the young people roaming the streets. Many of them probably preparing to start at LCA - Lilydale College of Arts - like himself.
He helped one of the movers carry his fridge, stumbling inside the kitchen and placing it down with a grunt, wiping sweat off his forehead.
Heading outside, something cought his eye on the corner, a couple houses down the street. Three dark silhouettes, one leaning against the wall, one standing with a cigarette and another, slightly shorter - assumably a boy, Hoseoks age. The reason for his interest was the short boy and his bleach blonde hair, bright in the dark. Hoseok stood and looked at his silhouette, not being able to make out any features or words he was saying. Then he was laughing, Hoseok hearing the sound ringing in the air like silverbells, and he got chills. He shook his head, he was being ridiculous. He was probably just cold - that was the only logical explanation. Cold and paranoid about the new city ... Yes that must be it. He turned around and picked up a chair, carrying it inside after stealing the blonde boy a last glance.
He should get some sleep.

Authors Note: Heyo~ It's Avi. Thank you so much for reading the first chapter of Cherry On Top! I hope you enjoyed. Please tell me what you think in the comments, or if you have any questions or requests. See ya~✨