ATEEZ: Remnants

[Seonghwa's Memory - The Moon]

Did Seonghwa just imagine the whole thing? No, this was proof; this bracelet was proof that this was real. That she was real.

As he went to join his friends, he thought back to his first interaction with her.

[One year ago]

The school bell rang, and students scrambled to enjoy the rest of their day or get back to studying with their noses in books. Seonghwa had other plans, but he needed to wait till everyone else had left. Park Seonghwa had just moved into Seoul several months ago in order to begin his trainee life. He didn't know many people as he transferred at an awkward time, but he was already in his third year and probably wouldn't be seeing these people again anyways once he debuts.

Debut.

That's all he could think about. Once he debuts, this will all be worth it – the sore muscles, the critiques and monthly evaluations, the loneliness. Still, he wanted to pass this time fondly as this would also be the last time in a while, for what he considered living a "normal life". Even if he wasn't close to anyone, being completely alone was still too painful when you already felt like you were living on your own. He and the other trainees have slowly been getting to know each other, but the others already had an established relationship before he came. Plus, he was older than most of them as well so it wasn't like they could take him in and take care of him. He was so used to being the youngest son at home, and now he was suddenly a hyung. But they were nice. They always tried to include him. But that oddly made Seonghwa feel more alone than ever. He would have to get better. He would get better.

"No, it's fine," he quietly comforted himself. "We're just not at that point yet. We'll get closer eventually I'm sure. We're going to be a good team. It's fine."

The young trainee constantly kept muttering encouragements to himself as he made his usual walk down the now empty school hallway. He had been practicing his vocals in the school's music room whenever he had the chance. He didn't intend to be a vocal. He enjoyed dancing and practiced so hard on his rapping before he came here, and that's exactly what he thought he would do. So, when they told him they wanted him to become a vocal a few days ago, he was immediately distraught. He couldn't – no he wouldn't let them hear his voice. He had no confidence in his voice. Yunho and San had lovely tones, he loved hearing them sing. But he could see why they didn't need another rapper whenever he heard Hongjoong or Mingi. He should've seen it coming.

"It's fine. Just practice."

He had constantly been rambling to himself that he barely noticed through the glass door, the girl sitting atop the windowsill across the room. She sat there back turned, and faced up towards the dark blue night sky, a soft glowing moon illuminating through her silhouette. She was humming a soft tune while playfully kicking her legs over the edge of the window.

"...Oh? Oh? Oh! Hey!" and without a second thought, Seonghwa immediately ran for the mysterious girl and pulled her down from the window.

"It's dangerous! What were you thinking?!"

"The moon is quite nice tonight."

"...What?"

"The moon! I wanted a better look but the door to the rooftop was locked so I came here. This place was the next best option."

It wasn't until he calmed down did he notice her peculiar appearance. She had long braided black hair with lightly flushed cheeks. Something glinted in the moonlight beneath his eyes and he spied a chain bracelet on her right wrist. She wasn't wearing a school uniform, but a plain white summer dress and was barefoot. It was winter. She smelled like vanilla and the beach.