k musings

komorebi | w.h

The bridge between the warm seasons was always a favourite. Soft, cool breezes from spring mingled with the warm summer sun in the most delightful way known to man. Emerald blades of grass tickle your skin, the sun falling into a peaceful slumber just past the mountains before you. It was here that you'd met him all those years ago, only now you sat alone under the old willow with nothing but the memories of what once was.

Stars began fading from the sky, brilliant shades of orange and blue taking their place. The morning dew was cool against your bare feet and clung to you like tape. Rarely did you ever spend a morning away from the charm of your town's park. No one sat upon the benches that dipped down in the centre after decades of use, no children played in the fields of flowers. Not now, at least, when the sun had just woken with a yawn and made it sluggish climb to its home in the sky. Only the enchanting melodies of the early morning songbirds and quiet rush of the river echoed through the park. It was serene, like a little slice of heaven you could hold in the palm of your hand.

As you made your way through the forest of maples and oaks the silhouette of your favourite spot came into view. The willow tree was a marvellous sight; it leaned towards the river, leaves flowing gently with the gentle breeze. One thing stuck out that lifted your brow in curiosity. Under the tree, in the spot you usually occupied, sat a perfect stranger singing to himself. The sound compelled you to continue your approach, something about the way the words flowed from his lips to your ears luring you in.

You lean against the trunk of the tree opposite of where he sat, taking in his profile now that you could see him clearly. "Mind if I join you?"

His gaze met yours; eyes widened in surprise and vague panic. A million things seemed to swirl around his brain in the few seconds it took to formulate a reply. A simple nod and shift to the left to offer you room to sit. Together you sat and enjoyed the sunrise, a comfortable silence enveloping you. Every so often the silence would be cut by the velvety notes he'd sing or the scribbling of your pen on the little notepad you carried with you. After what felt like many relaxing hours a soft ping would ricochet through the peaceful environment, prompting a tired sigh from his lips.

"I have to go," he would say, almost as if you'd come together. You stood up with him, remembering that you too had something you needed to do soon. As you tucked the notebook back into your shirt pocket he made his way back where he came. When he had almost entirely disappeared from your sight a thought popped into your mind. The days to come when you would return to this sacred spot wouldn't be the same without him there. He carried an aura around him that surrounded you with such a delicate tranquility that you became addicted at just the slight taste you'd gotten. Making the only choice that made sense in your mind you ran at him, nearly tripping on every possible obstacle on the little path.

"W-Wait," you shouted, very out of breath. Why was this wearing you out so much? Was it because of the slight sense of urgency or were you really that out of shape these days? When you'd finally caught up to him, you stood hunched over, hands gripping your knees for support as you caught the breath that so easily slipped away from you.

"Are... Are you okay?" His eyes shone nothing but genuine concern, to which you waved off with a breathy chuckle. Pulling one of his hands into yours, you clicked your pen open and scribbled your name and number into his palm. He looked at it for a moment before a kind smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

"Y/N, huh?" You nodded with a grin, the man before you pulling another million dollar smile.

"It was nice sharing this place with someone..." Your face flushed at the realisation that you hadn't asked his name at any point before giving him your number, nor had you let go of his hand. He took notice of this, chuckling as he turned your hands so they were held in his.

"Hoseok. Shin Hoseok."

The memory was still incredibly present in your mind, the euphoric feeling from that day still flowing freely in your veins at the thought of him. Now you sat in the same spot, many wonderful years later, smiling as the last light of the day sparkled between the willow leaves. You heard footsteps behind you, a hand placed gingerly upon your shoulder. You could see the shine of a silver band adorning the ring finger, your heart swelling with love.

"Mind if I join you?"