SCENERY / Taejin

15. Trip

I wondered if Hyung would ever finally open up to me?
He was so vague with his feelings. He didn't mind me being openly close to him in the public eye or at home. But he never said anything more. He had asked me to give him time to process my confession; I did and months passed by and it passed happily but I kept wanting more.

We had never been more successful. Our ARMY opened up so many possibilities for us and everyday was busy with new things to look forward to, new stages to perform and new interviews and shows to attend. Our schedules got busier. Practice got harder and time was limited. Every holiday we got, we tried to spend it with our family as much as we could.

As much as I appreciated everything, I wished we had more time to spend goofing around with each other as we used to. It was selfish of me but I wanted to spend at least one whole day having hyung all to myself.

December was just around the corner. The weather was cold and it was snowing already. I was excited. Hyung and I, both have our birthdays together in December; if nothing else..that made me childishly happy.

We were given a 5-days break before another world tour started again. So, I decided to take the opportunity and approached him with a small trip.

"Hyung... Do you have plans during our break?"

He was watching a movie on his laptop, cuddled up in fuzzy blanket on his bed.

"Huh?...No, not really. My family went travelling. So, I'm gonna stay here."

I motioned for permission to sit down and he scooted over to give me room.

"Then, Do....you want to go skiing..........with me?" I carefully laid out my words.

"Skiing?" His eyes lit up. I knew he loved to ski.

"Umm! I have a really close friend who works at the Yongpyong Ski resort. He's been asking me to visit."

"Have you asked the others? Who's going?" Hyung looked excited.

"Y-yeah I have," I lied.
"T-they've got plans...o-other plans." I stutter.
I'm such a bad liar.

"Then..just the two of us?," Hyung paused.
"Do you think that's a good idea? I mean... It's been months since the articles about you..but..?" He looked concerned for me.

A lot of articles had come up here and there for the past few months about my sexuality but our company had been able to subdue them. It died down eventually but some reporters still remained adamant. I didn't blame them. They were right anyway.

"My friend will be able to receive us without anyone knowing. Don't worry." I assured him and smiled.

Hyung clapped excitedly and started to discuss plans for the trip. It felt refreshing seeing him happy and riled up like a little kid again. I was making my own plans inside my head too, plans to make the most out of the trip and find some ways to kick some progress into our snail's paced friendship or 'relationship'..that is, if you can even call it that.

______

We arrived at the resort a day later. It was beautifully white all around and the snow slopes looked tempting.
We were greeted by my old classmate whom I haven't seen in ages.

"Tae-ah!!," He screamed as we ran in for a hug.

"It's been a while, Chamin-ah!" He looked good. There was no trace of his chubbiness left from high school.

"Who's a mega star now?? This jerk who used to put watermelon rinds on his head. Haha, I missed you,man!" Chamin ruffled my hair as he teased me.

"Stop it! Who's this muscular hunk now? This jerk who used to eat those watermelons whole. Haha, I missed you too, man," It felt good reuniting with him. He was one of the few people I felt comfortable with growing up as an awkward kid...more so because we were both bullied.

"Ah..this is my hyung, Seokjin," I broke off from our hug and stepped aside to introduce my companion.

"Of course! Welcome, Seokjin-ssi," Chamin bowed and reached out for a hand-shake.

Hyung smiled and took his hand.
"Thank you for having me."

I was surprised at his stoic formality. He was always a bit more jolly than this, even with new people.

"Hyung, let's go," I offered picking up his bag and mine. He nodded and hurried off into the field, excitement coming back to him as he set foot into the snow. I couldn't help but smile again. I loved seeing him giddy and happy like that.

Coming here was a good idea, I thought.

I got lost trying to follow Hyung's figure until Chamin nudged me.

"Tae-ah... It's Seokjin-ssi, right?" He was almost whispering close to my ears.

"Huh?..what?? What about?"

"Ah..about all those articles. I'm sorry if I surprised you."

"Uh..no..what are you talking about?" I tried to shook it off, fear starting to come over me.

I thought it was safe coming here. Safe to be with Chamin.

"Come on,man! Give me some credit here. We were so close. Besides, I can definitely read you and I'm confident about it more so because....", He fired out and then paused,

"Because what?" I turned to him.

Chamin sighed and looked up at me,
"..I'm also gay...so, I kinda know? The way you look at him and all.. I've been there too,man" and then he gave me a weak smile.

I've always had my suspicions about him even in school. He was bullied alot for it but he never opened up to me then. I was pleasantly shocked at his sudden announcement. But I also trusted my friend and I calmed down and returned his smile.

"Yeah... It's him," I answered as I looked over at hyung in the distance, already holding his ski poles and waving at me to hurry up.