Giving Up (Hongjoong x Reader)

chapter four: mingi

dream big

"You always told Mingi to dream big."

Seonghwa smiled widely as he tried to recall the memory for Hongjoong. He wanted Hongjoong to remember.

...

"Hyung."

It was raining. It was raining so hard.

"Mingi, why are you out here?"

Hongjoong pulled a jacket over Mingi's head. He was gonna catch a cold if he sat out in the rain like this.

"They kicked me out. Again. I seriously don't think they want me."

"Nonsense, they just don't see the treasure they lost."

Hongjoong helped Mingi up and they stared at the dance academy. Mingi's dream.

"I should just give up. This dream is too big for me-"

"No."

Hongjoong took Mingi's hand and they walked away from the dance academy.

"You're made to dream big. I never want to hear you say that your dreams are too big. Some dreams just take longer to achieve than others. Dream big Song Mingi, I never taught you to dream small."

Mingi's mouth curled into a smile and Hongjoong smiled too. He pulled Mingi into a tight hug.

"Let's go home, I'll give you some dry clothes and make some food."

...

Hongjoong could only faintly remember that day. He only remembered the harsh rain. The booming thunder.

"You always told Mingi that he was worthy of big dreams. You never wanted to see him belittle himself. You loved seeing how happy he was when he accomplished something."

Seonghwa grabbed Hongjoong's hand and sighed. He smiled slightly. It was such a pity he didn't remember.

"Mingi...I remember the time he dyed his hair red."

Hongjoong chuckled a little.

"His parents got so mad."

...

"Mingi?!"

Mingi shyed away from the boys.

"Your hair!"

Hongjoong laughed brightly. He ruffled Mingi's hair.

"It looks good, why are you being shy?"

"My parents got mad."

"It looks good! I like it!"

Mingi sniffled and wiped away his tears.

"Really? Does it look good?"

The boys all chimed happily. He looked amazing with red hair. He smiled brightly and Hongjoong grabbed his hand.

"Let's go show off your hair."

...

Hongjoong felt his chest tighten. His mind didn't remember that day, but his heart did. His heart yearned for a time he didn't even remember.

But he missed it.

He missed being able to remember. All he remembered was pain. Hurt. Loneliness.

"Seonghwa."

"Yeah?"

"I wish I could remember. I want to remember him. I want to remember him."

Seonghwa wrapped an arm around Hongjoong.

"You loved him, so you'll never really forget him. He's there, Hongjoong. He's still in your heart and mind. You just need to find it in you to remember him."