SURREALITY | jjh

11. memento

ꗃ now playing: nothing by bruno major

"who needs stars?
we've got a roof."

☁︎

"So..." Haru's voice quivered like a leaf in a gentle breeze, a fragile whisper laced with nervous excitement.

"So..." Jaehyun responded, his soft grin reflecting the butterflies that had taken residence in his stomach.

As laughter bubbled between them, it was evident that they shared the realisation of the situation's awkwardness. Standing in the doorway, Haru held her duffle bag close, her fingers idly toying with the straps. The dorm, previously so familiar and comfortable, now the cause of her nervousness. Despite having been in a relationship for several months now,  this evening marked a momentous occasion: Haru was about to spend her very first night in Jaehyun's room. It was a significant step forward, a way to ease the impending absence she would face in the coming months. Anticipation raced through her veins, but she made an effort to calm her racing heart.

"What? No itinerary?" she quipped.

Jaehyun chuckled. "Very funny," his eyes filled with affection.

She cleared her throat before bringing herself to ask the question. "What about Jungwoo?" Her words trailed off, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Jungwoo? He took the liberty of crashing with Mark. Something about fulfilling a 'gracious wish' for Haru and a 'favor to be returned' for the douche." Jaehyun replied.

"How deviously thoughtful. But you do realise he'll use this as ammunition for endless teasing, don't you?"

Jaehyun shrugged playfully. "I'll take whatever I can get with you."

"Besides," he continued, reaching out to envelop her waist with his arm, pulling her closer to him, their bodies fitting snugly together. "When else will I ever get to hold you like this?"

Haru's smile broadened as she playfully nudged him, reaching for the doorknob.

Led into Jaehyun's room, Haru's eyes widened as she took in the surroundings, vividly portraying the shared living space of two people. The room was warm and proper, thoughtfully furnished with his interests and memories rather than ostentatious decorations. What was immediately noticeable was the clear segregation of space, demarcating Jaehyun's and Jungwoo's respective territories.

Haru's gaze was drawn to a particular corner of the room, where a large shelf stood tall, housing a trove of his personal items. "This part of the room is so... you," she remarked, appreciating the glimpse it offered into Jaehyun's life before her. It was like a mini-museum of his life experiences, passions, and interests.

On the very top shelf is a meticulously arranged assortment of fine wine bottles and opulent perfume bottles, adorned with elegant labels that Haru might never fully comprehend. This display served as a testament to Jaehyun's discerning taste and appreciation for the finer things in life.

"Vinyls?" Haru inquired, her eyes fixed on the array of CDs that adorned the centre shelf.

"I'm a bit old-fashioned," Jaehyun replied with a self-deprecating grin.

The collection was a musical journey in itself, featuring a wide range of albums, from classic rock legends to contemporary indie artists. It was as though the room held a harmonious soundtrack, ready to set the mood for any moment. Her fingers reached out and gently pulled one of the vinyls from the shelf, examining it more closely.