In Between Time | Seongjoong

05

Hongjoong was finally locking up and on his way home. It was late and he cursed his manager for bribing him into staying later. The streets were still lit brightly as if the sun never left as the nightlife thrived. He began making his way back home still thinking of the event that occured earlier.

Someone out there had a similar device as he did. From the notebook he had found in his parents basement along with the device he knew there was another. The pages were worn so some information wasn't clear but he knew the basics of the device.

Hongjoong had been searching for the other half but now that it was in someone elses hands it would make the task more difficult.

Seonghwa, on the other hand, felt a mix of emotions as he thought of the possibilities. Could he already know the person? Is it someone close to him? Was the person male or female? They could even be non-binary or fluid no one knows. That's what made him anxious, the unknown.

"Seonghwa!" Yeosang called from across the practice room.

"Hey there's a festival later on today and I was wondering if you'd want to come with me."

"Oh cool what time should I meet you and San," Seonghwa opened his water bottle to take a sip.

"I was thinking that it could be just us," he beamed waiting for Seonghwa's reaction.

Seonghwa coughed a little taken aback, "yeah of course. What time should we meet? Should I go to yours?"

"Can I go to your place around 7?"

"No problem I'll send my address."

"I'll catch you later then." Yeosang waved before returning to his other friends.

Seonghwa hurried to his house to change. It was still earlier but he wanted to make sure that he looked spot on when he left.

A black graphic tee, black jeans ripped at the knees paired with oxfords. He threw on a few necklaces and rings along with his black jean jacket. Seonghwa stared.at himself in the mirror fixing his hair and snapping a quick pic.

Even after his long shower and what seemed like an eternity to get dressed he still had a decent amount of time to kill.

Hongjoong was ready to get off work. As much as he loved his job which allowed his creative side to run free customers often ruined that. In exchange for staying later than usual he was able to leave earlier today which was perfect. Hongjoong wanted to take a wild chance and attend the festival to find a lead on the second device. He knew that everyone in this area and then some would be attending.

When it was finally time for Hongjoong to leave he left quicker than usual. Most of the time he'd help clean up a station or two but this time he just left it. The sun was setting and the lights were beginning to shine brighter.

Seonghwa loved the view as he walked with Yeosang his hand brushing past the other's a few times. After the skateboard incident there had been a bit of tension between the two especially when left alone, but at times it lingered during rehearsal.

Today was one of those days where it just felt stronger than normal. Yeosang had looked so cute in his outfit and Seonghwa wanted to say something.

The two got a few drinks and continued to walk around to the many booths randomly dancing to the music that was playing. All was going well until a guy bumped into the two.

"Watch it," Yeosang snapped shaking the spilled liquid off his hand.

"Whatever." The other guy rolled his eyes beginning to walk away.

"Hey are you going to pay for my drink? You bumped into me and spilled it." Yeosang grabbed the others shoulder getting in his face.

The guy had no time to waste over a drink so he did what he'd normal do in this situation. Hit pause on life. The male in front of him froze just as everyone around him did except for one person. Seonghwa.

Seonghwa peered from behind Yeosang as he watched the guy triumphantly walk away like he had all the time in the world.

"Hey!" Seonghwa called out startling the other male.

Hongjoong looked behind him his eyes wide in shock. Who knew he'd find the other person so early. Seonghwa was thinking the exact same when he started running after Hongjoong.

"Fuck!" Seonghwa had realized he left Yeosang behind. He continued to chase the other but unfreeze everyone in the process. He'd have to call or text Yeosang later.

Seonghwa followed the other to the side of a building where there was little traffic from the event. Hongjoong was out of breath hunched over against the wall.

The taller male that had been chasing him took a few deep breaths before speaking to him, "I found you,"