Autumn Angel | JHS ✔

.forty-nine.

It's comfortable, I decide. Definitely comfortable. There's a small gap between us as we walk, but it's comfortable. Our steps are small and steady, in no rush to go anywhere by anytime. 

For a couple of minutes, we walk in silence, gathering our thoughts and still marvelling at the situation. What were the chances that we would run into each other like this? What did this mean for the future? I try to take in a deep breath, but my chest feels constricted from the freezing weather and I'm only left to shudder. Still, the snow falling around me makes me smile and the presence of the man beside me makes me warm. 

"I've been alright," I say softly, breaking the silence. 

The lower half of Hoseok's face is covered behind a scarf but I notice his eyes crinkle with a smile. "I'm glad to hear that. I've been doing good as well." 

When I glance over Hoseok, he is staring down at the path, watching his feet slowly move in front of the other. A soft smile is on his face and an energetic aura surrounds him. He was happy. He was genuinely happy. My heart only softens more at the sight and I feel a weight lift from my shoulders. He was doing alright. 

"I'm clean," I start off again. Hoseok's head tilts slightly and he makes eye contact with me. His irises gleam brightly with pride. "I've been clean for a little over a year now." 

"You should have warned me in advance. I did promise we would celebrate with tiramisu." 

A soft giggle escapes my lips and the fuzzy feeling in my chest continues to only grow. "Next time," I promise. Because there will be a next time. 

"You didn't call," Hoseok says softly. His eyes aren't accusing or sad. Merely curious. 

"I was scared at first," I admit. "Scared you didn't want to talk to me, you didn't want me in your life, or something had happened to make your opinion of me change." He opens his mouth to respond and I tilt my head to cut him off. Hoseok's mouth snaps shut, urging me to finish, and I smile. "I called you a few weeks ago to tell you I was coming back to Korea. I finally snapped to my senses and realized a reaching-out was beyond overdue. But the line said the number was no longer valid." 

Hoseok's brows furrow. "I had to change my number because I had started getting a lot of calls from stalkers. I was certain I texted you my new number." 

I shrug. "It's been awhile. I'm not surprised some confusion and mishaps were thrown in there. But we're here now, aren't we?" 

The bright smile my brain can only identify as Hoseok's makes an appearance and he nods. "We are." He pauses for a second before continuing, "I've been keeping track of you, Autumn. It's incredible what you've accomplished." 

The compliment rushes all blood to my cheeks and I smile shyly. On top of starting an organization to help with access to education, my art pieces were also being displayed in galleries and at auctions. On top of that, I was continuing to post choreography online, and even held classes from time to time. I had finally found a way to make every aspect of my life benefit my well-being and happiness. I've had a rough past, but instead of focusing on how that damaged me, I had learned to focus on how that made me grow. 

Hoseok takes a hand out of his pocket to adjust his scarf and I notice the absence of a certain bracelet. Instead of being sad, it only feeds my state of euphoria. Both of us had helped each other and supported each other through so much, and both of us had learned from each other how to move on and love ourselves more. Now, our gazes were only held forward, and our chins were only held high. Both of us were ready to take on our own futures. Both of us were happy. 

The sky isn't completely dark yet, but the lights along the railings parallel to the path light up. Above us, interlocking tree branches join together with crossing lights. A gasp of awe escapes us both and our heads swivel around, admiring the change in scenery. Eventually, our eyes land back onto each other and we both give each other warm smiles. 

"I'm really happy to see you're doing okay, Autumn. Really." 

I rub my ear and Hoseok's smile widens at my familiar habit. "Same here, Hoseok. You matter to me just as much as you always have." 

He takes a single step forward and I meet him halfway, wrapping my arms around him carefully. The scent of his masculine oranges hits me once again and a wave of anamnesis crashes over me. But I'm not sad or wistful. 

There's a single squeeze but the hug doesn't remain too long. Both of us step back and continue to gaze at each other with pride and happiness. 

"I'm always here to support you." 

I laugh softly. "I know," I say, stressing the words and mimicking the phrase he had always told me. 

"I guess I'll see you around?" 

I nod. "Of course. I'll see you around." 

And both of us turn around and walk away, not from each other, but towards a surely uncertain and, even still, bright, hopeful future. 

Neither of us look back.

//

The end.

Take a peek at my final author's note where I address certain details of this story! I'll also talk about the ending in case you were disappointed haha. Yeah, sorry about that.