THE SPECTRE

•6

The next morning, they all gathered for breakfast and prepared for their family outing. The parents took care of the picnic essentials, and Taeyong and Yuta changed into suitable clothes for the day. With everything ready, they set out in their car, and Ten followed along.

"Are you ready to go?" their father asked.

"Yes!" Yuta replied enthusiastically.

"Taeyong, are you sure you want to wear long sleeves and pants? The weather is a little hot today," his mother inquired.

"I'm more comfortable wearing this, Mom. It's fine," Taeyong assured.

"Okay, let's go now," Mr. Lee said, starting the car. They arrived at the park after a short drive, fortunate to find a nice spot since they arrived early. Setting up their picnic area, they all sat down.

Taeyong gestured with his hands, signaling for Ten to join them, and so Ten sat between him and Yuta.

"I remember when Yuta was just 3 years old, and we came here. He was afraid of everyone he saw," Mr. Marko reminisced, laughing.

"It's because it was his first time here that time," Mrs. Hera explained.

"Afraid little baby," Taeyong teased Yuta.

"I'm not a baby now, Yong. I'm turning 7 now," Yuta retorted.

Ten was observing them, chatting about their past and laughing, it's evident how much they cherish each other despite these rare family moments. The desire to join their conversation lingers, yet the inability to be seen or heard fades in comparison to the contentment felt from witnessing their joy. There's an inexplicable happiness in seeing them united, whole, and complete, even though unable to participate directly, seeing their happiness seems to bring a sense of comfort. Sometimes, witnessing the joy of others can also offer a sense of fulfillment. It's beautiful to find solace in the happiness of those around, even if it's from a distance.

                                                                                                ▪●▪

As Ten sat in the park, a sense of déjà vu washed over him, gazing at the trio before him. The features seemed familiar, yet shrouded in mystery. There was an inexplicable feeling of having encountered these faces, yet the context remained elusive. Despite the tug of recognition, the exact link remained enigmatic, leaving Ten pondering the puzzling sense of connection. It was as if the pieces were within reach, waiting for that elusive moment of clarity to fall into place.

▪○▪

"Hey, Ten," Taeyong whispered beside him.

Ten turned to him in confusion.

"Are you alright? You were spaced out a while ago," Taeyong said.

"Yeah, I'm fine. By the way, where are your parents and Yuta?" Ten asked.

"My parents went to find a store to buy wipes for Yuta because he got stains on his clothes, and Yuta's playing with a ball," Taeyong explained.

"Where?" Ten asked.

"Who," Taeyong replied.

"Where's Yuta?" Ten asked again.

"He's there," Taeyong pointed somewhere. However, when he realized that Yuta wasn't around, he stood up immediately.

"Wait, where's that kid?" he asked, his voice shaking.