Sun & Moon

SEVENTY FOUR

The island wind dances around Doyoung, stroking his hair as he walks along the elevated coast. The flowers sway beside him, making his nose tickle from the pollen. Doyoung watches the distant waves gently roll back and forth. He can barely tell where the sea meets the horizon since both are a calming, pale cerulean. Doyoung smiles in relaxation, his heart lightly settling in his chest as he inhales the summer air.

His steps are slow and relaxed as if he has all the time in the world. The breeze makes his baby-blue dress shirt ripple a bit, and he keeps his hands in the pockets of his slacks. The on-site visit had gone well, and Doyoung decided to take the liberty of enjoying his visit before he goes back home. After all, it has been nearly forever since he's taken a vacation.

When Doyoung exhales, it is as if all his worries dissipate. He can't quite tell what it is: perhaps the lazy island atmosphere or his newfound freedom, but he genuinely feels okay. Although his heart still misses Taeyong, he's come to an understanding of the fact that he is not unlovable. He knows that Taeyong is not the only person he's ever met that cares for him. And he knows that there are more people to meet in the future. His heart swells at the thought of Herian's wedding or Jiyeon's grand opening. There is much to do, and look forward to, when he gets home.

Doyoung sighs and walks back to his hotel.

. . .

It is the first day of August when Heiran texts Taeyong the flight information for Doyoung's arrival. Taeyong had immediately taken a taxi straight to the airport and now anxiously waits at the terminal, his eyes scanning for Doyoung's figure.

Taeyong's feet anxiously tap the ground as he bites his fingernails. He thinks he might look suspicious to others, especially considering the current location. But he could care less: his heart pitters and patters, and his ears feel hot. He gulps nervously, just thinking about Doyoung. His mind races through the many possibilities of what Doyoung could say to him.

When Taeyong spots Doyoung, his heart nearly erupts. Inexpressible emotions rush through him like wind. He sees Doyoung walking, pulling along his carry-on behind him. One hand tugs on the suitcase, the other texting on the phone. Taeyong is slightly surprised at how unusual Doyoung's attire is: the sleeves of his dress shirt are rolled up to his elbows, and there are wrinkles like waves in a gentle sea. His usually neat, dark hair is rustled around and thrown back from the Jeju wind. The sight makes Taeyong's cheeks go warm: to others, Doyoung may seem like the usual, lone business traveler. But to Taeyong, he only sees his handsome destiny.

Without even thinking, Taeyong stands up. "Doyoung!" he yells as he starts running over. "Doyoungggg!"

Doyoung looks up from his phone in an absolute panic. Like when he first met Taeyong at the bar only a few months ago, the unadulterated joy in Taeyong's face terrifies him. Instinctively, he looks away and starts walking faster, trying to get outside.

"Doyoung!" Taeyong wails. "Wait for meeee!"

"Why is he here?" Doyoung murmurs under his breath, tugging his suitcase so hard that it almost hits his heels. The sight of Taeyong shocks Doyoung to his core. Doyoung is mostly alarmed, hearing the desperation in Taeyong's voice. But a small feeling of reassurance and joy tugs at his heartstrings, reminding Doyoung of how much he still loves Taeyong.

Taeyong slams into Doyoung, knocking them both onto the ground. "Doyoung!" Taeyong says, on top of Doyoung's chest. "Doyoung, I-" Taeyong cuts off when he suddenly looks at Doyoung with large, innocent eyes. Then, he starts crying.

Doyoung groans, his back aching from hitting the hard floor. His suitcase lies inches away from him, as does his phone. Doyoung can spot a few cracks on the screen of the latter. "Taeyong, get off me," he manages to say.

"Oh, sorry," Taeyong says sniffling. He stands up, sobbing immensely loud. He rubs his nose with the sleeve of his hoodie, like some fifth-grader who couldn't find a tissue.

Doyoung manages to get up. He grabs his suitcase and phone, ignoring the stares of onlookers. He lets out a massive sigh, utterly bewildered by everything. However, Doyoung is a sensible person. As he begins to take in the situation, he can feel a large rise of anger overwhelming him. "Taeyong, what do you think you're doing right now?" he says, his voice calm yet low.

The statement only makes Taeyong cry harder. He dissolves into a slobbering mess, his eyes and nose running like the Niagra Falls. "D-D-Do-Doyoung, I'm so-"

Doyoung shakes his head and glares at Taeyong. "I don't understand a word you're saying. Let's go somewhere else-"

"Doyoung, I love you! I always have, and you're so stupid, you actually believed otherwise!" Taeyong manages to exclaim, his voice slightly muddled from the mucus in his throat. He chokes out more sobs, covering his face with his palms.

Hearing this makes Doyoung freeze. He's not sure what to think. But his heart does the thinking for him. Relief and tenderness wash over him against his will, reminding him of how much he has missed Taeyong. Doyoung feels warm all over, but he tells himself the heat is from irritation. "You need to calm down," he says darkly. "You're acting crazy."

"I think I am! Doyoung, you have no idea, just let me explain everything, I swear you'll either hate me or forgive me, but let me tell you," Taeyong rambles, hiccuping at every other word. His lips quiver like a baby before throwing a tantrum. His eyes are so bright that Doyoung nearly thinks that all that is good and pure must be trapped inside of them.

Doyoung sighs and rubs his eyes, a wave of exhaustion rushing over him. "Fine," he says bluntly. "Just not here."

Taeyong nods and follows Doyoung outside like a loyal puppy.

He hopes deep down in his heart that all will be right again.