Fate | Jakehoon

chapter 8: spring brings cherry blossoms and new beginnings

Four months have passed after that eventful night's mishap aired on live tv, but luckily, no dating rumors have sparked between Sunghoon and Wonyoung. Fortunately, not many fans had watched the live interview, but some of those who did, later defend them online, saying that the interviewer made an inappropriate comment, and they looked visibly uncomfortable by it. However, there is no actual video proof of what had happened, which has only caused confusion among the fans of both their groups. Everyone has moved on quickly from the topic, though, and it is understandable. All kinds of information spread online very fast these days, and people are overstimulated.

The beginning of the year has been filled with promotions for their repackaged album, Dimension: Answer, which contains two new songs, 'Blessed-Cursed' and 'Polaroid Love.' To everyone's surprise, 'Polaroid Love' has been received very well by the public and is still charting months later after its release. Jake can't believe it, but he is beyond thrilled, especially since it is one of his all-time favorite songs from their albums so far.

The other reason Jake is extremely happy is that spring has finally come. With winter finally gone and the slow rise in temperature, he can feel his favorite season settling in for good. Yet, what really marks the homecoming of spring in Seoul is the appearance of the cherry blossoms. Cherry blossoms, with their delicate petals in shades of pink and white, are the clear sign of nature's rebirth, which Jake loves. He is a nature enthusiast; except he just doesn't like bugs at all.

It is the first Sunday of April, and the boys have been given the day off, which means there is no need for them to wake up early, go to practice, or film for a schedule. Jake awakes around 10 a.m., realizing he has gotten 10 hours of sleep, which is a miracle. He hasn't slept more than 5-6 hours in a while. Taking advantage of their free day, he lies in bed for more than half an hour, scrolling through social media. Jay, his roommate, is still sleeping when Jake's stomach begins growling loudly, and he is forced to get out of bed and go eat breakfast, thus marking the official start of his day.

In the kitchen, he encounters Sunoo and Jungwon already having breakfast, but it isn't unusual since they always tend to be the first ones to wake up.

"Morning." Jake greets them on his way to the fridge to take out the milk. He craves something sweet, so he thinks some cereals would do the trick.

"Morning, hyung." they smile.

"Did you sleep well?" Sunoo asks.

"Mhm. Like a baby." Jake nods his head with his closed eyes and a satisfying smile, causing both of them to chuckle.

He pours milk into a bowl, adds some chocolate cereals he finds in the cupboard, and joins the two at the table.

"Hyung, guess what!" They are eating silently when Sunoo blurts out, and Jake looks at him with curiosity.

"I've convinced Jungwonie to come on the picnic today with me and Jay hyung." Sunoo sounds all excited, shaking Jungwon's shoulders.

Jake remembers the scene unfolding last night. Jay and Sunoo were trying to persuade Jungwon to go on a picnic with them in Yeouido Park to see the cherry blossoms, but he looked hesitant. He didn't stay for the outcome as he went straight to sleep. However, Jungwon's hesitation is understandable because besides the fact that he is an introvert, he is also a homebody. He prefers staying at home and cherishes his time alone, like Sunghoon. Jake is also similar in that way, but as of lately, he has found himself going out a lot more than usual. Ni-Ki is the main cause of it, though, since every chance he gets, he asks Jake to play a sport or do something together, and he is finding it hard to refuse the youngest. It doesn't bother him because he likes playing sports, and Ni-Ki is like a little brother to him. Whatever he wants, he gets, not only from him but from all of them.