Just Got Back Home (1/1)

The small cracks of the used-to-be intact pavement adding to the smell of the other houses’ lawn was all too familiar for Kyungsoo. The very own ground he’s walking on now serves as his very own memento as his beautiful memories mostly consisted on stepping on the ground itself. The occurrences in this particular area were still fresh in Kyungsoo’s mind. It was as if it was yesterday when he moved here. It was as if he never left. It was as if everything was still as it was before; wonderful. He can perfectly remember the tanned skin which seemed beautiful whether under the sunlight or the moonlight; those orbs which often showed timidity and deep sincerity towards his feelings. It was all too familiar for Kyungsoo, and coming back now gave him extreme anxiety. He wouldn’t know where that marvelous creature might have gone to. He wouldn’t know if returning would be worth it. He had tons of doubts; but that ounce of hope overpowered it… His urge to meet him made Kyungsoo disregard every inch of doubt going on in his mind.              It was his very first day in his new school, after moving once again. Why his parents said to do so, he wouldn’t know. He quietly made his way back home as the last period was dismissed. He wrapped his books tightly with his fragile arms, as he sighed out of sadness. His first day wasn’t how he thought it would be. It was all difficult for him, and being alone in the house wasn’t helping either. He walked lifelessly, thinking how much assignments he already got on his first day. Today wasn’t his day. It was just not his.            He fastened his pace as he felt the cold breeze. No, partly because of the breeze. Mostly because of the footsteps which seemed to get near him… not that he was scared, or anything like that. It was because he was new to the place, and he wouldn’t want to get to the wrong side of it. He froze in his tracks, as he felt a hand on his shoulder. Contemplating on what he should do, he stayed immobile. Alright, maybe he was frightened. After all, how would he know how safe this community was?“Hey.” The stranger said, and it all sounded creepy to Kyungsoo. “I just noticed your uniform. Are you from our school? I’m sure I haven’t seen anyone from our campus going to this direction after classes.” The stranger added, as Kyungsoo sighed of relief. He turned around but hardly saw the other’s face as the sun was setting behind him. He squinted his eyes and he heard the other chuckle. “So…?” the other spoke once again, as if waiting for an answer. Kyungsoo hesitated, “I… I’m new…”The other nodded. “Well, since we might often see each other, I’m Jongin.” He introduced himself and lent out his hand. The other shook it awkwardly and hesitantly.“K-kyungsoo.” He managed to say. The other smiled, and Kyungsoo thought of one word; perfection. They walked with an awkward silence, until Kyungsoo stopped as he finally reached his house. “T-this is m-my stop…” he stuttered.“Oh… I guess I’ll see you then… Kyungsoo-ssi…” the man, now named Jongin waved goodbye, as they both turned to their different paths. They were not even close, but Kyungsoo could not help but think of the other. Maybe… Just maybe… It was his day today.              Kyungsoo smiled at the sight of a house that was way too familiar for his liking. He knew it; he was back, and he was happy. The butterflies just got into panic mode, realizing that he is here once again, and will need to meet the owner of the house nearby. What will he say? What will the other say? He was in chaos. He was ready to turn back, but then again, why waste effort? He came a long way just to back out now. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, and started walking again. Upon reaching the house, his trembling fingers hesitantly pressed the doorbell. He could feel the beat of his own heart, ready to leap out of his chest. No answer. He pressed the doorbell with more pace this time. Then in a few seconds he could hear footsteps rushing to the door. He intertwined his sweaty hands, wishing that the person was the one he was anticipating for. He looked at the floor. The sound of the door opening startled Kyungsoo, though he kept his gaze on the ground. “Can I help you with anything?” he heard a foreign voice. It wasn’t what he was expecting. He looked up. It really wasn’t what he was expecting. Those weren’t his eyes. Those weren’t his skin. That wasn’t him. “Uh… could you possibly know where the past owner of this house is?” Kyungsoo nervously asked, though he knew it was impossible that he could know. The other shook his head. “No, sorry. I moved here years ago. I didn’t get the chance to meet him again.” Rushed footsteps were heard, from which another guy crept behind the other guy’s back, not noticing the visitor. “Ya Sehun! What’s taking you—” the other looked at Kyungsoo, shocked. “Uhm… who are you?” “K-kyungsoo…” he said, and as soon as the two heard the name, they looked at each other, as if knowing him. The other guy walked inside again, asking Kyungsoo to wait. “Lu Han hyung, don’t—” Sehun shouted, but the other, now Lu Han, had gone back to the room even before the other could complain. Kyungsoo had his eyes wandering inside the house. It was different. Everything was changed. Kyungsoo bit his lip. He missed this place, a lot. Soon enough, Lu Han had gone back, holding a journal. He gave it to him. Kyungsoo took it, with the look of confusion in his eyes. “That will answer all your questions. You should look at the last entry.” Lu Han said, as Kyungsoo nodded and they bid goodbyes to each other. Kyungsoo was puzzled. It seemed that the two knew his problems, or at least, knew he has one; though he knew he never met those two before. He was on his feet once again. Only now, the steps were slower and much less lively than the previous. He opened the journal and found a lot of entries in it. He read the first one, while walking with small, sluggish steps. They say nobody’s perfect. I think so too.But today, I bumped into someone; Kyungsoo-ssi.And I couldn’t help but think… perfection does exist.And it exists between the nervous and shy Kyungsoo-ssi.He didn’t even speak more than a dozen of words.But his voice resonated like those in the scenes of a drama.I like his voice. He didn’t even smile at me.But the curvature of his lips made my heart swoon over him.It must be crazy, But I think I like him already.              Kyungsoo couldn’t quite make out anything. His heart wouldn’t calm down. The smile plastered in his lips was unbreakable. How the owner of the journal described him made his heart jump out of happiness and contentment. He continued walking, now with more life and speed. Figuring he’d read the other entries later on, he got to the last one.  I don’t get it.Why he had to leave.Why he hadn’t said a thing.I haven’t even confessed my feelings for him.I haven’t even said goodbye.Is it that I was just some guy he met at the street?Or is it that I wasn’t worth telling about his departure?My heart clenches at the thought of his disappearance.That day, I was supposed to confess to him.But he never came.I waited; for hours.I worried.But it was all for nothing.And the worst thing is; I don’t regret it.Maybe because he was worth it.Or just because I’m a fool.I was drenched in the rain, but who cares?I wanted to know if he crosses this street…I wanted to make sure he goes home safely.But he didn’t. And I waited. It was all for nothing.But I did, because I love—             The journal fell out of Kyungsoo’s grasp. He just bumped into someone. The setting sun behind the man wasn’t enough to conceal perfection. The smile he was waiting to see once again was right in front of him. The tanned skin was still as flawless as to how Kyungsoo remembered it. The eyes still showed his timidity and sincerity. It was him, and Kyungsoo knew it. Soon enough, a pair of arms engulfed him. And it all came back. He closed his eyes, feeling eternity in the guy’s arms. He smiled. All the doubts, the regrets… They were all gone. Because he came back. And the other waited. “I knew you’d come back.”  Jongin and Kyungsoo smiled through their tears.